Budget

Congressional Budget Office Scheduling Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2025

Congressional Budget Office Scheduling Reform Act This bill requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to annually publish a schedule of the expected publication dates of its major recurring reports. The schedule must must include, at a minimum, the expected publication dates for the baseline for the budget year and subsequent updates, the report on options to reduce the deficit, the report on the accuracy of budgetary projections for the most recently completed fiscal year, and the report on programs or activities with unauthorized appropriations. CBO must (1) publish the schedule on its public website no later than December 31 of each year, and (2) update the schedule during the following calendar year as necessary.  

CBO Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2025

CBO Oversight Act This bill requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide testimony annually at hearings held by the House and Senate Budget Committees. Specifically, at the request of the chair of either committee, the Director must provide testimony at two hearings held by the committee by the end of the calendar year. The hearings may address any issue that the committee deems appropriate, including reviewing the accuracy of the baseline projections and estimates prepared by CBO during the most recently completed fiscal year.

Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2025

Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act This bill rescinds certain unobligated funds that were provided to address COVID-19 and requires the funds to be used for deficit reduction.  Specifically, the bill rescinds unobligated funds that were provided by  the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021; Divisions M and N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act; the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act); the Families First Coronavirus Response Act; and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. Funds rescinded by this bill must remain in the Treasury to be used for the sole purpose of deficit reduction. The bill allows the President to waive the required rescission for an account or program if a notice waiving the rescission for the account or program is submitted to the House Budget Committee and the Senate Finance Committee no later than 60 days after the enactment of this bill.

Non-Essential Workers Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2025

Non-Essential Workers Transparency Act This bill requires federal agencies to submit reports to Congress regarding employees who were furloughed during a lapse in appropriations (i.e, government shutdown), the total number of employees, and the cost of salaries.  Specifically, each federal agency must submit a report to specified congressional committees within 30 days of the end of a lapse in appropriations. The report must include specified details regarding the total number of employees (including contract employees) employed by the agency before the lapse began, the total number of employees who were furloughed during the lapse, the total number of employees who were not furloughed during the lapse, and  the total annual cost of the salaries for each group of employees.  The report must be submitted in an unclassified form, but it may include a classified annex. Each congressional committee that receives a report must publish the report on its website within 30 days.  The bill also requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to submit a report to Congress regarding the economic effects of each lapse in appropriations. CBO must submit the report within 30 days of the end of a lapse in appropriations and make the report available on its website. 

Combatting Money Laundering in Cyber Crime Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2025

Combatting Money Laundering in Cyber Crime Act of 2025 This bill expands the investigative authority of the U.S. Secret Service, extends reporting requirements related to public-private information sharing, and requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate existing requirements to combat money laundering and related crimes. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Secret Service to investigate money laundering and structured transactions (i.e., structuring currency transactions to evade currency reporting requirements). Additionally, the bill extends the requirement for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to report on the efforts of the FinCEN Exchange. The FinCEN Exchange is a voluntary public-private information sharing partnership among law enforcement agencies, national security agencies, financial institutions, and FinCEN to combat money laundering and related crimes, including the financing of terrorism. The bill also extends the requirement for the U.S. executive director at the International Monetary Fund to support the increased use of the fund's administrative budget to help members prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The requirement expires on December 20, 2025. Finally, the bill directs the GAO to report on implementation of provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 that expanded information sharing with tribal authorities and expanded reporting requirements related to money laundering and terrorist financing. The GAO must focus on evaluating the ability of law enforcement to identify and deter money laundering in cybercrimes.

A resolution extending the enforcement of certain budgetary points of order in the Senate.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2025

This resolution extends authorities related to the enforcement of several budget points of order in the Senate through FY2027. Budget points of order are used to enforce congressional budget procedures and substantive provisions of a congressional budget resolution (e.g., spending allocations). If a Senator successfully raises a budget point of order against legislation, further consideration of the legislation is generally prohibited unless the Senate waives the budget point of order.  A motion to waive most budget points of order in the Senate requires an affirmative vote of three-fifths of all Senators duly chosen and sworn (60 votes if there are no vacancies). This resolution extends provisions that require this three-fifths vote of the Senate to waive several specified budget points of order.  

Of inquiry requesting the President to transmit certain information to the House of Representatives referring to the firings, dismissal, reduction in force, or withholding of pay for the period of the lapse in appropriations of furloughed employees of the United States Government.

