Nanette Barragán

This resolution expresses congressional support for designating September 22, 2026, as National Hispanic Nurses Day and recognizes the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as the leading organization representing Hispanic nurses in the United States. The resolution highlights the critical contributions Hispanic nurses make to the healthcare system, particularly in serving diverse communities and reducing healthcare disparities in underserved areas. It acknowledges that the National Association of Hispanic Nurses has operated since 1975 with chapters in 24 states and advocates for improved health outcomes in Hispanic communities. The resolution encourages Americans to observe the designated day with appropriate recognition activities and programs. This is a symbolic measure with no direct funding or implementation timeline beyond the designation of the specific date in 2026.

This resolution recognizes the Latino community's leadership and participation in outdoor recreation and conservation activities that protect U.S. natural resources. The bill expresses support for designating September 12 through September 20, 2026, as "Latino Conservation Week," building on an annual observance created by the Hispanic Access Foundation in 2014. The resolution highlights that Latino communities, representing 21 percent of the U.S. population, disproportionately experience environmental challenges while leading conservation efforts including hiking, camping, community cleanups, and tree plantings on public lands and waters. It also emphasizes that Latino communities often have limited access to parks and green spaces, particularly in urban areas, and calls for equitable planning and investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure. As a House resolution, this measure does not appropriate funding but expresses congressional support for the week-long celebration and Latino environmental leadership.

The Housing Tariff Exclusion Act addresses the nation's severe housing affordability crisis by creating a process to exempt home construction materials from tariffs, which currently add billions to building costs. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a streamlined system allowing U.S. builders and construction associations to request tariff exclusions on critical homebuilding products or materials with insufficient domestic supply, with decisions required within 15 to 60 days depending on request type. The law covers key construction materials including lumber, plywood, engineered wood products, and flat glass, and allows companies to seek refunds on tariffs already paid if exclusions are granted retroactively, up to 180 days after approval. Results of all exclusion requests must be published online and reported to Congress quarterly. The tariff exclusion authority expires on October 1, 2029, though any previously granted exclusions remain in effect beyond that date.

The Food for Thought Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to provide free meals to low-income college students at eligible institutions including community colleges, historically Black colleges and universities, and tribal colleges. Eligible students include those receiving Pell Grants, experiencing food or housing insecurity, receiving TANF benefits, and first-generation college students, with colleges able to offer between one and ten free meals per week to participating students. Participating institutions must meet federal nutritional standards, evaluate meal plan barriers, conduct outreach about other benefit programs like SNAP, and report on program outcomes. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to develop detailed nutritional standards within 120 days and to work with other federal agencies to assist colleges in building meal infrastructure and identifying eligible students, with progress reports due to Congress at two and four years after enactment. The program is authorized to receive whatever funding is necessary between fiscal years 2027 and 2032, and free meal benefits will not count against a student's eligibility for other federal financial aid.

This resolution expresses support for designating September 14 through 20, 2026, as "Interscholastic Athletic Administrators' Week" to recognize the contributions of school athletic administrators. The resolution acknowledges that over 8 million student athletes in the United States depend on these administrators for guidance, coaching, and mentorship, and highlights research showing that participation in school sports improves academic performance, mental health, leadership skills, and reduces youth violence. The resolution commends athletic administrators for their often long and unpredictable hours dedicated to ensuring student athlete safety and development, and also recognizes the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association for its role in preparing these professionals. This is a symbolic resolution with no funding requirements or direct policy impact, serving primarily to honor a profession during a designated week.

The 9-8-8 Community Infrastructure Act would authorize one billion dollars in federal grants to help build and renovate mental health and substance use crisis facilities. The grants would support two types of eligible organizations: existing federally funded health centers and new crisis facilities like crisis receiving and stabilization centers, mobile crisis response teams, and mental health urgent care facilities. These crisis facilities must operate 24/7, accept all patients regardless of ability to pay or prior treatment history, and maintain short average stays to ensure rapid response to emergencies. The funds can be used for construction, renovation, expansion, and related capital costs including financing for these projects. This legislation aims to expand the nation's crisis response infrastructure to support the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline by developing the physical facilities needed to provide immediate mental health interventions.

This bill, the Compassionate Care Act, aims to improve end-of-life care in the United States by strengthening advance care planning—the process where patients discuss and document their medical wishes for situations when they cannot make decisions themselves. The legislation affects patients, healthcare providers, hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and educational institutions. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to launch a five-year national public education campaign by January 2027 to inform Americans about advance care planning rights and options, establish a provider website with training resources by January 2028, create a pilot program for medical and nursing schools to teach end-of-life care by 2027, and develop quality measures for end-of-life care across different healthcare settings. The bill also expands Medicare coverage of telehealth for advance care planning services and hospice consultations, making these services permanently available regardless of location. Additionally, it directs studies on establishing a national advance directive registry and uniform advance directive policies to make documents more portable across state lines. The legislation authorizes necessary appropriations but does not specify funding amounts, with implementation timelines ranging from 2027 through 2029.

Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026This bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover dental and oral health services for adults. It also increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for such services.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must develop oral health quality and equity measures and conduct outreach relating to such coverage. Additionally, the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission must report on specified information relating to adult oral health care.

Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act This bill modifies dental coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the bill prohibits lifetime or annual limits on CHIP dental coverage. It also requires states to offer dental-only supplemental coverage under CHIP to children who have other health insurance but are otherwise eligible for CHIP (i.e., wraparound coverage); such coverage is currently at the option of the state.

Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental and oral health services, including routine diagnostic and preventive services, basic and major dental services, and emergency care; dental prostheses are also covered. Currently, such services are excluded from Medicare coverage.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, which is observed in June. The resolution highlights the significant public health impact of Alzheimer's disease, noting that nearly 7 million Americans currently live with the condition, with projections reaching 13 million by 2050, and that it is the seventh leading cause of death overall and the fifth leading cause for people aged 65 and older. The resolution emphasizes that caregiving for Alzheimer's patients creates substantial emotional and financial burdens, affecting over 13 million unpaid caregivers and costing society an estimated $409 billion annually, while also noting that health disparities exist for Black, Latino, and Asian American communities. The resolution calls on Americans to educate themselves about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, advocate for research and support services, and provide assistance to individuals and families affected by these conditions. This is a symbolic measure with no direct funding or policy changes, designed to raise awareness during June's designated awareness month.

# Summary The Next Generation Shipping Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program that provides financial support to develop and deploy zero-emission vessels and upgrade existing ships with clean technology, charging stations, and fueling infrastructure. Eligible applicants include ship owners and operators, manufacturers, ports, academic institutions, and labor organizations that provide maritime training. The program will offer grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees, with priority given to projects that reduce costs, improve efficiency, support workforce training, use project labor agreements, and benefit communities affected by maritime transport. The legislation authorizes one billion dollars annually from 2027 through 2036 and explicitly prohibits funding for automated vessels or cargo handling systems. An advisory committee composed of federal agencies, labor representatives, environmental organizations, researchers, port authorities, and industry representatives will meet at least twice yearly to evaluate technology gaps and recommend priorities for the program.

Access to Innovative Treatments Act of 2026This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to review adverse national coverage determinations of drugs under Medicare within 30 days of receiving a request to do so.Specifically, the CMS must review within 30 days any denials or limitations of coverage that are inconsistent with the drug's approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill's requirements do not apply if the CMS already conducted such a review within a two-year period.The bill also prohibits the CMS from applying prior coverage determinations that were made for drugs before they were approved by the FDA if such determinations are inconsistent with the drug's approval.

H.Res. 1150 is a ceremonial resolution that honors Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces (FANK) for their military contributions during the Vietnam War era and their support of U.S. armed forces in Southeast Asia. The resolution acknowledges the FANK's role in combating communism, providing critical intelligence to American forces, and helping evacuate U.S. Embassy personnel from Phnom Penh in April 1975, as well as the devastating toll of the subsequent Khmer Rouge genocide, which killed an estimated 1.5 to 3 million people including many FANK members and their families. It recognizes the trauma experienced by FANK veterans and Cambodian refugees who resettled in the United States, along with their contributions to their communities and the country through service in nonprofits, government, and various professions. This resolution carries no funding or specific timeline requirements, as it is primarily a symbolic gesture of congressional recognition and gratitude rather than legislation that creates new programs or appropriates money.

This resolution recognizes there is an immediate need to equip pregnant Latinas and families with preventative tools and knowledge relating to air pollution and heat exposure and supports a variety of resources to support pregnant women and families.

The Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to launch a nationwide public education campaign on artificial intelligence within 180 days of enactment. The campaign will inform Americans about how AI is used in their daily lives, teach people to understand AI's capabilities and limitations, and help them make informed decisions about AI products and services. The Secretary will coordinate with federal agencies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology and will work to reach diverse audiences through multiple channels—including television, radio, websites, and social media—in multiple languages. The bill requires the campaign to include specific guidance on detecting manipulated media (like deepfakes), protecting personal data, identifying AI-enabled scams (with targeted outreach to vulnerable populations like seniors), and exploring AI career opportunities, with special attention to the needs of small business owners and different regions. The campaign will run for five years, with annual updates and reports to Congress, but the bill includes no new federal funding—meaning the effort will use existing resources within the Commerce Department.

This bill creates federal funding and technical assistance programs to help faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, and local governments build and preserve affordable rental housing on their properties. The legislation establishes two main initiatives: a technical assistance program offering resources and guidance on affordable housing development, and a competitive grant program awarding funds to states and local governments that have policies removing barriers to housing construction on religious and educational properties. The bill prioritizes housing for low-income families, homeless individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. Funding includes $25 million for technical assistance in 2026 and $10 million annually through 2031, plus $50 million per year in competitive grants from 2026 through 2031, with up to 10 percent available for administrative costs.

