In the nature of a substitute.

The Clean Elections Act would establish a new public financing system for federal elections allowing eligible voters to direct "democracy dollars" vouchers to participating candidates for Congress and President. Starting in 2030, voters would receive $100 per election cycle to contribute to candidates of their choice in $10 increments through a set window ending 10 days before Election Day. Participating candidates must meet contribution thresholds ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the office, agree to accept individual donations capped at declining limits ($1,000 down to $200), and limit their personal spending to $2,500 per election. The Federal Election Commission would distribute democracy dollars to candidate accounts within five business days, and the bill provides open-ended appropriations for the program while eliminating the existing presidential public financing system. The changes would take effect for federal elections after December 31, 2028.

The Protection of Kids in Immigrant Detention Act (PROKID Act) establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsperson for Immigrant Children in Immigration Custody within the Department of Health and Human Services to monitor and advocate for children detained or held by immigration authorities. The Ombudsperson will investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment; conduct frequent unannounced inspections of detention facilities; and work to ensure children are held in the least restrictive settings possible, with priority given to releasing children held with families within 72 hours of apprehension. The bill applies to all facilities where immigrant children are detained, including government facilities, private detention centers, and temporary emergency shelters. The Ombudsperson will have subpoena power, access to case files and facility records, and authority to make binding recommendations to immigration agencies. The legislation also requires the Office of Refugee Resettlement to collect and publicly publish detailed monthly data on immigrant children in custody, establishes an expert advisory committee to assist with compliance monitoring, and mandates coordination between the Ombudsperson and Department of Homeland Security. The bill does not specify dedicated funding but requires the Comptroller General to evaluate the memorandum of understanding between the Ombudsperson and Department of Homeland Security within two years of enactment.

# Summary of S. 5094: Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 This bill establishes an independent United States Immigration Courts system under Article I of the Constitution, removing immigration judges from the executive branch Department of Justice where they currently operate. The new court system would consist of three divisions: an appellate division with 21 judges appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, a trial division with immigration judges appointed by the appellate division, and an administrative division overseeing operations. Immigration judges would receive salaries equal to federal district court judges (appeals judges) or 92 percent thereof (trial judges), serve 15-year terms, and enjoy protections including removal only for cause after a hearing. The bill transfers all functions and personnel of the Executive Office for Immigration Review to the new independent court system and grants the immigration courts full budgetary independence—the court establishes its own budget without executive branch review. The courts would handle removal proceedings, asylum cases, bond determinations, and disciplinary matters for attorneys. Current immigration judges would be redesignated as "interim" judges during a four-year transition period, during which they may seek permanent appointment through a merit-based process. The legislation does not specify new funding but requires Congress to appropriate necessary funds for the independent court system. The bill becomes effective when at least three appellate judges have been appointed and either one full fiscal year passes after enactment (if that date is at least 180 days after passage) or two full fiscal years pass otherwise.

This bill allows employees to withdraw unused money from their employer-sponsored commuter benefits accounts as a one-time distribution without losing their tax benefits for future commuting expenses. Employees can take out up to the highest balance their account held between March 13, 2020 and the end of 2023, which was the period when many people stopped commuting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The withdrawn funds would be counted as taxable income for the year the distribution is made, but the account can continue to receive and use future commuter benefits tax-free. The bill applies to transportation fringe benefit accounts that allow unused monthly balances to carry forward to the next month. This legislation gives workers a way to access money that accumulated in these accounts during the pandemic when commuting patterns changed dramatically.

The Secure and Accountable Military AI Act of 2026 establishes comprehensive oversight and approval procedures for high-risk military artificial intelligence systems. The bill requires the Department of Defense to identify "high-consequence" AI applications—such as those used for nuclear weapons, lethal targeting, cyber operations, and autonomous weapons—and obtain written certification from senior Pentagon officials before deploying them, with advance notification to Congress at least 15 days before use (or within 48 hours in emergencies). Military AI contractors must report serious security incidents within 72 hours and other concerning AI behaviors within 7 days to the Department, which then informs Congress's Armed Services Committees. The bill also creates a special expedited congressional approval process for autonomous weapon systems outside limited exceptions, requiring the Secretary of Defense to petition Congress with a detailed classified justification, though approved systems expire after three years and must be recertified. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that high-risk military AI systems undergo rigorous testing and legal review before deployment while maintaining transparency and accountability to Congress and the public.

