Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act

Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act

This bill excludes from gross income certain damages received by an individual due to any sexual act or sexual contact and establishes the applicable burden of proof in court proceedings regarding the characterization of such damages for federal tax purposes. 

Under current law, amounts received as damages (other than punitive damages) from a judgment, award, or settlement of a claim may be excluded from gross income and, thus, are not subject to federal income tax, if attributable to a personal physical injury or physical sickness. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally interprets personal physical injury to require observable bodily harm (e.g., bruising, cuts, swelling, or bleeding).

Under the bill, amounts received as damages (other than punitive damages) from a judgment, award, or settlement due to any sexual act or sexual conduct, whether or not there are medical records or observable injuries of such act or contact, may be excluded from gross income.

Further, if a judgment, award, or settlement states that damages are due to any sexual act or sexual conduct, then the IRS has the burden of proving otherwise in court proceedings related to the tax liability associated with such damages. 

Finally, the bill requires the IRS to promote public awareness of the exclusion from gross income of damages related to any sexual act or sexual contact.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Spending Safeguard Act

Spending Safeguard Act

This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish spending limits for certain direct spending programs that (1) are enacted or reauthorized after the enactment of this bill, and (2) do not have a specific level of authorized spending expressed as a dollar amount.

The spending limits must be equal to (1) 120% of the cost of the program for defense, health, income security, or veterans benefits and services programs; and (2) 110% of the cost for other programs. The bill excludes Medicare and Social Security from the spending limits. 

OMB must maintain a publicly available scorecard that displays the spending level for any program that is subject to the limits. OMB and the President must submit specified reports to Congress comparing current spending to the limits.

The bill prohibits obligations for programs that have reached the applicable spending limit. Agencies implementing programs listed on OMB's scorecard must ensure that any contract, offer of benefits, or other material provided to program participants specifies that the program is subject to a spending limit that may impact future availability of funds to pay benefits.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act

FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act

This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of the coins shall be promptly paid by Treasury to FWC2026 US, Inc. (the U.S.-incorporated FIFA subsidiary operating the FIFA Men's World Cup 2026) for the purpose of aiding soccer programs and activities in the United States.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Prohibiting Members of the House of Representatives from bringing or displaying a flag of a foreign nation on the floor of the House, and for other purposes.

This resolution prohibits a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner from bringing or displaying any flag of a foreign nation on the House floor while it is in session. However, the prohibition does not apply to a Member wearing a flag of a foreign nation as a lapel pin or using a depiction of such a flag as part of an exhibit during a speech or debate under House rules.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025

This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing, subject to civil penalties. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment.

The bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including if such animal testing (1) is conducted outside the United States to comply with a foreign regulatory authority; (2) is pursuant to a finding by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that there are no nonanimal alternatives to test the safety of a potentially dangerous cosmetic product or ingredient; (3) is of a product or ingredient for a drug or device subject to regulation by the FDA; or (4) is required for a noncosmetic purpose pursuant to a state, federal, or foreign regulatory authority.

Further, evidence derived from animal testing conducted more than one year after the bill's enactment may not be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic product or ingredient that is regulated by the FDA, subject to limited exceptions.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Federal Firearm Licensing Act

Federal Firearm Licensing Act

This bill generally requires an individual to obtain a license before purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm. The bill also requires background checks for firearms transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals).

Specifically, this bill requires individuals who purchase, receive, or possess a firearm to have a valid federal firearm purchasing license (or a state firearm purchasing license with substantially similar requirements). The bill requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to establish a federal system for issuing firearm purchasing licenses and sets forth requirements for the system, including eligibility requirements for a license (e.g., training in firearms safety and background investigation and criminal history check), standards for denying or revoking a license, and requirements for reporting transactions.

The bill makes it unlawful to (1) purchase, receive, or possess a firearm without a valid firearm purchaser license; or (2) sell or transfer a firearm to an individual who does not have a valid firearm purchaser license or fail to report such a sale or transfer to law enforcement.

Additionally, the bill prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a federal firearms licensee (e.g., gun dealer) first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Healthy Minds for a Better Future Act

Healthy Minds for a Better Future Act

This bill establishes the Middle School Mental Health Task Force at the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. The task force must study and report on the resources that are available to secondary school educators and parents for helping students who are experiencing mental health issues.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Arts Education for All Act

Arts Education for All Act

This bill expands arts education and programming for children in early education, K-12 students, and juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system.

Specifically, the bill allows Child Care and Development Block Grant funding to be used for additional activities, including arts programming.