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2025

This resolution requests that the President submit certain information to Congress regarding a reduction in force or the withholding of pay due to the lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown) that began on October 1, 2025. Specifically, the resolution requests that the President submit to Congress any and all documents and communications related to any proposed reduction in force at a federal agency related to the lapse in appropriations, efforts to create a legal determination at the Office of Management and Budget finding or suggesting that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 does not create a self-executing requirement that furloughed federal employees must receive pay for the period in which they were furloughed during a lapse in appropriations immediately after the lapse in appropriations ends, and efforts or plans to withhold pay for the period of the lapse of appropriations for excepted or furloughed federal or District of Columbia employees. The resolution also requests that the President submit to Congress any documents or communications between the President's office, the Vice President's office, the Office of Personnel Management, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Special Counsel, and the Merit System Protection Board regarding these topics. 

No Budget, No Pay Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2025

No Budget, No Pay Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress from being paid in a fiscal year until both chambers approve the budget resolution and pass all regular appropriations bills for that fiscal year. Retroactive pay is prohibited for such a period. 

No Budget, No Pay Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2025

No Budget, No Pay Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress from being paid in a fiscal year until both chambers approve the budget resolution and pass all regular appropriations bills for that fiscal year. Retroactive pay is prohibited for such a period. This bill takes effect on September 29, 2027.

Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2025

Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 This bill expands Department of Agriculture (USDA) support for organic agricultural research. USDA must establish the Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative for USDA resources dedicated to organic agricultural research. Every five years, the initiative must survey USDA's organic agricultural research and produce a report, including findings and recommendations on expanding research and increasing project coordination and effectiveness. USDA must take the findings and recommendations into consideration when preparing USDA's annual budget recommendations. In carrying out its work, the initiative must consult with the National Organic Standards Board and land-grant colleges and universities. In preparing each report, the initiative must consult organic and conventional farmers, ranchers, handlers and the organizations that serve them. The bill also reauthorizes the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative through FY2030 and increases funding for the initiative. Further, eligible grant projects are expanded to include (1) facilitating the identification and adoption of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices, and (2) identifying how organic agriculture can adapt to and mitigate climate change. The bill also reauthorizes, and extends funding for, USDA's organic production and market data initiatives through FY2030. The Economic Research Service must conduct an economic impact analysis of organic agricultural management conducted in accordance with the National Organic Program. USDA may make competitive grants to support research, education, and extension activities relating to the transition from nonorganic production systems into organic agricultural production systems.

Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2025

Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act of 2025 This bill permits local governments to use certain procurement methods for hiring construction managers under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA's) Public Assistance (PA) program. It also raises to $3 million the maximum project cost threshold for PA’s simplified procedures. Under existing regulations governing procurement using federal funds, local governments hiring a construction manager at risk (i.e., contractor who oversees construction and is responsible for costs exceeding a maximum project price) must consider the prices of proposals as a primary selection factor. Currently, local governments may not use qualifications-based procurement, where price is not used as a primary selection factor, unless it is only for architectural and engineering services. The bill requires FEMA to issue regulations allowing local governments to hire construction managers at risk using qualifications-based procurement, regardless of the types of services procured, when using PA funds to restore or replace disaster-damaged facilities. Also, the bill increases from $1 million to $3 million the project cost threshold below which FEMA is authorized to provide PA funds based on approved cost estimates rather than the documented incurred costs required to receive PA funds for larger projects.

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2025

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026 This bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for federal agencies, permanently extends the expanded premium tax credit for purchasing health insurance, provides additional funding for Medicaid and security for federal officials, and extends various expiring programs. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of October 31, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2026 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2026 begins on October 1, 2025. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2025 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR provides additional funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and security for federal officials. In addition, the CR permanently extends provisions that expanded the premium tax credit, which generally reduces premiums for health insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange; repeals health care provisions that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including provisions that reduced Medicaid funding;  authorizes the District of Columbia to spend local funds at the rates included in its FY2026 local budget; extends the availability of certain funds that are being withheld by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and limits the authority of OMB to withhold appropriations. Finally, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including programs related to health care, veterans, homeland security, and agriculture.  

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2025

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026 This bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for federal agencies, permanently extends the expanded premium tax credit for purchasing health insurance, provides additional funding for Medicaid and security for federal officials, and extends various expiring programs. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of October 31, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2026 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2026 begins on October 1, 2025. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2025 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR provides additional funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and security for federal officials. In addition, the CR permanently extends provisions that expanded the premium tax credit, which generally reduces premiums for health insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange; repeals health care provisions that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including provisions that reduced Medicaid funding;  authorizes the District of Columbia to spend local funds at the rates included in its FY2026 local budget; extends the availability of certain funds that are being withheld by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and limits the authority of OMB to withhold appropriations. Finally, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including programs related to health care, veterans, homeland security, and agriculture.  

Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2025

Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act This bill requires federal agencies and Intelligence Community (IC) elements to assess their software inventory and develop software management plans. The bill requires each agency and each IC element to complete a comprehensive assessment of the software paid for by, in use at, or deployed throughout the agency or element. The assessment must include information such as (1) the current inventory of software; (2) contracts and other arrangements used to acquire, build, deploy, or use the software; (3) costs and fees not included in the initial contract or agreement; and (4) the interoperability of the software and restrictions on its use. Each agency and IC element must use their assessment to develop a plan to consolidate software entitlements, develop procedures for cost-effective acquisition strategies, and restrict subordinate entities from using any software entitlement without approval. (A software entitlement is software that has been purchased, leased, or licensed by or billed to an agency and that is subject to use limitations.) Such plans must be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Congress.  Within two years of enactment, OMB must submit recommendations to Congress regarding government software procurement policies and practices to     • increase the interoperability of software licenses;     • consolidate licenses when appropriate;     • reduce costs;     • improve performance; and     • modernize the management and oversight of agency software.      The GAO must report on certain related topics, including governmentwide trends in agency software asset management practices and comparisons of such practices among agencies.

Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2025

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 This bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for federal agencies, provides additional funding for security for federal officials, and extends various expiring programs and authorities. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of November 21, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2026 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2026 begins on October 1, 2025.  The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2025 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR provides additional funding for security for Members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, and executive branch officials. It also authorizes the District of Columbia to spend local funds at the rates included in its FY2026 local budget. In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including several public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs; various programs and authorities related to veterans; the U.S. Grain Standards Act; the Department of Agriculture livestock mandatory price reporting program; several Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs related to cybersecurity; authorities for DHS and the Department of Justice to take actions to mitigate a credible threat from an unmanned aircraft system; the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking; authorities related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program; and the Defense Production Act of 1950.

A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2025

This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2026 and sets forth budgetary levels for FY2027-FY2035. The resolution recommends levels and amounts for FY2026-FY2035 for federal revenues, new budget authority, budget outlays, deficits, public debt, debt held by the public, and the major functional categories of spending. It also recommends levels and amounts for Social Security and Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses for the purpose of budget enforcement in the Senate. In addition, the resolution establishes reserve funds that allow certain adjustments to committee allocations and other budgetary levels to accommodate legislation relating to (1) efficiencies, consolidations, and other savings; or (2) health savings accounts. The resolution also sets forth budget enforcement procedures that address issues such as budget points of order, emergency legislation, and Congressional Budget Office cost estimates.

Censuring Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and removing her from the Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on the Budget.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2025

This resolution censures Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and removes her from the Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on the Budget.

Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2025

Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025 This bill authorizes advance appropriations for several covered appropriations accounts of (1) the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior, and (2) the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services. The advance appropriations provide new budget authority that first becomes available for the first fiscal year after the budget year. The covered accounts within the Bureau of Indian Affairs are (1) Operation of Indian Programs, (2) Contract Support Costs, (3) the Indian Guaranteed Loan Program, (4) Construction, and (5) Payments for Tribal Leases. The covered accounts within the Bureau of Indian Education are (1) Operation of Indian Education Programs, and (2) Education Construction. The covered accounts within the Indian Health Service are (1) Indian Health Services, (2) Contract Support Costs, (3) Payments for Tribal Leases, and (4) Indian Health Facilities. The bill also requires the President's budget and the supporting documents submitted to Congress to include detailed estimates related to the advance appropriations.

Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2025

Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025 This bill authorizes advance appropriations for several covered appropriations accounts of (1) the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior, and (2) the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services. The advance appropriations provide new budget authority that first becomes available for the first fiscal year after the budget year. The covered accounts within the Bureau of Indian Affairs are (1) Operation of Indian Programs, (2) Contract Support Costs, (3) the Indian Guaranteed Loan Program, (4) Construction, and (5) Payments for Tribal Leases. The covered accounts within the Bureau of Indian Education are (1) Operation of Indian Education Programs, and (2) Education Construction. The covered accounts within the Indian Health Service are (1) Indian Health Services, (2) Contract Support Costs, (3) Payments for Tribal Leases, and (4) Indian Health Facilities. The bill also requires the President's budget and the supporting documents submitted to Congress to include detailed estimates related to the advance appropriations.

Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2025

Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act This bill prohibits federal contract bid solicitations for contractor personnel from including minimum educational requirements unless the contracting officer justifies the requirements. The prohibition applies to educational requirements that may be met through education alone, education or experience, or a combination of education and experience. The bill also requires the Office of Management and Budget to issue implementing guidance to federal agencies, including instructions for contracting officers that encourage using alternatives to education requirements.

Fully Funding our National Security Priorities Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2025

Fully Funding our National Security Priorities Act This bill requires the Department of State to submit an annual report to Congress regarding unfunded State Department priorities. Under the bill, an unfunded priority generally refers to a program, activity, or mission requirement of the State Department that was not funded in the President's budget and is necessary to fulfill a foreign policy or national security objective or to satisfy an information requirement associated with a goal or objective outlined in the Joint Strategic Plan agreed upon by the State Department. The report must be submitted no later than 10 days after the President's budget is submitted to Congress and must include specified details regarding each unfunded priority, including   a description of the priority, including the objectives to be achieved if the priority is funded; the amount of additional funding that is needed to achieve the objective; and certain budget information (e.g., the appropriation account and the project). 

TRUST Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2025

Tariff Revenue Used to Secure Tomorrow Act or TRUST Act This bill establishes the Tariff Trust Fund within the Treasury and requires certain revenues collected from duties (e.g., tariffs) to be deposited into the fund and used for deficit reduction. If the federal government maintains a budget deficit for any fiscal year beginning with FY2026 and continues to maintain a budget deficit for the subsequent fiscal year, the bill requires amounts collected from the imposition of duties for the subsequent fiscal year that exceed the amounts collected from duties for FY2025 to be deposited into the fund established by this bill.  Any amounts deposited into the fund must be transferred to the general fund of the Treasury and may only be used for deficit reduction. 

A bill to improve the planning, programming, and budget coordination for operations of cyber mission force of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2025

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2025

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides FY2026 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. (The bill excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all included in other appropriations bills.) Within the DOD budget, the bill provides appropriations for Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. The bill provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. In addition, the bill provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund, and (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2025

BUREAU OF COUNTERTERRORISM FY26 BUDGET POSTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 July 2025

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that requires federal expenditures and receipts to be balanced, which may occur over more than one year. Under the amendment, expenditures include all federal expenditures except those for payment of debt. Receipts do not include receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires Congress to achieve balance within 10 years of the ratification of the amendment. In an emergency situation, two-thirds of the House of Representatives and the Senate may authorize additional expenditures that are not otherwise permitted by the amendment. The additional expenditures must be for a limited time, and debts incurred from the expenditures must be paid as soon as practicable.

FUTURE OF UNITED STATES MARITIME, PART 1: REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2026 FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION BUDGET REQUEST

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 July 2025

Relating to consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 4) to rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on June 3, 2025, in accordance with section 1012(a) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2025

This resolution provides for the consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 4 (Rescissions Act of 2025). 

MANAGEMENT FAMILY FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET POSTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 16 July 2025

Preventive Health Savings Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2025

Preventive Health Savings Act This bill requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), upon receiving a request from Congress, to determine if proposed legislation would reduce spending outside of the 10-year budget window through the use of preventive health care. Under the bill, the term preventive health care generally refers to an action that focuses on the health of the public, individuals, and defined populations in order to protect, promote, and maintain health and wellness and prevent disease, disability, and premature death. If CBO determines that the proposed legislation would result in net reductions in budget outlays from the use of preventive health care, any CBO projection regarding the legislation must include (1) a description and estimate of the reductions in outlays, and (2) a description of the basis for these conclusions.  Any estimate provided by CBO pursuant to this bill must be used as a supplementary estimate and may not be used to determine compliance with the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 or any other budgetary enforcement controls.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2025

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2026 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). It also authorizes the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for FY2026. The bill authorizes appropriations but it does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation. Among other elements, the bill authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles; authorizes active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels; authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years; requires DOD to develop a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies; requires the Navy to implement certain processes to improve the material condition and combat readiness of Navy surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards;  extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (an initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region) through FY2026; and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within DOD, including a provision establishing the position of Chief Diversity Officer of DOD. For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA , and In Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process .

THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026

United States · United States Senate · 10 July 2025

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2025

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides FY2026 appropriations for the legislative branch, including the Senate and joint items such as the Joint Economic Committee, the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Office of the Attending Physician, and the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. In addition, the bill provides FY2026 appropriations for the Capitol Police; the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights; the Congressional Budget Office; the Architect of the Capitol; the Library of Congress, including the Congressional Research Service and the Copyright Office; the Government Publishing Office; the Government Accountability Office; the Congressional Office for International Leadership Fund; and the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development. (Pursuant to the longstanding practice of each chamber of Congress determining its own requirements, funds for the House are not included in the Senate bill.) The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this bill.

To require the Congressional Budget Office to conduct an economic review of the economic impact of tariff modifications before implementation.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2025

This bill requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to conduct an economic review of the potential economic effects of modifications to tariffs before their implementation. Specifically, the bill prohibits a modification to any tariff or other duty on imports from taking effect until CBO publishes on a publicly available website an economic review of the expected economic impact of the modification.

MAWS Act of 2026

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2025

Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2026 or the MAWS Act of 2026 This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a pilot program to facilitate the purchase of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. (Blue catfish are considered an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay.) Under the program, NOAA must enter into cooperative agreements with manufacturers or processors of pet food, animal feed, or aquaculture feed for the purchase of blue catfish from watermen and seafood processors. NOAA must determine the minimum price per pound after considering market factors; feedback from watermen, seafood processors, and participants in the program; and differentiation of price points for fillet and byproduct.  The bill also requires NOAA to enter into a memorandum of understanding with nonfederal partners to develop abundance estimates of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. NOAA must make the first abundance estimate publicly available before beginning the pilot program. 

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2025

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides FY2026 appropriations for the legislative branch, including the House of Representatives and joint items such as the Joint Economic Committee, the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Office of the Attending Physician, and the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. In addition, the bill provides FY2026 appropriations for the Capitol Police; the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights; the Congressional Budget Office; the Architect of the Capitol; the Library of Congress, including the Congressional Research Service and the Copyright Office; the Government Publishing Office; the Government Accountability Office; the Congressional Office for International Leadership Fund; and the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development. (Pursuant to the longstanding practice of each chamber of Congress determining its own requirements, funds for the Senate are not included in the House bill.) The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this bill.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update".

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2025

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency interim final rule titled  Emissions Budget and Allowance Allocations for Indiana Under the Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update published on May 20, 2025 ( 90 Federal Register  21423 ). The interim final rule increases the permissible nitrogen oxides (NO X ) emissions from Indiana electricity generating units (EGUs) from May through September during 2024 and subsequent years.

To amend the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require prior approval from Congress before the Comptroller General may pursue a civil action under such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2025

This bill prohibits the Government Accountability Office (GAO) from bringing a civil action under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA) to compel the release of appropriated funds unless Congress has enacted a concurrent resolution authorizing GAO to bring the action. The ICA generally limits the authority of the President to impound (i.e., withhold from obligation or expenditure) funds that have been appropriated by Congress and establishes related procedures. Under current law, GAO is authorized to bring a civil action to compel a federal agency to release budget authority for obligation if the budget authority is required to be released under the ICA, and the agency has not released the funds. This bill prohibits GAO from bringing such an action without prior congressional approval. 

DLARA

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2025

Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act or the DLARA This bill modifies the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan program to require additional oversight and reports regarding the program. First, the bill requires the SBA to report monthly on the operation of the disaster loan program. (Currently, the SBA must report only during the applicable period for a major disaster.) The report must estimate the date on which available funding for such loans will reach 10% of the most recent appropriation and the date on which the funds will be depleted. If a report is not submitted by the required date, no funds may be obligated for official travel by the SBA Administrator until the report is submitted.  Second, the President's annual budget must include separate statements regarding the appropriations request for SBA disaster loans and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), including explanations for any difference between the amount requested and the 10-year average cost for such loans. Third, the SBA must notify Congress when the unobligated balance of amounts available for disaster loans is less than 10% of the 10-year average annual cost provided in the most recent presidential budget. Finally, the bill requires additional oversight of the disaster loan program, including Government Accountability Office reports on the disbursement of disaster loans and the cost of specified SBA rules that modified the loan program; and an SBA report on its actions to improve forecasting, data quality, and budget assumptions for the cost of disaster loans.

Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2025

Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act This bill limits how Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data may be used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and government agencies. The bill also establishes disclosure requirements for certain user fees imposed on general aviation aircraft at public-use airports and limits the purposes for which the fees may be used.   As background, ADS-B transmits information (e.g., location and weather information) between aircraft and air traffic control. The bill prohibits a person or government agency from using ADS-B data to identify an aircraft in order to assess a fee or otherwise impose a charge on the aircraft owner or operator. The bill also specifies that air traffic controllers may only use ADS-B data to assist in tracking aircraft and improving air traffic safety and efficiency, or for other purposes determined appropriate by the Department of Transportation after notice and public comment. Further, the bill prohibits any federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal official from initiating an investigation (excluding a criminal investigation) of a person based exclusively on ADS-B data. Under current law, this prohibition only applies to the FAA.  In addition, owners and operators of public-use airports must publicly disclose financial information about certain expenses and cost estimates for airside safety projects (e.g., runway or taxiway safety improvements) prior to charging landing or takeoff fees for general aviation aircraft (e.g., aircraft used for personal, recreational, or flight training purposes). Further, any revenue from these fees may only be used for airside safety projects.

PAPA Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2025

Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act or the PAPA Act of 2025 This bill limits how Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data may be used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other government agencies. The bill also establishes disclosure requirements for certain user fees imposed on general aviation aircraft at public-use airports and limits the purposes for which the fees may be used. As background, ADS-B transmits information (e.g., location and weather information) between aircraft and air traffic control. The bill prohibits a person or government agency from using ADS-B data to identify an aircraft in order to impose a charge on the aircraft owner or operator. The bill also specifies that air traffic controllers may only use ADS-B data to assist in tracking aircraft and improving air traffic safety and efficiency, or for other purposes determined appropriate by the Department of Transportation after notice and public comment. Further, the bill prohibits any federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal official from initiating an investigation (excluding a criminal investigation) of a person based exclusively on ADS-B data. Under current law, this prohibition only applies to the FAA.  In addition, owners and operators of public-use airports must publicly disclose financial information about certain expenses and cost estimates for airside safety projects (e.g., runway or taxiway safety improvements) prior to charging landing or takeoff fees for general aviation aircraft (e.g., aircraft used for personal, recreational, or flight training purposes). Further, any revenue from these fees may only be used for airside safety projects.

FIT Procurement Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2025

Federal Improvement in Technology Procurement Act or the FIT Procurement Act This bill addresses various issues related to federal procurement policy and the federal acquisition workforce.   For example, the bill requires the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) to establish a pilot program to consider incorporating experiential learning into the Federal Credentials Program, the Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting Officer’s Representative Program, and the Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers Program; FAI to provide information and communications technology acquisition training for certain acquisition workforce members; the General Services Administration to assume responsibility from the Office of Management and Budget for developing and implementing an artificial intelligence training program for certain acquisition workforce members; the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) to issue guidance on when a wider range of projects, including commercial or non-government projects, should be accepted as relevant past performance so as to increase competition among eligible firms; and the OFPP to implement regulatory and other non-legislative actions, based on input from the Chief Acquisition Officers Council and the public, to remove barriers to entry for small businesses seeking to participate in federal government procurement. The bill also increases the simplified acquisition threshold from $250,000 to $500,000 and the micro purchase threshold from $10,000 to $25,000. (The federal government uses less complex procedures for the purchase of property and services valued below the simplified acquisition threshold. Purchases below the micro purchase threshold generally do not require soliciting competitive quotations if the contracting officer considers the price to be reasonable.)

THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026

United States · United States Senate · 18 June 2025

Buy-to-Budget Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2025

Budget Reform Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2025

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2025

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides FY2026 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. (The bill excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all included in other appropriations bills.) Within the DOD budget, the bill provides appropriations for Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. The bill provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. In addition, the bill provides appropriations for Related Agencies, including (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund, and (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET: EXPORT CONTROLS AND THE AI ARMS RACE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 June 2025

Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 June 2025

Rescissions Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2025

Rescissions Act of 2025 This bill rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided to the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), various independent and related agencies, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  The rescissions were proposed by the President under procedures included in the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Under current law, the President may propose rescissions to Congress using specified procedures, and the rescissions must be enacted into law to take effect.  Specifically, the bill rescinds funds that were provided to the State Department or the President for Contributions to International Organizations; Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities; Global Health Programs; Migration and Refugee Assistance; the Complex Crises Fund; the Democracy Fund; the Economic Support Fund; Contributions to the Clean Technology Fund; International Organization and Programs; Development Assistance; Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; International Disaster Assistance; and Transition Initiatives. The bill also rescinds funds that were provided for  USAID Operating Expenses, the Inter-American Foundation, the U.S. African Development Foundation, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.