Shared Values Act

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 9821 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 9821

To promote shared values.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 21, 2026

Ms. Underwood introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Appropriations, Ethics, Agriculture, Ways and Means, Armed Services, the Budget, Education and Workforce, Rules, Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, House Administration, Intelligence (Permanent Select), the Judiciary, Natural Resources, Oversight and Government Reform, Science, Space, and Technology, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

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A BILL

To promote shared values.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Shared Values Act''.

TITLE I

SEC. 101. FARMERS' MARKETS AND LOCAL FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION.

(a) Matching Funds.--Section 210A(d)(6)(E) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(d)(6)(E)) is amended to read as follows: ``(E) Matching funds.-- ``(i) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this paragraph shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount that is equal to 25 percent of the total amount of the Federal portion of the grant. ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply to an eligible entity that is carrying out a priority grant described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (C).''. (b) Funding.--Section 210A(i) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(i)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$50,000,000'' and inserting ``$100,000,000''; (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by striking ``for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2026''; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ``, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended.''; and (3) in paragraph (3)(B), by adding at the end the following: ``Of the amount made available pursuant to the preceding sentence for a fiscal year, 30 percent shall be reserved for priority grants described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (C) of subsection (d)(6) for entities that have not received a grant under such subsection in the preceding 3 years and will use the funds to establish a new farmers' market. If applications for such priority grants are insufficient in number or merit in a fiscal year, the Secretary may use such reserved funds for grants described in the first sentence of this subparagraph.''. (c) Reports.-- (1) Secretary of agriculture report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make publicly available on the website of the Department of Agriculture a report describing-- (A) the number of applications for a grant under section 210A(d)(6) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(d)(6)) in the preceding 2 years; (B) the number of such applications that were submitted by eligible entities that had not previously applied for such a grant; (C) the number of such applications that met the requirements for a priority grant described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (C) of such section; and (D) the number of grants awarded relating to the applications described in paragraph (2) and (3), respectively. (2) Inspector general report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture shall make publicly available on the website of the Department of Agriculture a report describing-- (A) any fraud or abuse related to the grant program under section 210A(d)(6) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(d)(6)) in the preceding 2 years; and (B) the effects of the amendment made by subsection (a) on participation in such grant program.

TITLE II

SEC. 201. NURSING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

There is hereby appropriated $610,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 for Nursing Workforce Development programs under title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 296 et seq.).

TITLE III

SEC. 301. SUPPORTING THE RECOGNITION OF BLACK MIDWIVES DAY.

It is the sense of Congress that Congress-- (1) supports the recognition of ``Black Midwives Day''; (2) encourages the Federal Government and State and local governments to take proactive measures to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes by supporting initiatives aimed at diversifying the perinatal workforce, increasing access to culturally congruent maternal health care; (3) commits to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to develop and enact policy solutions that promote health equity, address systemic racism, and support the advancement of Black midwifery; (4) calls for-- (A) increased funding for education, training, and access to Black preceptors; (B) removing barriers and restrictions to Black preceptors; (C) providing financial pathways to support students and preceptors; (D) mentorship programs that focus on promoting and sustaining Black midwifery; and (E) removing barriers related to accreditation by recognizing midwives across all training pathways; (5) encourages the Federal Government and State governments to authorize the autonomous practice of all midwives to the full extent of their training; (6) promotes the authorization or reauthorization of funding for TRICARE and Medicaid coverage of maternity care provided by midwives of all training pathways; (7) encourages the Federal Government and State and local governments to take active steps to destigmatize and decriminalize midwifery pathways in the setting of choice of the pregnant person, including their homes, birth centers, clinics, or health units; and (8) supports and recognizes the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

TITLE IV

SEC. 401. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

TITLE V

SEC. 501. STUDENT LOAN CONTRACT AND LOAN DISCLOSURES.

(a) Student Loan Contract.--Section 432(m)(1)(D) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1082(m)(1)(D)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(iv) Student loan contract.-- ``(I) In general.--Any master promissory note form described in this subparagraph that is developed or used for loans made under part D for periods of enrollment beginning on or after the date of enactment of the Student Loan Contract Act of 2025 shall be referred to as a `student loan contract'. ``(II) Clarification on use.--A student loan contract for loans made under part D for a student shall only be used with respect to loans made under part D for the periods of enrollment that are in the same award year for which the initial loans for which the contract is used were made.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 485(l)(2)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(l)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``or the student loan contract''.

TITLE VI

SEC. 601. CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CLIMATE AND HEALTH PROGRAM.

Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 317V (42 U.S.C. 247b-24) the following new section:

``SEC. 317W. CLIMATE AND HEALTH PROGRAM.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall continue to implement the Climate and Health program carried out by the National Center for Environmental Health (or any successor program) for the following purposes: ``(1) To translate climate change science to inform State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, including health departments, as well as communities. ``(2) To create decision support tools to build capacity to prepare for climate change. ``(3) To serve as a credible leader in planning for the public health impacts of climate change. ``(b) Written Notification to Congress.--In the case of the establishment of any successor program to the Climate and Health program referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall submit to Congress a written notification of any transfer or reprogramming of funds to establish such a successor program. ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program continued under subsection (a) $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter. ``(2) Limitation.--None of the funds made available under paragraph (1) may be transferred or reprogrammed by the Secretary to carry out another program administered by the Secretary.''.

