This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto, a Puerto Rican Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War and passed away in October 2024 at age 87. Barreto completed five consecutive voluntary combat tours in Vietnam, participated in over 200 combat missions, and earned 38 military decorations including two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with valor devices. The bill highlights his exceptional heroism during Operation Carentan II in May 1968, when he single-handedly neutralized enemy machine gun positions and bunkers while protecting his fellow soldiers. The legislation waives the normal time limitations for Medal of Honor nominations, which typically must be made within a specific timeframe after the acts of valor occur. Beyond his military service, Barreto spent decades working as a veterans' counselor helping fellow veterans with post-traumatic stress and substance abuse.

H.R. 9246, the Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act, establishes a framework for Puerto Rico voters to choose between three political status options—independence, statehood, or free association with the United States—through a series of plebiscites and related processes. The bill requires the Elections Commission to conduct nonpartisan voter education campaigns addressing international representation, citizenship, and federal programs, with the Attorney General overseeing ballot design and educational materials. If voters choose independence, the bill sets a timeline for drafting a new constitution, electing independent nation officers, and ending U.S. sovereignty within approximately 30 months; if statehood is chosen, the President must admit Puerto Rico as a fully equal state within one year; and if free association is selected, Puerto Rico would draft a new constitution ratified by voters within two years while maintaining certain federal protections. The legislation authorizes federal funding for the plebiscites and voter education, allows international election observers, and protects existing federal benefits for veterans and Social Security recipients during any transition period, though other federal transfer payments would be converted into declining block grants to Puerto Rico's government over a 10-year period.

The Disaster Aid Without Delay Act of 2026 prevents the Secretary of Homeland Security from creating dollar-amount rules that delay or block disaster relief payments through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The bill prohibits policies that would require additional approval or conditions based on fixed dollar thresholds before disaster funds can be distributed to affected communities. The legislation applies to assistance provided under the federal Stafford Act, which governs how the government responds to major disasters and emergencies. By eliminating arbitrary monetary barriers, the bill aims to ensure that disaster relief reaches people and communities more quickly without bureaucratic delays. No specific funding appropriations or implementation timelines are included in the bill text.

The AI Cyber Grid Protection Resilient Development Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to help National Laboratories and colleges and universities develop advanced testing facilities that simulate cyberattacks on the electrical grid using artificial intelligence. The bill authorizes $100 million in funding across fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these efforts, which aim to safely train AI models that can protect critical power infrastructure from future threats. The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must launch the grant program within 180 days of enactment and submit annual reports to Congress on evolving cyber threats and progress in developing defensive strategies. Eligible recipients include public universities, community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Department of Energy National Laboratories, either individually or as partnerships. This legislation responds to growing concerns about potential large-scale cyberattacks targeting the nation's electrical grid by investing in research and preparedness tools.

The International AI Energy Grid Modernization Strategy Act directs the Secretary of State to develop and coordinate a global strategy for using artificial intelligence to modernize electrical grids worldwide. The bill addresses challenges facing aging power infrastructure—including vulnerability to cyberattacks, extreme weather, and natural disasters—by promoting international partnerships, research, and deployment of AI technologies that can monitor grids in real-time, predict maintenance needs, detect cyber threats, and integrate renewable energy sources. The strategy will involve collaboration with allied countries, academic institutions, and private companies, with particular emphasis on providing equitable access to developing and disaster-prone regions and building local technical capacity through workforce training. The Secretary of State must report to Congress within 540 days of enactment and annually thereafter for five years on progress made, including partnerships established, technologies developed, pilot project outcomes, and measurable improvements to grid resilience, while ensuring all activities comply with U.S. export control laws and do not involve classified military information. The bill does not specify a funding amount, leaving appropriations to be determined through separate congressional action.

The Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act directs the Secretary of the Army to evaluate Puerto Rico's water and wastewater systems to identify modernization needs and vulnerabilities. Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Army Corps of Engineers must assess current infrastructure conditions, review ongoing federally authorized projects, and determine what improvements are needed to protect the island against natural disasters, droughts, and system failures. The legislation requires the Corps to submit a detailed report to Congress that includes recommendations for better coordination between federal and local agencies to speed up project completion. The bill affects Puerto Rico's residents and the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, which will be consulted during the assessment. While the bill itself does not specify direct funding amounts, it establishes a framework for prioritizing infrastructure improvements through coordinated federal action.

