Legislation

The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act 2.0 of 2026 expands access to methadone for opioid use disorder by allowing qualified practitioners to prescribe it for pharmacy dispensing. This legislation aims to increase treatment flexibility through electronic prescribing and telemedicine while maintaining rigorous practitioner standards. States retain the authority to opt out of these provisions, and the DEA is required to provide annual reports on the program's implementation.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act II strengthens government accountability by establishing strict enforcement mechanisms for the release of records related to the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell criminal network. The bill empowers victims, state officials, and members of Congress to sue for the disclosure of unredacted files while imposing criminal penalties on officials who obstruct transparency. It also limits the government's ability to withhold information, ensuring that investigative records are accessible for legal proceedings and public oversight.

The Health Claim Denial Transparency Act requires group health plans to provide greater transparency by disclosing detailed data on claim denials, appeals, and the use of automated decision-making tools in their annual reports. This legislation ensures that all group health plans, regardless of size, provide comprehensive information on why claims are denied and how they are processed. By mandating this reporting, the bill aims to hold health plans more accountable for their coverage decisions.

The Fertility Cost Relief Act allows individuals to withdraw up to $20,000 from their retirement accounts for qualified fertility treatments without incurring the standard 10% early withdrawal penalty. This provision covers a wide range of services, including IVF, egg and sperm preservation, and fertility medications. The lifetime limit is subject to inflation adjustments beginning in 2027, and individuals have the option to repay these funds into a retirement plan.

The Consumer Appeal Rights Enforcement Act strengthens ERISA by establishing significant civil penalties for group health plans that fail to follow required claims procedures or external review processes. It expands the Secretary of Labor’s enforcement authority and allows participants to sue for equitable relief regarding plan violations. These measures aim to ensure plans remain accountable to their members through both systemic and individual accountability standards.

The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act of 2026 mandates the restoration of reimbursement rates for the VA’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide program to 2025 levels and requires 90-day congressional notification for any future reductions. The bill also improves oversight by requiring the VA to report annually on provider availability and to provide full transparency regarding the methodology used to calculate reimbursement rates.

The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the FAA to conduct a comprehensive review of low-altitude airspace safety policies, with a specific focus on mitigating risks posed by temporary obstructions like slacklines. The bill mandates stakeholder consultation and requires the FAA to improve aeronautical data, interagency coordination, and public outreach. Ultimately, it ensures that necessary regulatory updates are implemented to enhance safety for pilots operating in low-altitude environments.

The Language Access for All Act of 2026 mandates that federal agencies provide meaningful, free access to their programs and services for individuals with limited English proficiency. The bill requires agencies to develop comprehensive language access plans, utilize qualified interpreters and translators, and establish technical standards for multilingual communications. Additionally, it creates a public complaint system and sets strict oversight for the use of artificial intelligence in language services to ensure equitable access for all.

The Advanced Coursework Equity Act aims to close the opportunity gap by expanding access to rigorous academic programs for historically underrepresented students. The bill establishes a federal grant program to help schools implement universal screening and open enrollment policies, ensuring that all students ready for advanced coursework have the chance to succeed. By providing resources for teacher training, tutoring, and program expansion, the Act seeks to prepare more students for success in STEM fields and the global workforce.

The Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act of 2026 establishes a new Senior Biotechnology Official within the Department of State to lead and coordinate U.S. efforts in international biotechnology policy. This official will work across federal agencies and with global partners to advance American leadership in biotechnology innovation, security, and economic development. The role focuses on strengthening supply chains, facilitating international research collaborations, and representing U.S. interests in global biotechnology forums.

The Pharmaceutical Investment Oversight and Accountability Act mandates an annual report from the Federal Trade Commission on foreign investment within the U.S. pharmaceutical and DNA-sequencing industries. This legislation aims to increase transparency regarding supply chain reliance on foreign manufacturing and the impact of foreign ownership on domestic production capacity. The findings will be shared with Congress and the public to ensure greater oversight of these critical sectors.

The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to expand eligibility for subminimum wage employment to individuals aged 18 and older who choose to accept such positions. The bill also streamlines administrative requirements for employers by adjusting referral age thresholds and establishing new protocols for documenting state service availability. These changes aim to clarify the conditions under which subminimum wage employment may be offered while ensuring employers have access to necessary eligibility documentation.

The Homestake AI Act of 2026 establishes a federal initiative to collect, sequence, and store genomic data from extremophile organisms found in unique environments, such as deep underground mines. This project aims to drive scientific discovery and support the development of new medical treatments for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and dementia. The bill mandates the creation of a secure, resilient database and long-term storage facility while implementing strict cybersecurity measures to protect this data from foreign adversaries.

The Veteran Acquired Brain Injury Caregiving Act establishes a five-year pilot program allowing veterans with acquired brain injuries to use Veteran-Directed Care funds to purchase services from eligible mission-driven nonprofits. This initiative aims to expand care options across at least five VA medical centers while requiring regular reporting on clinical outcomes and program effectiveness.

The Curtailing Executive Overcompensation (CEO) Act proposes a new excise tax on large corporations that maintain extreme pay gaps between their highest-paid executives and their typical workers. By penalizing companies with excessive pay disparities, the bill aims to discourage runaway executive compensation and promote more equitable wage structures.

The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 directs the FCC to initiate a formal review of its current broadband mapping and data challenge processes. This legislation ensures that mapping updates are evaluated for fairness, accuracy, and their impact on future broadband funding and service provider operations.

The ONSHORE Manufacturing Act aims to strengthen domestic medical supply chains by providing targeted tax incentives for the U.S.-based production of essential drugs, medical devices, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The bill establishes credits for qualified manufacturing income, investments in advanced medical manufacturing equipment, and the installation of environmental compliance technology. Additionally, it mandates annual federal reporting to track the impact of these incentives on supply chain resiliency and the reduction of medical product shortages.

The Veteran Suicide Spousal Career Services Act expands the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program to provide essential employment services to the spouses of veterans who died by suicide, as well as spouses of veterans with permanent disabilities or those who died in the line of duty. This legislation ensures these families receive the same career support and resources previously reserved for veterans.

The "Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act" authorizes federal grants to help internationally educated health care professionals integrate into the U.S. workforce. By funding both system-level improvements and individual support services, the bill aims to address critical staffing shortages and improve health care access in underserved and rural communities.

The Disaster Relief Fairness Act of 2026 mandates the automatic approval of major disaster declaration requests submitted by state and tribal leaders between 2025 and 2029, provided specific damage thresholds are met. By streamlining this process, the bill ensures timely federal assistance and prohibits the denial of aid based solely on missed administrative deadlines.