Legislation

The Regulatory Review Improvement Act of 2026 enhances federal oversight by requiring agencies to conduct more rigorous, transparent reviews of existing rules. This legislation mandates public comment periods, detailed economic analyses, and stricter reporting on compliance costs and paperwork burdens. Additionally, it limits the ability of agencies to delay these periodic reviews, ensuring greater accountability in the regulatory process.

The Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act of 2026 authorizes $1 billion in EPA grants to support advanced wastewater treatment projects, with a significant focus on serving disadvantaged communities. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies in capturing emerging contaminants, including PFAS and nanomaterials.

The Candis King Hope for Sickle Cell Families Act establishes a national data collection program to better track the prevalence and healthcare needs of individuals living with sickle cell disease. Additionally, the bill mandates the reinstatement of specific CDC employees within the Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics who were removed due to recent large-scale agency actions.

The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now Act of 2026 aims to lower insulin costs by capping out-of-pocket expenses for insured patients and mandating transparency in pharmacy benefit manager rebates. The legislation also seeks to increase market competition by accelerating the approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, it establishes a pilot program and national resource center to improve insulin affordability and access for uninsured individuals.

The Bonneville Power Leadership Recruitment Act modernizes the compensation structure for the Bonneville Power Administrator and agency employees. It requires the Secretary of Energy to set pay rates comparable to those of similar positions at consumer-owned utilities in the Western Interconnection. This initiative aims to ensure the agency remains competitive in recruiting and retaining the high-level talent necessary to fulfill its mission.

The DPA Advanced Procurement Act of 2026 mandates a GAO study to evaluate how federal agencies manage the procurement and stockpiling of critical, long-lead time items under the Defense Production Act. This study aims to identify interagency improvements and provide legislative recommendations to enhance national supply chain readiness. Additionally, the bill includes a technical correction to the citation of the original Defense Production Act of 1950.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to incentivize the domestic production of and investment in biobased renewable materials. It establishes a production tax credit of 10 cents per pound for qualified materials and a 30 percent investment tax credit for facilities dedicated to their manufacture. These measures aim to support sustainable supply chains by providing financial support for non-fuel, non-food biomass conversion projects.

The Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026 mandates a comprehensive feasibility study on expanding the multinational Operation Olympic Defender to include key allies in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically Japan and the Republic of Korea. This report will assess the national security benefits, necessary policy adjustments, and resource requirements needed to integrate these nations into the existing space security framework.

The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 aims to improve the availability of mental health care by increasing Medicare reimbursement rates for specific services. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill raises the payment rate from 75% to 85% of the physician fee schedule. This adjustment is designed to better support providers and expand access to essential mental health treatment for Medicare beneficiaries.

The National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act establishes a national Transit Workforce Center to support the recruitment, training, and retention of skilled frontline public transportation employees. Through a grant-funded nonprofit, the center will provide technical assistance, develop industry-standard training programs, and analyze workforce trends to improve the safety and efficiency of transit systems nationwide.

The DPA Workforce and Skilled Labor Needs Act of 2026 amends the Defense Production Act to allow federal agencies to direct financial assistance toward recruiting, training, and retaining workers in defense-critical fields. The bill mandates that agencies identify domestic workforce gaps and provide annual recommendations for programs, such as apprenticeships, to strengthen the industrial base. Additionally, it includes a technical correction to the original Act.

The No Mercy for Terrorists Act of 2026 strengthens national security by significantly increasing penalties for those who provide material support to terrorists or designated foreign terrorist organizations. Under this legislation, offenders face a minimum prison sentence of 20 years, with the potential for life imprisonment or the death penalty.

The DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of 2026 mandates the creation of a centralized online toolkit to help businesses navigate government solicitations and funding opportunities under the Defense Production Act. The bill requires federal agencies to develop and annually update outreach plans to better engage the private sector. Additionally, it establishes new reporting requirements to ensure transparency regarding agency outreach activities and contract awards.

The Career Criminal Accountability Act of 2026 establishes a "three-strikes" sentencing framework for repeat federal offenders. Under this act, defendants convicted of strike-eligible offenses accrue strikes based on the severity of their past and current criminal history. Those who reach the three-strike threshold face mandatory consecutive prison sentences, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment depending on the nature of their current conviction.

The Quality Broadband for Connected Communities Act modernizes internet standards by increasing the minimum speed requirements for projects funded under the Community Connect Grant Program. The bill raises the mandatory download speed to 25 Mbps and the upload speed to 3 Mbps to ensure better connectivity for rural areas. These updated standards will take effect six months after the legislation is enacted.

The Kira Johnson Act aims to eliminate maternal health disparities by funding community-based organizations that provide essential support to high-risk populations. The legislation also mandates comprehensive bias and anti-racism training for maternity care providers and establishes compliance programs to address discrimination in clinical settings. Through these initiatives, the bill seeks to ensure respectful, equitable, and high-quality care for all pregnant and postpartum individuals.

The Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act of 2025 authorizes $16 million annually from 2026 through 2029 to support regional and interstate water research institutes. The bill expands the definition of "private industry" to include the artificial intelligence sector, fostering new technological partnerships. Additionally, it establishes a competitive grant program to address critical, multi-state water management challenges.

The Special Events Program Alignment Act of 2026 mandates the transfer of the Department of Homeland Security’s Special Events Program to the Office of Situational Awareness. This transition, required within 180 days of enactment, includes the relocation of all associated personnel, assets, records, and funding to streamline departmental oversight.

The Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act of 2026 protects taxpayer privacy and independence during the appeals process by restricting IRS staff participation. Under this act, non-appeals IRS employees are prohibited from attending Independent Office of Appeals conferences unless the taxpayer explicitly consents to their presence.

The Inspector General Accessibility Reporting Act mandates that the Department of State’s Inspector General conduct independent assessments of the accessibility of all Department-owned or leased facilities. This bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing compliance with federal accessibility standards, identifying existing barriers, and estimating the costs necessary to achieve full accessibility. By integrating these requirements into official inspection protocols, the Act ensures greater oversight and accountability for the Department’s progress in supporting individuals with disabilities.