H.R. 7179, the Historic Infrastructure Management and Jobs Training Act, would establish a competitive grant program to fund workforce training and apprenticeships in historic preservation and conservation. The program would support training in specialized skills needed to preserve historic buildings and cultural resources, such as historic masonry, timber framing, decorative finishes, and archaeological conservation. Eligible recipients include state and local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and educational institutions, with priority given to projects serving areas with high unemployment or limited preservation expertise, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Grant recipients would be required to report on outcomes such as the number of workers trained and certifications earned. The bill does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines in the text provided.

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study how artificial intelligence can improve administrative tasks in health care while protecting patient privacy. The study—due within 18 months of the bill's enactment—will examine AI strategies for reducing burdens like scheduling, claims processing, prior authorization, and documentation, while also evaluating how AI can secure patient data against cyberattacks and comply with privacy regulations. The Secretary must consult with a range of stakeholders including hospitals, AI developers, privacy experts, and civil rights organizations to develop comprehensive findings. Within six months of completing the study, HHS must report to Congress with recommendations for future research, pilot programs, and policy options for overseeing AI deployment in health care settings. The bill aims to address health care provider burnout and rising administrative costs by identifying promising AI applications while establishing safeguards for patient information.

The Save Animals Through Operational Shelters Act of 2025 creates a federal grant and loan program to help rural communities build and improve animal care facilities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will distribute up to $10 million annually to eligible organizations—including state and local governments, Native American tribes, and nonprofits—to construct or expand animal shelters, adoption centers, veterinary clinics, spay and neuter facilities, and emergency shelters in rural areas. The federal government will cover up to 75 percent of project costs, with higher federal support for facilities in poorer or smaller communities. The program also provides grants for technical assistance and training to help organizations plan and manage these facilities. The Department must finalize rules within 180 days and begin accepting applications within one year, with biennial reports to Congress on program results and geographic distribution of funds.

H.Res. 946 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Rita Moreno, the pioneering Puerto Rican-American actress and performer born in 1931. The resolution recognizes her historic achievements, including becoming the first Latina woman to win an Academy Award for "West Side Story" in 1962 and achieving EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award—along with numerous other prestigious honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Kennedy Center Honors. Beyond her entertainment career, the resolution celebrates Moreno's advocacy for women's rights, civil rights, and equity in the arts, as well as her role in breaking down racial and gender barriers in Hollywood. The House of Representatives formally commends her lifelong contributions to American culture and calls on the nation to honor her legacy as a cultural icon whose journey exemplifies the American dream. This resolution has no direct fiscal impact or implementation requirements, as it is a symbolic measure expressing congressional recognition rather than legislation that establishes programs or allocates funding.

The Puerto Rico Postal Equity Act of 2025 requires the U.S. Postal Service to fix its address systems to properly recognize and deliver mail to addresses in Puerto Rico, particularly by supporting Spanish-language characters like accent marks and tildes that are part of proper place names and streets. Within 180 days of the law's enactment, the Postmaster General must update postal systems to identify problem areas where mail frequently goes undelivered, correct address records and routing information, and enable the systems to handle Puerto Rico's unique addressing conventions. The bill directs the Postal Service to consult with the Census Bureau, Puerto Rico's Planning Board, and local governments while gathering data on delivery failures and address validation issues. The Postmaster General must report to Congress one year after enactment and annually for three years afterward on progress made and any obstacles encountered. The legislation requires no new federal funding, as the Postal Service must implement these changes using its existing budget.

This bill directs the federal Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive study of gender-based violence in Puerto Rico, examining its prevalence, causes, and impacts across the island's communities. The study will assess how cultural norms, poverty, economic conditions, infrastructure challenges, and disasters like hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to violence, while also evaluating the effectiveness of current government responses, law enforcement practices, and local organization efforts. The Comptroller General must actively involve Puerto Rican women's groups, LGBTQ+ advocates, survivors, and academic researchers in designing and interpreting the research, and will deliver an interim report within 270 days and a final report within 540 days of the bill's enactment. The final report, published in both English and Spanish, will include recommendations for improving data systems, balancing prevention education with structural reforms, and enhancing coordination between federal and local agencies to address this public health and human rights crisis.

