Erin Houchin

National Fossil Act

The bill would officially designate the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur of the United States, giving these prehistoric creatures the same symbolic status as the bald eagle or other national symbols. This change would primarily be symbolic and wouldn't directly affect most Americans' daily lives, though it could influence educational materials, museum exhibits, and how the country represents its natural history. The bill is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee.

Science of Reading Act of 2026

Science of Reading Act of 2026 This bill revises the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant program to prioritize literacy instruction that is aligned to the science of reading. Under the bill, science of reading is defined as an interdisciplinary body of evidence-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing that (1) identifies instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing as essential components to skilled reading; (2) demonstrates the importance of background knowledge, oral language, the connection between reading and writing, and strong writing instruction; (3) explains why some students have difficulty with reading and writing; and (4) does not use a three-cueing model. Three-cueing model means an instructional approach or model that (1) uses meaning drawn from context, pictures, or syntax as the primary basis for teaching word recognition; or (2) teaches visual memory as the primary basis for word recognition. Current law authorizes competitive CLSD grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) and, through them, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies for the development and implementation of a comprehensive literacy instruction plan, professional development, and other activities. Eligible early childhood education programs may also receive subgrants for early literacy services. The bill (1) specifies that comprehensive literacy instruction for CLSD grants does not include the use of a three-cueing model, and (2) requires the Department of Education and SEAs to prioritize awarding CLSD grants and subgrants for evidence-based activities that are aligned to the science of reading.

Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2025

Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2025 This bill establishes freedom of association protections for college students in single-sex social organizations. Specifically, the bill gives students (or groups of students) enrolled at institutions of higher education (IHEs) the right to form or join social organizations, including single-sex social organizations. Additionally, the bill prohibits IHEs that participate in federal student aid programs from taking adverse actions against single-sex social organizations or students who are members or prospective members of such organizations based solely on the practice of limiting membership to only individuals of one sex; taking actions that require or coerce members or prospective members of such organizations to waive protections provided under the bill, including as a condition of enrolling in the IHE; or imposing a recruitment restriction on a single-sex social organization that is not imposed upon other student organizations, unless the organization and IHE have entered into a written agreement allowing the restriction.

Outcomes-Based Financing (OBF) for Students Act

The bill would create rules to protect students and workers who use "income-share agreements"—financial arrangements where students borrow money for education or job training and repay it based on their future earnings rather than a fixed loan amount. It aims to establish consumer safeguards while allowing these alternative financing tools to grow as options for people pursuing education and career training. The proposal affects students, workers, training programs, educational institutions, and the companies offering these financing products.

ON TIME Act

The bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to have a suicide prevention coordinator available at every VA medical center, including during evenings, nights, and weekends when needed, so veterans can access suicide prevention planning services at any time. This ensures that veterans in crisis can reach trained staff to help them develop safety plans and connect with mental health resources whenever they need support, not just during regular business hours.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8646) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7726) to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to withhold funds from noncompliant States under such Act; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7892) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require to the Secretary of Education to use an identity fraud detection system to review each FAFSA to determine whether the FAFSA presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8872) to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to target funds to low-income families, strengthen program integrity guardrails for State expenditure of funds, require measurement of improper payments, and establish goals for eliminating fraud and improper payments under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families, and for other purposes.

This resolution provides for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 8646) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7726) to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to withhold funds from noncompliant States under such Act; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7892) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require to the Secretary of Education to use an identity fraud detection system to review each FAFSA to determine whether the FAFSA presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8872) to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to target funds to low-income families, strengthen program integrity guardrails for State expenditure of funds, require measurement of improper payments, and establish goals for eliminating fraud and improper payments under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families, and for other purposes.

Campus Lifeline Act of 2026

The proposal would strengthen federal programs designed to prevent and intervene in youth suicide through improved training, awareness, and mental health services for young people. It would affect schools, mental health providers, and communities by expanding access to suicide prevention resources and support for at-risk teenagers and young adults. The bill is currently under review by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8029) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1128) expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5103) to establish a program to Beautify the District of Columbia and establish the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7084) to amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to the types of vessels that may enter or operate in navigable waters of the United States or transfer cargo in any port or place under the jurisdiction of the United States, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

This resolution provides for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 8029) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1128) expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5103) to establish a program to Beautify the District of Columbia and establish the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7084) to amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to the types of vessels that may enter or operate in navigable waters of the United States or transfer cargo in any port or place under the jurisdiction of the United States, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

This resolution allows the House of Representatives to elect members to fill vacancies or make changes on its standing committees, which are the permanent panels that handle specific policy areas like healthcare, defense, and taxes. The resolution has already passed the House and is now finalized, meaning the chamber can proceed with assigning representatives to these committee positions.

