Debbie Dingell

The Title IX Take Responsibility Act of 2026 changes how schools and educational institutions are held responsible for sexual harassment based on sex. The bill modifies Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to establish clearer liability standards, making schools liable for harassment by employees if the harassment is enabled by their authority, and liable for harassment by non-employees if the school knew or should have known about it and failed to respond with reasonable care. The legislation applies to any educational program or activity receiving federal funding and affects students, staff, and other people within those programs. The bill gives students and other victims the right to sue schools in court for damages, attorney's fees, and other relief, overturning court decisions that had limited available remedies and making it easier for victims to hold schools accountable than is currently the case. No specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are included in the bill.

The Domestic Violence SAFE Notice Act establishes a comprehensive victim notification system that alerts domestic violence victims, human trafficking victims, and stalking victims when their offenders attempt to purchase firearms or experience changes in their firearm eligibility. The bill creates a federal notification system managed by the FBI, requires background check systems to report purchase denials and status changes to state victim notification systems, and establishes a pilot grant program through the Attorney General's Office to help states and tribes build their own notification systems over a three-year period. Victims can voluntarily register to receive alerts when offenders are denied firearms purchases, when background checks are delayed, when offenders attempt illegal purchases, or when they receive presidential pardons or relief from firearm restrictions. The bill authorizes $10 million annually from 2027 through 2031 for the grant program and requires the FBI and ATF to provide necessary reports within 24 hours of triggering events, with grant recipients submitting implementation plans and progress reports leading to a comprehensive congressional report on nationwide expansion feasibility. The bill does not create new firearm ownership restrictions and only clarifies existing legal rights under current law.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating the week of October 4-10, 2026, as "World Space Week" in the United States. The designation aligns with the United Nations' annual international observance, now in its 27th year, and this year's theme of "Rocket Revolution" will focus on advancements in rocket and launch technologies. The resolution emphasizes the importance of space science and technology to the economy, education, and quality of life, citing contributions to fields like medicine, transportation, energy, and information technology. It encourages students of all ages and the general public to participate in space-related events and educational activities during that week to increase understanding of space sciences. This is a symbolic resolution with no funding or enforcement mechanisms—it serves to recognize and promote awareness of space science education and exploration.

The SUCCESS Act of 2026 creates a federal grant program to help colleges and universities provide academic counseling and support services specifically designed for students who are survivors of sexual assault and other violence. The bill recognizes that trauma from sexual assault can harm survivors' academic performance and increase dropout rates, so grant funding would support services like tutoring, academic advising, faculty training on trauma-informed care, and wrap-around support services. Eligible institutions would apply competitively for five-year grants, with priority given to community colleges, minority-serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, and schools with histories of Title IX violations. Grant recipients must report on graduation and re-enrollment rates of survivors, and the Secretary of Education must submit a report on the program's overall effectiveness one year after it concludes. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, though it does not specify a dollar amount.

The SOS Campus Act would require all colleges and universities that receive federal financial aid to hire an independent advocate specifically dedicated to helping sexual assault survivors. This advocate must be hired based on relevant experience and would report to someone outside the institution's sexual assault investigation office, ensuring independence from campus disciplinary processes. The advocate's responsibilities include providing survivors with access to medical care, counseling, legal information, and guidance through reporting and campus proceedings, while maintaining confidentiality and protecting survivors from retaliation. Colleges would need to appoint these advocates within 180 days of the law's enactment and would be required to publicize the advocate's existence and services to students through websites, orientation materials, posters, and staff training. The bill does not establish a specific federal funding amount but instead places the responsibility and costs on individual institutions receiving federal aid.

This resolution honors the 27th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Olmstead v. L.C. decision from 1999, which affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to receive services in community settings rather than being forced into institutions like nursing homes or psychiatric hospitals. The resolution recognizes that over 70 million Americans with disabilities currently live in the United States and acknowledges the legal requirements established by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act that mandate services be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate for each person. The House resolution calls on federal, state, and local governments to expand policies supporting community integration, including access to home and community-based services, competitive employment, education, and skills development. The resolution highlights that community living enables individuals with disabilities to become more economically independent, contribute to the workforce, and strengthen the nation's economy while reducing unnecessary institutionalization. This is a symbolic resolution with no direct funding or timeline requirements, but it expresses Congress's commitment to advancing disability rights and integration principles established nearly three decades ago.

The PACE Access Improvement Act streamlines and expands the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly by removing barriers to provider growth and participation. The bill eliminates numerical caps on the number of PACE providers allowed under Medicare and Medicaid, allows qualified providers to submit expansion applications at any time rather than during designated periods, and permits successful providers to add new centers through a streamlined notice process instead of full applications, with automatic approval after 45 days unless the government objects. The legislation also standardizes operating requirements across all provider types—nonprofit, private, and for-profit—to ensure equal treatment. These changes take effect immediately upon enactment and are designed to increase seniors' access to PACE services, which provide comprehensive care coordination for elderly individuals.

This resolution recognizes the importance of maintaining continuous Medicaid coverage for people actively undergoing cancer treatment. The measure acknowledges that cancer and its treatments can temporarily or permanently prevent patients from meeting Medicaid work requirements and community engagement obligations, and that gaps in coverage during treatment can delay care, interrupt medications, and increase financial hardship. The resolution encourages states to automatically identify cancer patients through existing Medicaid claims and health records, determine their eligibility for medical exemptions without requiring repeated patient paperwork, and use simple doctor certifications when needed rather than burdening sick patients with extensive documentation. It also encourages the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide states with guidance and technical assistance to streamline these processes. This is a non-binding resolution expressing Congressional support for protecting cancer patients' health coverage continuity without creating new law or appropriating funds.

This concurrent resolution designates September 2026 as "Gynecologic Cancers Awareness Month" to increase public understanding of cancers affecting women's reproductive organs, including cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. The resolution highlights that approximately 117,660 new cases of these cancers are diagnosed annually with about 34,570 deaths, noting that endometrial and ovarian cancers rank among the leading causes of cancer deaths in women and that symptoms are often vague or missed because screening tests are limited or nonexistent. Congress supports the awareness month and commits to promoting education about causes and prevention, backing research efforts, and improving health outcomes for women affected by these cancers. The resolution, introduced by Representatives Dingell and Bacon with support from organizations like the Foundation for Women's Cancer, calls on all Americans to learn more about gynecologic cancer risks. This is a symbolic measure with no direct funding or new programs attached.

The AACCENT Act establishes a federal grant program to create three geographically diverse National Resource Centers focused on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for people with significant expressive communication disabilities—those who cannot be understood through spoken words alone. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit partnerships led by people with communication disabilities, partnered with higher education institutions or professional associations, and guided by advisory councils composed entirely of individuals with these disabilities. The program will distribute up to $9 million annually per five-year grant period to centers that train educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other professionals on AAC tools and supports, with priority given to organizations with at least three years of AAC experience and meaningful involvement of AAC users in leadership. Congress authorizes $9 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support these centers' operations, coordination with federal agencies, and dissemination of information about augmentative and alternative communication services.

The Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act would prohibit the President, the Secretary of the Interior, and other federal officials from renaming any of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. The bill directly nullifies Executive Order 14422, which was issued on August 27, 2026, and renamed Lake Ontario as "Lake America," declaring that order to have no legal force or effect. The legislation also bans federal officials from issuing or implementing any similar executive orders or actions aimed at renaming the Great Lakes. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of any federal funds to carry out or enforce the renaming order or any substantially similar action. The bill affects federal government officials and agencies that might otherwise have authority to change official geographic names of these interstate waterways.

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.

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 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.

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.