FY 2027 Spending Bill for Labor, Health, and Education

What to know

• After July 1, 2027, new undergraduate borrowers can no longer get subsidized federal student loans. Interest will build up from the day they borrow, not after they leave school.
• The bill cancels about $2.4 billion in unspent money. That includes $2 billion from an HHS reserve fund and $213 million from an immigration fee account.
• The bill freezes wage rules for H-2A farm guest workers and H-2B temporary workers. This could hold labor costs steady for employers but may stop worker pay from keeping up with market rates.
• Colleges lose federal funds if they have formal STEM ties to Chinese government-linked groups, allow transgender female athletes in women's sports, or lack written antisemitism policies.
• The CDC, NIH, and SAMHSA cannot use these funds to call gun violence a public health epidemic or to study firearm limits. Research on treating gunshot wounds is still allowed.
• The bill blocks funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion offices across all covered agencies. It also blocks any training the bill links to Critical Race Theory.

Heads up

16 buried provisions

Provisions we flagged do not match the bill's stated purpose, or repeat language from bills that did not pass on their own.

Section by section

1. Overall spending authority for Labor, Health, and Education agencies

   This opening section sets up the entire bill. It says that money from the U.S. Treasury will be spent on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, plus related agencies. The spending covers fiscal year 2027, which ends September 30, 2027. The rest of the bill spells out exactly how much each agency gets.

   Who this affects

   All Americans who use programs run by the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. This includes workers, students, patients, and people who receive federal assistance.

   Tradeoff

   Approving this section allows the government to fund a wide range of social programs, but it also commits federal money that adds to overall government spending.

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   the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027

2. Job Corps salary cap

   This section limits how much Job Corps can pay any single person using funds from this bill. No one can be paid more than the Executive Level II salary rate. This includes base pay and bonuses. It also covers costs charged indirectly, such as when a shared employee's pay is partly billed to the program. Executive Level II is a federal pay level set each year by law. In 2024, that rate was about $221,900 per year.

   Who this affects

   Job Corps contractors, grantees, and operators who receive funding under this bill. Any employee whose salary or bonus is billed to the Job Corps program is subject to this cap.

   Tradeoff

   The cap limits spending on high-paid individuals, but it could make it harder for Job Corps to attract or keep workers who could earn more in the private sector.

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   None of the funds appropriated by this Act for the Job Corps shall be used to pay the salary and bonuses of an individual, either as direct costs or any proration as an indirect cost, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II.

3. Department of Labor budget transfer authority

   This section lets the Department of Labor move money between its programs. It can move up to 1 percent of its total discretionary funds in a given year. No single program can receive more than a 3 percent increase from these moves. The department cannot use this authority to start new programs or fund anything that did not already receive money in this bill. Before any transfer happens, the department must notify the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 15 days ahead of time.

   Who this affects

   The Department of Labor and the programs it funds. Congress is also affected because it must be notified before any transfer.

   Tradeoff

   This gives the department some flexibility to shift funds where needed, but it limits how much can move and requires advance notice to Congress.

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   Not to exceed 1 percent of any discretionary funds...which are appropriated for the current fiscal year for the Department of Labor in this Act may be transferred between a program, project, or activity, but no such program, project, or activity shall be increased by more than 3 percent by any such transfer

4. Ban on buying goods made with forced child labor

   This section stops any federal money in this bill from being used to buy goods or services tied to forced or indentured child labor. The ban applies to industries and countries already flagged by the Department of Labor before this bill becomes law. It follows rules set in Executive Order 13126, which directed the government to identify and avoid products made under these conditions.

   Who this affects

   Federal agencies spending money under this bill. It also affects foreign suppliers whose industries or countries are on the Department of Labor's list.

   Tradeoff

   The rule protects children from exploitation but may limit the pool of available suppliers, which could raise costs or reduce options for federal purchases.

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   none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to this Act shall be obligated or expended for the procurement of goods mined, produced, manufactured, or harvested or services rendered, in whole or in part, by forced or indentured child labor in industries and host countries already identified by the United States Department of Labor prior to enactment of this Act.

5. H-1B visa training grants restricted to job training only

   This section limits how the Department of Labor can spend a specific pool of grant money. The money comes from fees paid by employers who hire foreign workers on H-1B visas. Under this section, that money can only go toward training programs. Those programs must train people who are older than 16 and not currently in a K-12 school. The training must focus on jobs and industries where employers are using H-1B visas. The funds can also pay for support activities directly tied to that training. No other use of these funds is allowed.

   Who this affects

   Adults and out-of-school youth over age 16 who want job training in high-skill fields. It also affects workforce training providers who apply for these grants.

   Tradeoff

   The restriction keeps grant money focused on workforce training, but it prevents the Department of Labor from using the funds for broader workforce programs or other purposes.

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   none of the funds made available to the Department of Labor for grants under section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 may be used for any purpose other than competitive grants for training individuals who are older than 16 years of age and are not currently enrolled in school

6. Salary cap for job training grant recipients

   This section limits how much of the grant money can pay any one person's salary or bonuses. The cap is set at the federal Executive Level II pay rate, which is the salary for senior federal officials. The limit applies whether the cost is charged directly or indirectly to the grant. Vendors who sell goods or services are not covered by this cap. States that receive the money can set an even lower salary cap for subrecipients. When setting a lower cap, states can consider local cost of living, what comparable government workers earn, and the size of the organizations involved.

   Who this affects

   Organizations and individuals that receive Employment and Training Administration grant funds, including state agencies and their subrecipients such as local nonprofits and workforce programs.

   Tradeoff

   The cap keeps federal job training dollars from paying very high salaries, but it may make it harder for some organizations to hire or keep experienced workers who could earn more elsewhere.

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   None of the funds made available by this Act under the heading Employment and Training Administration shall be used by a recipient or subrecipient of such funds to pay the salary and bonuses of an individual, either as direct costs or indirect costs, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II.

7. Transfers for technical help and program oversight

   This section gives the Labor Secretary two transfer powers. First, money set aside for technical help to grant recipients can be moved to the Program Administration budget if federal employees can do that work more efficiently. This does not apply to one section of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Second, the Secretary can move up to 0.5 percent of each discretionary Employment and Training Administration budget line to Program Administration for program integrity work, meaning activities that check whether programs are run correctly and money is spent properly. A separate rule allows up to 0.5 percent of certain Job Corps funds to move within that account for the same purpose. These transfers can be used through grants, contracts, or agreements with states and other groups. Transferred funds stay available for use through September 30, 2028.

   Who this affects

   Federal agencies running job training and Job Corps programs are directly affected. Grant recipients and states that get Employment and Training Administration funds may also be subject to increased oversight activities paid for by these transfers.

   Tradeoff

   Moving money toward oversight and federal administration may improve program accountability, but it reduces the funds directly available for job training services.

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   the Secretary may transfer not more than 0.5 percent of each discretionary appropriation made available to the Employment and Training Administration by this Act to Program Administration in order to carry out program integrity activities

8. Department of Labor program evaluation funding

   This section lets the Secretary of Labor set aside up to 0.75 percent of funding from certain Labor Department accounts. The money goes to the Office of the Chief Evaluation Officer to study how well those programs work. The funds can be used through September 30, 2028. Before any money is moved, the Chief Evaluation Officer must send a written plan to Congress at least 15 days ahead of time. The plan must explain which programs will be studied. The accounts covered include job training, Job Corps, worker safety, wage enforcement, mine safety, disability employment, and several others listed in the section.

   Who this affects

   Federal agencies and offices within the Department of Labor are affected. Workers and employers who use Labor Department programs may indirectly be affected by the findings of the evaluations.

   Tradeoff

   Setting aside up to 0.75 percent for evaluations can improve program oversight, but it reduces the money directly available for services in those accounts.

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   The Secretary may reserve not more than 0.75 percent from each appropriation made available in this Act identified in subsection (b) in order to carry out evaluations of any of the programs or activities that are funded under such accounts.

9. Overtime rules waived for disaster claims adjusters

   This section changes how the Fair Labor Standards Act applies to insurance claims adjusters after a major disaster. For two years after a declared disaster, adjusters are not entitled to overtime pay under federal law. This applies only if the adjuster earns at least $591 per week, holds any required state license, and works for an employer that carries workers' compensation insurance and withholds payroll taxes. The employer also must not be an insurance company itself (or closely tied to one). Qualifying job duties include interviewing people, inspecting damage, estimating losses, evaluating coverage, negotiating settlements, and advising on lawsuits.

   Who this affects

   Insurance claims adjusters hired after a major disaster and their employers. It does not apply to adjusters employed directly by insurance companies or their close affiliates.

   Tradeoff

   Employers can deploy more adjusters quickly without paying overtime, but adjusters lose the overtime wage protections they would otherwise have under federal law.

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   The provisions of this section shall not apply for a period of 2 years after the occurrence of a major disaster to any employee— (A) employed to adjust or evaluate claims resulting from or relating to such major disaster, by an employer not engaged, directly or through an affiliate, in underwriting, selling, or marketing property, casualty, or liability insurance policies or contracts

10. Flexible entry rules for seasonal seafood workers on H-2B visas

    This section changes the arrival rules for H-2B temporary foreign workers hired by seafood companies. Normally, employers must file a new petition if workers arrive on a different date than stated. Under this section, once a petition is approved, the employer can bring those workers into the country at any point within a 120-day window starting on the original start date, without filing again. However, if workers arrive after day 90 of that window, the employer must first check the local job market. That means running two Sunday newspaper job listings, posting the job on a federal job board and at the worksite, and offering the position to any equally or better qualified U.S. worker who applies and is available. The section also says that spreading arrivals across that 120-day period cannot be treated as an illegal attempt to stagger the date of need under federal labor rules.

    Who this affects

    Seafood industry employers who hire H-2B temporary foreign workers, those workers themselves, and U.S. workers seeking similar jobs in seafood processing or harvesting.

    Tradeoff

    Employers get more flexibility to schedule worker arrivals over a longer window, but after 90 days they must do extra local recruitment steps and hire available qualified U.S. workers before bringing in foreign workers.

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    if a petition for H–2B nonimmigrants filed by an employer in the seafood industry is granted, the employer may bring the nonimmigrants described in the petition into the United States at any time during the 120-day period beginning on the start date for which the employer is seeking the services of the nonimmigrants without filing another petition.

11. Wage rules for H-2B temporary workers

    This section sets the rules for calculating the "prevailing wage" that employers must pay H-2B temporary nonimmigrant workers. The wage must be the higher of two amounts: what the employer already pays similar workers at that location, or the going rate for that job in that area based on available data. It also requires the government to accept private wage surveys when setting the prevailing wage. The government can reject a private survey only if its methods or data are not statistically sound.

    Who this affects

    Employers who hire H-2B temporary foreign workers (such as in landscaping, hospitality, or seafood processing) and the H-2B workers themselves. It also affects the Department of Labor, which sets and enforces these wage rules.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing private wage surveys gives employers more flexibility in setting wages, but critics argue private surveys can produce lower wage figures than the government's own data, which could affect worker pay.

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    the Secretary shall accept private wage surveys even in instances where Occupational Employment Statistics survey data are available unless the Secretary determines that the methodology and data in the provided survey are not statistically supported.

12. H-2B temporary worker program rules

    This section stops the Department of Labor from enforcing two specific rules in the H-2B temporary foreign worker program. The first rule it blocks is the 'corresponding employment' definition, which sets wage and working condition standards for U.S. workers doing the same jobs as H-2B workers. The second rule it blocks is the 'three-fourths guarantee,' which requires employers to offer H-2B workers a minimum number of work hours. The section also changes which definition of 'temporary need' applies when deciding whether a business qualifies to hire H-2B workers. Instead of using the Labor Department's definition, it requires using a narrower definition from immigration regulations.

    Who this affects

    U.S. and foreign workers in the H-2B program, which covers temporary non-agricultural jobs like landscaping, hospitality, and construction. Employers who hire H-2B workers are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Employers may have more flexibility in hiring H-2B workers and setting work terms, but U.S. workers and H-2B workers lose certain wage and hour protections that were in place under the blocked rules.

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    None of the funds in this Act shall be used to enforce the definition of corresponding employment found in 20 CFR 655.5 or the three-fourths guarantee rule definition found in 20 CFR 655.20

13. Surplus government property for apprenticeship programs

    This section lets the Labor Secretary give away up to $450,000 worth of excess federal personal property to apprenticeship programs. The property can be transferred through grants, contracts, or other agreements. The Secretary decides what the property is worth. The goal is to help apprenticeship programs get equipment or supplies for training.

    Who this affects

    Apprenticeship programs that need equipment or supplies for training. Workers enrolled in those programs may also benefit.

    Tradeoff

    Programs get free or low-cost supplies, but the government gives up property it could sell or use elsewhere.