Additionally, the bill addresses arts programming in elementary and secondary schools by

• directing each state educational agency to include information on arts programming in its state plan, including how it will integrate arts education instruction into the curriculum and increase the number of arts teachers in schools;
• requiring state report cards to include information on arts courses;
• requiring local educational agency (LEA) plans to describe how the LEA will encourage the use of arts education to improve student achievement; and
• allowing certain funds to be used for professional development for arts teachers.

The bill directs the National Center for Education Research to carry out research on the use of arts and arts education in elementary and secondary schools, including in low-performing schools. Further, the National Center for Education Statistics must compile data on arts education.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress must include a specified arts assessment.

The bill requires a state's juvenile justice and delinquency plan to describe how the state will coordinate services and activities for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention with arts agencies and arts organizations. Additionally, grants for adult offender reentry demonstration projects may be used for facilitating arts education.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2026

Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2026

This bill requires the Department of Education to issue guidance and recommendations for institutions of higher education to remove criminal and juvenile justice questions from their admission applications.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

America’s College Promise Act of 2026

America's College Promise Act of 2026

This bill provides funding and establishes grant programs to expand access to higher education, including by providing free community college to students.

Specifically, the bill establishes a program to waive resident tuition and fees for community college students. The Department of Education (ED) must award grants to states and tribal colleges and universities to pay the federal share of the program.

As a condition of receiving such a grant, a state must (1) submit a plan to align the requirements for receiving a regular high school diploma with the requirements for entering credit-bearing coursework at community colleges; and (2) submit a plan to improve transfer pathways between institutions of higher education (IHEs), including by ensuring that associate degrees awarded by community colleges are fully transferable to four-year IHEs.

Next, the bill directs ED to award grants to states and tribal colleges and universities for implementing evidence-based institutional reforms and innovative practices to improve student outcomes.

In addition, ED must award grants to participating historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, and minority-serving institutions to waive or significantly reduce the first 60 credits of tuition and fees for low-income students.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2025

Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2025

This bill establishes within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a National Center on Antiracism and Health and a law enforcement violence prevention program.

In particular, the new center must carry out various activities to address racism and its impact on health and well-being. This includes declaring racism a public health crisis, collecting and analyzing data, and administering research and grant programs.

Additionally, the bill specifically directs the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, in coordination with the Department of Justice and other relevant stakeholders, to implement the law enforcement violence prevention program by conducting research and supporting other activities pertaining to law enforcement violence and public health.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act of 2025

Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act of 2025

This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect and disseminate information about concussions and traumatic brain injuries among public safety officers, including information relating to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

The CDC must put the information it collects on its website. The CDC must also disseminate the information to medical and public health professionals, public safety employers and employee representatives, and other stakeholders.

In implementing the bill, the CDC may support public and private efforts to identify and create guidelines, protocols, and evidence-based practices for treating concussions and traumatic brain injuries in public safety officers.

Update Date: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Expressing support for the designation of October 8, 2026, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

This resolution supports the designation of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

Update Date: 2026-10-16 00:00:00

A resolution designating October 8, 2026, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

This resolution designates October 8, 2026, as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

Update Date: 2026-10-16 00:00:00

Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act

Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act

This bill establishes a federal business tax credit for a percentage of the compensation paid for services performed in the United States related to a qualified film or television production. (Conditions and exceptions apply.)

The bill defines a qualified film or television production as any production that is

• a feature film, television pilot, or television season;
• produced in the ordinary course of business for commercial purposes;
• capitalized;
• completed during the tax year with more than $1 million in total costs; and
• filmed in the United States for 75% of the photography days.

Under the bill, various types of programming are not a qualified film or television production, including news programs, live sporting events, and programming intended primarily for social media platforms.

The amount of the tax credit is 20% (base tax credit percentage) of the compensation paid for services performed in the United States related to a qualified film or television production. The base tax credit percentage increases by increments of 5% (up to a maximum tax credit percentage of 30%) if

• at least 30% of the production is filmed in a federally declared disaster area or rural qualified opportunity zone,
• the production is independently produced, or
• the production meets certain multi-state or increased domestic production requirements.

Special rules apply to animations, visual effects productions, and post-production activities.

Finally, the tax credit may be transferred to an unrelated third party in exchange for cash.

Update Date: 2026-10-16 00:00:00

Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill awards posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Henrietta Lacks, in recognition of the contributions of her immortal cells to global health, scientific research, quality of life, and patients' rights.  

Update Date: 2026-10-16 00:00:00

Restroom Access Act of 2025

Restroom Access Act of 2025

This bill requires businesses to allow a customer to use a nonpublic restroom if the customer has an eligible medical condition (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease) that requires immediate access to a restroom and other conditions are met. The Department of Labor must establish a system of identification cards for customers with eligible medical conditions to present to businesses.

