Legislation

The PASTOR Act of 2026 ensures that Medicare-participating healthcare providers grant patients access to their designated clergy upon request. This right remains protected even during public health emergencies, provided that clergy members adhere to established safety protocols.

This resolution designates August 1 as "National Woman Astronomers Day" to honor the groundbreaking contributions of American women to the field of astronomy. It highlights the importance of increasing female representation in the scientific workforce to foster innovation and ensure equal opportunity. The bill encourages nationwide observance of the day to celebrate these achievements and inspire future generations of women in science.

The **Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act** prohibits the trading and clearing of event contracts related to sports and casino-style games on registered financial exchanges. By amending the Commodity Exchange Act, this legislation ensures that such activities cannot be offered as financial products while preserving the authority of state laws to regulate or ban these forms of wagering.

The Concealed Crime Prevention Act mandates additional prison sentences for individuals who wear ski masks to conceal their identity while committing crimes in the District of Columbia. Under this legislation, offenders face at least six months of extra jail time for misdemeanors and two years for felonies, to be served consecutively with their primary sentence. Religious headwear is explicitly excluded from these provisions.

The Duty of Transparency Act requires Members of Congress to publicly disclose any anticipated physical absence from Congressional proceedings lasting 21 or more consecutive days. These filings must provide the duration and reason for the absence, as well as information regarding the Member's ability to perform duties remotely. The legislation ensures public accountability while protecting the privacy of sensitive medical information.

The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide states with guidance on utilizing Medicaid and CHIP to strengthen the mental health and substance use disorder workforce. This initiative focuses on improving the education, training, recruitment, and retention of providers, with a specific emphasis on expanding access to care in rural and underserved communities.

The C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act establishes a federal grant program to support interstate compacts that allow mental health professionals to practice across state lines. By facilitating the mutual recognition of licenses, this legislation aims to expand the mental health workforce and improve access to care nationwide.

The Military Spouse Employment and Child Care Readiness Act directs the Department of Defense to evaluate and address critical staffing and operational challenges within military child development centers. This legislation seeks to improve childcare availability by assessing workforce needs, streamlining professional certification transfers for military spouses, and exploring new home-based care initiatives. Ultimately, the bill aims to strengthen the military childcare system while creating meaningful employment opportunities for military spouses.

The REPLACE Act modernizes federal lead hazard reduction programs by expanding grant eligibility and funding priorities to better address both lead-based paint and water-related lead hazards. The bill enhances technical assistance for local jurisdictions, strengthens coordination between housing and environmental agencies, and broadens the scope of service line replacements to include hazardous galvanized pipes. These measures aim to accelerate the removal of lead hazards from homes and drinking water systems to ensure safer living environments.

The FLOWS Act of 2026 establishes an EPA grant program to help rural communities modernize their water, wastewater, and stormwater systems through digital infrastructure technology. By providing $50 million annually, the bill supports the adoption of advanced monitoring, cybersecurity, and data analytics tools to improve system efficiency and resilience. Additionally, the Act mandates a comprehensive study to evaluate the long-term impact of these digital upgrades on rural water management and affordability.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that all forms of hate, discrimination, and violence must be condemned to protect the integrity of our democracy. It calls for comprehensive federal and state policies to prevent hate crimes, provide robust support for victims, and ensure equitable resources for vulnerable communities. By prioritizing education, intervention, and community-based advocacy, the bill reaffirms a national commitment to fostering an inclusive society free from bigotry.

This resolution expresses official support for the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an INDYCAR race scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in August 2026. It honors the historic legacy of American INDYCAR racing while celebrating the upcoming event as a centerpiece for the nation’s 250th birthday commemoration. The race will feature a unique course near the National Mall, highlighting American innovation and sporting tradition.

The ORTHO Act mandates that dentists conduct an in-person examination before providing teledentistry services, with limited exceptions for emergent care, public health programs, and initial orthodontic diagnoses. The bill empowers the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to enforce these safety standards, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts. By requiring professional clinical oversight, the legislation ensures that remote dental care meets established safety and diagnostic requirements.

The Protecting Ratepayers Act mandates that all data centers with a power demand of 5 megawatts or more operate entirely independent of public utility networks for their energy and water needs. By requiring these facilities to utilize off-grid power and water sources, the bill aims to prevent data centers from straining public infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation codifies the President’s "Ratepayer Protection Pledge" into federal law.

The Judicial FOIA Expansion Act would extend the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act to the federal judiciary, ending the branch's current exemption. This legislation mandates public access to specific administrative and disciplinary records while establishing a framework for transparency across federal courts and judicial entities.

The Defend American Agriculture Act strengthens support for the U.S. agricultural sector by increasing the Commodity Credit Corporation’s borrowing authority from $30 billion to $45 billion. This temporary expansion of funding, effective through September 30, 2031, is designed to provide enhanced financial stability and resources for American farmers and producers.

The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 proposes a one-time tax rebate for eligible U.S. citizens, providing payments of up to $1,700 for married couples, $1,275 for heads of household, and $850 for other individual filers. This rebate is subject to specific income thresholds and eligibility requirements, with the IRS tasked to distribute the funds as efficiently as possible.

The Craft Distilled Spirits Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Act of 2026 authorizes small, independent distilleries to ship spirits directly to consumers in states where such shipments are permitted. The bill ensures responsible delivery by requiring age verification and mandatory adult signatures upon receipt. These provisions apply exclusively to craft producers distilling 250,000 gallons or less per year for personal, non-commercial use.

This resolution celebrates 55 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Fiji, highlighting their enduring partnership in security, economic development, and regional stability. It reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to strengthening this alliance and supporting Fiji’s continued role as a democratic leader in the Indo-Pacific.

The Building Community in America Act aims to strengthen national service programs by prioritizing the recruitment and training of underrepresented populations, with a specific focus on engaging more men in community-building roles. The bill directs federal service initiatives to emphasize mentorship, public safety, disaster response, and workforce development. By expanding participation, the legislation seeks to broaden the impact of volunteer and service-based programs across the country.