Legislation

The Protecting Hospitals from Disaster Act of 2026 directs Medicare's Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) to assist hospitals and other key healthcare facilities in preparing for and responding to extreme weather events. This new mandate is funded by a $50 million transfer from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for fiscal year 2026. The goal is to reduce physical and chronic risks to these essential providers and their patients.

The No Climate Treaties Act of 2026 mandates that any international climate agreement involving legally binding U.S. emissions reductions must be submitted to the Senate for treaty ratification. This ensures that such agreements, including the Paris Agreement, require the Senate's advice and consent to take effect. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to implement any unratified agreement that mandates domestic emissions cuts.

The MERICA Act of 2026 amends the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to bring hardrock minerals under its leasing authority. This legislation expands the scope of minerals the Secretary of the Interior can lease on acquired lands to include base metals, precious metals, and gemstones. The Act specifically defines "hardrock mineral" while excluding certain existing mineral resources like coal and oil.

The Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act of 2026 establishes a demonstration program to award grants to nursing schools to help increase and retain qualified faculty. These grants will supplement eligible faculty salaries, aiming to bridge the compensation gap between academic and clinical nursing roles. The program prioritizes schools demonstrating the greatest need and those serving vulnerable populations.

This bill, the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act, amends Medicare rules to ensure payment for certain ambulance services even when the patient is not transported. Beginning in 2026, Medicare will cover these on-scene or support services provided by qualified suppliers at a rate comparable to standard transport reimbursement.

The Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act of 2026 establishes a demonstration program to combat the shortage of qualified nursing faculty. This program awards grants to nursing schools specifically to supplement the salaries of eligible faculty members for up to three years. The goal is to enhance the recruitment and retention of faculty by bridging the gap between academic salaries and competitive clinical practice wages. Priority will be given to schools demonstrating the greatest need and those serving vulnerable populations.

The SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2026 aims to prohibit the FDA from approving any new abortion drugs and severely restrict the use of previously approved ones. This legislation mandates strict in-person administration, rigorous safety protocols, and enhanced reporting requirements for existing abortion-inducing medications. The bill seeks to ensure comprehensive medical oversight and patient safety measures surrounding the use of these drugs.

The Family-to-Family Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends crucial funding for family-to-family health information centers. This legislation ensures continued support for these centers through September 2026 and appropriates $6 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2030.

The FRAMER Act establishes a program requiring states to reimburse builders for the added cost of meeting state energy codes that exceed federal standards when constructing homes in designated Opportunity Zones. To maintain eligibility for federal community development funds, states must make this payment within 30 days of occupancy. Builders receiving this reimbursement must disclose the cost difference and the reimbursement amount to the home's first buyer. This program is set to expire seven years after enactment.

This act extends and refines the temporary authority allowing contract health care professionals to perform medical disability examinations for the VA, ensuring rural veterans continue to receive timely access to benefits. It expands the pool of eligible professionals and extends the program's sunset date to September 30, 2031. The VA is also required to report on the usage, quality, and cost of these contract exams.

The SOAR Permanent Authorization Act extends and modifies the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act. This legislation renews grant durations, updates requirements for participating schools and grant recipients, and expands the authorized uses of scholarship funds to include pre-kindergarten expenses. The bill also revises standardized testing and evaluation procedures for the program, while increasing the overall authorization of appropriations.

The ICE OUT Act reforms the standards for qualified immunity for federal immigration agents from ICE and CBP when they are sued for law enforcement activities. This legislation specifically removes immunity for claims involving the use of excessive force. For all other civil rights claims, agents must meet a "clearly established law" standard to claim immunity.

The Federal Officers Camera Use for Safety Act (FOCUS Act) mandates that federal law enforcement officers engaged in immigration enforcement must wear and operate body-worn cameras. This bill establishes specific requirements for camera equipment, video retention periods, and public access to footage under FOIA. It also outlines disciplinary actions for non-compliance and requires annual reporting to Congress on violations and remedial actions.

The FISA Accountability and Extension Act of 2026 seeks to increase Congressional oversight of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) by guaranteeing member access to proceedings and shifting the appointment process for court advisors. The bill also strengthens penalties for FISA violations and extends key surveillance authorities under the FISA Amendments Act from two years to eight years. Furthermore, it clarifies whistleblower protections regarding disclosures to Congress.

The Tribal Warrant Fairness Act expands federal law enforcement support for Tribal matters. This legislation grants the U.S. Marshals Service authority to investigate Tribal fugitive cases and allows Indian Tribes to request protection assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. It also mandates coordination between the Secret Service and Tribal authorities on protective intelligence matters.

The BRIDGE Act establishes a new, competitive grant program to fund the maintenance, replacement, or rehabilitation of commuter rail bridges. This legislation authorizes $1.5 billion annually from 2027 through 2031 to support these critical infrastructure projects. Grants will be awarded by the Secretary of Transportation based on factors like system size, bridge condition, and asset management priorities.

The Protecting Children in Surrogacy Act establishes a federal crime prohibiting registered sex offenders from obtaining a child through surrogacy, carrying penalties of fines or imprisonment. It also grants federal courts jurisdiction over civil actions involving surrogacy contracts under specific circumstances related to interstate or foreign commerce. This legislation aims to safeguard children by preventing sex offenders from utilizing surrogacy arrangements.

This bill proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code to revoke the tax-exempt status of any organization that provides or funds abortions. This revocation would apply unless the abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother or results from rape or incest. Organizations that lose this status would also no longer be eligible for tax-deductible charitable contributions.

The Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2026 aims to improve access to care for new and expecting mothers. This bill prohibits most health plans from charging out-of-pocket costs for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals. It also extends continuity of care protections for these essential services following childbirth.

This act officially redesignates the Chiricahua National Monument as the Chiricahua National Park, maintaining its existing boundaries. It ensures the continued protection of traditional cultural and religious sites within the new park. The Secretary of the Interior is mandated to consult with Indian Tribes regarding these sites and facilitate tribal access for traditional uses.