Update Date: 2026-10-16 00:00:00

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

This act provides continuing FY2027 appropriations for federal agencies through December 11, 2026, and extends various expiring programs and authorities.

DIVISION A--CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2027

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027

This division provides continuing FY2027 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of December 11, 2026, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2027 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2027 begins on October 1, 2026.

The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2026 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility or additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR includes exceptions for 

• the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);
• Small Business Administration loans;
• the Disaster Relief Fund;
• the Indian Health Service;
• the Department of Justice; and
• wildfire suppression activities.

For more information on this division, see CRS Report R49353, Overview of Continuing Appropriations for FY2027 (Division A of P.L. 119-103).

DIVISION B--AUTHORIZING EXTENSIONS

This division extends various expiring programs and authorities, including certain programs related to agriculture and foreign trade.

(Sec. 2001) This section reauthorizes the United States Grain Standards Act, which authorizes the Department of Agriculture to establish official marketing standards for grains.

Specifically, this section extends the authority of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) through December 11, 2026, to (1) collect fees for required federal supervision of official inspections and weighing services provided by designated official agencies and state agencies, and (2) maintain the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee.

The section also extends through FY2027 (1) the cap on FGIS's administrative and supervisory costs, and (2) authorization for FGIS grain standards development and maintenance activities.

(Sec. 2002) This section extends the authority for the Forest Service to use the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) program through December 11, 2026. The program allows the Forest Service to acquire skilled personnel (age 55 and older) from nonprofit partners to provide temporary technical and administrative services for conservation-related programs that are executed on or directly impacting National Forest System land.

(Sec. 2003) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority for entering into agreements to finance sales or provide other assistance through the Food for Peace program.

(Sec. 2004) This section extends certain authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 through December 11, 2026.

(Sec. 2005) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to collect user fees under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

(Sec. 2006) This section increases Medicaid funding for FY2026 for the Northern Mariana Islands.

(Sec. 2007) This section reduces funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund beginning in FY2027.

(Sec. 2008) This section extends through December 31, 2028, trade preferences that provide duty-free access to the U.S. market for most exports from eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Specifically, the section extends through 2028 the duty-free treatment of the products of beneficiary SSA countries under the Trade Act of 1974 (specifically, the Generalized System of Preferences) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). (Currently, there are 32 countries eligible for AGOA.)

Additionally, the extended period applies to the following provisions of AGOA: (1) the duty-free treatment of certain apparel articles from beneficiary SSA countries; and (2) the third-country fabric provision, which allows limited amounts of apparel articles from lesser developed beneficiary SSA countries to qualify for duty-free treatment, even if the yarns and fabrics used in their production are imported from non-AGOA countries (e.g., apparel assembled in Kenya with Chinese fabrics).

(Sec. 2009) This section extends through December 31, 2028, the special duty-free rules for various apparel products imported from Haiti.

(Sec. 2010) This section extends various customs user fees through March 31, 2032, including certain rates for merchandise processing fees.

(Sec. 2011) This section extends the authorization for the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act through December 11, 2026. The act authorizes sharing of appropriate cybersecurity information between federal and nonfederal entities, defensive cybersecurity activities, liability protections, and oversight.

(Sec. 2012) This section extends the authority for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS’s) National Cybersecurity Protection System and related reporting requirements through December 11, 2026. The system authorizes multiple activities by DHS to help defend federal agencies from cyberthreats.

(Sec. 2013) This section extends the authority for DHS's Joint Task Forces through December 11, 2026.

(Sec. 2014) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the Technology Modernization Fund and the fund's board. The fund is administered by the General Services Administration to improve information technology and enhance cybersecurity across the federal government.

(Sec. 2015) This section extends the authority of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to set fees through December 11, 2026.

(Sec. 2016) This section extends the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom through December 11, 2026. The commission is an independent federal commission tasked with monitoring international religious freedom conditions, reviewing U.S. government policy, and making policy recommendations.

(Sec. 2017) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority of the Department of State to collect passport fees under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

(Sec. 2018) This section exempts the budgetary effects of Divisions B-D of this act from (1) the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Act of 2010, (2) the Senate PAYGO rule, and (3) certain budget scorekeeping rules.

(Sec. 2019) This section delays the effective date of portions of the new statutory definition of hemp until December 11, 2026. For more information, see CRS In Focus IF13136, Changes to the Statutory Definition of Hemp and Implications for Agricultural Policy.

DIVISION C--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2026

Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2026

This division extends various expiring surface transportation programs and authorities.

TITLE I--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS

(Sec. 3101) This section extends federal highway, transit, and road safety programs of the Department of Transportation through December 11, 2026.