Student Protection and Success Act

Student Protection and Success Act This bill establishes certain consequences for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that have low student loan repayment rates or high student loan balances among their students. Specifically, the bill makes an IHE ineligible for federal student financial aid programs for three fiscal years if only 15% or less of its students are able to start repaying the principal of their loans by specified deadlines. Additionally, the bill creates a grant program through which the Department of Education must award grants to eligible IHEs (i.e., IHEs with a student loan repayment rate above 25%) that have a strong record of supporting low- and moderate-income students. The bill funds the grants by requiring IHEs with certain nonrepayment loan balances to make risk-sharing payments. Grants may be used to increase college access and success for the students using investments and practices such as awarding additional need-based financial aid, enhancing academic and student support services, and establishing or expanding accelerated learning opportunities. The bill also requires the National Center for Education Statistics to collect information on student service expenditures, student service resources, and recruitment and marketing expenditures.

POINTS Act of 2026

Without access to the bill's specific text or detailed provisions, this legislation appears to address health policy matters and has been sent to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review. The bill's actual impact on patients, healthcare providers, or the health system will depend on its specific provisions, which are not yet publicly detailed in the summary information available.

The Dalilah Law

The bill's vague title makes it difficult to determine its specific provisions without additional details, but based on its referral to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it likely addresses immigration policy as it relates to border security, transportation of migrants, or infrastructure at ports of entry. The bill would probably affect immigrants, border communities, transportation companies, and federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement.

Affordable HOMES Act

Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act or the Affordable HOMES Act This bill rescinds Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency regulations applicable to manufactured housing and eliminates DOE’s authority to issue similar regulations. Specifically, the bill rescinds the DOE final rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing and published on May 31, 2022. Under the bill, DOE may provide recommendations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for revisions to energy conservation standards applicable to manufactured housing. These recommendations must comply with criteria established by the bill, including by being based on the determination of the cost-effectiveness of such revision.

Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives voted to elect a member to fill a position on one of its standing committees, which are permanent groups that handle specific areas of legislation like defense, healthcare, or taxes. This is a routine procedural action that happens when a committee seat becomes vacant or needs to be filled. The motion to reconsider the vote was rejected, meaning the election decision is final.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4593) to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise the definition of showerhead; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5184) to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from enforcing energy efficiency standards applicable to manufactured housing, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6938) making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.

This resolution provides for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 4593) to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise the definition of showerhead; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5184) to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from enforcing energy efficiency standards applicable to manufactured housing, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6938) making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.

SAFE BOTs Act

The SAFE BOTs Act would establish rules for how companies can use automated bots and artificial intelligence in online commerce to ensure they operate transparently and don't unfairly manipulate consumers or markets. The law would likely require businesses to disclose when they're using bots for activities like buying products, posting reviews, or interacting with customers, and would prohibit deceptive practices that harm shoppers or legitimate sellers. This affects e-commerce companies, retailers, and online consumers who encounter automated systems in their shopping experiences.

AWARE Act

I don't have enough information about this specific bill to write an accurate summary. The title "AWARE Act" and subject area of "Commerce" are too general to determine what the bill actually does or who it affects. To provide a meaningful summary, I would need to know the bill's specific provisions, such as whether it addresses consumer protection, business regulations, trade, or another commerce-related issue.

RESET Act

The RESET Act would establish new rules for how companies handle data collection and consumer privacy in digital commerce. It aims to give people more control over their personal information online by requiring businesses to be transparent about what data they collect and how they use it. The legislation would affect tech companies, retailers, and other businesses that gather customer information while using digital platforms.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5371) making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 719) honoring the life and legacy of Charles Charlie James Kirk; and for other purposes.

This is a procedural measure that sets the rules for Congress to debate and vote on a bill that would fund federal government operations through fiscal year 2026, as well as a separate resolution honoring Charles "Charlie" James Kirk. The motion allows the House to move forward with considering these measures under specific debate and amendment procedures.

Data BRIDGE Act

The legislation would create new requirements for sharing scientific and research data between government agencies, universities, and private companies to improve collaboration and innovation. It aims to break down barriers that prevent researchers from accessing data they need for their work, potentially speeding up discoveries in fields like medicine, technology, and environmental science. The bill would affect scientists, researchers, tech companies, and government agencies that conduct or fund research.