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    the Secretary may furnish through grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other arrangements, up to $450,000 of excess personal property, at a value determined by the Secretary, to apprenticeship programs for the purpose of training apprentices

14. Sale or transfer of two Job Corps center properties

    This section lets the Secretary of Labor sell or transfer the land at two Job Corps centers: Treasure Island (in San Francisco) and Gary Job Corps Center (near San Marcos, Texas). The Secretary can use any method they choose, including partnering with someone to build a new center. These deals do not have to follow the normal federal rules for selling government property or for federal contracting. Any money made from a sale goes back to the Secretary. That money must then be spent on running Job Corps programs at Treasure Island and in the San Marcos, Texas area.

    Who this affects

    Students and staff at the Treasure Island and Gary Job Corps centers are most directly affected. Federal agencies and contractors that normally oversee government property sales are bypassed.

    Tradeoff

    Skipping standard federal property and contracting rules may speed up the sale and redevelopment, but it also removes the oversight and competitive processes those rules are meant to provide.

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    Any sale or other disposition, to include any associated construction project, will not be subject to any requirement of any Federal law or regulation relating to the disposition of Federal real property or relating to Federal procurement

15. Job Corps center closure restrictions

    This section limits how the government can spend money related to Job Corps. It bans using funds to end or change the agreement between the Labor Department and Agriculture Department that runs Civilian Conservation Centers. It also bans closing any Civilian Conservation Center unless closing it is needed to protect student health or safety, the program keeps the same number of slots, and Congress gets proper notice under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Similarly, it bans closing any Job Corps center unless the center fails specific performance standards set in a 2016 federal rule, the program keeps the same number of slots, and the WIOA notice rules are followed.

    Who this affects

    Young adults enrolled in Job Corps or Civilian Conservation Centers. Federal agencies that run or oversee these programs.

    Tradeoff

    The restriction keeps existing centers open and protects program capacity, but it limits the government's ability to close centers it may consider low-performing or too costly.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to— (1) alter or terminate the Interagency Agreement between the United States Department of Labor and the United States Department of Agriculture; (2) close any of the Civilian Conservation Centers, except if such closure is necessary to prevent the endangerment of the health and safety of the students, the capacity of the program is retained, and the requirements of section 159(j) of the WIOA are met

16. Immigration fee fund rescission

    This section cancels $213 million in unspent money from a specific immigration fee account. The money comes from fees collected under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The cancellation must happen by September 30, 2027. Once rescinded, those funds can no longer be spent.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies that manage immigration services and rely on this fee fund. It could affect staffing or operations funded by those fees.

    Tradeoff

    Canceling unspent funds reduces available money for immigration services, but it also lowers overall federal spending.

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    $213,000,000 are hereby permanently rescinded not later than September 30, 2027.

17. Freeze on farmworker minimum wage rate for foreign guest workers

    This section freezes a specific minimum wage rate for the H-2A agricultural guest worker program. The H-2A program lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers for farm jobs when not enough U.S. workers are available. Employers must pay these workers at least the 'Adverse Effect Wage Rate,' which is set to protect U.S. workers from wage competition. This section stops that rate from changing during the fiscal year covered by the bill. It locks the rate at whatever level it was on October 2, 2025, for the entire year.

    Who this affects

    U.S. farm employers who use H-2A guest workers and the foreign agricultural workers they hire. U.S. farmworkers who work alongside H-2A workers may also be affected, since the rate is designed to protect their wages too.

    Tradeoff

    Freezing the rate may lower labor costs for farm employers, but it may also mean workers receive a lower wage than they would have gotten if the rate had been allowed to update.

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    the Adverse Effect Wage Rate in effect under 20 CFR 655.120(b) shall be the Adverse Effect Wage Rate in effect on October 2, 2025.

18. Block on OSHA heat safety workplace rule

    This section stops the government from using any money in this bill to finish, put in place, or enforce a specific workplace heat safety rule. That rule was proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in August 2024. The rule would have set standards to protect workers from heat injuries and illness in both outdoor and indoor jobs. The section also blocks any rule that is very similar to the proposed one.

    Who this affects

    Workers in jobs with high heat exposure, such as construction, agriculture, and warehousing. Employers who would have had to follow the new heat safety requirements are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Blocking the rule means workers do not gain new heat protections, but employers avoid the cost and burden of complying with new requirements.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed standard title Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the Federal Register on August 30, 2024

19. Job Corps operators allowed to accept outside donations

    This section lets Job Corps operators accept grants, donations, and other help (including materials and equipment) during fiscal year 2027. The help must be used to support Job Corps program goals. It cannot be used to pay for costs that are already covered by a Job Corps operating contract with the government.

    Who this affects

    Job Corps operators, which are the organizations that run Job Corps centers. Indirectly affects young people enrolled in Job Corps job training programs.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing outside donations can bring in extra resources for Job Corps centers, but the restriction on using donations to cover contract costs means the government must still fund those obligations directly.

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    Job Corps operators...may accept grants, charitable donations, or other assistance, including materials and equipment, if such grants, donations, or assistance— (1) are used to carry out the purposes of subtitle C of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act...and (2) are not used to fulfill any obligation or cost incurred under an agreement entered into pursuant to section 147 of such Act

20. Job Corps campus closure notice requirement

    This section blocks federal money from being used to pause or shut down any Job Corps campus. The exception is if the Secretary of Labor first sends written notice to the campus operator and the local members of Congress. That notice must spell out exactly what conditions the campus must meet before it can reopen or keep running.

    Who this affects

    Job Corps campus operators and their students are directly affected. Members of Congress whose districts include a Job Corps campus must receive notice before any shutdown.

    Tradeoff

    This gives Congress and campus operators a heads-up before a shutdown, but it also adds a required step that could slow down any action the Labor Department might need to take quickly.

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    None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to pause or cease operations of a Job Corps campus unless the Secretary of Labor has first provided written notice to the operator of the campus and to the Members of Congress representing the campus location identifying the specific conditions that must be met to permit the resumption of operations.

21. Blocking human traffickers from hiring guest workers

    This section stops the federal government from giving H-2B temporary work visas to employers convicted of human trafficking crimes. It also covers employers found liable for human trafficking in a civil court. The ban applies to felony violations under federal law, including forced labor, sex trafficking, and related conspiracy charges. Any employer who falls into these categories is permanently barred from filing for or receiving H-2B worker approvals. The restriction covers not just direct employers but also anyone filing on their behalf.

    Who this affects

    Employers who use H-2B temporary nonimmigrant workers and have a human trafficking conviction or civil judgment against them. H-2B workers seeking jobs with those employers are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    The section protects workers from traffickers, but a permanent ban with no review process means an employer cannot seek reinstatement even if circumstances change.

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    An employer described in paragraph (a) shall be permanently ineligible to file or obtain approval of a petition under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the INA.

22. Freeze on H-2A farm worker wage determinations

    This section blocks any money in this bill from being used to issue new prevailing wage determinations for the H-2A visa program. The H-2A program lets U.S. employers bring foreign workers into the country for temporary agricultural jobs. Before hiring H-2A workers, employers must pay at least the "prevailing wage" set by the Department of Labor. This section stops the government from calculating or publishing new prevailing wage rates under the specific rule found at 20 CFR 655.120. It does not end the H-2A program. It only prevents updated wage figures from being issued while this funding law is in effect.

    Who this affects

    U.S. agricultural employers who use H-2A guest workers, and the foreign workers hired under that visa program. The Department of Labor is also directly affected because it issues the wage determinations.

    Tradeoff

    Freezing new wage determinations may hold labor costs steady for employers, but it also means workers' pay rates would not be updated to reflect changes in local wages or labor market conditions.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to issue new H-2A prevailing wage determinations under 20 CFR 655.120.

23. Limit on official reception and representation expenses

    This section sets a spending cap on certain official events. Agencies funded under this title can spend no more than $50,000 on official receptions and representation expenses. The Secretary must specifically approve any such spending before money is used.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies and officials funded under this appropriations title. Taxpayers who fund these expenses are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    The cap limits how much can be spent on official events and hospitality, but it still allows up to $50,000 for such purposes with the Secretary's approval.

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    Funds appropriated in this title shall be available for not to exceed $50,000 for official reception and representation expenses when specifically approved by the Secretary.

24. Salary cap for grant-funded researchers

    This section limits how much federal money can be used to pay a person's salary through a grant or similar funding. The cap is set at the Executive Level II pay rate, which is the salary tier for senior federal officials. However, the section also makes clear that NIH can use its funds to pay up to 100 percent of a person's salary at that capped rate. In other words, the rule sets a ceiling on the hourly or annual rate, but does not stop NIH from covering the full amount up to that ceiling.

    Who this affects

    Researchers, scientists, and other individuals whose salaries are paid in full or in part through federal grants or similar funding. This especially affects people funded by NIH.

    Tradeoff

    The cap protects against high salary payouts using federal grant money, but it may make it harder for universities and research institutions to retain highly paid experts who earn more than the Executive Level II rate.

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    None of the funds appropriated in this title shall be used to pay the salary of an individual, through a grant or other extramural mechanism, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II

25. HHS spending report requirement before funds are used

    This section blocks the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from spending money under a specific public health law (Section 241 of the Public Health Service Act) until the HHS Secretary first sends a detailed report to Congress. The report must explain exactly how those funds will be used. The rule also covers any other fees or charges that HHS offices collect from programs. No money can move until Congress receives that written plan.

    Who this affects

    The HHS Secretary and HHS offices that collect or spend funds under this public health law. Congress receives the required report before any spending begins.

    Tradeoff

    This gives Congress more oversight of HHS spending, but it can delay the release of funds that programs may need quickly.

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    None of the funds appropriated in this or any other Act may be expended pursuant to section 241 of the PHS Act...prior to the preparation and submission of a report by the Secretary to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate detailing the planned uses of such funds.

26. Public Health Service program evaluation funds

    This section sets aside 2.5 percent of money appropriated for Public Health Service Act programs. That money can be used in two ways. First, it can be spent for the purposes and amounts already listed elsewhere in this bill. Second, it can be used to study whether those programs are working. The studies can be done directly by the government or through grants and contracts with outside groups. The section also overrides a specific spending rule in the Public Health Service Act to allow this set-aside.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies that run Public Health Service Act programs and researchers or contractors hired to evaluate those programs.

    Tradeoff

    Setting aside 2.5 percent for evaluation means less money goes directly to program services, but it provides funds to measure whether programs are effective.

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    2.5 percent of any amounts appropriated for programs authorized under such Act shall be made available... for evaluation (directly, or by grants or contracts) of the implementation and effectiveness of such programs.

27. Limited fund transfers within HHS budget

    This section lets the Department of Health and Human Services move money between its accounts, but only up to 1 percent of its total discretionary funds. No single account can grow by more than 3 percent from these moves. The transfers cannot be used to start a new program or pay for anything that has no funding already in this bill. Before any transfer happens, HHS must notify the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 15 days in advance.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Health and Human Services and the congressional committees that oversee its budget.

    Tradeoff

    This gives HHS some flexibility to shift funds where needed, but limits the size of transfers and requires advance notice to Congress.

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    Not to exceed 1 percent of any discretionary funds...may be transferred between appropriations, but no such appropriation shall be increased by more than 3 percent by any such transfer

28. Health workforce contract termination window

    Section 206 changes the timing rules for ending certain service agreements under the National Health Service Corps program. Normally, the Public Health Service Act sets a specific window for when someone can cancel their participation. This section allows those cancellations to happen up to 60 days after a new contract is awarded in fiscal year 2027. It also allows cancellation at any time if the person has not yet received money they are owed under the contract.

    Who this affects

    Health care workers who have signed or are signing National Health Service Corps service contracts for fiscal year 2027. Federal program administrators who manage those contracts.

    Tradeoff

    Giving workers more time to exit a contract adds flexibility, but it could also create uncertainty for underserved communities that were counting on those workers to arrive.

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    terminations described in such section may occur up to 60 days after the effective date of a contract awarded in fiscal year 2027 under section 338B of such Act, or at any time if the individual who has been awarded such contract has not received funds due under the contract.

29. Family planning funding requirements for minor counseling

    This section blocks federal family planning money from going to any group unless that group makes two promises. First, the group must say it encourages families to be involved when a minor seeks family planning services. Second, the group must say it counsels minors on how to say no if someone pressures them into sexual activity. Groups that do not certify both things to the Secretary of Health and Human Services cannot receive Title X family planning funds.

    Who this affects

    Organizations that receive Title X public health family planning grants are affected. Minors who use those services, and their families, are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    The requirements may add protections for minors, but they could also reduce the number of groups eligible for funding, which could limit access to family planning services.

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    None of the funds appropriated in this Act may be made available to any entity under title X of the PHS Act unless the applicant for the award certifies to the Secretary that it encourages family participation in the decision of minors to seek family planning services and that it provides counseling to minors on how to resist attempts to coerce minors into engaging in sexual activities.

