Legislation

The CHAT Act establishes rules for "companion AI chatbots" designed for emotional interaction, primarily focusing on protecting minors. It prohibits these chatbots from engaging in sexually explicit communication with users under 18 and mandates immediate crisis resource notifications if suicidal ideation is discussed. The bill requires age verification for all users and imposes strict parental consent and monitoring requirements for accounts verified as belonging to minors, with enforcement granted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

This act establishes a mandatory two-year lobbying ban for former state utility regulatory commissioners, preventing them from influencing their former commissions or providing related paid services. It requires every state utility regulatory authority to consider and make a final determination on adopting this new standard within two years of enactment. The bill aims to curb undue influence by former regulators on utility decisions.

The PROTECT the Grid Act addresses the national security risk posed by internet-connected, high-wattage appliances whose control applications may be subject to foreign adversaries, such as China. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to report on these risks to the electric grid from foreign adversary-controlled applications. This report must include recommendations for securing the domestic technology supply chain and preventing grid destabilization.

The SAFE Olympic Sports Act mandates that national governing bodies for sports require athletes to participate in competitions corresponding to their biological sex, defined as male or female determined at conception. This requirement applies to the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and other sanctioned events. Furthermore, the bill protects the sanctioning of previously established, single-sex amateur athletic competitions.

The Invest in Rural Teachers Act establishes a federal program to provide significant financial incentives for teachers serving in rural schools. This legislation authorizes grants to states, which will then offer $5,000 annual signing and retention bonuses for three years to teachers committing to rural education. The goal is to boost recruitment and retention in underserved rural communities, with a focus on encouraging local residents to return to teach.

The Fuel the Force Act of 2026 creates a significant federal tax benefit for experienced law enforcement officers. This bill excludes up to $100,000 of annual ordinary income from federal income tax for officers who have served full-time for at least five years. This aims to provide financial relief and recognition for dedicated service in law enforcement roles.

This act, the "Stopping Wall Street From Competing With Main Street Homebuyers Act," restricts large investment funds from purchasing single-family homes. It prohibits "covered funds" from making new purchases after 90 days and mandates that they sell all existing single-family homes within ten years. This aims to reduce competition for homebuyers from large institutional investors.

The Methane Monitoring Science Act of 2026 directs NASA to develop a comprehensive, science-based strategy for assessing and improving methane monitoring capabilities across ground, air, and space-based systems. This strategy aims to enhance the detection of methane emissions, including large events, to strengthen American energy security. The plan must facilitate the rapid mitigation of methane leaks and ensure data is accessible to state, local, academic, and commercial entities.

The TEMP Act mandates the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to research and develop a new, nationwide index-based insurance policy to protect crops against losses caused by frost or severe cold weather. This research must evaluate the effectiveness of index-based risk management for catastrophic weather events. A report detailing the findings and recommendations is required one year after enactment.

The EBSA Investigations Transparency Act mandates that the Department of Labor submit an annual report to Congress detailing the status of all Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) enforcement investigations from the previous fiscal year. This report must include key dates and timelines for each case, such as when it was opened and whether it concluded within 36 months of the initial document request. Crucially, the legislation requires that all personally identifying information regarding private parties involved in these investigations be excluded from the public report.

The Rural Service and Workforce Corps Act establishes a new federal program, modeled after the National Health Service Corps, to address critical workforce shortages in rural America. This program will offer financial incentives like scholarships and loan repayment to individuals who commit to serving three years in designated rural areas. Priority will be given to filling needs in sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, energy infrastructure, and utilities.

The Veteran Housing Promise Act aims to strengthen support for homeless veterans by eliminating fixed funding caps for key assistance programs, authorizing "such sums as may be necessary" for future appropriations. Additionally, the bill makes several vital programs permanent by removing their existing expiration dates. This legislation ensures sustained and reliable resources for comprehensive services, reintegration, and housing assistance for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The Breaking the Gridlock Act extends the enhanced premium tax credits for Marketplace health insurance through 2028. This ensures that increased financial assistance remains available for individuals and families purchasing coverage. The extension specifically covers both the increased credit amounts and eligibility for higher-income households.

This bill, the AGOA Extension Act, extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preferences for eligible sub-Saharan African countries from September 30, 2025, to December 31, 2028. It also ensures retroactive duty-free treatment for certain imports that entered the U.S. during any gap period following the original expiration date. Finally, the legislation makes a minor extension to the expiration date for certain customs user fees.

The Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act establishes mandatory minimum health and safety standards for privatized military housing to combat hazardous conditions like mold. It institutes rigorous independent inspection protocols, requires standardized reporting on housing quality, and holds contractors financially accountable for remediation and tenant relocation costs. This legislation aims to improve habitability, protect service members' health, and enhance military readiness.

The Streamlining Small Business Contracts Act of 2026 increases the dollar threshold for sole source contracts available to certain small business concerns. This legislation raises the limit from \$7 million to \$10 million for contracts awarded under the 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and Women-Owned Small Business programs. The goal is to simplify and expand opportunities for these specific small businesses.

The "No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act" establishes a U.S. policy to oppose foreign assistance to the Taliban from other countries and NGOs, requiring the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to discourage such support. The bill mandates several reports detailing foreign aid given to the Taliban and oversight of U.S. cash assistance programs in Afghanistan. Furthermore, it requires recurring reports on the status and controls surrounding the Afghan Fund to prevent Taliban misuse of assets.

The Gerald's Law Act expands eligibility for a veteran's burial allowance. It now covers survivors whose veteran died at home while receiving VA hospice care, provided that care immediately followed a stay in a VA hospital or nursing home. This change ensures benefits for veterans transitioning from facility care to end-of-life care at home.

The Application FEES Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-free withdrawals from 529 college savings plans to cover application fees for higher education institutions. This change expands the eligible uses for these tax-advantaged savings.

The Expanding AI Voices Act establishes a new competitive grant program administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This program aims to significantly broaden participation and capacity in U.S. artificial intelligence research, education, and workforce development. Awards will prioritize institutions that have historically received less federal AI research funding, including HBCUs, MSIs, and Tribal Colleges. Funds must support activities like program expansion, faculty development, access to research resources, and integrating ethical practices into AI training.