This bill establishes a new United States Commission on Hate Crimes to study the causes and prevention of hate crimes in America. The Commission will be composed of ten members appointed by congressional leaders and the Attorney General, with balanced representation from law enforcement and civil rights organizations, and will investigate factors contributing to hate crimes, including social media and technology, law enforcement policies to reduce these crimes, underreporting issues, and successful prevention efforts. The Commission must complete its investigation and submit a report to Congress and the President within one year of all members being appointed, after which it will dissolve. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to audit the FBI's hate crime data collection methods and accuracy within one year, comparing FBI data with information from civil rights organizations and the Bureau of Justice Statistics to identify improvements needed in how hate crimes are reported and tracked nationwide. The bill does not specify new funding amounts but authorizes the Commission's operations through its report deadline.

The MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act would repeal federal restrictions that currently prohibit the Department of Defense from using its funds and facilities to provide abortion care to service members. The bill would restore a previous policy that allowed military medical facilities to offer abortion services, affecting active duty military personnel, retirees, and their families who rely on military health care. The legislation would apply to all Defense Department medical facilities and would eliminate the current legal barriers preventing these facilities from performing abortions. No specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are included in the bill text. The measure was introduced in May 2026 by a bipartisan group of senators and was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Moms Matter Act establishes two federal grant programs to address maternal mental health and substance use disorders, with particular focus on communities experiencing higher rates of maternal mortality and health disparities. The first program provides $25 million annually from 2027 through 2031 to eligible organizations such as community health centers, nonprofits, hospitals, and tribal organizations to expand mental health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals. These grants can fund integrated care programs, prenatal and postpartum support groups, provider training on identifying mental health warning signs, stigma reduction efforts, and suicide prevention initiatives. The second program allocates $15 million annually for the same period to support education and training programs that grow and diversify the workforce of mental health professionals specializing in maternal care, with priority given to schools recruiting from racial and ethnic minority groups and training providers for underserved areas. Both programs require grant recipients to submit annual reports on their activities and outcomes, and the Department of Health and Human Services must report to Congress by 2030 and 2031 respectively on program effectiveness and recommendations for expanding evidence-based maternal mental health screening and treatment.

This bill would make it illegal for most civilians to purchase, own, or possess enhanced body armor, which is defined as armor that meets or exceeds certain ballistic protection standards set by the National Institute of Justice. The ban would apply to all civilian purchases and ownership going forward, though law enforcement officers, corrections officers, retired law enforcement officers, government agencies, and people who already owned such armor before the law takes effect would be exempt. Anyone who knowingly violates this prohibition could face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both. The legislation would amend federal firearms law to create this new criminal offense and was introduced in the Senate in May 2026, named after Aaron Salter Jr.

This bill expands workers' compensation benefits for civilian federal employees who were exposed to toxic burn pits while working overseas during military operations. The legislation creates a presumption that certain diseases listed by the Department of Veterans Affairs are automatically connected to burn pit exposure, eliminating the need for affected workers to prove the link between their illness and their job. Eligible employees include those from agencies like the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and intelligence community agencies who worked at least 30 days in countries where the U.S. was conducting military operations since August 1990. The list of covered diseases will initially match those already recognized for military veterans exposed to burn pits, and the Secretary of Labor must update this list within 90 days whenever the VA adds new diseases. The Secretary of Labor must also report to Congress within one year on how many civilian employees qualify for these new benefits.

