Mark B. Messmer

CFTC Protection of Information and Data Act of 2026

The proposal would modify rules governing commodity futures markets to protect certain sensitive business information from public disclosure. Companies trading in commodities like oil, grain, and metals would be able to keep some of their trading data confidential rather than having it automatically reported to regulators and the public. The changes would affect traders, agricultural businesses, and energy companies that participate in these markets.

Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act of 2026

This bill would strengthen oversight of child care assistance programs by requiring better tracking of payments, implementing fraud detection systems, and holding providers accountable for misusing government funds. It aims to protect families who rely on child care subsidies and ensure taxpayer money goes to legitimate providers rather than being wasted through fraud or abuse. The legislation would likely increase inspections and penalties for providers who break the rules.

Critical Industry Skills Act

This bill would likely create or expand training programs to help workers develop skills needed for jobs in industries considered vital to the economy, such as manufacturing, energy, or technology. It probably aims to connect job seekers with education and apprenticeship opportunities in these fields, potentially involving partnerships between schools, employers, and government. The goal would be to address worker shortages in critical sectors while giving people pathways to better-paying careers.

Restoring America’s Floodplains Act

This bill would likely work to restore and protect America's natural floodplains—the areas that naturally flood along rivers and streams—by removing barriers, replanting native vegetation, and reconnecting waterways to their surrounding lands. Restoring floodplains helps reduce flooding damage to farms and communities, improves water quality, and creates better habitats for fish and wildlife. The changes would primarily affect farmers, landowners, and communities in flood-prone areas, along with environmental conservation efforts.

SNAP Online Access Act of 2026

This bill would allow people who receive SNAP benefits (food stamps) to buy groceries online and have them delivered or picked up, rather than only being able to shop in physical stores. The change would make it easier for elderly people, people with disabilities, and those without reliable transportation to purchase food using their benefits. Currently, SNAP online shopping is limited, so this legislation aims to expand those options significantly.

DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act

The Department of Defense and Department of Agriculture would work together on research and development projects, likely combining military expertise with agricultural knowledge to address shared challenges. This could involve areas like food security for military operations, developing crops that can withstand extreme conditions, or using agricultural land for defense-related research. The bill is still in early stages and has been sent to two congressional committees to review the specific details.

Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act

Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act This bill excludes the value of employer-funded child or dependent care from being used in calculating an eligible employee's overtime pay. Under current law, overtime hours must be paid at one and a half times an employee's regular rate of pay. This rate is an average hourly rate that must include certain types of pay, such as commissions. The bill specifies that an employer can provide or pay for child or dependent care services without the value of the services being included in this calculation.

Restaurant Meals Program Reform Act of 2025

The proposal would make changes to how the federal government handles meal programs for restaurants, likely affecting how food assistance benefits can be used at dining establishments and potentially expanding or modifying eligibility rules for restaurant participation in federal nutrition programs. This would impact both restaurant owners who participate in these programs and low-income individuals who rely on food assistance to purchase meals. The specific reforms are currently being reviewed by the congressional subcommittee responsible for nutrition policy.

Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act

This bill would make it a federal crime to coerce, intimidate, or force someone into having an abortion against their will, and would establish penalties for those who commit such acts. It would also allow victims to sue for damages and could provide federal resources to prosecute these cases. The law would apply to anyone who uses threats, violence, or other pressure to force a person to terminate a pregnancy.

Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025

This bill would establish training standards and requirements for workers in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) industry to ensure they have proper skills and qualifications. The legislation likely aims to improve job quality, worker safety, and service reliability by setting consistent benchmarks for how HVAC technicians are trained and certified across the country. Workers in the heating and cooling industry, employers, and consumers who rely on these services would all be affected by any new standards created.

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 Commercial Water Heating Equipment".

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Water Heating Equipment , which was submitted by the Department of Energy on October 6, 2023. The rule adopts more stringent energy conservation standards for commercial water heating equipment under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act in order to achieve more energy savings.