30. Title X providers must follow state child abuse reporting laws

    This section removes any exemption that a family planning clinic or other Title X provider might claim from state laws on mandatory reporting. Title X is the federal family planning program. Under this section, all Title X providers must report child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape, or incest to state authorities, just like any other provider. No federal rule or other law can shield them from that state reporting duty.

    Who this affects

    Family planning clinics and other providers that receive federal Title X funding. It also affects patients, particularly minors, who seek care at those clinics.

    Tradeoff

    This rule makes sure Title X providers follow state reporting requirements, but some providers argue it could discourage abuse victims from seeking care if they fear their information will be reported.

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    no provider of services under title X of the PHS Act shall be exempt from any State law requiring notification or the reporting of child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape, or incest.

31. Medicare Advantage plans that decline to cover abortion

    This section says that no money from this law can be used to run the Medicare Advantage program if the government blocks a plan from joining simply because that plan refuses to provide, pay for, cover, or refer patients for abortions. In other words, a Medicare Advantage plan cannot be kicked out just for declining abortion services. The government must adjust the plan's payments to account for the lower expected costs of not covering those services. The section also says it does not change what Medicare covers overall. Plans that opt out of abortion services must still tell their members where to find information about all services Medicare does cover.

    Who this affects

    Medicare Advantage health plans that choose not to cover abortion services, and the Medicare enrollees in those plans.

    Tradeoff

    Plans gain the right to refuse abortion coverage without losing their Medicare Advantage status, but enrollees in those plans will not get abortion coverage or referrals through their plan.

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    None of the funds appropriated by this Act (including funds appropriated to any trust fund) may be used to carry out the Medicare Advantage program if the Secretary denies participation in such program to an otherwise eligible entity (including a Provider Sponsored Organization) because the entity informs the Secretary that it will not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or provide referrals for abortions

32. Ban on using funds to promote gun control

    This section blocks any money from this bill from being spent on activities that support or promote gun control. Agencies funded by this bill cannot use the money to advocate for gun restrictions. This applies to the full amount of any spending, not just part of it.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies funded by this bill, such as the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Research programs or public health campaigns that touch on gun-related topics could be affected.

    Tradeoff

    The restriction prevents federal health and education funds from going toward gun control messaging, but it may also limit public health research or outreach that involves firearm safety.

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    None of the funds made available in this title may be used, in whole or in part, to advocate or promote gun control.

33. HHS authority for international health work

    This section lets the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) run health programs in other countries during fiscal year 2027. It covers work on HIV/AIDS, other infectious diseases, and chronic and environmental health issues. HHS can rent, buy, or renovate buildings abroad for its staff. It can also give grants to nonprofit groups in other countries to get facilities for health programs. HHS staff sent overseas can receive the same pay allowances and benefits that U.S. Foreign Service employees get. Their pay can go up to the same level as if they were working in Washington, D.C. HHS must work with the State Department to make sure all of this follows existing rules about diplomacy and facility safety.

    Who this affects

    HHS employees assigned to work abroad, and nonprofit or public organizations in other countries that partner with HHS on health programs.

    Tradeoff

    Giving HHS more tools to run overseas health programs adds flexibility, but it also expands federal spending and personnel operations outside U.S. borders.

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    The Secretary is authorized to provide to personnel appointed or assigned by the Secretary to serve abroad, allowances and benefits similar to those provided under chapter 9 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980.

34. NIH flexibility to move HIV research funds

    This section lets the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the Office of AIDS Research move up to 3 percent of HIV research money between NIH institutes and centers. They must give Congress 15 days notice before any such transfer.

    Who this affects

    NIH institutes and centers that receive HIV research funding. Congressional appropriations committees are also notified of any moves.

    Tradeoff

    The flexibility lets NIH redirect money quickly to promising HIV research, but it reduces how precisely Congress controls where those funds go.

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    The Director of the NIH, jointly with the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, may transfer up to 3 percent among institutes and centers from the total amounts identified by these two Directors as funding for research pertaining to the human immunodeficiency virus

35. HIV research funding directed to Office of AIDS Research

    This section says that a portion of the total NIH budget must go toward HIV research. The NIH Director and the Office of AIDS Research Director decide together how much that portion is. That money goes into the Office of AIDS Research account. The Office of AIDS Research then transfers whatever funds are needed to carry out a specific part of the Public Health Service Act related to AIDS research coordination.

    Who this affects

    NIH and the Office of AIDS Research, which manage federal HIV and AIDS research funding. Researchers and programs that receive HIV-related NIH grants are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Directing a set portion of NIH funds specifically to HIV research ensures that work continues, but it also reduces flexibility for NIH to shift money toward other health priorities.

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    the amount for research related to the human immunodeficiency virus, as jointly determined by the Director of NIH and the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, shall be made available to the Office of AIDS Research account.

36. NIH authority to use flexible research agreements

    This section lets the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) use a special type of funding deal called an 'other transaction agreement.' These deals are not standard contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. The authority covers research described in a specific part of the Public Health Service Act. The Director can choose how to review these deals for scientific merit, instead of following the normal peer review steps required by law. If any single deal is expected to cost more than $100 million, the Director must tell the House and Senate Appropriations Committees within 15 days.

    Who this affects

    NIH and the researchers or organizations that receive NIH funding through these special agreements. Taxpayers fund these deals.

    Tradeoff

    These flexible agreements can speed up research deals, but they skip the standard review steps that normally provide outside checks on how NIH spends large amounts of public money.

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    the Director may utilize such peer review procedures (including consultation with appropriate scientific experts) as the Director determines to be appropriate to obtain assessments of scientific and technical merit. Such procedures shall apply to such transactions in lieu of the peer review and advisory council review procedures that would otherwise be required

37. National Institutes of Health facility repairs

    This section allows the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to spend up to $100 million on fixing or improving its buildings and facilities. The money must come from funds already set aside for NIH in this bill. No single project can cost more than $5 million. The work must be needed to keep NIH activities running properly and efficiently.

    Who this affects

    NIH institutes and centers that need building repairs or upgrades. It indirectly affects researchers and staff who work in those facilities.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing facility repairs keeps NIH workspaces functional, but it shifts up to $100 million away from other possible uses within the NIH budget.

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    Not to exceed $100,000,000 of funds appropriated by this Act to the institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health may be used for alteration, repair, or improvement of facilities, as necessary for the proper and efficient conduct of the activities authorized herein, at not to exceed $5,000,000 per project.

38. Research training awards split between primary care and health services research

    This section takes 1 percent of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) money set aside for National Research Service Awards (NRSA), which are research training grants. That 1 percent goes to the Health Resources and Services Administration to fund research training in primary medical care. Recipients must be connected to organizations that already get grants under specific public health law sections. A separate 1 percent of NRSA funds goes to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for health services research training.

    Who this affects

    Researchers and trainees in primary medical care and health services research. Organizations already receiving grants under sections 736, 739, or 747 of the Public Health Service Act are the eligible affiliating institutions.

    Tradeoff

    Directing 2 percent of NRSA funds to these two agencies means slightly less money remains in the general NIH research training pool, but it targets training toward primary care and health services research specifically.

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    1 percent of the amount made available for National Research Service Awards (NRSA) shall be made available to the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to make NRSA awards for research in primary medical care

39. Multi-year contracts for medical countermeasure research

    This section lets the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) sign contracts lasting up to 10 years. These contracts can cover research services or security countermeasures, which are things like vaccines and treatments for national health threats. To sign a multi-year deal, money must be set aside for either the full contract period or at least the first year. Funds must also cover costs if the contract has to be ended early. The agency head must decide that a longer contract saves money or encourages fair competition. Any such contract must include a clause allowing early termination and must notify Congress under existing federal law.

    Who this affects

    BARDA and the companies or researchers it contracts with for medical countermeasures. Taxpayers are affected because long-term contracts lock in spending commitments.

    Tradeoff

    Multi-year contracts can lower costs and bring in more bidders, but they also commit federal funds years in advance and reduce budget flexibility.

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    BARDA may enter into a contract, for more than one but no more than 10 program years, for purchase of research services or of security countermeasures...if funds are available and obligated for the full period of the contract or for the first fiscal year in which the contract is in effect.

40. Affordable Care Act staffing transparency report

    This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish detailed staffing information related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The report must appear in the fiscal year 2028 budget documents and on department websites. It must cover every fiscal year since the ACA became law. For each year, the report must list which part of the ACA funded each program, which office runs it, and how much money it received. It must also show how many full-time or contracted employees worked on each funded program. The Secretary may leave out workers who spend less than half their time on ACA work, who work on pre-existing programs funded by other laws, or who work on fixed-price contracts that do not require tracking staff hours.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Health and Human Services and its employees and contractors who work on ACA-related programs. The public and lawmakers who use budget documents to track government spending.

    Tradeoff

    More transparency about ACA staffing gives the public and Congress better information, but collecting and reporting this data takes staff time and resources.

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    The Secretary shall publish in the fiscal year 2028 budget justification and on Departmental Web sites information concerning the employment of full-time equivalent Federal employees or contractors for the purposes of implementing, administering, enforcing, or otherwise carrying out the provisions of the ACA

41. Health Insurance Exchange spending transparency

    This section requires the Secretary to publish detailed spending information about Health Insurance Exchanges. The information must appear in the President's fiscal year 2028 budget. It must cover every year since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed. It must also include planned spending for fiscal year 2028. For each year, the report must break down how much money was spent on each specific activity listed under a related section of the bill's report.

    Who this affects

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services must prepare and publish this information. Taxpayers and lawmakers who want to see how exchange funds have been spent will have access to it.

    Tradeoff

    Publishing this detail gives the public and Congress more visibility into exchange spending, but it also requires staff time and resources to compile years of historical data.

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    The Secretary shall publish, as part of the fiscal year 2028 budget of the President submitted under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, information that details the uses of all funds used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services specifically for Health Insurance Exchanges for each fiscal year since the enactment of the ACA

42. Block on ACA risk corridor payments

    This section bars the use of certain federal funds for 'risk corridor' payments. Risk corridors were a program created by the Affordable Care Act. Under that program, the government was supposed to share financial risk with health insurers. Insurers who lost more than expected could receive payments. Insurers who earned more than expected would pay into the program. This section says none of the Medicare trust fund money or other funds covered by this spending bill can go toward those payments.

    Who this affects

    Health insurance companies that may have outstanding claims from the ACA risk corridor program. It also affects federal agencies that administer Medicare and Medicaid.

    Tradeoff

    Blocking these payments saves federal trust fund money, but insurers with unpaid risk corridor claims would not receive those funds.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund or the Federal Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund...may be used for payments under section 1342(b)(1) of Public Law 111–148 (relating to risk corridors).

43. Prevention and Public Health Fund transfer rules

    This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to move money from the Prevention and Public Health Fund (created by the Affordable Care Act) to specific accounts within 45 days of the law passing. The amounts and uses are set in the committee report that accompanies this bill. Once the Secretary moves the money, it cannot be moved again. Some of those funds go toward tobacco prevention programs. Those funds are not bound by the usual spending cap that normally applies to that program.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Health and Human Services controls how these funds are used. Programs funded by the Prevention and Public Health Fund, including tobacco prevention efforts, are directly affected.

    Tradeoff

    Locking in specific transfers and amounts gives Congress tighter control over the fund, but it removes the Secretary's flexibility to adjust spending if public health needs change.

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    the Secretary may not further transfer these amounts

44. Breast cancer screening mammography coverage rules

    This section deals with which mammography guidelines apply under federal law. A government advisory group called the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its breast cancer screening guidelines in 2009. Those newer guidelines changed the recommended age and frequency for mammograms. This section says that from November 1, 2015 through January 1, 2029, any federal law that mentions the Task Force's current mammography guidelines must instead follow the older guidelines from before 2009. In practice, this means federal programs must treat those older, broader screening recommendations as the official standard. It also requires that the pre-2009 guidelines apply to all types of screening mammography covered under Medicare.

    Who this affects

    Women who use federally covered mammography services, including Medicare patients. Federal agencies and insurers that must follow Task Force guidelines for coverage decisions are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Using the older guidelines may expand access to covered mammograms for more women, but it keeps federal programs from following the Task Force's more recent scientific review.

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    any provision of law that refers (including through cross-reference to another provision of law) to the current recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force with respect to breast cancer screening, mammography, and prevention shall be administered by the Secretary involved as if— (1) such reference to such current recommendations were a reference to the recommendations of such Task Force with respect to breast cancer screening, mammography, and prevention last issued before 2009

45. Cap on overhead charges at wealthy universities receiving NIH grants

    This section limits how much money the National Institutes of Health can pay for overhead costs at certain universities. These overhead costs, called facilities and administration costs, cover things like building use and administrative support. The cap is set at 30 percent of the total grant award. It applies only to universities that pay a special tax on their large endowments, which generally means wealthy private colleges and universities.

