Legislative Activity

The Prior Authorization Accountability Act mandates that group health plans and insurance issuers publicly report detailed data on their prior authorization approval and denial rates, including appeal outcomes and processing times. This transparency requirement aims to give consumers and regulators a clearer view of how prior authorization decisions are made. Furthermore, the bill enhances plan comparisons on health insurance Exchanges by requiring the inclusion of historical prescription drug cost and coverage data for previously offered plans.

The Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2026 mandates that group health plans and insurers cover at least three primary care visits and three behavioral health care visits annually without any cost-sharing for patients. This requirement applies regardless of the plan's deductible status. The bill ensures these essential visits are treated equally to other covered services regarding limitations and reimbursement rates.

The Disaster Relief Integrity and Independence Act aims to ensure fair and timely federal disaster assistance. It explicitly prohibits basing disaster relief decisions on the political affiliation of a state or locality. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the President must respond to major disaster requests within 45 days, or the request is automatically approved.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to speed up the process of securing a first collective bargaining agreement after a union is certified. It establishes a mandatory timeline, including mediation and binding arbitration, if an agreement is not reached within 90 days of bargaining. This process is designed to prevent lengthy delays that currently weaken the union's position. The bill also requires a GAO report on current time-to-contract averages.

This bill reauthorizes the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act, updating its structure and goals for another seven years. It establishes a diverse 14-member Commission to protect and restore the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits region. The Commission will focus on science-based projects, collaboration with local and Tribal governments, and advising on ecosystem health without issuing regulations.

The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act aims to significantly improve care for mid-life women by expanding federal research, public health promotion, and provider training related to menopause. The bill establishes national awareness programs and designates Centers of Excellence to enhance education and treatment resources. Overall, it seeks to address gaps in research, access to care, and provider knowledge concerning perimenopause, menopause, and related health conditions.

The Celiac Safety Act of 2026 amends federal law to officially classify gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, and barley) as a major food allergen. This change mandates that foods containing these grains must be clearly labeled as such, similar to existing major allergens like peanuts or milk. This new labeling requirement will take effect 18 months after the Act's enactment.

This act officially establishes the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and designates its location on the National Mall, requiring the transfer of land jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is mandated to preserve and present the history and achievements of biological women in the United States. Furthermore, the legislation requires that exhibits and programs reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women, as guided by a broad array of knowledgeable sources.

The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026 aims to improve the accuracy and predictability of Medicare physician payments. The bill reforms budget neutrality calculations, mandates periodic updates to practice expense cost data, and establishes a 2.5% cap on annual conversion factor fluctuations. These measures are designed to ensure more stable reimbursement rates for healthcare providers.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative gold and silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins will honor the victims, first responders, and survivors, with designs selected in consultation with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. All surcharges from the sale of these coins will be paid directly to the Memorial and Museum to support its operations and maintenance.

This Act prohibits the use of federal funds for specific settlement payments, including those related to the *Trump, et al. v. IRS, et al.* case. It places new restrictions on the Judgment Fund, barring payments to high-ranking officials, their relatives, and certain entities for specific types of claims. The bill also establishes strict reporting and notification requirements for large government compromise settlements.

The Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act establishes a pilot program to award competitive grants to school food authorities promoting the preparation of meals using unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients. These grants will fund training, equipment upgrades, and other necessary support for increasing scratch cooking in school meal programs. Priority will be given to authorities serving high-need student populations that commit to self-operation and workforce agreements.

This bill supports designating May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." The goal is to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by the agricultural industry and workforce. It also aims to continue reducing the stigma associated with mental illness in this vital sector.

The Rural MOMS Act of 2026 aims to support maternity care in small rural hospitals. This bill amends Medicare rules to exclude beds used only for labor and delivery from the acute care inpatient bed count for Critical Access Hospitals. This change allows these vital rural facilities to maintain their special status while continuing to offer essential maternity services.

The Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. It authorizes significant funding for enhanced data collection, surveillance, and research across various CDC programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates public data disclosure, requires public health communication campaigns, and establishes a task force to develop federal recommendations for ensuring safe, respectful, and equitable maternity care during crises.

The Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act aims to strengthen consumer protections for service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This bill mandates improved financial literacy training focusing on SCRA interest rate caps and requires specific notifications of these benefits upon entry or mobilization to active duty. Additionally, it ensures financial institutions must retroactively apply maximum interest rates to pre-service debts from the start of active duty and expand those protections to all debts held by the creditor.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 aims to combat sophisticated, cross-jurisdictional organized retail and supply chain theft. It achieves this by strengthening federal laws regarding money laundering and stolen property offenses, including lowering monetary thresholds for prosecution. Furthermore, the bill establishes a dedicated Center within the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate federal, state, and local enforcement efforts against these criminal organizations.

The Vote by Mail Protection Act of 2026 officially establishes its name and immediately repeals Executive Order 14399. This action cancels any existing contracts made under that order and prohibits the use of agency funds to support its related activities.

This act prohibits selling gasoline or petroleum fuels at unconscionably excessive prices during a period related to military operations against Iran. The law grants the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general enforcement authority, including the power to seek penalties and restitution. All collected fines will be directed into a Consumer Relief Trust Fund to support energy assistance programs.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives commending public servants for their dedication to defending the Constitution and delivering essential services to the American people. It specifically designates the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Public Service Recognition Week. The bill honors the millions of federal, state, and local employees and uniformed service members who support the economy and democratic foundations of the nation.