Ways and Means Committee Approves Bipartisan Tax Relief Bills for Disaster Victims and Educators

• On March 25, 2026, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Amendment Act of 2026, unanimously passed by the Council on March 3, which required Metropolitan Police to document arrests involving federal agents. • The ACLU of DC expressed deep disappointment, arguing the emergency legislation was essential for transparency during federal-local law enforcement interactions. • This veto highlights tensions over federal oversight in the capital, potentially affecting accountability in joint operations.

• On March 25, 2026, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 26-1001, the Housing Options Made Easier (HOME) Act, enabling public schools, colleges, and universities to bypass local zoning rules for building housing within three miles of municipalities or counties over 5,000 population. • Developments can reach three stories or match local height limits, marking the first major 2026 housing law in a Democratic push for affordable stock; Polis also signed Senate Bill 26-001 expanding local tax use and credits for workforce housing. • The bill passed despite all Republicans and two House Democrats opposing it, aiming to address housing shortages through institutional properties.

• The U.S. Senate passed its version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) by a 89-10 vote, sending it back to the House for reconciliation on federal housing policy reforms. • This bipartisan legislation aims to ease housing development barriers, building on prior House actions amid national affordable housing efforts.

• On March 25, 2026, the U.S. House passed H.R. 5103 by 218-206, establishing a federal commission on public safety in Washington, D.C., to formalize President Trump's March 2025 executive order promoting maximum immigration enforcement. • The commission, comprising federal officials, will develop policies redirecting law enforcement for arrests and deportations in DC, aiming to increase enforcement speed. • This partisan measure underscores Republican priorities on capital safety and immigration amid ongoing debates over federal versus local authority.

• On March 20, 2026, the White House issued a four-page National Policy Framework on Artificial Intelligence, recommending Congress preempt state laws interfering with a minimally burdensome federal standard while protecting children and consumers. • The framework prioritizes seven areas, including stronger parental controls for kids, letting courts decide AI training on copyrighted works, and requiring companies to cover data center energy costs without raising residential bills. • It references the March 2026 Ratepayer Protection Pledge by tech firms and calls for streamlined permitting and resources for small businesses; Democrats responded with the GUARDRAILS Act to block a related Trump executive order.

• Democrat Emily Gregory won a special election on March 24, 2026, flipping a solidly Republican Florida state legislative district that includes President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. • The victory serves as a warning sign for Republicans amid high gas prices driven by the Iran war, unprecedented airport security delays from a five-week partial government shutdown, and voter concerns over living costs and inflation. • President Trump rallied the GOP at the National Republican Congressional Committee's fundraising dinner on March 25 in Washington, promising 'bigger majorities' despite polling showing public disapproval of U.S. military action in Iran and weakening labor market.

• Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) introduced the Preventing Real-time Exploitation and Deceptive Insider Congressional Trading Act on March 25, 2026, prohibiting members of Congress, the president, vice president, spouses, dependents, and senior executive branch employees from trading in prediction markets on political events or policy decisions. • The bill imposes civil penalties of 10% of the violating transaction's value plus full disgorgement of profits to the U.S. Treasury, amid rising bipartisan concerns over platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi. • 'The American people are tired of politicians using their influence for personal gain, and the rise of prediction markets has made those concerns even more relevant,' Budzinski stated.

• The U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on March 24, 2026, sending it back to the House to increase housing supply through reforms. • The legislation targets zoning and permitting barriers to boost construction amid ongoing housing shortages. • Passage marks a key step in addressing national housing crisis, potentially easing affordability for millions if enacted.

• President issued an executive order on March 24, 2026, further continuing the FEMA Review Council established by Executive Order 14180. • The council's term is extended until 10 days after its required report submission or May 29, 2026, whichever comes first. • Extension ensures ongoing assessment of FEMA operations amid disaster preparedness concerns.

• On March 20, 2026, the White House issued the National Policy Framework for AI, urging Congress to preempt state laws and promote innovation. • Framework emphasizes five principles: child safety, communities, creators, censorship prevention, and U.S. competitiveness, building on December 2025 executive order. • Recommendations include protections against AI scams, workforce training via land-grant institutions, and free speech safeguards for AI outputs.

• The Federal Register issued documents on March 25, 2026, including notices, proposed rules, final rules, and presidential actions. • Publication covers new government regulations and policy updates effective immediately. • Tracks key administrative changes impacting federal policy implementation across agencies.