    Who this affects

    Wealthy private universities that receive NIH research grants and pay the endowment excise tax under federal tax law. It also affects the NIH, which funds the research.

    Tradeoff

    Limiting overhead reimbursement could save federal money, but universities may receive less funding to cover real operating costs, which could affect how they manage NIH-funded research.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act to the National Institutes of Health may be used for facilities and administration costs (as defined in section 200.414 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations) that exceed 30 percent of an award to an applicable educational institution that is an organization subject to taxation under section 4968 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

46. NIH opioid and addiction funding transfers

    This section lets the Director of the National Institutes of Health move money between NIH offices. The funds must be used for opioid addiction, opioid alternatives, stimulant misuse, pain management, or addiction treatment. The Director must wait 15 days after telling the House and Senate Appropriations Committees before moving the money. This transfer power is on top of any other transfer powers the Director already has under existing law.

    Who this affects

    The NIH Director and the various NIH Institutes and Centers that work on addiction and pain research. Researchers and programs funded by NIH in these areas could see their funding shift between offices.

    Tradeoff

    Giving the NIH Director more flexibility to move funds quickly could help target urgent needs, but it also reduces direct congressional control over how specific offices are funded.

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    The NIH Director may transfer funds for opioid addiction, opioid alternatives, stimulant misuse and addiction, pain management, and addiction treatment to other Institutes and Centers of the NIH to be used for the same purpose 15 days after notifying the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate

47. Health exchange enrollment and grant award reporting to Congress

    This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to share two types of information with the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. First, the Secretary must provide detailed monthly enrollment numbers from the health insurance exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act during open enrollment. Second, the Secretary must report any new or competitive grants awarded under a public health centers program. Before releasing either type of information to the public, the Secretary must notify the committees at least two business days in advance.

    Who this affects

    The Secretary of Health and Human Services must follow these reporting rules. Congressional appropriators and the public are affected by the timing of when this information becomes available.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gains early access to enrollment and grant data, but the two-day notice requirement adds a small procedural step before the public sees that information.

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    The Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate must be notified at least 2 business days in advance of any public release of enrollment information or the award of such grants.

48. Medicare trust fund transfer for program management

    This section lets the Secretary of Health and Human Services move up to $455 million from two Medicare trust funds into the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services management account. The two trust funds are the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (Part A) and the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (Part B). The money can only be used to run the Medicare program. It cannot be used to carry out the 2010 Affordable Care Act or its related law. It also cannot replace other money that was already set aside in that account.

    Who this affects

    Medicare beneficiaries and administrators who rely on the agency running the Medicare program day to day. The two Medicare trust funds, which are funded by payroll taxes and premiums, would provide the money.

    Tradeoff

    The transfer gives more money to run Medicare, but it draws from trust funds that pay benefits, and it is strictly blocked from supporting the Affordable Care Act.

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    the Secretary of Health and Human Services may transfer up to $455,000,000 to such account from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to support program management activity related to the Medicare Program

49. Staffing report requirement for Health and Human Services

    This section requires the Department of Health and Human Services to send a report to Congress twice a year. The report must cover staffing levels described in the bill's accompanying report. The first report is due 30 days after this bill becomes law. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees must receive the report.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Health and Human Services must prepare and submit the reports. Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees receive them.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gains regular updates on agency staffing, but the department must use staff time and resources to prepare and submit the reports.

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    The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate a biannual report 30 days after enactment of this Act on staffing described in the report accompanying this Act.

50. Travel costs for HHS employees during public health emergencies

    This section lets the Department of Health and Human Services use its regular salary and expense funds for a specific extra purpose. If an HHS employee is assigned to work in an area under a federal public health emergency declaration, the agency can pay for that employee's travel costs. It can also pay travel costs for a family member. This only applies when the employee or family member needs medical care that is not available in that location at that time. The covered locations include all U.S. states and territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

    Who this affects

    HHS employees assigned to public health emergency zones and their family members who need medical care they cannot get in that location.

    Tradeoff

    Employees deployed to emergency areas get help covering medical travel costs, but the funding comes from the same pool already set aside for HHS salaries and expenses.

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    such travel is necessary to obtain medical care for an illness, injury, or medical condition that cannot be adequately addressed in that location at that time.

51. Accepting private gifts for Early Head Start programs

    This section lets the Secretary of Health and Human Services accept money, property, and real estate from private, non-government donors to support Early Head Start programs. These programs serve infants, toddlers, and pregnant women from low-income families. Donated funds go into a separate Treasury account. The Secretary can spend them without waiting for a new congressional appropriation. Donations with conditions attached can be accepted if the Secretary recommends them. The gifts must add to existing federal funding, not replace it. Donating does not give any donor special treatment, regulatory favors, or contracting advantages.

    Who this affects

    Low-income families enrolled in Early Head Start programs may benefit from added private funding. Private donors, businesses, and nonprofits that give to these programs are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Private donations could increase resources for Early Head Start, but accepting outside money raises questions about donor influence over a federal program, even though the bill bars special treatment for donors.

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    Gifts accepted under this authority shall supplement and not supplant Federal funds otherwise available for Early Head Start programs. Acceptance of gifts under this authority shall not confer any special consideration, regulatory influence, procurement advantage, or benefit to or on behalf of any donating entity.

52. Private donations allowed for unaccompanied migrant children

    This section lets the Department of Health and Human Services accept donations from private companies, nonprofits, and other non-government groups. The donations support unaccompanied migrant children who are in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Allowed donations include medical goods and services, early childhood screenings, school supplies, toys, clothing, and other items meant to help children's wellbeing.

    Who this affects

    Unaccompanied migrant children in federal government care. Private companies, nonprofits, and other outside groups that may donate goods or services.

    Tradeoff

    Accepting outside donations could stretch limited government resources further, but it also means private groups gain some influence over what goods and services these children receive.

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    The Department of Health and Human Services may accept donations from the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and other groups independent of the Federal Government for the care of unaccompanied alien children

53. Notice and reporting rules for emergency child migrant facilities

    This section adds new rules when the government opens an unlicensed facility to house unaccompanied migrant children. Before opening such a facility, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must tell the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 15 days in advance. The notice must say whether the building is a hard structure or a soft structure, like a tent. It must also explain why the facility is needed, specifically that without it, children would likely stay in Department of Homeland Security custody for more than 72 hours, or would face some other danger. Once the facility opens, the Secretary must send a report within 60 days and then every month after that. Each report must list the total number of children at the facility, how long they have been there on average, and for any child held more than 60 days, their exact length of stay and the reason they have not yet been released.

    Who this affects

    Unaccompanied migrant children held in unlicensed federal facilities, and the federal agencies that operate and oversee those facilities.

    Tradeoff

    Greater oversight and transparency may slow the process of opening emergency facilities, but it gives Congress more information about how long children are held and why.

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    the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate at least 15 days before operationalizing an unlicensed facility, and shall (1) specify whether the facility is hard-sided or soft-sided, and (2) provide analysis that indicates that, in the absence of the influx facility, the likely outcome is that unaccompanied alien children will remain in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security for longer than 72 hours

54. Congressional oversight of unaccompanied minor shelters

    This section says no money from this bill can be used to block a U.S. Senator or House member from visiting any U.S. facility that houses unaccompanied migrant children. The visit must be for oversight purposes. The lawmaker must give the Office of Refugee Resettlement at least two business days' notice before arriving. That notice requirement is meant to make sure the visit does not disrupt the facility's normal operations, including child welfare and safety activities.

    Who this affects

    Members of Congress who want to inspect these facilities. It also affects staff and children at shelters run by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

    Tradeoff

    Lawmakers gain a clearer right to inspect these facilities, but they must give advance notice, which limits the ability to conduct surprise visits.

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    None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to prevent a United States Senator or Member of the House of Representatives from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility in the United States used for the purpose of maintaining custody of, or otherwise housing, unaccompanied alien children

55. Monthly reports on children separated from parents at the border

    This section requires the Secretary to send a report to Congress within 14 days of the law passing. After that, reports must come every month. Each report covers children who were separated from a parent or guardian by the Department of Homeland Security. It includes children separated no matter who chose the separation. These children were later labeled unaccompanied and sent to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Each report must list how many children were separated, their ages, and where the separation happened. It must also list the official reason DHS gave for each separation. All reports must be posted online for the public to read.

    Who this affects

    Children separated from parents or guardians at or between U.S. ports of entry, and the federal agencies that handle their care. Congress and the public also receive this information.

    Tradeoff

    The reporting requirement adds more transparency about child separations, but it also adds a recurring workload for the agencies that must gather and publish the data.

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    Not later than 14 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and monthly thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and make publicly available online, a report with respect to children who were separated from their parents or legal guardians by the Department of Homeland Security

56. School costs for CDC staff in U.S. territories

    This section lets CDC salary and expense funds pay for K-12 schooling for children of CDC employees stationed in U.S. territories. The territories covered are Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The amount paid cannot exceed what the Department of Defense pays for similar schooling costs.

    Who this affects

    CDC employees who are stationed in a U.S. territory and have school-age children.

    Tradeoff

    Employees in remote U.S. territories get help covering school costs, but it adds to CDC operating expenses up to the limit the Department of Defense sets.

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    Funds appropriated in this Act that are available for salaries and expenses of employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall also be available for the primary and secondary schooling of eligible dependents of personnel stationed in a U.S. territory at costs not in excess of those paid for or reimbursed by the Department of Defense

57. CDC spending limits by program area

    This section says that money given to specific CDC program areas must be spent only on the activities listed in the committee report that comes with this bill. It also locks in the exact dollar amounts shown in that report's tables. The program areas covered include vaccines, HIV and other infections, chronic diseases, birth defects, environmental health, injury prevention, workplace safety, and global health, among others. No money can be moved freely between these categories. Each program must stick to its assigned budget activity and amount.

    Who this affects

    The CDC and its program offices are directly affected. Researchers, public health workers, and communities that receive CDC grants or services are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Locking spending to specific line items gives Congress close control over CDC priorities, but it limits the agency's ability to shift funds quickly if health needs change.

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    Funds made available in this Act under each of the headings Immunization and Respiratory Diseases , HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis Prevention , Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases , Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion...shall be for the budget activities, and in the amounts specified in the table under each such heading in the report accompanying this Act.

58. Limits on painful animal research at NIH

    This section blocks National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for biomedical research on dogs or cats that causes significant pain. The USDA classifies animal research pain on a scale. Categories D and E cover the most painful procedures. NIH cannot pay for such research unless it meets one of three exceptions. First, the research involves dogs as companion animals. Second, NIH determines there is no other workable alternative. Third, the dogs or cats used can be adopted or rehomed after the research ends.

    Who this affects

    NIH researchers and institutions that use dogs or cats in painful experiments. It also affects dogs and cats used in those studies.

    Tradeoff

    The section protects animals from painful procedures, but it may slow or stop some medical research that currently has no animal-free alternative.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the National Institutes of Health to conduct or support biomedical research, testing, or experimentation on dogs or cats that is classified in pain category D or E

59. Cancellation of unspent hospital funds

    This section cancels $2 billion in unspent money sitting in a special government savings account called the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund. That fund holds leftover dollars from the Department of Health and Human Services. The cancellation must happen by September 30, 2027. However, any money that Congress previously set aside specifically for an emergency cannot be canceled under this rule.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Health and Human Services, which manages the fund. Any programs or future uses that might have drawn on those unspent dollars are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Canceling the $2 billion reduces the national debt by that amount, but it also removes money that the department could have used for future one-time expenses or upgrades.

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    $2,000,000,000 are hereby rescinded not later than September 30, 2027, except that no amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were previously designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement

60. Ban on federal funds for fetal tissue research from induced abortions

    This section blocks any money from this spending bill from being used for research that involves human fetal tissue. The restriction applies only when that tissue comes from an induced abortion. Research using fetal tissue from other sources, such as miscarriages, would not be affected by this rule.

    Who this affects

    Scientists and research institutions that receive federal funding from this bill. It also affects medical research programs that study fetal tissue to understand diseases or develop treatments.

    Tradeoff

    The restriction limits certain federally funded research avenues that some scientists say are useful for studying diseases, while supporters say it prevents public money from being tied to induced abortions.

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    None of the funds provided in this Act may be used to conduct or support research using human fetal tissue if such tissue is obtained pursuant to an induced abortion.

61. Abortion training opt-in requirement for medical training programs

    This section blocks federal funds from going to hospitals or medical training programs that require trainees to learn about performing abortions without the trainee first choosing to do so. A trainee must actively opt in before receiving any such training. Programs also cannot punish or discriminate against trainees who choose not to opt in, whether that means refusing to perform abortions, assist with them, or provide counseling or referrals for them. The section does not create new permission for abortion training; it only addresses the opt-in requirement.

