The READ Act strengthens literacy instruction in American schools by amending federal grant programs to emphasize teaching methods grounded in cognitive science research, commonly called the "science of reading." The bill requires states receiving federal literacy grants to implement universal early reading screenings by third grade, provide evidence-based interventions like tutoring for struggling readers, and ensure teacher training aligns with scientific reading research that emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness, and comprehension. States must allocate at least 75 percent of grant funds to local schools and direct at least 15 percent toward early childhood programs, 40 percent to kindergarten through fifth grade, and 40 percent to grades six through twelve. The legislation mandates that states evaluate teacher preparation programs for alignment with reading science and guarantees that federal funding only supplements rather than replaces existing state and local spending. The bill also directs the Institute of Education Sciences to conduct research on effective reading instruction and requires states to report annually to the federal government on student screening rates, teacher professional development participation, and adoption of recommended instructional materials, with results made publicly available.

The Health Claim Denial Transparency Act requires group health plans to report detailed information about claim denials in their annual reports to the Department of Labor. Plans would need to disclose the total number of claims submitted, approved, and denied each year, along with breakdowns by type of claim including prescription drugs, mental health services, and cancer treatment. The reports must also include the reasons claims were denied, whether artificial intelligence was used in processing decisions, and the dollar amounts of claims paid versus denied. The regulation applies to all group health plans, including smaller plans with fewer than 100 participants, though plans receiving 20 or fewer claims in certain specialized categories can be exempted from reporting those specific numbers. The Department of Labor must develop and issue the required regulations within one year of the bill's enactment.

The Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Education, working with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to award competitive grants to partnerships for creating or expanding career and technical education programs focused on early childhood education. The grants would support various activities including classroom instruction, apprenticeships, educator recruitment and training, student support services like child care assistance and scholarships, and professional development for teachers and counselors. Eligible partnerships must include a school district or other educational institution plus at least one partner such as a college with early childhood programs, child care providers, Head Start programs, or local workforce boards. The bill gives priority to applicants in areas with child care shortages, those serving rural and urban communities, and those aligned with state early childhood goals. Each grant would last up to five years with a possible two-year extension, and recipients must submit annual reports tracking program performance and student outcomes.

The CREATES Act directs the Secretary of Labor to create a competitive grant program that provides states with funding to establish or improve credential repositories, which are centralized databases containing detailed information about educational and occupational credentials available in each state. States receiving grants will collect and organize data on credentials, training providers, program quality, costs, career pathways, and employment outcomes to help workers, employers, educators, and counselors make informed decisions. Individual states can receive grants of up to $10 million for three-year periods, with the Secretary required to decide on applications within 90 days, and each state may receive only one grant. The repositories must be publicly accessible, continuously updated, interoperable across states, and include searchable information on skills developed, job placement outcomes, return on investment, and industry alignment, while maintaining strict privacy protections to exclude personally identifiable information. The bill authorizes unspecified funding beginning in fiscal year 2028, with appropriated funds remaining available through September 30, 2029.

Extending WIC for New Moms ActThis bill amends the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to extend the eligibility periods for breastfeeding and postpartum women.Specifically, a state program may elect to certify a breastfeeding woman for up to 24 months (currently 1 year) postpartum. The bill also expands the eligibility period for postpartum women to up to 24 months after termination of pregnancy (currently 6 months).The Department of Agriculture must submit a report to Congress evaluating the effect of these changes to the program on (1) maternal and infant health outcomes, (2) breastfeeding rates, and (3) qualitative evaluations of family experiences under WIC.

Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026This bill authorizes and establishes procedures for federal courts to issue federal extreme risk protection orders. Additionally, the bill establishes grants to support the implementation of extreme risk protection order laws at the state and local levels, extends federal firearms restrictions to individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders, and expands related data collection.Extreme risk protection order laws, or red flag laws, generally allow certain individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers or family members) to petition a court for a temporary order that prohibits an at-risk individual from purchasing and possessing firearms.Among its provisions, the billauthorizes a family or household member, or a law enforcement officer, to petition for a federal extreme risk protection order with respect to an individual who poses a risk to themselves or others;directs the Department of Justice to establish a grant program to help states, local governments, Indian tribes, and other entities implement extreme risk protection order laws;extends federal restrictions on the receipt, possession, shipment, and transportation of firearms and ammunition to individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders; andrequires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to compile records from federal, tribal, and state courts and other agencies that identify individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 expands and modernizes domestic violence services nationwide by authorizing $270 million annually from 2027 through 2031 to support trauma-informed, culturally relevant prevention and intervention programs. The bill requires services be made free and universally accessible, removes income eligibility barriers, and allocates funding through a formula prioritizing tribal grants (12.5%), state grants (70%), and specialized programs including two new resource centers for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities. Key improvements include expanding the National Domestic Violence Hotline to include digital services and establishing a new tribal hotline, strengthening services for underserved populations, requiring culturally specific interventions, funding tribal domestic violence coalitions, and making shelter participation voluntary rather than conditional. The legislation also establishes multiple grant programs for prevention activities, technical assistance networks, and evidence-based strategies, while protecting victim confidentiality and prohibiting service provider discrimination.

H.Res. 760 is a symbolic resolution supporting the designation of September 22-26, 2025, as "National Hazing Awareness Week." The resolution acknowledges the serious problem of hazing on college campuses, noting that 55 percent of college students in clubs, athletics, and organizations report experiencing it, and that hundreds of students have died from hazing-related incidents over the past two decades. The resolution references the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which was signed into law in December 2024 and requires colleges to report hazing incidents and provide prevention education. While the resolution doesn't provide funding or create new requirements, it expresses the House's support for the awareness week and encourages broad hazing prevention efforts involving students, staff, faculty, and alumni. This is primarily a statement of Congressional priority rather than legislation that imposes new mandates or appropriates resources.

The PARA Educators Act establishes a federal grant program to help schools recruit and retain paraprofessionals—classroom aides and support staff—in public elementary and secondary schools as well as preschool programs. Under the bill, the Department of Education would distribute funding to states based on their share of federal education aid, and states would then award competitive subgrants to local school districts and educational agencies to support paraprofessional recruitment and retention efforts. Eligible uses of grant funds include establishing mentoring programs, providing professional development, helping paraprofessionals earn specialized certifications in areas like special education or English language instruction, and increasing paraprofessional wages or offering bonuses. Priority for funding goes to schools serving low-income students and rural areas. The bill requires states to submit annual reports tracking paraprofessional wages and employment numbers. While specific funding amounts are not detailed in the legislation, it authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

This resolution expresses congressional support for designating September 14–20, 2025, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week." The resolution draws attention to a significant national problem: nearly 59 million American adults lack basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, while approximately 21 million lack a high school credential and 20 million lack adequate English-language proficiency. The resolution emphasizes that adult literacy and family literacy programs have broad benefits—improving employment prospects, supporting children's educational success, and contributing to economic competitiveness and national security. Rather than allocating funding or creating new programs, this resolution simply calls on public, private, and nonprofit organizations to increase support and access to adult education and family literacy initiatives. The measure is primarily symbolic, designed to raise public awareness about the importance of these educational programs.

The Charting My Path for Future Success Act directs the Secretary of Education to reissue and re-award a contract for a program that helps students with disabilities succeed in school and life. The program trains educators to work with students on setting goals, developing action plans, and tracking progress toward those goals. As of January 2025, the program was operating in 62 high schools across 13 school districts, supporting approximately 1,600 students with 61 trained educators. The Secretary must complete the contract reissuance within 90 days of the law's enactment, and any future contract cancellation would require congressional approval. The bill does not specify new funding amounts but essentially requires the Department of Education to restart the contracting process for this existing special education initiative.

Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges ActThis bill allows funds awarded by the State Justice Institute to be used to establish, implement, and operate a judicial threat and intelligence resource center. The State Justice Institute is a private, nonprofit corporation established by federal law to support and improve the administration of justice in state courts.

