Browse Legislation

S. 4417, titled the Pechanga Band of Indians Water Rights Settlement Technical Amendments Act, proposes technical corrections to the existing Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act. Key provisions include: 1) Clarifying the definition of the 'Reservation' to encompass specific lands set aside for the Pechanga Band on various dates, as well as contiguous trust lands and those within the Santa Margarita River Watershed placed into trust after a certain date. 2) Expanding the scope of activities eligible for funding under the Pechanga Water Quality account to address broader water quality issues within the Wolf Valley Basin, beyond just groundwater desalination. 3) Authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to execute amendments to the Pechanga Settlement Agreement to align with these changes, without affecting the status of existing conditions or the validity of prior findings. 4) Ensuring that the bill does not alter or require changes to any existing water rights at the time of its enactment.

H.R. 8536, titled the 'Fuel and Strengthen the American Refinery Act of 2026,' proposes several reforms to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) under the Clean Air Act. Key provisions include: 1) Limiting the volume of conventional renewable fuel (like ethanol) that must be blended into gasoline to align with projected ethanol-blended fuel consumption, addressing the 'blend wall' issue. 2) Allowing Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits generated between 2020 and 2022 to be used for compliance for five years after the bill's enactment, with a cap of 20% of credits used in any year coming from this period. 3) Modifying small refinery exemptions by granting automatic approval if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) misses decision deadlines and mandating approval based on older hardship indices, potentially broadening eligibility for exemptions. 4) Reallocating waived obligations from small refinery exemptions to other obligated parties, ensuring overall renewable fuel volume requirements are met. 5) Granting the EPA authority to approve electric Renewable Identification Numbers (e-RINs) for electricity derived from renewable biomass used in electric vehicles. 6) Removing restrictions on the sale of E15 (gasoline with 15% ethanol) during summer months, promoting year-round availability.

H.Res. 1223 is a resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate April as 'Undiagnosed Awareness Month' and April 29th as 'Undiagnosed Day.' This resolution aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the estimated 25 million Americans living with rare, ultra-rare, and undiagnosed conditions. It acknowledges the efforts of the National Institutes of Health and the Undiagnosed Diseases Network in diagnosing previously unknown diseases and emphasizes the importance of community support and research advancements for those affected.

House Resolution 1220 is a formal statement by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump on April 25, 2026, at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The resolution also acknowledges previous assassination attempts on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, and September 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Additionally, it recognizes the critical role of the Department of Homeland Security in protecting national leaders and emphasizes the importance of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety of public officials.

The BIS Licensing Efficiency Act of 2026 aims to speed up the process for U.S. companies to get approval to export certain technologies. It requires the Department of Commerce to decide on export license applications within 90 days. If a decision takes longer than 120 days, the Department must inform the applicant about the delay and request any missing information. The bill also mandates that experts in the relevant technologies review the applications, ensures transparency through quarterly reports to Congress on application statuses and processing times, and calls for an independent audit to identify and address any bottlenecks in the licensing process.

The Export Control Enforcement and Enhancement Act (H.R. 8169) aims to streamline the process of updating the U.S. Entity List, which identifies foreign entities that pose risks to national security or foreign policy. The bill allows any member of the End-User Review Committee to propose changes to the list, including adding or removing entities. Once a proposal is submitted, the committee must vote on it within 30 days, with a possible 15-day extension for gathering additional information. If an entity is added to the list, there is a presumption of denial for export licenses involving that entity, meaning that exports to them are generally prohibited unless specifically approved. The bill also clarifies voting procedures within the committee and mandates prompt notification and implementation of decisions regarding the Entity List.

H.R. 8556, known as the Homegrown Defense Act of 2026, aims to ensure that the Department of Defense (DoD) follows existing laws requiring the purchase of domestically produced food. The bill mandates regular audits by the DoD's Inspector General to assess compliance with these requirements. Specifically, within 90 days of the bill's enactment, and every three months thereafter, the Inspector General must conduct audits and report the findings to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. This process is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the DoD's food procurement practices, supporting domestic agriculture and strengthening national security by ensuring a reliable food supply for military operations.

The Full AI Stack Export Promotion Act (H.R. 6996) is a proposed U.S. law introduced on January 9, 2026, by Representative Randy Fine. Its goal is to boost the global export of American artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including AI systems, computing hardware, and related standards. The bill directs various federal agencies to work together to promote U.S. AI products abroad, set security standards, and remove international trade barriers. Key provisions include: establishing a Commerce Department program to support industry groups in exporting AI technologies; requiring the State Department to develop a diplomatic strategy to facilitate U.S. AI exports; mandating studies on the global impact of AI deployment; and creating a biennial report to track the success of these export efforts. The bill also emphasizes the importance of preventing unauthorized access to U.S. AI technologies by foreign adversaries and ensuring the security of the supply chain.

The USA 6G Global Leadership Act (H.R. 8320) is a bipartisan bill introduced in April 2026 by Representative Julie Johnson (D-TX) and co-sponsored by Representatives Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Michael Lawler (R-NY), and Brad Sherman (D-CA). The bill aims to strengthen the United States' leadership in 6G technology and international telecommunications. It directs the Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy to coordinate U.S. diplomatic efforts ahead of key international conferences, such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in 2026 and the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027. The Ambassador is tasked with promoting U.S. interests in telecommunications security, digital freedom, and information technology governance. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to report on efforts by countries like China and Russia to influence global telecommunications standards and to develop a comprehensive strategy for U.S. dominance in 6G technology, including collaboration with allies and the private sector.

S.Res. 692 is a resolution passed by the U.S. Senate that designates the week of April 20 through April 24, 2026, as 'National Home Visiting Week.' This resolution aims to recognize and promote the importance of home visiting programs, which provide support and resources to families with young children, helping to enhance child development, strengthen family bonds, and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect.