The Returning Home Act establishes a federal grant program to provide rental assistance and supportive services to individuals reentering communities after incarceration. The program, administered by the Attorney General in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, will offer up to 24 months of rental assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals at risk of homelessness, along with services like housing counseling, employment assistance, mental health treatment, and case management. Grantees must spend at least 60 percent of funding on direct rental assistance and can allocate up to 15 percent for financial incentives to landlords willing to accept tenants in the program. The legislation authorizes $100 million annually in federal funding and prioritizes grants to organizations using a "housing first" approach and serving populations disproportionately affected by incarceration and homelessness. The Attorney General must evaluate the program's effectiveness within two years of its enactment.

The Yes in God's Backyard Act creates federal programs to help faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, and local governments develop affordable rental housing on their properties. The bill establishes a technical assistance program to provide guidance on converting unused property into affordable housing and a competitive grant program offering up to $50 million annually to states and local governments that remove zoning and regulatory barriers to such development. Priority is given to projects serving low-income households, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations, particularly in well-resourced neighborhoods. The legislation authorizes $25 million in 2026 and $10 million annually through 2031 for technical assistance, plus $50 million per year from 2026 through 2031 for challenge grants to eligible communities. This initiative aims to increase the supply of affordable rental housing by leveraging property and community connections of faith institutions and educational institutions.

The Vaccine Transportation Access Act authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to nonprofit community organizations for removing transportation barriers to vaccine access in low-income and minority communities. Qualified organizations can use these grants to provide prescheduled or on-demand transportation to and from vaccination sites, as well as "first and last mile" services that connect people to public transit or directly to appointments where transit isn't available. Grant recipients must submit performance reports within six months of completing their projects, and the Secretary must provide annual reports to Congress summarizing program outcomes. The bill also amends Medicaid to cover vaccine-related nonemergency transportation at 100 percent federal cost. While the legislation does not specify a dollar amount, it authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" to fund the program and requires grants to run for at least six months.

H.R. 6614, the Chemical Disaster Prevention Act, prevents the EPA from reconsidering, revising, or replacing a 2024 rule that requires chemical facilities to implement safety measures to prevent accidental releases of hazardous substances. The bill freezes this environmental and safety regulation in place for nearly four years, from its enactment through January 20, 2029, blocking any EPA attempts to weaken or modify the accident prevention requirements. The legislation affects chemical manufacturers, refineries, and other industrial facilities that handle hazardous chemicals and must comply with the risk management program standards. There is no new federal funding authorized in the bill, as it simply prevents regulatory changes rather than establishing new programs. The bill was introduced by Representative Barragán in December 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Climate Justice Grants Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a grant program to assist tribal governments, local governments, nonprofits, or community-based organizations in addressing issues relating to climate justice and carrying out activities that address climate justice concerns of environmental justice communities. Environmental justice communities refers to any population of color, community of color, indigenous community, or low-income community that experiences a disproportionate burden of the negative human health and environmental impacts of pollution or other environmental hazards.

The Clean Water Justice Act increases criminal penalties for violations of federal water pollution laws. Specifically, it raises the maximum fines that can be imposed for breaking the Clean Water Act from $5,000, $50,000, and $100,000 to $25,000, $250,000, and $500,000 respectively, depending on the type and severity of violation. The bill also requires the Environmental Protection Agency to adjust these penalty amounts annually based on inflation, ensuring that fines keep pace with rising costs. The legislation applies to companies, individuals, and entities that illegally pollute waterways or violate Clean Water Act requirements. By increasing enforcement penalties, the bill aims to deter water pollution violations and ensure that environmental crimes carry more serious financial consequences.

The Healthcare Education in AI Literacy Act directs the federal government to establish a competitive grant program that funds medical schools and residency training institutions to teach medical students, residents, and faculty how to use artificial intelligence in clinical practice. Grant recipients can receive up to $100,000 per year to develop curricula and training on topics including AI-assisted diagnostics, ethical considerations like algorithmic bias and patient privacy, and practical applications in medical decision-making, with priority given to institutions serving medically underserved communities. Recipients must submit annual reports on their progress and make educational materials publicly available, with no more than 10 percent of grant funds used for administrative costs. The bill authorizes $1 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund this program through the Health Resources and Services Administration.

H.R. 5840, the "Feed the Community Act," expands tax incentives for charitable donations by allowing businesses to receive enhanced tax deductions when donating food-related equipment and vehicles to nonprofits that feed communities in need. Currently, only donated food inventory receives these favorable tax treatments; this bill extends the same benefits to donations of food storage equipment (such as commercial refrigerators and shelving), food transportation vehicles (delivery trucks and vans), and meal transport and preparation equipment (warming boxes, industrial ovens, and food-sealing machinery). The bill caps tax deductions at $500 per year for meal transport equipment and $15,000 per year for meal preparation equipment, while limiting the overall deduction reduction to no more than 25 percent of the equipment's fair market value. The changes take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, and are intended to incentivize businesses to donate equipment to food banks, meal delivery programs, and other nonprofits serving low-income individuals and communities.