    Who this affects

    Medical residents and other health profession trainees who participate in programs that include abortion-related training. Hospitals and training programs that receive federal funds are also directly affected.

    Tradeoff

    Trainees gain protection from being required to participate in abortion training, but programs that do not adopt an opt-in system risk losing federal funding.

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    None of the funds appropriated in this Act...shall be made available to a hospital or any other entity that administers any postgraduate physician training program...that provides training in the performance of...induced abortions...if such program provides or requires such training for any participant in such program without the participant first voluntarily electing to opt in to undergo such training.

62. Blocking federal funds from certain family planning providers

    This section bars federal funds from going to a specific type of organization. The organization must meet three conditions: it is a nonprofit, it is a major family planning and reproductive health provider, and it performed abortions or gave money to groups that did (except in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions). The organization must also have received more than $23 million in Title X federal grants in 2016. That description fits Planned Parenthood. The ban covers direct federal payments and payments routed through states or managed care contracts. An organization can be removed from the banned list if it certifies it will stop performing abortions and will stop funding others that do. If an organization makes that promise and then breaks it, the federal government can demand repayment.

    Who this affects

    Large nonprofit family planning providers that received over $23 million in Title X grants in 2016 and that perform or fund abortions outside the named exceptions. Patients who use those providers for any health services could also lose access to federally funded care at those sites.

    Tradeoff

    The section cuts off federal funding from a major family planning network, which may reduce abortion access but could also reduce access to other services like contraception, cancer screenings, and STI testing at those same clinics.

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    none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available herein or hereafter may be made available either directly, through a State (including through managed care contracts with a State), or through any other means, to a prohibited entity.

63. Ban on federal funds for abortion-related activities

    This section blocks any money from this bill from being used for abortion-related purposes. Specifically, no funds can pay for programs that share information about abortion, help people access abortion, or make abortion easier to reach. The ban covers direct spending and also grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Any agency, grantee, or partner receiving money under this bill must not use those funds for these activities.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies, grant recipients, contractors, and nonprofit or health organizations that receive funding through this appropriations bill. People seeking information about abortion from federally funded programs are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    The restriction limits how federal money is spent on abortion-related information and access, but it may also reduce funding available to health programs that include abortion as part of broader services.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to establish, support, administer, oversee, or issue a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement for the purposes of providing information on, promoting access to, or facilitating an abortion.

64. No required abortion referrals in family planning program

    This section blocks money in this bill from being used to force family planning clinics to refer patients for abortions. The clinics get funding under Title X of the Public Health Service Act. The section also says no Title X provider must act against a state law that limits abortion referrals or pregnancy counseling. In short, clinics cannot be required to make abortion referrals, and state laws restricting such referrals stay in effect.

    Who this affects

    Family planning clinics and health centers that receive Title X funding. Patients who use those clinics for reproductive health services.

    Tradeoff

    Clinics keep their funding without being forced to refer patients for abortions, but patients in some states may have fewer referral options for abortion services.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to require any project under title X of the PHS Act to refer for abortions

65. Ban on funding for gender transition procedures

    This section blocks the use of any money from this spending bill for certain medical or other interventions. Specifically, it bars funding for social, psychological, behavioral, or medical procedures meant to change a person's body so it no longer matches their biological sex. That includes procedures that stop the body from developing naturally, disrupt its normal functions, or alter its appearance for that purpose.

    Who this affects

    Individuals who seek gender transition-related procedures or treatments that receive federal funding through this bill. It also affects providers and programs that use these funds to offer such services.

    Tradeoff

    Supporters say this stops federal dollars from paying for procedures they view as harmful, while opponents say it cuts off access to care that some patients and doctors consider medically necessary.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for any social, psychological, behavioral, or medical intervention performed for the purposes of intentionally changing the body of an individual (including by disrupting the body's development, inhibiting its natural functions, or modifying its appearance) to no longer correspond to the individual's biological sex.

66. Sponsor placement ban for certain unaccompanied children

    This section blocks the use of any funds in this bill to place an unaccompanied child who entered the U.S. without a parent or guardian with a sponsor. The ban applies if the child has a criminal conviction or a pending criminal charge tied to gang activity. It covers crimes or charges in the U.S., in the child's home country, or in any country where the child last lived.

    Who this affects

    Unaccompanied children in federal custody who have a criminal record or pending gang-related charges. It also affects potential sponsors who would otherwise care for such children.

    Tradeoff

    The section aims to reduce potential risks from placing children with criminal or gang ties into communities, but it may also keep some children in government detention longer rather than in a family setting.

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    None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be used to place an unaccompanied alien child with a sponsor in any case where such unaccompanied alien child has been convicted of a crime, or has a pending criminal charge relating to gang affiliation or activity

67. Limit on public health emergency powers and gun rights

    This section blocks the use of any money from this bill for one specific purpose. The Secretary of Health and Human Services cannot use these funds to declare a public health emergency if that declaration would restrict or limit a person's Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. It also blocks any related orders that would have that effect. The law that normally allows such declarations is Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act.

    Who this affects

    The Secretary of Health and Human Services is directly restricted. Gun owners could be affected if a future public health emergency declaration had included firearms-related orders.

    Tradeoff

    This provision limits the executive branch's ability to act on public health emergencies, but it also prevents those emergency powers from being used to restrict firearm rights.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine that a public health emergency exists pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, or issue any related order that would impede, limit, or restrict a citizen's Second Amendment rights.

68. Lawsuit rights for certain federal funding violations

    This section adds a new provision to federal public health law. It lets certain parties sue in court over violations of a related federal funding rule (from the 2026 spending law). The parties who can sue include the U.S. Attorney General, any state attorney general, or any person or group harmed by the violation. The violators who can be sued include federal agencies and any recipient of federal money, including state and local governments. Courts can award injunctions, declarations, money damages, and attorneys' fees to winners. States cannot use the Tenth or Eleventh Amendments as a shield to avoid these lawsuits. A person does not need to go through any government complaint process before filing suit.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies, states, local governments, and other recipients of federal funds who may violate the referenced funding rule. It also affects individuals or groups harmed by those violations, who gain new legal options.

    Tradeoff

    Giving more people the right to sue may deter funding-rule violations, but it also removes traditional legal protections that states rely on to limit federal lawsuits against them.

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    A qualified party may, in a civil action, obtain appropriate relief with regard to a designated violation.

69. Restrictions on placing migrant children with certain sponsors

    This section bans the use of funds from this bill to place an unaccompanied migrant child with a sponsor who has not been lawfully admitted to the United States. It also bans placement with a sponsor who is deportable under federal immigration law. In short, only sponsors who are lawfully present and not subject to deportation could receive an unaccompanied child through programs funded by this bill.

    Who this affects

    Unaccompanied migrant children in federal custody and the adults who might sponsor them. Federal agencies that place these children, such as the Office of Refugee Resettlement, must follow this rule.

    Tradeoff

    The rule adds a legal status check meant to protect children, but it may reduce the pool of available sponsors and leave some children in government shelters longer.

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    None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to place an unaccompanied alien child with an alien sponsor who has not been admitted...or who is deportable under section 237(a) of such Act.

70. Limits on gun-injury research at federal health agencies

    This section blocks money in the bill from being used by the CDC, NIH, and SAMHSA for research that frames gun violence as a public health epidemic. It also bars those agencies from studying or promoting firearm restrictions, bans, confiscation, or registration. However, the agencies are still allowed to research medical care for gunshot wounds, such as treatments, surgeries, and recovery.

    Who this affects

    Federal health researchers at the CDC, NIH, and SAMHSA are affected. People who study gun violence policy or public health approaches to firearm injury are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    The section keeps federal health funds away from gun policy research, but it preserves funding for medical treatment research on gunshot injuries.

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    None of the funds in this Act may be used for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to fund or carry out any research relating to gunshot injury or mortality prevention that treats crimes committed with a firearm as a public health epidemic

71. Ban on animal research for sex-change interventions

    This section bars the use of any money from this appropriations bill for animal research on vertebrate animals. Specifically, it blocks studies that test drugs, surgeries, or other treatments meant to change a person's body so it no longer matches their biological sex. This includes research on treatments that disrupt body development, suppress natural body functions, or alter physical appearance for that purpose.

    Who this affects

    Researchers at universities, hospitals, or agencies that receive funding under this bill. It also affects institutions studying medical treatments related to gender transition.

    Tradeoff

    The ban stops federal dollars from funding this type of animal research, which supporters say limits certain medical studies and which opponents say redirects funds away from those interventions.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for research on vertebrate animals for the purpose of studying the effects of drugs, surgery, or other interventions to alter the human body (including by disrupting the body's development, inhibiting its natural functions, or modifying its appearance) to no longer correspond to its biological sex.

72. Limits on the Underage Drinking Prevention Committee

    This section restricts what the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking can do with federal funds. The committee may only work on activities that its original authorizing law specifically allows. It cannot give input into the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It also cannot study, analyze, or report on alcohol use by adults who are of legal drinking age, including in its annual report to Congress.

    Who this affects

    The Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking is directly affected. Researchers and policymakers who rely on that committee for data on adult alcohol use are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Keeping the committee focused strictly on underage drinking may prevent mission creep, but it also means the committee cannot contribute research or data on legal adult alcohol use, even when that data might relate to youth drinking trends.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act or by transfer from any account in the Treasury of the United States may be used by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking to (1) carry out any activity not authorized under Public Law 109–422 ( 42 U.S.C. 201 note) to reduce underage drinking; (2) provide input for the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; or (3) study, analyze, consider, or report on alcohol consumption by individuals of legal drinking age

73. Limits on multi-year NIH research awards

    This section sets a cap on how much money the National Institutes of Health (NIH) can commit to multi-year awards in fiscal year 2027. The cap equals whatever amount NIH actually committed to multi-year awards in fiscal year 2025. A multi-year award is any grant, cooperative agreement, contract, or similar funding that spans more than one year. In short, NIH cannot grow its long-term funding commitments beyond the 2025 level.

    Who this affects

    Researchers, universities, hospitals, and other organizations that receive multi-year NIH funding. NIH program staff who manage and issue those awards are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Limiting multi-year commitments controls future spending obligations, but it may also reduce NIH's ability to fund longer research projects that need guaranteed support over several years.

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    Not to exceed the amount of funds made available under the heading National Institutes of Health in fiscal year 2025 that were obligated during fiscal year 2025 for more than one year of a multiyear award may be obligated in fiscal year 2027 from amounts made available under such heading in this Act for more than one year of a multiyear award.

74. Block on Medicare prior authorization model

    This section stops federal money from being used to carry out a specific Medicare program called the WISeR Model. That model would have required doctors to get prior approval before providing certain services to traditional Medicare patients. Prior authorization means a health plan must say 'yes' before a patient receives a treatment or procedure. This section bans using funds from this bill, or any other federal law, to run that model or any similar program that adds prior authorization rules to traditional Medicare.

    Who this affects

    People enrolled in traditional (fee-for-service) Medicare and the doctors and hospitals who treat them. It also affects the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs Medicare.

    Tradeoff

    Blocking this model may prevent delays in patient care caused by prior approval requirements, but it also removes a tool that was designed to reduce spending on services the government considers wasteful or unnecessary.

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    None of the funds made available in this Act or any other Act may be used to implement CMS-5056-N, Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model, or any such model that implements prior authorizations in traditional Medicare.

75. Voluntary prayer and meditation in public schools

    This section blocks the use of any money from this bill to stop voluntary prayer or meditation programs in public schools. In other words, no federal funds provided by this law can be spent to ban or interfere with those programs. The programs must be voluntary, meaning students are not forced to take part.

    Who this affects

    Public school students, school administrators, and local school districts that allow or run voluntary prayer or meditation programs.

    Tradeoff

    Supporters say it protects students' right to pray voluntarily at school, while critics may argue it raises questions about the separation of church and state in public education.

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    No funds appropriated in this Act may be used to prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in the public schools.

76. Department of Education fund transfer limit

    This section lets the Department of Education move money between its approved accounts. The move cannot be more than 1 percent of the department's total discretionary funds. No single account can grow by more than 3 percent from such a move. The department cannot use this flexibility to start new programs or pay for anything not already approved in this law. Congress must be told at least 15 days before any transfer happens.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Education and the congressional committees that oversee spending. Taxpayers are affected because it controls how education funds can be shifted.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing transfers gives the department some flexibility to manage funds, but the strict limits and required notice keep Congress informed and prevent new spending from being created without approval.

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    Not to exceed 1 percent of any discretionary funds...may be transferred between appropriations, but no such appropriation shall be increased by more than 3 percent by any such transfer

77. Extended availability window for education evaluation funds

    This section sets the time window during which certain education funds can be spent. Specifically, it applies to money pooled together for evaluation activities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Those funds become available starting July 1, 2027. They must be spent by September 30, 2028. This gives agencies about 15 months to use the money for evaluation work.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies and grantees that use pooled funds to evaluate education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

    Tradeoff

    The extended spending window gives more time to conduct evaluations, but it also delays when results and accountability reports would be completed.

