This bill reorganizes AmeriCorps by converting it from a government corporation into a new executive department called the AmeriCorps Administration. It creates an advisory board with seven members appointed by various officials, including the President and congressional leaders, to guide policy and program oversight. The legislation increases financial benefits for participants, doubling educational awards to twice the average in-state tuition and raising living allowances to 175-210 percent of the federal minimum wage. It also establishes a new National Service Foundation to accept private donations and gifts for the program, and sets a goal of serving one million participants annually by 2036.
This bill, known as the Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act, would change federal labor rules to require overtime pay and minimum wage protections for certain babysitters. It specifically targets casual babysitting work that is irregular or intermittent, while excluding trained medical professionals like nurses and home health aides from these changes. The law would also allow babysitters to perform up to 20% of their work time on unrelated household tasks without losing their protected status. These amendments would apply to workers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 who provide custodial care for infants or children in private homes.
This bill reorganizes the Corporation for National and Community Service into a new executive department called the AmeriCorps Administration, which would oversee national service programs. It creates a seven-member Advisory Board with representatives from different age groups and political parties to advise on program policies and priorities. The legislation increases financial support for participants by raising living allowances and educational awards, while also establishing a new National Service Foundation to accept private donations for the programs. Additionally, the bill sets a goal of serving 1 million participants annually by 2036 and creates an outreach program to notify young people aged 17-30 about service opportunities.
HR 7932, the HONOR Gold Star Families Act, increases the death gratuity paid to families of service members who died in the line of duty. It raises the current $100,000 payment to $200,000 for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2026. The bill also adds an annual cost-of-living adjustment to this amount, increasing it each January 1 based on the previous year’s inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index. This directly affects Gold Star Families - those who have lost a service member in military service - by providing a larger initial payment and ensuring future payments keep pace with inflation.
This bill, known as the No Tax on Drill Pay Act, would exclude certain military compensation from federal income tax. It directly affects members of the U.S. military who receive pay for inactive-duty training, which includes weekend drills and other training activities outside of regular duty. The legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to add inactive-duty training compensation to the list of qualified military benefits that are not subject to taxation. This change applies to any compensation received after the bill becomes law, meaning it would affect future training pay rather than past earnings.
HR 7640, the "Shut Down Sanctuary Policies Act of 2026," requires state and local governments to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement by mandating that law enforcement agencies comply with federal requests to hold individuals for immigration status checks and share related information. It overrides state or local laws that restrict such cooperation, with non-compliant jurisdictions losing eligibility for specific federal law enforcement grants (like Byrne JAG funds) and facing potential lawsuits if released immigrants commit crimes. The bill creates a private right to sue state/local entities that fail to honor federal detainers, allowing victims of crimes committed by such individuals to seek damages. This directly affects state and local governments, law enforcement agencies, and jurisdictions with "sanctuary" policies that previously limited immigration cooperation.
This bill, titled the Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2026, would prevent federal agencies from blocking the sale of unpasteurized milk and milk products across state lines. It allows such products to be shipped interstate if they are packaged for direct human consumption, produced in a state that permits their sale, and intended for another state that also allows their distribution. The legislation defines specific terms like "cowshare" to include ownership interests in dairy animals and clarifies what constitutes pasteurization. Importantly, the bill does not override state laws and only restricts federal interference when the product meets the stated conditions.
This bill, titled the Healthcare is Human Act of 2026, creates a tax credit for licensed health care professionals who work in qualifying facilities, including Veterans Affairs medical facilities and those located in health professional shortage areas. The credit amount varies based on the number of hours worked each month, ranging from $300 to $500 per month depending on whether the professional works between 80-120, 120-160, or more than 160 hours of qualifying health care services. To receive the credit, professionals must work at least 80 hours in at least 8 months during the tax year, and their modified adjusted gross income must not exceed $200,000 for single filers or $400,000 for joint filers. The credit is available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and expires after December 31, 2030, with a requirement for a Government Accountability Office study to evaluate its impact on health care retention and access.
SJRES 117 is a joint resolution requiring the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that lack congressional authorization. It directs the President to withdraw military forces from Iran unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military action. The resolution includes exceptions allowing defense against attacks, intelligence sharing, assistance to allies like Israel, and evacuating U.S. citizens. This bill directly affects military operations in Iran and the executive branch's authority to conduct such operations without explicit congressional approval.
HRES 1109 is a symbolic resolution supporting National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually on March 10. It recognizes the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls in the U.S., particularly women of color who face higher infection rates and barriers to care. The resolution calls for increased investment in prevention, treatment, and education programs to reduce new infections and address health disparities, while emphasizing the need for culturally responsive services and comprehensive sexual health education. It does not create new laws or funding but expresses congressional support for ongoing efforts to end the HIV epidemic among women and girls.
HRES 1107 is a House resolution urging the President to issue a proclamation flying the U.S. flag at half-staff to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson. The resolution recognizes his civil rights leadership, including founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, which advanced racial equality and economic justice. This symbolic gesture directly affects the President (as the one who would issue the proclamation) and the public, who would observe the flag at half-staff.
The Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2026 updates eligibility rules and benefit amounts for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides financial assistance to low-income individuals with limited resources. The bill increases income and resource limits for SSI recipients, exempts certain retirement accounts and tribal welfare payments from counting toward eligibility limits, and extends the SSI program to U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Additionally, the legislation repeals a marriage penalty that previously reduced benefits for married couples and clarifies how various state tax credits and in-kind support are treated when determining eligibility.