S.Res. 668 is a resolution that designates April 2026 as 'Second Chance Month,' aimed at raising awareness about the importance of providing opportunities for individuals who have been incarcerated to reintegrate into society. The resolution encourages communities to support programs that help these individuals find employment and rebuild their lives.

H.R. 8552, titled the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026, proposes to increase, effective December 1, 2026, the compensation rates for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the dependency and indemnity compensation for their survivors. The increase will match the percentage used for Social Security's annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), ensuring that these veterans' benefits keep pace with inflation. The bill covers various compensation categories, including wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, clothing allowances, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is tasked with implementing these adjustments and publishing the updated rates in the Federal Register.

The Investing in the American Dream Act (H.R. 8563) aims to clarify and expand eligibility for small business loans. It defines 'covered loans' to include various types of federal loans under the Small Business Act, such as general small business loans, microloans, and surety bond guarantees. The bill specifies that small businesses must be located in the U.S. and at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, nationals, or certain eligible individuals, including asylees, refugees, lawful permanent residents, and others authorized to work in the U.S. Importantly, it prohibits denying loan eligibility solely based on ownership by these eligible individuals, provided they meet the ownership and control requirements. The bill also clarifies that the Small Business Administration cannot increase the ownership percentage requirement beyond 51%.

H.R. 8557, introduced on April 28, 2026, aims to prohibit the long-term detention of individuals in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facilities. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals are not held in these facilities for extended periods, promoting more humane treatment and adherence to due process. Specific provisions and directives of the bill are not detailed in the available sources.

House Resolution 1219 is a non-binding resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 28, 2026, by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and co-sponsored by six other members of Congress. The resolution expresses support for designating April as 'Sikh History Month' to recognize and honor the history, culture, and contributions of Sikh Americans. It aims to promote education and awareness about Sikhism's core principles, including equality, social justice, community service, and human dignity. The resolution encourages public programs, classroom discussions, and cultural events to foster respect and understanding of the Sikh community. Importantly, it does not create a new federal holiday, allocate federal funds, mandate educational curricula, or alter existing laws.

The Local Law Enforcement Support Act of 2026 (H.R. 8564) is a proposed law that aims to give local and state police departments more flexibility in how they use certain federal funds. Currently, these funds are limited to specific uses, but this bill would allow them to be used for a wider range of purposes, including hiring and training officers, buying protective gear, improving digital crime-fighting tools, using drones, enhancing forensic technologies, and providing better services to victims of violent crimes. The goal is to help law enforcement agencies address their unique challenges more effectively and improve community safety.

H.J.Res. 140 is a resolution that cancels a rule by the Bureau of Land Management which had set aside about 225,504 acres of national forest land in Minnesota to be protected from mining and geothermal energy development for 20 years. This land is located in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties and includes areas important for environmental conservation and cultural significance. By nullifying this rule, the resolution would allow these lands to be leased for mineral and geothermal exploration and development.

The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update its regulations to allow for alternatives to animal testing for new drug investigations. This means that references to animal testing in the FDA's rules will be replaced with references to non-animal testing methods. The FDA must publish these updated rules within one year of the bill's enactment, and they will take effect immediately as an interim final rule.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Retirement Technical Corrections Act aims to adjust the retirement benefits for certain CBP officers. Specifically, it addresses officers who were offered jobs before July 6, 2008, but started after this date, allowing them to receive enhanced retirement benefits without mandatory retirement requirements. The Office of Personnel Management will correct these officers' retirement calculations retroactively. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security can waive mandatory retirement rules for these officers, and the Government Accountability Office will review CBP's retirement benefit policies.

S. 550 is a bill that allows the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to bring a land claim to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims regarding land in Illinois, based on the Treaty of Grouseland. The court will consider the claim without being restricted by any statute of limitations or defenses related to delays. The tribe has one year to file this claim, after which the opportunity expires. Additionally, any other current or future claims by the tribe to land in Illinois are nullified.

The bill S. 748 ensures that the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) applies to the Lytton Rancheria of California, a Native American tribe. It allows the Department of the Interior to acquire land and hold it in trust for the tribe, making it part of their reservation. This action addresses a 2009 Supreme Court ruling that limited land trust acquisitions for tribes not under federal jurisdiction in 1934. By affirming the Lytton Rancheria's status as being under federal jurisdiction as of 1934, the bill enables the tribe to benefit from the IRA's provisions.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025 extends the Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA) until 2031 and broadens the scope of lands and activities covered by the TFPA. Previously, the TFPA allowed the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to partner with Indian tribes for land management projects on federal lands next to tribal lands, to protect them from threats like wildfires and diseases. The new amendments expand the definition of eligible lands to include those owned by Alaska Native corporations, and allow projects to occur on federal lands with special significance to tribes, not just those adjacent to tribal lands. Additionally, these projects can now be conducted on tribal lands themselves. The bill also mandates updated reporting to Congress on TFPA activities.

The Ensuring VetSuccess On Campus Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) establish the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program in every state. This program is designed to assist veterans, servicemembers, and eligible dependents in transitioning from military service to college life. The bill requires that there be at least one VSOC counselor available in each state.

The Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025 mandates the transfer of certain federal lands in the Chippewa National Forest, located in Cass County, Minnesota, to the Department of the Interior for the benefit of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This transfer involves lands that were historically sold without the proper consent of the rightful landowners. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is tasked with this transfer, with the possibility of substituting other National Forest System lands in the same county to avoid creating isolated land areas and to prioritize lands near existing tribal lands and culturally significant areas. Transfers can occur progressively as lands are identified and surveyed. The USDA, through the U.S. Forest Service, must also ensure public participation and feedback in the process.