CABLE Competition Act

Consumer Access to Broadband for Local Economies and Competition Act or the CABLE Competition Act This bill prohibits state and local cable franchising authorities from precluding certain transactions involving the sale or transfer of a cable franchise. Providers of cable television service (cable operators) must generally obtain authorization (known as a franchise) from a state or local franchising authority in order to offer cable service in a given area. Under current law, a franchising authority may require a cable operator to obtain the authority’s approval before selling or transferring a franchise. Under the bill, a franchising authority may not preclude a cable operator from selling or transferring a franchise to a new owner who agrees to accept all terms applicable to the cable operator at the time of the transaction. However, a franchising authority may require a cable operator to notify the authority at least 15 days before such a transaction. The bill takes effect six months after it is enacted. Its provisions generally apply to franchises that (1) are granted on or after the effective date, or (2) were granted before the effective date and were in effect or operational on that date.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 884) to prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2056) to require the District of Columbia to comply with federal immigration laws; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2096) to restore the right to negotiate matters pertaining to the discipline of law enforcement officers of the District of Columbia through collective bargaining, to restore the statute of limitations for bringing disciplinary cases against members or civilian employees of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 331) to amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, and for other purposes.

This resolution allows the House to consider four separate bills: one that would prevent non-citizens from voting in Washington D.C. elections, one requiring D.C. to enforce federal immigration laws, one that would restore collective bargaining rights for D.C. police officers and extend the time frame for disciplinary cases, and one that would give the federal government more control over fentanyl-related drugs. The resolution has passed the House, meaning these bills can now move forward for debate and voting.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.

This is a procedural measure that allows the House to consider and vote on a major reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) that makes changes to federal spending and taxes without needing the usual 60-vote supermajority in the Senate. The reconciliation process is a special legislative tool that lets Congress pass certain budget-related bills with only a simple majority, making it easier to pass significant economic legislation. The House has already passed this procedural step, clearing the way for debate and voting on the actual reconciliation bill itself.

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a process to vet applicants for certain funding programs that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas, including rural communities. Specifically, the FCC must conduct a rulemaking to develop a vetting process for applicants seeking funding under high-cost universal service programs for the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network. The FCC must require applications for such funding to document each applicant’s technical, financial, and operational capabilities related to the proposed deployment, as well as a reasonable business plan. The FCC must evaluate applications against reasonable and well-established standards and must consider each applicant’s history of compliance with the requirements of other government broadband funding programs. After the rulemaking is finalized, funds may only be awarded to applicants that satisfy the standards established therein. Finally, the FCC must set financial penalties for applicants that default in some manner during the evaluation process before they are authorized to begin receiving support.

Foster Care Tax Credit Act

This bill would allow families who foster children to claim a tax credit, reducing the amount of federal income tax they owe each year. The credit is designed to help offset the costs of caring for foster children, such as food, clothing, and other expenses. Foster families and the children in their care would be the primary beneficiaries of this tax break.

College Employment Accountability Act

This bill would establish accountability measures for how colleges and universities hire, promote, and compensate their employees, likely including requirements for transparency in hiring practices and protections against discrimination. The legislation would affect college administrators, faculty, and staff by potentially requiring institutions to report employment data and follow specific hiring standards. The bill has been sent to two committees for review to determine which parts fall under education policy versus labor law.

Expressing support for the goals of a "NICU Baby's Bill of Rights".

Congress would express its support for establishing a "NICU Baby's Bill of Rights," which aims to protect the rights and welfare of newborns in neonatal intensive care units and their families. The resolution backs principles that would ensure babies receive appropriate medical care, pain management, and family involvement in treatment decisions while in the NICU. This measure affects hospitals, healthcare providers, and families with critically ill newborns.

Retirement Proxy Protection Act

The proposal would prevent companies from using proxy voting systems to influence how workers' retirement savings are invested, protecting employees' ability to make independent investment decisions with their pension and 401(k) funds. It affects workers with retirement accounts, employers who manage retirement plans, and investment firms that handle proxy voting on behalf of these accounts. The bill aims to ensure that workers—not their employers or financial institutions—have control over how their retirement money votes on corporate matters.

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters’’; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions’’; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

This resolution provides for the consideration of three measures. Specifically, it provides for the consideration of H.J. Res. 20, nullifying the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters ; H.J. Res. 35, nullifying the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions ; and H.Con.Res. 14, establishing the congressional budget for FY2025 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2026 through FY2034.

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

This resolution elects Members to the Committees on Appropriations; Energy and Commerce; Financial Services; and Ways and Means.