TITLE VII

SEC. 701. CODE OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT.

Rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by striking clause 18 and inserting the following: ``18. A Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works under the supervision of the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner, or who is an employee of a committee on which the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner serves, or who is an employee of a leadership office with respect to which the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner occupies. This paragraph does not apply with respect to any relationship between two people who are married to each other.''.

TITLE VIII

SEC. 801. MEMORIALIZING THE 1969 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BISON HERD AT THE FERMI NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY.

(a) Coin Specifications.-- (1) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), in commemoration of the 1969 establishment of the bison herd at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, shall mint and issue not more than 400,000 $1 silver coins, which shall each-- (A) weigh 26.73 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and (C) contain not less than 90 percent silver. (2) Legal tender.--The coins minted under this section shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code. (3) Numismatic items.--For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this section shall be considered to be numismatic items. (b) Designs of Coins.-- (1) Design requirements.--The designs of the coins minted under this section shall commemorate the 1969 establishment of the bison herd at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. (2) Selection.--The designs for the coins minted under this section shall be selected by the Secretary. (c) Issuance of Coins.-- (1) Quality of coins.--The coins minted under this section shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities. (2) Mint facility.--Any facility of the United States mint may be used to strike any particular quality of the coins minted under this section. (3) Period for issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins under this section only during the 2026 calendar year. (d) Sale of Coins.-- (1) Sale price.--The coins issued under this section shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of-- (A) the face value of the coins; and (B) the cost of designing and issuing the coins including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping. (2) Bulk sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this section available at a reasonable discount. (3) Prepaid orders.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this section at a reasonable discount before the issuance of the coins. (e) Financial Assurances.--The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that minting and issuing coins under this section will not result in any net cost to the Government.

TITLE IX

SEC. 901. AUTHORIZING THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO PROVIDE CERTAIN ASSISTANCE INTERNATIONALLY.

The Secretary of State is authorized to provide assistance to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI+ people internationally.

TITLE X

SEC. 1001. FORCE MULTIPLIER PILOT PROGRAM; CRITICAL INTRASTRUCTURE CLEARINGHOUSES.

(a) Force Multiplier Pilot Program.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish a 1- year pilot program for appropriate State, local, Tribal, and territorial government officials to be trained by appropriate Agency officials regarding carrying out security vulnerability or terrorism risk assessments of critical infrastructure facilities. (2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program. (b) Authority To Establish Critical Infrastructure Clearinghouses.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (c) of section 2202 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 652) is amended-- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (14) as paragraphs (7) through (15), respectively; and (B) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: ``(6) maintain one or more clearinghouses for owners and operators of critical infrastructure and other relevant stakeholders, which may include nonprofit organizations, to access security guidance, best practices, and other voluntary content developed by the Agency, or aggregated from trusted sources, in a manner consistent with the requirements of section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) and the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 111-274);''. (2) Annual report.--The Director shall make publicly available, on an annual basis, a report detailing outreach the Agency has conducted to critical infrastructure owners and operators regarding security guidance, best practices, and other voluntary content. Each such report shall include the following: (A) A summary regarding how the Agency determines methods and frequency of outreach. (B) The various methods of outreach carried out by the Agency, including briefings, emails, and conferences. (C) For each such method of outreach, a summary of such outreach that has been carried out-- (i) to each of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors; (ii) in rural, suburban, and urban areas; (iii) by each regional office of the Agency; and (iv) through protective security advisors and governmental coordinating councils. (D) Detailed plans to expand outreach to critical infrastructure owners and operators. (c) Exemption.--Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act''), shall not apply to any rulemaking or information collection required under this section or paragraph (6) of section 2202(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by subsection (b). (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section may be construed to create, satisfy, or waive any requirement under Federal civil rights laws, including the following: (1) Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.). (2) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.). (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Agency.--The term ``Agency'' means the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department. (2) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department of Homeland Security. (3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of the Agency. (4) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit organization'' means-- (A) an organization of the type described in subsection (c)(3) of section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under subsection (a) of such section; and (B) determined by the Secretary to be at risk of a terrorist attack.

TITLE XI

SEC. 1101. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ELIGIBILITY.

Section 202(a)(2)(B) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1312(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``12 months and for at least 1,250 hours of employment during the previous 12 months'' and inserting ``90 days''.

TITLE XII

SEC. 1201. DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE REPORT ON FOREIGN THREATS TO ELECTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES.

Not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 2027), the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the heads of appropriate offices of the Federal Government, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on foreign threats, including physical and cybersecurity threats, to elections in the United States.

TITLE XIII

SEC. 1301. EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE GRANT PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, in each State that receives a grant under subpart 1 of part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10151 et seq.) (commonly referred to as the ``Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Program'') and that does not have in effect throughout the State for such fiscal year laws restricting the use of restraints on pregnant individuals in prison that are substantially similar to the rights, procedures, requirements, effects, and penalties set forth in section 4322 of title 18, United States Code, the amount of such grant that would otherwise be allocated to such State under such subpart for the fiscal year shall be decreased by 25 percent. (b) Reallocation.--Amounts not allocated to a State for failure to comply with subsection (a) shall be reallocated in accordance with subpart 1 of part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10151 et seq.) to States that have complied with such subsection.