H.R. 6030, the Puerto Rico Substance Use and Health Data Collection Act, requires Puerto Rico to be included in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health starting in fiscal year 2026. Currently, the survey only covers the 50 states and the District of Columbia, leaving Puerto Rico without comparable federal data collection on substance use and related health issues. The bill expands this annual survey to include Puerto Rico, which will help policymakers, public health officials, and researchers better understand drug use patterns and health trends in the territory. This change will enable Puerto Rico to access the same epidemiological data and evidence-based insights that mainland states use to develop treatment programs and public health strategies. The legislation does not specify additional funding amounts, though it implicitly requires resources to extend survey operations to Puerto Rico.

Medicare Advantage Integrity Act of 2025This bill temporarily establishes geographic adjustments for certain Medicare Advantage payment formulations, and specifies that a certain percentage of corresponding payment increases must be directed toward payments for basic benefits.

The Net Metering Protection Act would prevent federal entities from blocking states and electric utilities from implementing net metering standards. Net metering is a billing practice that allows owners of solar panels and other renewable energy systems to receive credits for excess electricity they send back to the grid. The bill protects the right of state regulators and non-regulated utilities to adopt and enforce these net metering policies without interference from federally established commissions or boards. This legislation essentially preserves state authority over net metering decisions and supports consumers and businesses that have invested in distributed renewable energy systems. No specific funding or implementation timeline is outlined in the bill's text.

H.R. 5432 requires the federal Comptroller General to conduct comprehensive studies of how two major energy companies—LUMA Energy and Genera PR—are operating Puerto Rico's electric system, with particular focus on their management decisions and how those decisions affect project execution, federal disaster recovery efforts, and grid improvement projects. The bill affects Puerto Rico residents and federal agencies involved in the island's energy recovery and modernization efforts following recent disasters. The Comptroller General must submit an initial report to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment, then annually thereafter, examining operations dating back to June 2021, and must include specific recommendations for strengthening oversight of these companies, improving coordination between federal and local authorities, and ensuring federal funds are used efficiently. The legislation aims to identify obstacles to effective federal funding and grid resilience work while proposing concrete steps to increase accountability and accelerate energy infrastructure improvements in Puerto Rico.

H.R. 5395, the Disaster Relief Disbursement Accountability Act, amends federal disaster relief law to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to disburse disaster aid funds to eligible recipients as quickly as possible after projects are approved. The bill affects states, local governments, and other entities that receive federal disaster assistance through programs like hazard mitigation grants and public assistance following major disasters or emergencies. To track disbursement speed, the legislation requires aid recipients to report to FEMA how long it typically takes them to pass funds along to subrecipients, with initial reports due within one year for existing disasters and annual reports thereafter for future disasters. FEMA must then summarize this data in reports to Congress starting three years after the bill's enactment and annually afterward. The bill contains no specific funding authorization but aims to improve the speed of disaster relief payments to communities recovering from emergencies.

H.Res. 724 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the eighth anniversary of Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands in September 2017. The resolution acknowledges the hurricane's severe impacts, including over 4,000 deaths, the longest electrical blackout in U.S. history lasting 11 months, and an estimated $115 billion in damages that displaced approximately 130,000 people. It also highlights ongoing vulnerabilities, including continued power outages from subsequent hurricanes and delays in federal recovery funding despite FEMA allocating over $23 billion and HUD providing more than $20 billion in disaster recovery assistance. The resolution calls on federal agencies to expedite the distribution of recovery funds and urges Congress and the Administration to invest in resilient infrastructure improvements, particularly modernizing Puerto Rico's electrical grid and strengthening healthcare capacity. As a House resolution rather than legislation, this measure does not create new programs or funding but expresses the chamber's recognition of the disaster's lasting impact and support for continued recovery efforts.

This bill would transition Puerto Rico from its current separate nutrition assistance program to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the same program used in all 50 states. Puerto Rico would have 180 days to submit a transition plan to the Secretary of Agriculture, who would provide technical assistance and must approve or reject the plan within another 180 days. During a transition period of up to five years, Puerto Rico could continue operating under its current block grant system while moving toward full SNAP participation. After the transition period ends, Puerto Rico would be treated as a state under federal nutrition assistance law. The bill also ensures that American Samoa continues receiving its nutrition assistance funding during and after Puerto Rico's transition. The amendments take effect 10 years after the bill is signed into law, allowing time for planning and implementation.