The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act requires colleges and universities that receive federal education funding to develop and publicly post clear policies and information for expectant and parenting students. Colleges must disclose their leave-of-absence policies related to pregnancy and childbirth, lactation accommodations, and procedures for requesting accessibility accommodations. The bill also mandates that schools provide information about financial aid eligibility for student parents—including dependent care allowances and how leaves of absence affect aid eligibility—as well as available support services like childcare assistance, housing options, food programs, health care, and mental health services. Additionally, colleges must explain students' rights under federal laws, outline complaint procedures for pregnancy-related discrimination, and provide contact information for relevant campus offices. The legislation does not authorize new funding and would take effect upon passage.

The Clean Slate Act of 2025 would automatically seal certain federal criminal records and allow individuals to petition courts to seal records of other nonviolent convictions. Records would be automatically sealed for arrests that don't result in conviction, acquittals, marijuana offenses, and nonviolent federal crimes once sentences are completed (typically within one year), while individuals convicted of covered nonviolent offenses could request record sealing one year after finishing their sentence if they have no more than two prior nonviolent felonies. Once sealed, records are hidden from background checks and most public access, though law enforcement and courts retain access for investigations and specific employment screenings. The bill requires courts to hold hearings within 180 days, notify prosecutors and victims, and use free petition forms with fee waivers for those unable to pay, while also mandating annual public reports on petition outcomes broken down by race, ethnicity, and gender. The legislation, introduced by Representatives McBath and Moran in April 2025, aims to help individuals with criminal records reintegrate into society by removing employment barriers after they have demonstrated rehabilitation.

Assault Weapons Ban of 2025This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model.The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD:importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments;importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; andpossession by a retired law enforcement officer.The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties.The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD.Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture.The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.

Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act or the GOSAFE ActThis bill establishes a framework to regulate gas-operated semiautomatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices under federal firearms laws.First, the bill generally prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession ofa firearm that is or is modified to operate as a prohibited gas-operated semiautomatic firearm;a combination of parts that modify or can be assembled into a prohibited gas-operated semiautomatic firearm, or that produce an unlawful gas-operated semiautomatic cycling action;a device or combination of parts designed to materially increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm; ora firearm that is modified to materially increase the rate of fire.Second, the bill generally prohibits (1) the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or receipt of a large capacity ammunition feeding device; or (2) the possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after the date of enactment. A violation is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 12 months, or both, for each violation. In addition, an individual who possesses a prohibited gas-operated semiautomatic firearm during a federal felony offense is subject to additional penalties—a fine, a mandatory minimum prison term of two years, or both.Finally, the bill allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender gas-operated semiautomatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices under a buy-back program.

The Adult Education WORKS Act strengthens federal workforce development by establishing "college and career navigators" to guide adults through education and employment programs, with new accountability measures tracking credentials, employment, and skill gains. The bill expands adult education services by authorizing $135 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to fund navigators in public libraries and community organizations, while also increasing overall federal adult education funding from $810 million in 2026 to $1.35 billion by 2030. The legislation modernizes adult education by adding digital and information literacy as explicit program components and broadens program goals beyond economic self-sufficiency to include full participation in adult life. Additionally, the bill creates a five-year pilot program allowing states to test alternative performance measurement systems, with federal evaluation and sharing of best practices. These changes primarily affect adult learners, workforce development agencies, public libraries, and community-based organizations in underserved areas.

H.R. 1132 creates a new federal grant program directing the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to community colleges for developing high-quality workforce training programs in high-demand industries. The bill provides $65 million in annual funding from 2026 through 2031, with community colleges receiving initial four-year awards that can be renewed based on performance, and priority given to institutions serving disadvantaged workers and using competency-based assessment methods. Grant recipients must partner with employers, establish clear career pathways with portable credentials, provide support services to students, and limit administrative spending to 7 percent of funds while keeping equipment purchases to 15 percent. The Department of Labor will establish performance standards based on employment outcomes, completion rates, and worker advancement, conducting annual reviews and providing technical assistance to underperforming institutions, with a comprehensive evaluation required within four years. This bill aims to expand workforce development opportunities through community colleges while ensuring accountability and equitable access across different demographic groups.