TITLE XIV

SEC. 1401. PROGRAM FOR REDUCTION OF DISPOSABLE PLASTIC PRODUCTS.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Park Service shall establish for the National Park System a program for reduction of disposable plastic products and, if applicable, elimination of the sale and distribution of disposable plastic products. Each regional director shall implement the plan for park units in their region.

TITLE XV

SEC. 1501. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES FOR SPECIAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

Upon the date of the enactment of this Act, any special Government employee (as that term is defined in section 202 of title 18, United States Code) who is the owner, controlling shareholder, or chief executive officer of a company contracted with the Federal Government shall, in addition to the officers and employees described under section 13103(f) of title 5, United States Code, be subject to the requirements of subchapter I of chapter 131 of such title (relating to financial disclosures).

TITLE XVI

SEC. 1601. HEARINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(a) In General.--Each standing committee of the House of Representatives shall hold a hearing on the implementation of this Act within one year of enactment. (b) Exercise of Rulemaking Authority.--Subsection (a) is enacted-- (1) as an exercise of rulemaking power of the House of Representatives, and, as such, shall be considered as part of the rules of the House, and such rules shall supersede any other rule of the House only to the extent that rule is inconsistent therewith; and (2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change such rules (so far as relating to the procedure in such House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of the House.

TITLE XVII

SEC. 1701. SECRETARY OF ENERGY PROJECTS WITH RESPECT TO NATIONAL LABORATORIES.

The Secretary of Energy shall fund projects as needed to address deferred maintenance, critical infrastructure needs, and modernization of National Laboratories.

TITLE XVIII

SEC. 1801. FEDERAL AND STATE TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

Section 34(i) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657d(i)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2005'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.

TITLE XIX

SEC. 1901. INSTALLATION OF BABY CHANGING TABLES ON AMTRAK TRAINS.

(a) In General.--Chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 24313 the following: ``Sec. 24314. Baby changing tables ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) ADA-compliant restroom.--The term `ADA-compliant restroom' means a restroom that complies with the requirements set forth in section 242(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12162(a)). ``(2) Baby changing table.--The term `baby changing table' means an elevated, freestanding structure generally designed to support and retain a child with a body weight of up to 30 pounds in a horizontal position for the purpose of allowing an individual to change the child's diaper, including pull-out or drop-down changing surfaces. ``(3) Covered passenger rail train.--The term `covered passenger rail train'-- ``(A) means a passenger rail train that-- ``(i) is owned and operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (commonly known as `Amtrak'); and ``(ii) was solicited for purchase after the date of the enactment of the Baby Changing on Board Act for use by Amtrak; and ``(B) does not include any passenger rail train that Amtrak operates, but does not own. ``(b) Baby Changing Tables.-- ``(1) In general.--All covered passenger rail trains shall have a baby changing table in at least one restroom in each car, including in an ADA-compliant restroom. ``(2) Signage.--Each restroom described in paragraph (1) shall clearly indicate with signage the presence of a baby changing table and such baby changing tables shall be clearly identified with signage.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 24313 the following:

``24314. Baby changing tables.''.

TITLE XX

SEC. 2001. FULL-YEAR SUPPLY OF CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS, TRANSDERMAL PATCHES, VAGINAL RINGS, AND OTHER CONTRACEPTIVE PRODUCTS FOR VETERANS.

(a) Full-Year Supply.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1720L the following new section: ``Sec. 1720M. Full-year supply of contraceptive pills, transdermal patches, vaginal rings, and other contraceptive products ``(a) Availability of Full-Year Supply.--The Secretary shall ensure that a veteran who is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment under section 1705 of this title and to whom a medical provider of the Department prescribes contraceptive pills, transdermal patches, vaginal rings, or other contraceptive products may elect to fill such prescription as a full-year supply. ``(b) Notice.--A medical provider of the Department who prescribes to a veteran contraceptive pills, transdermal patches, vaginal rings, or other contraceptive products shall notify the veteran of the option to fill the prescription as a full-year supply. ``(c) Contraceptive Product Defined.--In this section, the term `contraceptive product' means any drug, device, or biological product intended for use in the prevention of pregnancy, whether specifically intended to prevent pregnancy or for other health needs, that is approved, cleared, authorized, or licensed under section 505, 510(k), 513(f)(2), 515, or 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), 360e, 360bbb-3) or section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1720L the following new item:

``1720M. Full-year supply of contraceptive pills, transdermal patches, vaginal rings, and other contraceptive products.''.

TITLE XXI

SEC. 2101. INCREASE IN LIMITATION ON DEDUCTION FOR CERTAIN STATE AND LOCAL TAXES OF INDIVIDUALS.

(a) In General.--Section 164(b)(6)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``$10,000 ($5,000 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return)'' and inserting ``$15,000 (twice such amount in the case of a joint return)''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. <all>