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    Funds appropriated in this Act and consolidated for evaluation purposes under section 8601(c) of the ESEA shall be available from July 1, 2027, through September 30, 2028.

78. College endowment income used for scholarships

    This section lets colleges and universities use investment earnings from certain endowment funds for student scholarships. Those endowment funds must have received federal money under Title III or Title V of the Higher Education Act. A spending limit from that same law still applies. The section also says that colleges that already used this income for scholarships before this bill passed did nothing wrong. This rule stays in place until Congress reauthorizes Titles III and V of the Higher Education Act.

    Who this affects

    Colleges and universities that receive federal Title III or Title V Higher Education Act funds. Students at those schools who may receive scholarship money from endowment earnings.

    Tradeoff

    Colleges gain flexibility to turn endowment earnings into scholarships, but the spending cap in existing law still limits how much they can use.

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    An institution of higher education that maintains an endowment fund supported with funds appropriated for title III or V of the HEA for fiscal year 2027 may use the income from that fund to award scholarships to students, subject to the limitation in section 331(c)(3)(B)(i) of the HEA.

79. Extension of higher education reporting deadline

    This section updates a deadline in the Higher Education Act. It changes the year '2021' to '2027' in a specific rule about college and university reporting. This extends the rule's reach by six years. The original rule covers how schools must handle certain disclosures or requirements. By swapping in the new year, the bill keeps that rule active and applicable through 2027.

    Who this affects

    Colleges and universities covered by Section 114(f) of the Higher Education Act. Federal agencies that oversee those schools may also be affected.

    Tradeoff

    Extending the deadline keeps the reporting requirement in place longer, which may improve oversight but also continues the compliance burden on schools.

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    Section 114(f) of the HEA ( 20 U.S.C. 1011c(f) ) shall be applied by substituting 2027 for 2021 .

80. Extension of student loan administrative expense authority

    This section extends a funding provision in the Higher Education Act. The original law let the Department of Education spend money on administrative costs for student loan programs through 2021. This section changes that end year from 2021 to 2028. That means the Department can keep using those funds for seven more years.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Education and its student loan operations. Borrowers are not directly affected, but the agency's ability to manage loan programs continues.

    Tradeoff

    Extending the authority keeps loan program administration funded, but it also extends ongoing federal spending on those administrative costs.

    Show the exact bill text

    Section 458(a)(4) of the HEA ( 20 U.S.C. 1087h(a) ) shall be applied by substituting 2028 for 2021 .

81. Student loan servicing payments to colleges

    This section allows money set aside for student aid administration to be used to pay colleges directly. Specifically, it covers payments for servicing Federal Perkins Loans. Perkins Loans are low-interest federal loans that colleges manage on behalf of students. Under this rule, a college that still handles outstanding Perkins Loans can receive funds to cover the cost of that work.

    Who this affects

    Colleges and universities that still manage unpaid Federal Perkins Loans. Students with those loans are also indirectly affected, since their loans continue to be serviced.

    Tradeoff

    Paying colleges to service these loans keeps borrowers supported, but it uses student aid administration funds that could otherwise go toward other aid costs.

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    Funds appropriated in this Act under the heading Student Aid Administration may be available for payments for student loan servicing to an institution of higher education that services outstanding Federal Perkins Loans

82. Funding set-aside for education program evaluations

    This section lets the Secretary of Education hold back up to 0.5 percent of money given to most programs under the Higher Education Act. That money goes toward studying how well those programs work and collecting outcome data. The hold-back does not apply to Pell Grant funds or the Student Aid Administration account. Any reserved funds can be spent through September 30, 2029. If another law already allows money to be set aside for evaluation of the same program, the Secretary can still reserve funds here, as long as the total does not go over any legal cap. Before spending any of the reserved money, the Secretary must send a written plan to four congressional committees. The plan must say where the money comes from, how much is held back, how it affects grant recipients, and what activities it will fund.

    Who this affects

    Colleges, universities, and other groups that receive grants under the Higher Education Act may get slightly less funding. Researchers and evaluators may receive contracts to study program results.

    Tradeoff

    Setting aside up to 0.5 percent for evaluations could improve knowledge about program effectiveness, but it reduces the money directly available to program grantees.

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    The Secretary may reserve not more than 0.5 percent from any amount made available in this Act for an HEA program...to carry out rigorous and independent evaluations and to collect and analyze outcome data for any program authorized by the HEA

83. Institute of Education Sciences support services funding

    This section sets aside up to $13 million from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) budget to pay for shared administrative services. These services include things like IT, office space, human resources, legal help, and grants management. The Department of Education must use a standard method to track exactly how much money is spent on these services. If IES spends less than expected, the extra money can be moved to a general Program Administration account. If IES needs more than expected, money can be moved the other way. Either way, Congress must be told at least 14 days before any money is moved.

    Who this affects

    The Institute of Education Sciences and the Department of Education. Taxpayers fund these administrative costs.

    Tradeoff

    Setting a $13 million cap keeps overhead spending limited, but if actual costs exceed that amount, money must be pulled from another account to cover the gap.

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    up to $13,000,000 shall be available for the Secretary of Education to provide support services to the Institute of Education Sciences

84. Cancellation of unused Education Department funds

    This section takes back $250 million in unspent money sitting in a Department of Education savings account called the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund. The money must be returned to the federal government no later than September 30, 2027. However, any money in that fund that Congress previously labeled as emergency spending cannot be taken back.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Education loses access to $250 million in unspent reserves. Programs or needs those reserves might have funded in the future would have to find other sources of money.

    Tradeoff

    Canceling unspent funds reduces the federal deficit, but it also removes money the Department of Education could have used for future one-time needs.

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    $250,000,000 are hereby rescinded not later than September 30, 2027, except that no amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were previously designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement

85. Automatic formula grant payments to states

    This section requires the Secretary of Education to send each state its required share of money under several federal education laws. The laws covered include the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The payments must go out on the day the funds become available. This removes any delay between when Congress approves the money and when states receive it.

    Who this affects

    All 50 states and territories that receive federal formula-based education grants. Schools, students with disabilities, homeless students, and adult learners benefit from these funds.

    Tradeoff

    Faster payments give states more time to plan spending, but the requirement leaves no flexibility to hold funds if a state has compliance issues.

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    The Secretary shall award to each State an amount as required under the applicable provisions of the ESEA, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, IDEA, Perkins Act, and AEFLA for each formula grant program to which funds are appropriated in this Act on the date such funds become available for obligation.

86. Funding ban for colleges that support terrorist-linked student groups

    This section blocks federal money from going to any U.S. college or university that gives recognition, funding, classroom space, or services to a student group that has supported a designated foreign terrorist organization. The ban also applies if the student group receives money from such an organization or a related group. This applies whether the student group acts on its own or through a national parent organization.

    Who this affects

    U.S. colleges and universities that receive federal funds under this act. Student organizations on those campuses may also be affected if they have ties to designated foreign terrorist organizations.

    Tradeoff

    The section aims to keep federal money away from institutions linked to terrorism, but it could affect a college's funding based on the actions of a student group rather than the institution itself.

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    None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to a United States institution of higher education that provides recognition, funding, classroom space or services to any student organization which, either individually or through its national headquarters, has provided vocal or material support for a designated foreign terrorist organization

87. Ban on federal funds for schools that allow males in women's sports

    This section blocks federal money from going to any school that lets a person born male compete in sports or activities set aside for women or girls. The section defines 'sex' as the reproductive biology and genetics a person has at birth. Schools that allow this participation would lose access to federal financial assistance provided by this spending bill.

    Who this affects

    All educational institutions receiving federal funds under this bill. Transgender female athletes and the schools they attend are directly affected.

    Tradeoff

    The section aims to protect female-designated athletic opportunities but may cause some schools to lose federal funding or exclude transgender female students from women's sports.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to provide financial assistance to an educational institution that allows an individual whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls.

88. Parent notification requirements for schools

    This section blocks federal funds from going to any K-12 school that does not meet two requirements. First, the school must have a policy requiring teachers and staff to tell parents if a student expresses a gender identity different from their birth sex. Second, the school cannot hide information from a parent or guardian about their child's grades, activities, physical or mental health, or gender identity efforts. There are three exceptions: a court order, an active law enforcement investigation, or a state law about reporting abuse or neglect can justify keeping information from a parent.

    Who this affects

    K-12 public and private schools that receive federal funds from this act are affected. Students, parents, teachers, and school staff are also directly affected.

    Tradeoff

    Schools that comply can keep their federal funding, but students who may rely on school staff for privacy around gender identity concerns could have that information shared with parents without the student's consent.

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    None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be available for a primary or secondary educational institutional that— (1) does not have policies requiring teachers and staff to promptly notify parents about matters related to gender identity generally or any desire or effort of a student to express an identity that does not correspond to the minor child's sex

89. Funding ban for colleges that treat religious student groups unequally

    This section stops federal money from going to public colleges and universities that treat religious student groups worse than other student groups. If a public college denies a religious student group any benefit that other student groups receive, such as use of campus buildings or official school recognition, the college loses funding under this law. The reason the college cannot use is that the group has certain religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership rules, or conduct standards.

    Who this affects

    Public colleges and universities that receive funding through this law, and religious student organizations at those schools.

    Tradeoff

    Colleges keep funding only if they give religious groups equal access, but some colleges argue that certain religious group policies conflict with campus nondiscrimination rules.

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    None of the funds made available under this Act may be provided to any public institution of higher education that denies to a religious student organization any right, benefit, or privilege that is otherwise afforded to other student organizations at the institution (including full access to the facilities of the institution and official recognition of the organization by the institution) because of the religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or standards of conduct of the religious student organization.

90. Block enforcement of borrower defense and 90/10 rule regulations

    This section stops the Department of Education from spending any money in this bill to carry out two specific rules. The first is the 2022 borrower defense rule. That rule lets students ask the government to cancel their federal student loans if a school misled or defrauded them. The second is the 2022 update to the 90/10 rule. That rule limits how much revenue a for-profit college can collect from federal student aid. By blocking funding for both rules, the department cannot enforce or apply them.

    Who this affects

    Current and former college students who may have borrower defense claims, and for-profit colleges subject to the 90/10 revenue limit.

    Tradeoff

    Blocking these rules may reduce costs and burdens on for-profit schools, but students who were misled by their schools would have fewer options to get their loans canceled.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to— (1) implement, administer, or enforce section 685.401 of title 34, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to borrower defense to repayment), as amended by the final regulations published by the Department of Education in the Federal Register on November 1, 2022

91. Student opt-out for active shooter drills

    This section says that no money from this law can go to a local school district that runs active shooter drills involving students, unless students under 16 years old can opt out. A parent or legal guardian must give consent for the opt-out. School districts that do not offer this opt-out option would lose access to funds provided by this law.

    Who this affects

    Students under 16 years old in public schools, their parents or guardians, and local school districts that receive federal funds from this law.

    Tradeoff

    Schools gain a clear federal rule protecting young students from mandatory drills, but districts that do not follow the opt-out requirement risk losing federal funding.

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    None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by any local education agency to conduct student-involved active shooter drills in schools without first providing student participants under 16 years old with the ability to opt out of such exercises with parental or legal guardianship consent.

92. Pell Grant fund rescission

    This section cancels $20 million in already-approved Pell Grant funding. The money comes from a specific reserve fund tied to the Pell Grant program under the Higher Education Act. The cancellation applies to funds set aside for fiscal year 2027. Once rescinded, that $20 million is no longer available to be spent on Pell Grants.

    Who this affects

    Students who receive federal Pell Grants to help pay for college. It also affects colleges and universities that enroll Pell Grant recipients.

    Tradeoff

    Rescinding the $20 million reduces federal spending, but it also reduces the reserve available to support Pell Grant awards for low-income college students.

    Show the exact bill text

    $20,000,000 are hereby rescinded.

93. End of subsidized student loans for undergraduates

    This section ends the Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan program for undergraduate students. Starting July 1, 2027, no new undergraduate student can receive a subsidized loan. With subsidized loans, the government pays the interest while the student is in school. Under this section, students would instead borrow only unsubsidized loans, where interest builds up from day one. To make up for the lost subsidized amount, the section raises each student's unsubsidized loan limit by the same dollar amount the subsidized loan would have covered. There is one protection: students who were already enrolled and receiving subsidized loans as of June 30, 2027, can keep receiving them until they finish their current program on schedule.

    Who this affects

    Undergraduate college students who take out federal student loans after July 1, 2027. Students already enrolled before that date are partly protected.

    Tradeoff

    Students can still borrow the same total dollar amount, but they will now pay interest on the full loan balance while still in school, which increases the total amount they owe by graduation.

