Legislative Intelligence Briefing - Friday, May 1, 2026

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Congress is not in session today (Friday, May 1, 2026) but reconvenes Monday, May 4. The House completed a contentious legislative week with passage of multiple bills including the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), gender-related school policy (H.R. 2616), and budget resolution (S. Con. Res. 33), though Speaker Johnson faces mounting criticism from his own members. Regulatory activity continues with 15 proposed rules published in the past 24 hours, including EPA ethylene oxide standards and NRC microreactor licensing. The FY2027 appropriations cycle is in active subcommittee markup phase with 55 member offices now accepting appropriations requests.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

House Floor Passage of Major Bills (Week of April 27–May 1)

The House passed multiple significant bills this week under Speaker Johnson's leadership, though the process generated substantial internal friction:

H.R. 7567 — Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026: Comprehensive farm bill providing reform and continuation of USDA programs through FY2031. Passed under rule (H. Res. 1224).

H.R. 2616 — Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act: Requires public elementary and middle schools receiving ESEA funds to obtain parental consent before changing a minor's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on school forms or sex-based accommodations. Passed under rule.

S. Con. Res. 33 — Congressional Budget Resolution: Sets forth the congressional budget for FY2026 and budgetary levels for FY2027–FY2035. Passed under rule.

S. 1318 — Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act: Directs the American Battle Monuments Commission to identify American-Jewish servicemembers buried in U.S. military cemeteries overseas under incorrect religious markers. Passed under rule.

H.R. 1346 — Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025: Amends the Clean Air Act regarding ethanol waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure. Passed under rule.

Additional bills passed under suspension of the rules included H.R. 4930 (intellectual property rights information sharing), H.R. 227 (Clergy Act), and 14 other measures addressing tax administration, disaster relief, and small business support.

Leadership Tensions and "Hell Week"

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) successfully advanced the legislative agenda but at significant political cost. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) characterized the week as "hell week," citing arm-twisting, marathon meetings, and members yelling at leaders on the House floor and in closed-door sessions. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) stated: "I think this guy has divided us with a smile" and indicated he will vote against Johnson's reelection as Speaker in the next Congress. Multiple Republican factions expressed anger over last-minute deal-making processes, raising concerns about Johnson's ability to maintain coalition discipline on future legislation.

APPROPRIATIONS CYCLE STATUS

Current Phase: Subcommittee Markups (Active)

The FY2027 appropriations cycle is in the subcommittee markup phase. Key signals:

55 member offices have opened FY2027 appropriations request portals as of April 22, 2026, including:
Rep. John W. Mannion (D-NY-22)
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51)
Rep. Troy A. Carter (D-LA-02)
Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA-10)
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13)
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX-17)
Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01)
Rep. Jesús G. "Chuy" García (D-IL-04)
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA-04)
Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA-32)

Public Testimony Window: Active through May 2026. Advocacy organizations should submit testimony on FY2027 priorities immediately.

Next Phase: Full Committee Markups begin approximately June 1, 2026 (31 days ahead).

No committee hearings or markups scheduled for the week of May 4–10, 2026.

REGULATORY ACTIVITY

15 proposed rules published in the past 24 hours (April 30–May 1, 2026):

High-Priority Regulatory Filings

EPA — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities (Document 2026-08518)
- Published: May 1, 2026
- Comment period extended to May 15, 2026 (14 days remaining)
- Addresses residual risk and technology review for sterilization facility emissions
NRC — Licensing Requirements for Microreactors and Other Reactors With Comparable Risk Profiles (Document 2026-08550)
- Published: May 1, 2026
- Comments close: June 15, 2026 (45 days)
- Establishes risk-informed, performance-based regulatory framework for rapid licensing of microreactors and high-volume deployment
FAA — Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Company Model 757 Airplanes (Document 2026-08385)
- Published: April 30, 2026
- Comments close: June 15, 2026 (45 days)
- Addresses crack damage at reinforcing repairs in fuselage frame lower lobe areas
FAA — Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines (Document 2026-08549)
- Published: May 1, 2026
- Comments close: June 15, 2026 (45 days)
- Addresses corrosion in high-pressure compressor case affecting variable geometry system
FAA — Establishment of Prohibited Area P-75; New York, NY (Document 2026-08430)
- Published: April 30, 2026
- Comments close: June 15, 2026 (45 days)
- Establishes prohibited airspace in vicinity of President Trump's New York residence per Secret Service request
NOAA — Pacific Island Fisheries; Catch and Retention Limits for Striped Marlin (Document 2026-08502)
- Published: May 1, 2026
- Comments close: June 1, 2026 (31 days)
- Proposes U.S. WCNPO striped marlin limit of 393.4 metric tons and longline retention limit of 381.6 metric tons for 2026
NOAA — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Greater Atlantic Region Catch Share Cost Recovery Program Updates (Document 2026-08507)
- Published: May 1, 2026
- Comments close: June 1, 2026 (31 days)
- Simplifies regulations and reduces costs for Scallop IFQ, Tilefish IFQ, and Surfclam/Ocean Quahog ITQ fisheries
Fish and Wildlife Service — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of North Park Phacelia From Endangered List (Document 2026-08467)
- Published: April 30, 2026
- Comments close: June 1, 2026 (31 days)
- Reopens comment period on March 19, 2024, proposed delisting rule based on updated Species Status Assessment
EPA — Utah Northern Wasatch Front; 2015 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS Reconsideration (Document 2026-08372)
- Published: April 30, 2026
- Comments close: June 1, 2026 (31 days)
- Proposes to repeal December 2024 reclassification to Serious nonattainment; would determine attainment but for international emissions
IRS — Section 6435 Payments; Refunds for Previously Taxed Dyed Fuel (Document 2026-08546)
- Published: May 1, 2026
- Provides guidance on taxpayer eligibility and procedures for claiming refunds on previously taxed dyed fuel

Additional proposed rules include HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program updates, Legal Services Corporation cost standards, International Trade Commission Section 337 procedures, EPA Delaware air plan approval, and AbilityOne Program subcontracting clarifications.

CONGRESSIONAL CALENDAR

Congress Status: Not in session (Friday, May 1, 2026)
Next Session: Monday, May 4, 2026
Next Recess: Memorial Day recess begins May 25, 2026 (Senate State Work Period begins May 4)

POLICY DEVELOPMENTS

Prediction Markets Regulation

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is teaming up with a Republican to tighten rules around prediction markets. The House is considering a prediction market trading ban. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick directed state senators to explore ways to close "gambling loopholes" allowing online prediction markets to operate in Texas, citing concerns about manipulation of state elections and sporting events.

AI Policy Developments

The White House is reportedly moving toward welcoming Anthropic back into the government fold after months of animosity and legal battles with the Pentagon, recognizing that the company's advanced AI models are too powerful to ignore. The Trump administration's goal remains hands-off and pro-innovation, but model capabilities are forcing recalibration of AI policy.

Wildfire Funding Conditions

The Trump administration has imposed new conditions on wildfire grant funding through the U.S. Forest Service, requiring states to affirm administration positions on DEI, transgender athletes, and immigration policy. At least one state reports that new rules have stalled work to reduce wildfire risk and assist communities, as liberal states cannot sign documents conflicting with state law.

Friday, May 1, 2026