The SPF Act of 2026 directs the National Park Service to study ways to provide free or low-cost mineral-based sunscreen and other sun protection methods to visitors in national parks. Within one year of the law's enactment, the National Park Service must submit a report to Congress outlining various options for supplying sunscreen, including through public-private partnerships, nonprofit collaborations, and existing budget resources. The report must address environmental concerns, ensure the sunscreen works for all skin tones, and include a plan to educate park visitors about sun protection and skin cancer prevention. The bill also requires the report to include recommendations for additional congressional action to support these sun protection efforts. The legislation is based on findings that skin cancer rates remain high in the United States and that many Americans need better education and access to sun protection methods.

The Medicare at Home Act would establish a new Medicare benefit to cover home care services for eligible seniors and people with disabilities who need assistance with daily living activities. The benefit would cover up to 20 hours per week of services such as help with bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation, and medication reminders, provided that a doctor certifies the individual needs assistance with at least two activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living. The bill notes that over 10 million Medicare beneficiaries currently need this type of assistance but lack coverage, forcing many to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket annually or to spend down their assets to qualify for Medicaid. The cost of the new benefit would be covered through adjustments to Medicare Part B premiums, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would be required to report to Congress within 180 days on the estimated per-beneficiary premium impact. Implementation regulations would need to be finalized within one year, with the benefit becoming available more than two years after enactment.

This resolution condemns a June 2026 Department of Justice legal opinion that the sponsors argue undermines the Olmstead decision, a landmark 1999 Supreme Court ruling that requires states to provide people with disabilities the option to receive services in community settings rather than institutions. The resolution reaffirms decades of disability rights law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibit unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities. The sponsors contend that the Justice Department's opinion incorrectly interprets Olmstead and contradicts how federal courts have long understood that decision, and they note that the department subsequently declared its own 15-year-old enforcement guidance on Olmstead unenforceable. The resolution calls on the Justice Department to rescind its opinion and asks Congress to work across party lines to reverse recent Medicaid cuts and increase funding for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. No federal funding is authorized by this resolution, which is a statement of the House's position rather than legislation that enacts new law.

The Childhood Disability Benefits Fairness Act would change how Medicaid eligibility is determined for children receiving Social Security child's insurance benefits. Currently, some young people who qualify for child's insurance benefits through a parent's Social Security record may lose Medicaid coverage because their insurance benefits count as income, making them ineligible based on income limits. This bill would treat these child's insurance benefits the same as Supplemental Security Income for Medicaid purposes, allowing children to maintain Medicaid eligibility if they would otherwise qualify based on disability status. The change would take effect immediately upon enactment for any new or updated Medicaid eligibility determinations. This affects disabled and blind children who receive benefits based on a parent's work history and rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage.

This bill creates a federal matching contribution program for ABLE accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed for people with disabilities. Under the legislation, individuals with disabilities earning less than 200 percent of the federal poverty line would receive a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $2,000 per year) when they contribute to their ABLE accounts, with the match amount gradually reducing for those earning more. The bill addresses the significant financial disparities faced by people with disabilities, noting they are twice as likely to live in poverty and typically earn about $30,000 less annually than people without disabilities. The matching program takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026, and the bill also authorizes $5 million in annual grants through 2031 for states to promote ABLE accounts and the new matching credit. Additionally, the legislation requires ABLE program administrators to collect and report demographic data about account holders to help track the program's reach and effectiveness.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for diversity and inclusion in federally funded health research and opposes proposed changes to how federal research grants are managed. The resolution specifically criticizes a proposed rule from the Office of Management and Budget that would give political appointees greater control over federal research grants, reduce reliance on scientific peer review, restrict international research collaborations, and prohibit funding for diversity and inclusion research. The resolution argues that excluding women and people of color from medical research has led to inferior health outcomes and diagnostic tools that work less effectively for these populations, and that diversity in research is essential for scientific excellence and addressing health disparities across the country. The House recognizes that the current peer-review system managed by career scientists and experts has made the United States a leader in health innovation and calls on the administration to preserve this science-based approach rather than allow political considerations to drive research funding decisions.

Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act of 2026This bill requires the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a model under which blood transfusions furnished to an individual receiving hospice care are paid separately from the hospice all-inclusive per diem payment under Medicare. The CMMI must evaluate the model by comparing patients participating in the model with those outside of the model in relation to specified metrics, such as hospital utilization and days of hospice care before the end of life.

The Menopausal Workers' Fairness Act of 2026 would make it illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to discriminate against workers experiencing menopause or menopausal transition symptoms. The bill requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, such as allowing workers to drink water, take additional restroom breaks, sit or stand as needed, and take breaks to eat and drink, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the business. The law applies to private employers, federal agencies, congressional offices, and state governments. Workers can file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and pursue remedies including back pay, damages, and attorney's fees under existing civil rights laws. The bill provides $4.5 million in funding and requires the EEOC to issue detailed regulations within one year, with additional agency guidance following shortly after.

This bill would ban food packaging that contains intentionally added PFAS (a class of fluorinated chemicals commonly known as "forever chemicals") from being sold across state lines in the United States. The prohibition applies to manufacturers and sellers of food containers, packaging materials, and related products that deliberately incorporate these chemicals during production. PFAS are widely used in food packaging for their water and grease-resistant properties, but they do not break down in the environment or the human body and have been linked to health concerns. The ban would take effect on January 1, 2027, giving manufacturers about six months to reformulate their products or shift to alternative materials. The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to make violating this requirement an unlawful action, though the legislation does not specify additional funding or enforcement mechanisms.

This bill would ban cosmetics manufacturers from intentionally adding PFAS chemicals (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to their products. PFAS are a class of fluorinated chemicals commonly used in cosmetics for water resistance and other functional properties, but they persist in the environment and human bodies, raising health concerns. The ban applies to any PFAS intentionally added by manufacturers or suppliers to cosmetic ingredients, raw materials, products, or packaging that serve a functional purpose, as well as intentional breakdown products of added chemicals. The prohibition takes effect on January 1, 2027, giving cosmetics companies approximately six months to reformulate products and comply with the new requirement. The legislation amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to classify cosmetics containing intentionally added PFAS as adulterated products, which would be prohibited from distribution.

This resolution marks the United States' 250th Anniversary in 2026 by calling on the nation to prioritize health and prevention. The measure recognizes that the Declaration of Independence's promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness depends on a healthy population, referencing historical examples like George Washington's smallpox inoculation program for the Continental Army. The resolution encourages expanded access to preventive healthcare, medical screenings, health education, clean air and water, and healthy communities. It expresses Congress's view that ensuring a healthier America is one of the most important legacies to pass on to future generations. There is no specific funding authorized or timeline established, as this is a ceremonial resolution expressing the sense of the House rather than creating new programs or requirements.

This bill increases the savings limit for ABLE accounts, which are special savings accounts for people with disabilities. Currently, individuals can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account without losing their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, but this bill raises that limit to $150,000 starting in 2026. After 2026, the limit will automatically adjust each year based on inflation, ensuring the account limits keep pace with the rising cost of living. The Social Security Administration must announce the new limit each year by November 1 before it takes effect. The change affects people with disabilities who rely on SSI benefits and want to save money without being penalized by reduced government assistance.

Water Access ActThis bill provides $500 million in FY2027 appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. The program provides grants to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills.

The Defective Firearms Protection Act would remove firearms from the list of products excluded under federal consumer product safety laws. Currently, pistols, revolvers, and other firearms are exempt from Consumer Product Safety Act regulations, meaning they are not subject to the same safety standards and oversight that apply to other consumer products. This bill would bring firearms under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, potentially allowing that agency to establish and enforce safety standards for defective firearms. The legislation does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines. If passed, the change would affect firearms manufacturers and potentially gun owners, while giving a federal safety agency new authority over firearm product standards and defect reporting.