    Show the exact bill text

    for any period of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2027— (i) an undergraduate student shall not be eligible to receive a Federal Direct Stafford loan under this part

94. Pell Grant funding levels for 2027 and beyond

    This section changes the spending amounts set in the Higher Education Act for Pell Grants. Pell Grants help low-income students pay for college. The section sets the funding at $16.27 billion for fiscal year 2027. Starting in fiscal year 2028 and every year after, the amount drops to $1.236 billion per year.

    Who this affects

    Low-income college students who rely on Pell Grants to pay for school. Schools and colleges that enroll those students are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Setting a higher one-time amount in 2027 provides more money in that year, but the much lower amount starting in 2028 could limit how many students receive grants or how large those grants are in future years.

    Show the exact bill text

    (iv) $16,270,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and (v) $1,236,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 and each succeeding fiscal year.

95. Budget scoring exemption for two prior sections

    This section says that the money effects of sections 319 and 320 will not be counted in three standard budget tracking processes. First, they will not count toward spending caps set by the Balanced Budget Act. Second, they will not count against the spending limit assigned to the Appropriations Committee. Third, they will not count as spending under the pay-as-you-go law, which normally requires new spending to be offset. In short, the costs of those two sections are set aside from the usual budget math.

    Who this affects

    Congressional budget scorekeepers and the Appropriations Committee are directly affected. Taxpayers are indirectly affected because it changes how spending in sections 319 and 320 is measured against budget rules.

    Tradeoff

    Exempting these costs from budget rules gives Congress more flexibility, but it also means the spending does not get measured against the limits designed to control the deficit.

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    the budgetary effects of sections 319 and 320 shall not be estimated— (1) for purposes of section 251 of such Act; (2) for purposes of an allocation to the Committee on Appropriations pursuant to section 302(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974; and (3) for purposes of section 3(4)(C) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010

96. Advanced nursing programs classified as professional degree programs

    This section stops federal money from being used to run student aid programs in a way that does not count advanced nursing programs as professional degree programs. An advanced nursing program is defined as any post-bachelor's program that trains students to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or similar advanced practice registered nurse. This classification can affect how student aid rules apply to those programs and their students.

    Who this affects

    Students enrolled in advanced nursing programs, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthesia programs. It also affects colleges and universities that offer those programs and receive federal student aid funding.

    Tradeoff

    Classifying these programs as professional degree programs may expand or change the student aid options available to nursing students, but it also limits how the Department of Education can apply its own rules about program categories.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to administer Title IV federal student aid programs in a manner that does not designate advanced nursing programs as professional degree programs.

97. Protecting Federal TRIO Programs for low-income and first-generation students

    This section blocks any funds in the bill from being used to change the basic purpose or structure of the Federal TRIO Programs. TRIO Programs help first-generation college students and low-income students get into and through college, including earning bachelor's and graduate degrees. The Education Secretary must run these programs the same way they have been run before. Each TRIO program must receive at least as much money as it got in fiscal year 2026. The Secretary must post application notices for the Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers programs by December 1, 2026. All grant award notices for TRIO programs must go out by May 1, 2027.

    Who this affects

    Low-income and first-generation college students who use TRIO services. Also affects colleges, nonprofit groups, and other organizations that receive TRIO grants.

    Tradeoff

    Locking in at least the 2026 funding level for each TRIO program protects current services, but it also limits the Secretary's flexibility to shift money between programs based on need or performance.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act shall be used to alter the fundamental purpose, structure, or implementation of the Federal TRIO Programs... the allocation for each of the Federal TRIO Programs shall be not less than the fiscal year 2026 allocation for each such program

98. Rules for AmeriCorps grant decisions and policy changes

    This section sets two rules for the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps, or CNCS). First, if CNCS wants to make a major change to how its programs work, it must go through a formal public notice-and-comment process. This gives the public a chance to weigh in before changes take effect. Second, during any grant selection process in fiscal year 2027, CNCS staff cannot share private grant selection information with anyone outside of CNCS who is not authorized to see it. This is meant to keep the grant review process fair and prevent outside influence.

    Who this affects

    AmeriCorps (CNCS) staff, grant applicants, and organizations that receive or seek CNCS funding. The public also has a role, since major policy changes must be open for public comment.

    Tradeoff

    Requiring public rulemaking and limiting information sharing adds process steps and may slow decisions, but it also increases transparency and reduces the chance of favoritism.

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    CNCS shall make any significant changes to program requirements, service delivery or policy only through public notice and comment rulemaking.

99. AmeriCorps grant matching requirements

    This section sets the minimum matching funds rule for AmeriCorps programs that get National Service Trust grants. For the first three years of receiving AmeriCorps money, a program must provide at least 24 percent of costs from non-federal sources. After three years, the standard federal matching rules in existing regulations apply. Two other cost-sharing rules from the 1990 National and Community Service Act are set aside. Programs can also apply for a partial waiver of the match requirement under existing federal rules.

    Who this affects

    AmeriCorps programs and the organizations that host or run them. It also affects the communities where those programs operate.

    Tradeoff

    A lower match requirement for new programs makes it easier for them to start, but it means more of the cost is covered by federal funds in those early years.

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    AmeriCorps programs receiving grants under the National Service Trust program shall meet an overall minimum share requirement of 24 percent for the first 3 years that they receive AmeriCorps funding

100. Donations to national service programs must add to, not replace, current funding

     This section covers donations made to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). When private donations are given to CNCS for national service programs, the money must be used as extra funding. It cannot be used to replace or reduce money that the programs already receive. In other words, donations must add to current program budgets, not substitute for them.

     Who this affects

     CNCS and the national service programs it funds, such as AmeriCorps. It also affects donors who give money expecting it to expand programs.

     Tradeoff

     This rule protects program funding levels from being quietly cut by swapping in donations, but it may also limit flexibility for program managers who might otherwise redirect funds.

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     Donations made to CNCS under section 196 of the 1990 Act for the purposes of financing programs and operations under titles I and II of the 1973 Act or subtitle B, C, D, or E of title I of the 1990 Act shall be used to supplement and not supplant current programs and operations.

101. AmeriCorps education award restricted to veterans for one use

     Section 404 adds a new rule for AmeriCorps education awards. Under existing law, award holders can use their education award for certain purposes listed in the National and Community Service Act. One of those purposes, listed as item four, is allowed only under specific conditions. This section says that particular use is now limited to people who qualify as veterans under federal law. Non-veterans cannot use their award for that specific purpose, though other allowed uses remain open to everyone.

     Who this affects

     AmeriCorps members who have earned an education award. Non-veterans lose access to one specific use of that award.

     Tradeoff

     Limiting one award use to veterans may direct benefits to that group, but it removes an option that non-veteran AmeriCorps members previously had.

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     use of an educational award for the purpose described in section 148(a)(4) shall be limited to individuals who are veterans as defined under section 101 of the Act.

102. Background checks for national service volunteers

     This section allows national service organizations and their volunteers to use the National Child Protection Act background check system. It treats certain national service groups as 'qualified entities' that can request criminal history records. It also treats national service volunteers the same as volunteers covered under that child protection law. State commissions that oversee national and community service programs are allowed to receive criminal history record information under this section.

     Who this affects

     National service organizations, their volunteers, and state commissions that manage community service programs. People who work or volunteer in these programs may have background checks run on them.

     Tradeoff

     Expanding background check access can help protect children and vulnerable people, but it also means more individuals will have their criminal histories reviewed as a condition of volunteering.

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     entities described in paragraph (a) of such section shall be considered qualified entities under section 3 of the National Child Protection Act of 1993 ( NCPA ); (2) individuals described in such section shall be considered volunteers under section 3 of NCPA

103. Shorter AmeriCorps service term for partial education award

     This section creates a new option for AmeriCorps volunteers. Under current law, members must complete a full term of service to earn a national service education award. This section lets a member earn 70 percent of that award by completing at least 1,200 hours of service within one year. The full award for a standard term is roughly $7,395, so 70 percent would be about $5,176. This applies even though existing rules in the National and Community Service Act of 1990 would otherwise block it.

     Who this affects

     AmeriCorps members who complete a shorter service term of at least 1,200 hours within one year. It also affects colleges and lenders, since the education award can be used to pay tuition or student loans.

     Tradeoff

     Members get an easier path to a partial education award, but they receive less money than those who complete a full service term.

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     an individual who successfully completes a term of service of not less than 1,200 hours during a period of not more than one year may receive a national service education award having a value of 70 percent of the value of a national service education award determined under section 147(a) of the Act.

104. National service position eligibility adjustment

     This section changes how a rule in the National and Community Service Act of 1990 works. Normally, a certain provision applies to national service programs that receive grants under subtitle C of that law. This section swaps that phrase out. Instead, the provision applies to approved national service positions. That is a narrower, more specific category than a whole grant-receiving program.

     Who this affects

     People serving in approved national service positions, and organizations that manage those positions, are affected. Programs that receive subtitle C grants but do not have approved positions may be affected differently.

     Tradeoff

     Focusing on approved positions may make the rule more precise, but it could also leave out some grant-receiving programs that were previously covered.

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     Section 148(f)(2)(A)(i) of the 1990 Act shall be applied by substituting an approved national service position for a national service program that receives grants under subtitle C.

105. Partial education awards for AmeriCorps members forced to leave early

     This section applies to AmeriCorps members who had to leave their service positions early. The early exit must have been directed by the Corporation for National and Community Service. It must also have been caused by something outside the member's control, such as a funding lapse or program cancellation. Normally, a member must complete a full term of service to earn an education award. Under this section, the head of the Corporation can waive that requirement. The member can be treated as having met the minimum service requirements. The member can also receive a partial education award that reflects how much of the term they actually completed. This applies even if the member served less than 15 percent of their required term.

     Who this affects

     AmeriCorps members who were forced to leave their service positions early due to funding gaps, program terminations, or similar events beyond their control.

     Tradeoff

     Members get some education benefit for partial service, but taxpayers fund awards for service terms that were not fully completed.

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     award the individual a pro-rated value of the educational award that corresponds to the quantity of the term of service actually completed by the individual without regard to whether such individual has completed at least 15 percent of their term of service

106. Ban on electronic voting in union elections

     This section blocks the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from spending any money to create new rules that would allow workers to vote online or by other electronic means in union representation elections. The ban covers funds from this bill and from past spending bills for the NLRB. Workers would still be able to vote through existing approved methods, such as in-person or mail-in paper ballots.

     Who this affects

     Workers who want to vote in a union election and the NLRB, which runs those elections.

     Tradeoff

     Blocking electronic voting may make it harder for some workers to cast a ballot, but supporters argue it protects election security and integrity.

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     None of the funds provided by this Act or previous Acts making appropriations for the National Labor Relations Board may be used to issue any new administrative directive or regulation that would provide employees any means of voting through any electronic means in an election to determine a representative for the purposes of collective bargaining.

107. Transfer of leftover funds to current accounts

     This section lets three Cabinet secretaries move unspent money from older budgets into the matching accounts in the current budget. The secretaries involved are Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The moved money must still be used for the same purpose it was originally approved for. It also must be spent within the same time frame that was set when the money was first approved.

     Who this affects

     The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Programs funded by those departments may be affected if their leftover money is moved.

     Tradeoff

     This gives agencies more flexibility to use old unspent funds, but the funds cannot be redirected to new or different purposes.

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     Such transferred balances shall be used for the same purpose, and for the same periods of time, for which they were originally appropriated.

108. Spending deadline for appropriated funds

     This section sets a strict time limit on money provided by this law. Any funds in this bill must be spent during the current fiscal year. If money is not used by the end of the fiscal year, it cannot be carried over to the next year. The only exception is if another part of this bill specifically says a fund can be used beyond the current year.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies that receive money through this bill. Agency budget managers must plan spending to fit within the fiscal year.

     Tradeoff

     This rule keeps tight control over federal spending timelines, but it may pressure agencies to spend quickly rather than wait for the best use of funds.

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     No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein.

109. Ban on using funds for lobbying or propaganda

     This section blocks money from this spending bill from being used for lobbying or propaganda. Agencies and grant recipients cannot spend these funds to create materials aimed at passing or defeating laws at the federal, state, or local level. They also cannot use the funds to influence pending regulations or executive orders. The ban extends to anyone receiving a grant or contract under this bill. Specifically, the section bars using these funds to promote tax increases or new restrictions on legal consumer products, including firearms.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies, grant recipients, and contractors funded by this bill. Any group or organization that receives money through this legislation must follow these restrictions.

     Tradeoff

     The restriction prevents taxpayer money from being used for lobbying, but it may also limit some public education or outreach activities that agencies or grantees would otherwise conduct.

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     No part of any appropriation contained in this Act...shall be used to pay the salary or expenses of any grant or contract recipient, or agent acting for such recipient, related to any activity designed to influence the enactment of legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action, or Executive order proposed or pending before the Congress or any State government.

