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This Week in DC
The House and Senate are in session.
The House convened Monday and considered 19 bills. For Tuesday and the balance of the week, the chamber will consider five bills, with other legislative items possible. Committee activity scheduled for the week includes the Energy and Commerce Committee holding a hearing Tuesday on nuclear permitting reform and the Financial Services Committee holding a hearing Wednesday on local needs in disaster recovery.
The Senate convened Monday and on Tuesday will continue consideration of judicial nominations. Committee activity scheduled for the week includes the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee holding a hearing Thursday on AI and the American dream.
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Reconciliation Resources
Following enactment of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a number of resources have been released examining the legislation's impact and providing implementation guidance. Newly released resources are included below.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that 27 states have elected to participate in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. The program enables eligible taxpayers to claim a federal tax credit for qualified contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations. A list of participating states, as of May 15, can be found here.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a notice announcing intent to issue proposed regulations addressing the tax on excessive compensation and excess parachute payments to employees of tax-exempt organizations under OBBBA.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a grant notice for the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund. The fund, authorized by OBBBA, was established to address the need for border security solutions at the state and local levels. The estimated total program funding is approximately $10 billion, and applications are due by July 10.
Senate Passes Immigration Bill Via Reconciliation, Sends to House
On Friday the Senate voted 52-47 to advance S. 2, the Secure America Act. The bill provides nearly $70 billion in funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through fiscal year 2029 for immigration enforcement and related activities, using the reconciliation process. The House plans to vote on the bill this week.
Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Against USDA Funding Terms and Conditions
According to media reports, on Friday a federal judge blocked the administration from enforcing new conditions on funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Per the press clip, a memorandum issued at the end of 2025 required states to certify compliance with federal policies in order to continue receiving funding. A group of states filed a lawsuit challenging the terms and conditions, which could affect funding from programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The judge granted the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction, noting the defendants are preliminarily enjoined from enforcing the challenged conditions. The judge further noted a memorandum of decision will be issued at a later date.
HHS and GSA Announce New Acquisition Pathway for Grants Management Solutions
On Monday the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the General Services Administration (GSA), announced the launch of the Grants Management Special Item Number (SIN) under the Grants Quality Service Management Office (QSMO). The Grants Management SIN is a new streamlined and government-wide procurement vehicle for federal agencies to access pre-vetted and modern commercial grants management solutions and services through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule. The Grants Management SIN will also be available to eligible state, local, Tribal, and non-governmental organizations through GSA’s Cooperative Purchasing Program.
Education Announces Ten States as Semifinalists for Connecting Talent Opportunity Challenge
On Monday the Department of Education (ED) announced the ten states selected as semifinalists for the Connecting Talent to Opportunity Challenge, a national call to action designed to strengthen the connections between learners and earners by accelerating the development of integrated, statewide Talent Marketplaces. The semifinalists are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Semi-finalists will participate in a six-month incubation period, receiving technical assistance and expert guidance to refine and operationalize their plans. Finalists will implement and scale Talent Marketplace systems.
EPA Announces New Superfund Cleanup Initiative
On Wednesday the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Superfund Solutions initiative, intended to accelerate cleanups of contaminated sites nationwide, including the more than 1,340 sites on the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The new long-term initiative will streamline the agency’s approach to clean ups through three key areas: enhance project management, deploy tools and authorities earlier, and apply smarter science for smarter outcomes. In addition to the quarterly Superfund Accomplishments Report, EPA will continue to update the public on progress made through the initiative on the program’s website.
FCC Proposes Review of E-Rate Program
Last week the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a review of the E-Rate program, under which eligible schools, libraries, and consortia may apply for discounted eligible telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections services. The notice, if adopted by the commission at its June 25 open meeting, would seek to ensure E-Rate funded networks and services are being used for educational purposes while also strengthening E-Rate program integrity and streamlining program administration to support learning opportunities.
DOJ Announces $300 Million Model Cities Initiative
On Wednesday the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the Model Cities Initiative (MCI). Through this $300 million initiative, two to four cities will be selected to receive awards supporting the implementation of comprehensive and innovative strategies to reduce crime, restore law and order, and enhance public safety. The MCI initiative will support several allowable activities including hiring and retention, purchase or lease of equipment, facility costs, mental health and substance use services, victim services, and youth crime prevention and intervention services. Additional information can be found here. Proposals from qualifying cities are due September 1.
DOE Utilizes Defense Production Act to Provide Funds to Support Coal Facilities
Last week the Department of Energy (DOE) announced it will support 13 American coal-fired power plants and new coal export infrastructure by providing up to $500 million in Defense Production Act Title III (DPA) funds. The DPA funding includes up to $425 million for twelve projects selected to expand and reinvigorate the nation’s coal fleet and up to $75 million for the West Gateway Terminal Project. DOE separately announced the selection of four coal modernization and reliability projects to expand and reinvigorate the coal fleet through targeted upgrades. A list of projects, which will receive up to $350 million, is included in the announcement.
USDA Announces New Framework for Migratory Big Game Conservation
Last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled a new framework for migratory big game conservation, bringing together federal, state, and Tribal partners across 17 states to address threats to big game like elk, pronghorn and mule deer. The framework provides a strategy for using Farm Bill resources, including programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program. The framework contains three strategies: protecting habitat and connectivity, reducing barriers to movement, and improving habitat quality. The states include AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, and WY.
DOI Designates Six New National Trails Across Five States
Last week the Department of the Interior (DOI) designated five new National Recreation Trails and one National Water Trail, adding 162.5 miles of outdoor recreation opportunities across five states. The national recreation trails program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with federal and nonprofit partners. The new trails are located in Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia.
HHS Secretary Renews PHE for Opioid Crisis
Last week the Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed, effective June 15, the determination that a public health emergency (PHE) exists nationwide as a result of the continued consequences of the opioid crisis. This is a renewal of the determination first made October 26, 2017 and renewed since then, with the most recent renewal effective March 17, 2026. Determinations generally last 90 days and can be discontinued or renewed by the Secretary.
House Passes Legislation Amending Child Care and Development Block Grant Funds
On Wednesday the House voted 217-207 to approve H.R. 7726, the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026. The bill includes additional sanctions for states that improperly use funds under the Child Care and Development Block Grant program. If the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) finds that a state has failed to comply substantially with the requirements of the program, ACF must impose additional sanctions, which include disqualifying the state from receiving funds under the program. Under current law, ACF is permitted, but not required, to take such actions for a state’s noncompliance. The bill now moves to the Senate for potential consideration.
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