This bill provides tax relief to families of public safety officers, including police, firefighters, and other first responders, who die in the line of duty. The legislation amends the tax code to allow death benefits and survivor annuities received by the families of deceased first responders to be excluded from federal income taxation. Specifically, it broadens the definition of who can receive these tax-free benefits to include all surviving beneficiaries rather than just dependents, and it expands coverage to include benefits from life insurance policies and benefit plans associated with the officer. The changes apply retroactively to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022, meaning families could potentially claim refunds for recent tax years. The bill has no specified new federal funding requirements, as it reduces tax revenue through expanded exclusions for an existing category of tax-exempt income.

The HUMBLE Presidents Act would prohibit sitting U.S. Presidents from having their names, images, likenesses, or signatures placed on federal buildings, property, or other government assets. The bill also extends this restriction to U.S. coins and currency, preventing sitting Presidents from appearing on these items except where already established by law. The legislation bans the use of federal funds to carry out any naming, decoration, or other use of a sitting President's identity on federal assets. The bill was introduced in the Senate in April 2026 and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, but contains no specific funding amounts or implementation timeline.

Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026This bill expands and modifies nutrition programs for older adults and adults with disabilities, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).Under the bill, a household's eligibility for SNAP benefits may be certified for 36 months if all adult household members are elderly or disabled, an increase from 24 months. The bill also expands the SNAP medical expense deduction and increases the minimum allotment for households with one and two persons.The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish an elderly simplified application program that allows a state to implement a streamlined SNAP application and certification process for households where all adult household members are elderly or disabled and have no earned income.The bill also directs USDA to authorize public-private partnerships between USDA, retail food stores participating in SNAP, and community-based organizations to provide free or low-cost food delivery under SNAP, including through the use of private funds.Further, the bill reauthorizes CSFP, provides additional funding for the program, and expands eligibility to include low-income adults with disabilities. CSFP benefits may also be certified for 36 months. Currently, benefits may be certified for not less than one year, but not more than three years.The bill also expands eligibility for the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to include adults with disabilities, provide a 36-month certification period, and include minimum and maximum benefit amounts.Under the bill, USDA must also establish various related grant programs.

This joint resolution blocks the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from withdrawing its 2023 rule against deceptive negative option marketing practices, commonly known as "negative option" scams where consumers are automatically charged recurring fees without clear consent. The rule, which was originally issued in January 2023, protects consumers from predatory practices like free trial offers that convert to paid subscriptions without explicit permission. The Bureau attempted to withdraw this consumer protection rule in May 2025, but this resolution prevents that withdrawal from taking effect, keeping the protections in place. If passed by both chambers of Congress, the resolution ensures the rule remains enforceable with no additional funding or implementation timeline needed, as it simply maintains an existing regulation.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted.The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

Voter Empowerment Act of 2026This bill expands voter registration and voting access.Specifically, the bill expands voter registration by requiring states to (1) make available online voter registration, (2) establish automatic voter registration systems, (3) permit same-day voter registration, and (4) accept voter registration applications from individuals under age 18.Further, the bill limits removing voters from voter rolls and prohibits interference with voter registration or voting.Next, the bill requires states to allow individuals with disabilities to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in federal elections.The bill also prohibits voter caging (the practice of sending mail to addresses on voter rolls, compiling a list of the undeliverable mail, and using the list to remove registered voters from voter rolls).Next, the bill expands voting access by requiring states to allow early voting and voting by mail without additional conditions. It also requires states to provide secured drop boxes at which individuals may drop off their completed absentee ballots.In addition, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any federal election shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence.Finally, the bill permanently reauthorizes the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). It also directs the EAC to make grants to states for specified activities, including to implement automatic voter registration systems.

The Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act of 2026 amends existing federal law to expand support for regional innovation initiatives focused on quantum information science and technology. The bill requires federal agencies—including the Department of Commerce and Department of Energy—to work together to help regions develop quantum capabilities through partnerships with universities, private industry, small businesses, and startups. It adds the Economic Development Administration to the federal subcommittee overseeing quantum research and directs agencies to address regional, national, and strategic challenges by supporting quantum-related entrepreneurship, education, and research capacity in specific geographic areas. While the bill text does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines, it strengthens coordination among federal agencies to develop quantum technology across different regions rather than concentrating efforts in a few locations. The legislation affects federal science agencies, regional economies with quantum industry potential, small businesses, universities, and ultimately benefits communities seeking to build competitive advantages in this emerging technology sector.

This bill would transition Puerto Rico from its current separate nutrition assistance block grant program to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the same program used in all 50 states. The legislation gives Puerto Rico up to 180 days to submit a transition plan to the Department of Agriculture, which must approve it within another 180 days, followed by congressional certification. During a transition period lasting up to five years, Puerto Rico would continue operating under its existing block grant while implementing SNAP, with the Agriculture Secretary required to submit annual reports on funding needs. The amendments take effect 10 years after enactment, and the bill authorizes whatever funding is necessary to support the transition. This change would make Puerto Rico residents eligible for the same federal nutrition assistance benefits as mainland Americans, addressing long-standing disparities in federal food aid to the territory.

This bill reforms the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program, which provides death, disability, and educational benefits to police officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel injured or killed in the line of duty, along with their families. It sets firm deadlines for the Bureau of Justice Assistance, requiring notification of missing claim information within 90 days and a final eligibility determination within 270 days after receiving complete documentation, with interim benefit payments required if that deadline is missed. The bill strengthens the Bureau's ability to obtain records from uncooperative public agencies by requiring subpoenas when requested information is not provided within 30 days, and it streamlines approval for claims already certified through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund or World Trade Center Health Program. It also mandates ongoing outreach to public safety officers and underserved agencies, annual audits by the Government Accountability Office of claims pending more than a year, and requires the Attorney General to implement prior GAO recommendations on program transparency and management within 180 days of enactment. Overall, the legislation aims to reduce lengthy claim backlogs and improve fairness and speed for officers and families awaiting benefits.

The Fair Legal Access Grants Act would establish a federal grant program to help people obtain extreme risk protection orders, which are court orders that temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. The bill directs the Attorney General to award grants to states, local governments, and tribal governments to provide legal representation, counsel, translation services, and information resources to people seeking these orders. Grant funds can also be used to hire legal coordinators, establish multilingual legal resource centers, support nonprofit legal aid organizations, and train law enforcement and court personnel on how extreme risk protection orders differ from domestic violence orders. The legislation authorizes $50 million in funding annually for five years, from 2027 through 2031, and includes a provision preventing federal courts from intervening in extreme risk protection order cases unless a petitioner has filed a false or harassing petition.

This bill requires the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to translate gun violence prevention materials into multiple languages so that people with limited English proficiency can understand and access these programs. Specifically, the legislation mandates that all federal gun violence prevention resources—including information about extreme risk protection orders and safe gun storage—be translated into at least the ten most commonly spoken languages in the U.S. other than English, with translations reviewed by community organizations before publication. The bill also directs the Attorney General to prioritize federal grant applications for gun violence reduction programs that demonstrate outreach plans to limited English proficient populations, and requires both agencies to develop public awareness campaigns focused on reaching non-English speakers. The legislation authorizes whatever funding is necessary to carry out these requirements in fiscal year 2027, with both departments required to report to Congress on how they spend the money.

The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 requires the Department of Transportation to establish new federal safety standards for side underride guards on trailers and trucks within 18 months, with manufacturers given 2 years to comply, designed to prevent passenger vehicles from sliding under trucks during crashes at speeds up to 40 mph while protecting motorcyclists and cyclists. The bill also directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to review crash fatality data within one year to identify underride crashes that may have been incorrectly reported by law enforcement and to create free web-based training for state and local officers within 18 months to improve how they identify and document these crashes. Together, these provisions aim to reduce deaths and injuries from underride accidents through both better physical protections on trucks and more accurate reporting of when these preventable crashes occur.