(Sec. 3102) This section reauthorizes until December 11, 2026, the Appalachian Regional Commission, including the high-speed broadband deployment and energy hub initiatives.

(Sec. 3103) This section reauthorizes until December 11, 2026, the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

(Sec. 3104) This section extends until September 30, 2027, the deadline to use previously authorized federal highway funds for certain Federal Highway Administration programs, including the

• Bridge Investment Program;
• Congestion Relief Program;
• Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program;
• Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program;
• Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation Program (PROTECT) grants;
• Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Program; and
• Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects program.

TITLE II--TRUST FUNDS

(Sec. 3201) This section extends expenditure authority through December 11, 2026, for the Highway Trust Fund, Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

DIVISION D--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXTENDERS

This division extends various expiring Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and authorities.

TITLE I--HEALTH CARE MATTERS

(Sec. 4101) This section extends through December 10, 2026, the authority for the VA to collect copayments from certain veterans for hospital care or nursing home care.

(Sec. 4102) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the requirement that the VA provide nursing home care to certain veterans with a service-connected disability.

(Sec. 4103) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authorization for the expansion of the VA’s Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) program, which serves veterans in rural areas who are experiencing mental illness.

(Sec. 4104) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the VA’s authority to provide grants under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, for purposes of providing community-based suicide prevention services and mental health care.

(Sec. 4105) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the VA grant program to provide mental health support for family caregivers of veterans who participate in the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

(Sec. 4106) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the requirement that the VA pay or reimburse certain veterans with a service-connected disability for ambulance transport from a rural area.

(Sec. 4107) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the joint incentive program between the VA and Department of Defense to share health care resources.

TITLE II--BENEFITS

(Sec. 4201) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority of the VA to maintain a regional office in the Philippines.

(Sec. 4202) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the period of relief for those affected by a closure or disapproval of a course of education in regard to the individual’s educational assistance entitlement. Generally, when an individual transfers fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved, the individual is deemed to have not received those credits, and no charge from the individual's entitlement to education assistance may be made for that period of enrollment. This section extends the relief through December 11, 2026.

TITLE III--HOUSING

(Sec. 4301) This section extends through December 11, 2026, a Department of Labor grant program for programs and facilities that provide dedicated services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children.

(Sec. 4302) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the VA's Health Care for Homeless Veterans program, which provides outreach, treatment, rehabilitation, and therapeutic transitional housing assistance for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans. Additionally, the section extends the authority of the VA to operate a program to expand and improve the provision of benefits and services to homeless veterans.

(Sec. 4303) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the VA’s authority to provide housing assistance to homeless veterans and their families.

(Sec. 4304) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program, which provides financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing or transitioning from homelessness.

(Sec. 4305) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the VA program to provide grants to encourage the development of programs for homeless veterans with special needs.

(Sec. 4306) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority and activities of the VA’s Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.

(Sec. 4307) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the VA’s authority to provide assistance for housing adaptations for disabled veterans who are residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member.

(Sec. 4308) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program, through which the VA provides grants to develop assistive technologies for use in specially adapted housing.

TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS

(Sec. 4401) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the VA's authority to transport individuals in connection with vocational rehabilitation or required counseling or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care.

(Sec. 4402) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority of the VA Office of Inspector General to subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses as necessary to carry out the duties of the office.

(Sec. 4403) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority of the VA to provide assistance for adaptive sports opportunities for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.

(Sec. 4404) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority and activities of the VA’s Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.

(Sec. 4405) This section extends a requirement for the VA to provide a burial and funeral allowance for a veteran who dies in a home or other setting at which the veteran was receiving VA hospice care (if such care was directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care). The section applies the requirement to deaths occurring before December 12, 2026.

(Sec. 4406) This section extends through December 11, 2026, certain rates and procedures under the VA Vendee Loan Program, under which qualified borrowers may purchase VA real estate owned properties with little to no money down. Specifically, not more than 85% of purchases made during any fiscal year under the Vendee Loan Program shall be property marketed with VA financing.

(Sec. 4407) This section extends through December 11, 2026, the authority of the VA to transfer real property to other agencies, states, or public or private entities.

Update Date: 2026-10-16 00:00:00

STOP Health Threats Act

Safety Training for Officers on Public Health Threats Act or the STOP Health Threats Act

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to local governments for the training of local enforcement officers on the public health threats resulting from building code violations. 

Update Date: 2026-10-16 00:00:00

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2026

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2026

This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom through 2028. The commission is an independent federal commission tasked with monitoring international religious freedom conditions, reviewing U.S. government policy, and making policy recommendations. (Under current law, the commission is authorized through December 11, 2026.)

Update Date: 2026-10-16 00:00:00