This resolution expresses House support for designating June 1-7, 2026, as "Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week" to raise public understanding of a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 3.3 million Americans. Hidradenitis Suppurativa, or HS, causes painful boil-like lesions, scarring, and significant physical and emotional suffering, and is associated with one of the highest suicide rates among skin diseases. The resolution highlights that about 75 percent of people with HS are misdiagnosed or diagnosed after age 25, delaying critical treatment and worsening disease progression, which increases healthcare costs and impacts patients' ability to work and maintain relationships. The resolution calls for increased awareness among the public and healthcare professionals, improved screening and diagnosis, expanded biomedical research, and better access to the three currently FDA-approved biologic therapies. This is a symbolic measure with no direct funding or mandates, designed to draw attention to the disease and encourage continued efforts to develop new treatments and improve care.

The SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 is a comprehensive federal law designed to protect survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and related crimes by ensuring their economic security and employment stability. The bill prohibits employers from discriminating against, retaliating against, or firing employees based on their victim status, and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations such as schedule changes or security upgrades when requested by affected workers. The law also guarantees that survivors who leave their jobs due to violence can claim unemployment benefits if they provide documentation from law enforcement, medical professionals, or victim services organizations, with implementation required by January 2029. Additionally, the bill protects survivors' confidentiality in the workplace, allows them to pursue safe leave for legal assistance without penalty, and enables survivors who win employment discrimination cases to recover attorney's fees from their employers. The legislation applies to all private employers and establishes federal grant programs to help victim services organizations train employers and staff on supporting survivors in the workplace.

The National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2026 strengthens federal oversight of dam safety by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure that all dams and hydropower projects meet new safety standards and that dam operators have the financial capacity to maintain them properly. The legislation applies to all hydropower facilities and dams regulated under the Federal Power Act and affects both current dam operators seeking license renewals and new applicants for operating permits. Key provisions include establishing financial viability assessments for license applicants, requiring a technical conference with states by October 2027 to discuss dam maintenance and climate impacts, and mandating that the Commission notify states when dam safety problems are found and when operators fail to make repairs within five years. Additionally, when a dam license is revoked or surrendered, the federal government must share comprehensive records with the affected state, including inspection reports, repair costs, and risk assessments to help states plan for future management of the facility.

This resolution supports designating May 15, 2026, as "Endangered Species Day" to raise awareness about wildlife conservation efforts in the United States. The resolution highlights that more than 2,300 species are currently at risk of extinction and emphasizes that the Endangered Species Act of 1973 has successfully prevented the extinction of 99 percent of species designated as threatened or endangered, including iconic animals like bald eagles, gray whales, and California condors. The measure recognizes the cultural importance of species protection to Native American and indigenous communities, as well as the economic benefits that wildlife conservation brings through tourism and recreation industries that support millions of American jobs. This is a symbolic resolution that does not create new law or require any funding, but rather expresses the House's support for celebrating and acknowledging the importance of endangered species protection and existing conservation laws.

This House resolution expresses support for designating May 17, 2026, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to increase public awareness of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer. The resolution highlights the severity of DIPG, noting that it affects 200 to 400 children annually in the United States, has a median survival time of only nine months after diagnosis, and has shown virtually no improvement in outcomes over the past 40 years. The measure encourages increased federal and private funding for pediatric cancer research and calls on funding agencies to consider mortality rates and life-years lost when evaluating research grant applications. The resolution does not establish any new programs, require spending, or create legal obligations, as it is a symbolic measure expressing congressional support rather than legislation that creates binding requirements.

This resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as "Arthritis Awareness Month." The measure acknowledges that arthritis, which encompasses more than 100 rheumatic diseases, affects nearly 60 million American adults and approximately 300,000 children, making it the nation's leading cause of physical disability. The resolution highlights that arthritis costs the U.S. economy over $304 billion annually in medical care and lost wages, and notes that one in three veterans lives with arthritis. The House resolution recognizes the Arthritis Foundation's efforts to improve patient access to care and celebrates the organization's 75th anniversary. This is a non-binding resolution that does not require any funding or establish timelines beyond designating May 2026 for awareness purposes.

The Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 establishes reporting requirements and a competitive grant program to advance vehicle technology development and commercial adoption. The Secretary of Energy must submit reports to Congress through 2031 tracking whether technologies developed under the Act achieve commercial adoption and U.S. manufacturing, as well as annual reports on program activities, industry partnerships, and cross-agency funding strategies. The legislation also creates a competitive grant program that funds projects combining multiple advanced technologies on Class 8 heavy-duty trucks and trailers, with funding available to teams including truck manufacturers, engine makers, fleet operators, and university researchers. Additionally, the bill repeals certain outdated vehicle-related provisions from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and streamlines remaining energy efficiency programs to focus on building-related initiatives.

# Summary of H.R. 8541, Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act H.R. 8541 is a comprehensive federal workforce support bill designed to address a severe shortage of direct care workers in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and community-based long-term care settings by improving compensation, working conditions, training opportunities, and legal protections. The bill provides roughly $110 billion in new federal funding through 2030, including a 10 percentage point increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for states (2026-2035), a $100 billion grant program to boost worker wages and benefits, $400 million annually for direct care worker support services like loan repayment and childcare assistance, and funding for training programs, apprenticeships, diversity initiatives, and mental health support targeting the 5 million direct care professionals currently earning a median of $15.43 per hour with high turnover rates. The bill establishes new workplace protections including written employment agreements, paid sick leave requirements (minimum 1 hour per 30 hours worked), temporary schedule change accommodations, anti-retaliation safeguards, wage theft prevention and recovery programs, and comprehensive workplace violence prevention standards with federal enforcement authority through the Department of Labor. Implementation begins in 2025-2026 with regulations due within 180 days, and the bill requires extensive outcome reporting through 2040 to measure impacts on worker recruitment, retention, wages, mental health, and access to long-term care services.

The HCBS Access Act would require state Medicaid programs to cover home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities, aiming to eliminate waiting lists and reduce unnecessary institutionalization while addressing disparities in access. The bill establishes a comprehensive federal definition of covered services—including personal care, supported employment, housing support, and behavioral health services—and mandates individualized assessments within 30 days, annual reassessments, and person-centered care plans for all eligible individuals. Beginning five years after enactment, HCBS would become a mandatory Medicaid benefit with 100 percent federal funding, and the bill eliminates Medicaid estate recovery and liens on beneficiaries' property. The legislation also supports the direct care workforce through a national technical assistance center, workforce development grants focused on recruitment and retention, and a separate occupational classification code for direct support professionals. Additionally, the bill makes the "Money Follows the Person" program permanent to fund transitions from institutions to community settings, establishes quality metrics to track access and satisfaction, and requires a comprehensive national survey by 2038 to evaluate the law's effects on services, workforce conditions, and economic outcomes.

This bill establishes a new Climate Change Education Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to increase public understanding of climate change and its solutions. The program would award grants and cooperative agreements to schools, colleges, youth organizations, and professional groups to develop climate education curricula, train teachers, create career pathways in green economy jobs, and engage communities in climate adaptation and mitigation projects. The legislation prioritizes reaching environmental justice communities and emphasizes practical, actionable information about renewable energy, energy efficiency, and new climate-related technologies and careers. The bill authorizes $50 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032, with funding allocated primarily to K-12 education efforts (50 percent), higher education institutions (30 percent), and professional development and youth corps organizations (10 percent each), and requires annual reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness.

This resolution expresses House support for designating April 2026 as "Care Worker Recognition Month" to honor the contributions of childcare workers, home care workers, and early educators across the United States. The resolution recognizes that care workers provide essential services enabling children to develop and learn, allowing older adults and people with disabilities to live independently at home, and enabling other adults to participate in the workforce and pursue education. According to the resolution, care work is economically significant, with home care jobs projected to add more positions than any other occupation between 2024 and 2034, yet care workers earn median annual salaries below $40,000 with many experiencing poverty and food insecurity. The resolution emphasizes that investing in care infrastructure benefits the broader economy by reducing workforce shortages, lowering turnover costs, and enabling millions of families to maintain economic stability. This is a symbolic measure with no direct funding or implementation requirements, as it simply calls for recognizing care workers and supporting the official designation of the recognition month.