The Puerto Rico BEACHES Act directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study examining how coastal erosion—including the loss of beaches, dunes, and wetlands—affects tourism, fishing, and other businesses throughout Puerto Rico's coastal regions. The study will require coordination with local Puerto Rico agencies, including the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the Department of Economic Development, and the Tourism Company. The Comptroller General's final report to Congress must include recommendations for addressing environmental factors harming coastal businesses and strategies to help industries cope with erosion-related challenges. The bill does not specify funding amounts or a deadline for completion, leaving those details to be determined through the appropriations process. This legislation essentially authorizes a fact-finding effort to understand the economic impact of coastal erosion on Puerto Rico and identify potential solutions.

This bill converts an existing executive order into permanent law by requiring all federal agencies to develop plans ensuring that people with limited English proficiency (LEP) can meaningfully access government programs and services. Agencies must create these plans within 120 days and submit them to the Department of Justice for a central repository, while also publishing them on their websites in accessible formats. For agencies that distribute federal funding to other organizations, they must create tailored guidance for those recipients on how to provide language access in compliance with existing civil rights laws. The legislation requires agencies to consult with LEP individuals, community organizations, and service providers for at least 60 days when developing their plans to ensure the approach is practical, cost-effective, and responsive to local needs. The bill does not specify new funding but directs existing federal resources toward implementing these language access requirements across government programs and activities.

The Coastal Drone Surveillance and Interdiction Assessment Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to evaluate how drones could be used to strengthen border security and combat drug smuggling along U.S. coastlines and in remote areas. Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, DHS must submit a detailed assessment to Congress examining the effectiveness, risks, and potential of drone deployment, with particular attention to major drug trafficking routes and hard-to-reach communities. The assessment will be conducted in consultation with other relevant federal agencies that DHS deems appropriate. The bill does not authorize new drone programs or allocate specific funding; rather, it mandates a study to inform future policy decisions about coastal security and drug interdiction efforts.

This bill creates a task force within the Executive Office of the President to address Puerto Rico's energy generation crisis by improving coordination among federal and local agencies. The task force will include representatives from the Department of Energy, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, Puerto Rico's Energy Office, and key energy sector entities including the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau, LUMA Energy, and Genera PR. The group must meet at least monthly to identify energy problems, develop solutions, and ensure efficient collaboration across all involved organizations. The task force head will submit progress reports to Congress every six months, starting within 90 days of the bill's enactment, detailing identified problems, proposed solutions, implementation timelines, and responsible parties. The bill does not specify new federal funding but aims to streamline existing resources and coordination to address Puerto Rico's ongoing power generation challenges.

The TRICARE Equality Act improves healthcare access for military beneficiaries in Puerto Rico by bringing the territory's benefits in line with those available in the 50 states. Specifically, the bill requires the Defense Department to designate TRICARE Prime coverage areas in Puerto Rico using the same method as other states, expand travel and transportation allowances for eligible Puerto Rico residents, and coordinate health information sharing between federal military health records and Puerto Rico's health department. The legislation affects military members, retirees, and their families living in Puerto Rico who currently face geographic barriers to accessing TRICARE services. The bill requires the Defense Secretary to report progress on these changes within 180 days of enactment, but does not specify additional funding amounts needed for implementation.

H.Res. 276 is a resolution that raises awareness about colorectal cancer's disproportionate impact on Hispanic communities in the United States. The resolution highlights that Hispanic men and women have higher rates of colorectal cancer deaths compared to other groups, yet Hispanics are screened for the disease at lower rates than non-Hispanic White adults—49 percent versus 58 percent of eligible populations. The bill recognizes March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and calls on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand research into why screening disparities exist and develop strategies to eliminate them, while also encouraging the National Institutes of Health to study factors contributing to elevated colorectal cancer risk in young adults. The resolution does not authorize any funding or establish specific timelines, as resolutions are symbolic measures that express congressional support rather than create binding policy. It primarily aims to encourage public awareness, individual action to seek screening, and federal agencies to address these health disparities affecting the Hispanic community.