110. Official reception and representation expense limits

     This section sets spending caps for official hosting and representation expenses. The Secretary of Labor may spend up to $28,000. The Secretary of Education may spend up to $20,000. The Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service may spend up to $5,000. The Chairman of the National Mediation Board may also spend up to $5,000. All of these funds come from each agency's existing salaries and expenses budget. These funds can be used for things like official receptions or meetings with outside parties.

     Who this affects

     Leaders of four federal agencies: the Departments of Labor and Education, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the National Mediation Board.

     Tradeoff

     Setting firm caps limits how much agency heads can spend on official hosting, but it also reduces flexibility if actual needs cost more.

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     The Secretaries of Labor and Education are authorized to make available not to exceed $28,000 and $20,000, respectively, from funds available for salaries and expenses under titles I and III, respectively, for official reception and representation expenses

111. Disclosure of federal funding in public announcements

     This section requires any group that receives federal money from this bill to clearly disclose funding details in public documents. Those documents include press releases, grant requests, and bid solicitations. The group must state three things: what share of the project cost comes from federal money, the exact dollar amount of federal funds, and how much comes from non-government sources. This applies to state and local governments and research grant recipients, among others.

     Who this affects

     All organizations that receive federal funds under this bill, including state and local governments and research grant recipients. The public also benefits by seeing how projects are funded.

     Tradeoff

     More public transparency about funding sources means more paperwork and reporting steps for grant recipients.

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     all grantees receiving Federal funds included in this Act, including but not limited to State and local governments and recipients of Federal research grants, shall clearly state— (1) the percentage of the total costs of the program or project which will be financed with Federal money; (2) the dollar amount of Federal funds for the project or program; and (3) percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.

112. Ban on federal funds for abortion coverage

     This section blocks any money from this spending bill from being used to pay for abortions. It also blocks that money from paying for health insurance plans that cover abortion. This applies both to funds given directly and to funds placed in related trust funds. The rule covers any managed care plan or arrangement that receives these federal dollars.

     Who this affects

     People whose health coverage is paid for or subsidized by funds in this bill. It also affects managed care providers that receive these federal dollars.

     Tradeoff

     The restriction keeps federal money away from abortion services, but it may limit the health coverage options available to people who rely on federally funded plans.

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     None of the funds appropriated in this Act, and none of the funds in any trust fund to which funds are appropriated in this Act, shall be expended for any abortion.

113. Abortion funding exceptions and provider protections

     This section lists exceptions to the abortion funding ban in the previous section. Federal funds may be used for abortions in two cases: if the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, or if a doctor certifies that the pregnancy puts the woman's life at risk. The section also clarifies that states, cities, and private groups may still spend their own money on abortion coverage, as long as those funds are not Medicaid matching dollars. Managed care providers can still offer abortion coverage, and states can contract with them using state funds, again excluding Medicaid matching funds. Finally, the section bars any federal, state, or local agency that receives funds under this act from punishing doctors, hospitals, health plans, or other health care providers simply because those providers do not offer, cover, pay for, or refer patients for abortions.

     Who this affects

     Women seeking abortions covered by federal or state programs. Doctors, hospitals, health plans, and other health care providers who decline to participate in abortion services.

     Tradeoff

     The exceptions allow some federal abortion funding in serious circumstances, but the anti-discrimination rule also protects providers who refuse to offer or refer for abortions, which may limit patient access in some settings.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be made available to a Federal agency or program, or to a State or local government, if such agency, program, or government subjects any institutional or individual health care entity to discrimination on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.

114. Ban on federal funding for human embryo research

     This section blocks any money from this law being used for two things. First, it bans creating human embryos just for research. Second, it bans research that destroys, discards, or harms a human embryo beyond the risk level already allowed for fetal research under existing federal rules. The section defines a human embryo broadly. It covers any organism made from human egg or sperm cells, or from human body cells, through fertilization, cloning, or any other method, as long as that organism is not already protected under federal human subjects research rules.

     Who this affects

     Scientists and research institutions that receive federal funding from these agencies. It limits what kinds of embryo and stem cell research they can conduct with this money.

     Tradeoff

     The restriction prevents use of public funds on research some consider harmful to human life, but it also limits certain areas of biomedical research that some scientists say could lead to medical advances.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used for— (1) the creation of a human embryo or embryos for research purposes; or (2) research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed, discarded, or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death greater than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under 45 CFR 46.204(b)

115. Ban on using funds to promote Schedule I drug legalization

     This section blocks the use of money from this bill to promote making Schedule I controlled substances legal. Schedule I includes drugs like heroin and LSD that the federal government classifies as having no accepted medical use. There is one exception: if there is strong medical evidence that the drug has a therapeutic benefit, or if federally funded clinical trials are underway to study that benefit, the ban does not apply. Normal communication between the executive branch and Congress is also allowed.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies and grantees funded by this bill. Researchers or advocates who receive these funds and work on drug policy or medical studies may be limited in what activities they can conduct.

     Tradeoff

     The ban limits use of federal money to push for drug legalization, but the medical research exception allows funded work to continue when clinical evidence or trials support a therapeutic use.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used for any activity that promotes the legalization of any drug or other substance included in schedule I of the schedules of controlled substances established under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act except for normal and recognized executive-congressional communications.

116. Block on unique health ID numbers for individuals

     This section stops any money in the bill from being used to create a unique health identifier for individual people. A unique health identifier is a single ID number that would link a person's medical records across different health systems. The rule has been in federal spending bills for many years. It stays in place until Congress passes a separate law that specifically says such an ID is allowed. The ban does not apply to identifiers used by employers or health care providers.

     Who this affects

     All individual Americans who might one day be assigned a universal health ID. It also affects health agencies and groups that work on health data standards.

     Tradeoff

     Blocking a universal health ID protects personal privacy but may slow efforts to connect medical records across different health systems.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to promulgate or adopt any final standard under section 1173(b) of the Social Security Act providing for, or providing for the assignment of, a unique health identifier for an individual (except in an individual's capacity as an employer or a health care provider), until legislation is enacted specifically approving the standard.

117. Block contracts with companies that skip veteran employment reports

     This section stops federal money from being used to sign or renew contracts with certain companies. It applies when a company already does business with the federal government and is required by law to file a yearly report on how it employs veterans. If that company skipped filing the most recent required report, no new or renewed contract can be awarded using funds from this Act.

     Who this affects

     Federal contractors who are required to report their veteran hiring to the Department of Labor. Companies that filed their reports are not affected.

     Tradeoff

     This rule pushes companies to comply with veteran employment reporting, but it could slow down or block contracts with companies that missed a deadline even for minor or technical reasons.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be obligated or expended to enter into or renew a contract with an entity if— (1) such entity is otherwise a contractor with the United States and is subject to the requirement in 38 U.S.C. 4212(d) regarding submission of an annual report to the Secretary of Labor concerning employment of certain veterans; and (2) such entity has not submitted a report as required by that section for the most recent year for which such requirement was applicable to such entity.

118. Restriction on transferring funds to other agencies

     Section 512 says that no money provided by this bill can be moved to another federal department or agency. The only exceptions are transfers that this bill or another appropriations law specifically allows. This keeps money from being quietly shifted to parts of the government that Congress did not intend to fund through this bill.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies that receive money through this bill. It limits how those agencies can move funds around within the government.

     Tradeoff

     This rule gives Congress tighter control over spending, but it also limits the flexibility of agencies to respond to unexpected needs by redirecting funds.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government, except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer authority provided in, this Act or any other appropriation Act.

119. Internet safety requirements for library funding

     This section blocks federal library funding for any public library that has not made required internet safety certifications. The Library Services and Technology Act provides money to libraries. To get that money, libraries that fall under a specific part of the Children's Internet Protection Act must certify that they have put internet safety measures in place. These measures typically include filtering software that blocks images harmful to minors. If a library has not filed those certifications, it cannot receive funds under this Act.

     Who this affects

     Public libraries that receive federal Library Services and Technology Act funding. Libraries that have not certified their internet safety policies would lose access to those funds.

     Tradeoff

     Libraries keep federal funding by certifying internet safety measures, but libraries that object to filtering requirements or have not yet filed certifications would lose that funding.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act to carry out the Library Services and Technology Act may be made available to any library covered by paragraph (1) of section 224(f) of such Act, as amended by the Children's Internet Protection Act, unless such library has made the certifications required by paragraph (4) of such section.

120. Rules for moving money between programs

     This section limits how agencies can move (or "reprogram") money from one use to another. Under part (a), agencies cannot use funds to create new programs, shut down existing ones, boost a project that Congress already rejected, move offices, rename offices, reorganize programs, or privatize work done by federal employees without first consulting both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 15 days in advance and notifying them in writing at least 10 days in advance. Under part (b), agencies also cannot shift more than $500,000 or 10 percent of funds (whichever is smaller) to expand existing programs, cut a program or staff by 10 percent, or redirect savings from staff cuts without the same advance notice to those committees.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies funded by this bill are affected. Congress, specifically the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, gains a notification and consultation role.

     Tradeoff

     Agencies get less flexibility to shift funds on their own, while Congress gains more oversight over how appropriated money is actually spent.

     Show the exact bill text

     unless the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate are consulted 15 days in advance of such reprogramming or of an announcement of intent relating to such reprogramming, whichever occurs earlier, and are notified in writing 10 days in advance of such reprogramming.

121. Rules for federal scientific advisory committee appointments

     This section has two parts. First, it bars spending any funds from this bill to ask people applying for federal scientific advisory committees about their political party, voting record, or political views. The exception is if a political view directly relates to the committee's work. Second, it bars spending any funds from this bill to spread information that is deliberately false or misleading.

     Who this affects

     People who apply for seats on federal scientific advisory committees. It also affects any federal agency that communicates information to the public using funds from this bill.

     Tradeoff

     The rules protect applicants from political screening and guard against false information, but they also limit what questions agencies can ask and what materials agencies can share.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to request that a candidate for appointment to a Federal scientific advisory committee disclose the political affiliation or voting history of the candidate or the position that the candidate holds with respect to political issues not directly related to and necessary for the work of the committee involved.

122. Agency spending plan disclosure requirement

     This section requires every department and agency funded by this bill to submit a detailed spending plan within 45 days of the bill becoming law. The plan must show any funding amounts that differ from what the bill sets, what the committee report lists, or what the President's budget requested for 2027. The plan must break down spending to the program, project, and activity level. This gives Congress a clear picture of how agencies plan to actually spend their money.

     Who this affects

     All federal departments and agencies funded through this bill, including the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Congress also benefits by receiving early notice of any spending changes.

     Tradeoff

     More transparency helps Congress track agency spending, but it adds a reporting task for agency staff within a tight 45-day window.

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     each department and related agency funded through this Act shall submit an operating plan that details at the program, project, and activity level any funding allocations for fiscal year 2027 that are different than those specified in this Act

123. Reporting on non-competitive contracts and grants

     This section requires the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to send quarterly reports to Congress. Each report must list any contract, grant, or cooperative agreement over $500,000 that was awarded without a competitive process. The report must name the recipient, show the dollar amount, state the government purpose, and explain why the award skipped competition. Formula-based grants and grants required by law do not need to be listed. Each report is due within 30 days after the end of each quarter of fiscal year 2027.

     Who this affects

     The three cabinet departments must prepare and submit these reports. Contractors, grantees, and organizations that receive large non-competitive awards from those departments are named in the reports.

     Tradeoff

     The requirement adds transparency about how federal dollars are awarded without competition, but it also creates extra reporting work for the three agencies each quarter.

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     Such report shall include the name of the contractor or grantee, the amount of funding, the governmental purpose, including a justification for issuing the award on a non-competitive basis.

124. Blocking Social Security credit for fraud convictions

     This section stops the Social Security Administration from using certain funds to process benefit claims in a specific situation. That situation is when a person used someone else's Social Security number to work, and was convicted of fraud for doing so. The agency cannot count those work quarters toward the claimant's Social Security benefit record. In other words, a person convicted of working under a stolen or false Social Security number cannot receive retirement or disability credit for that work.

     Who this affects

     People who were convicted of working under another person's Social Security number and who later apply for Social Security benefits. Social Security Administration staff who process those claims are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     This prevents convicted fraudsters from gaining benefits from illegal work, but it also means that work someone did, even years ago, cannot count toward their Social Security record after a conviction.

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     None of the funds appropriated in this Act shall be expended or obligated by the Commissioner of Social Security...to process any claim for credit for a quarter of coverage based on work performed under a social security account number that is not the claimant's number and the performance of such work under such number has formed the basis for a conviction of the claimant

125. Block on Social Security payments tied to U.S.-Mexico totalization deal

     This section stops federal funds from being used to pay Social Security Administration workers to process certain Social Security benefits. Specifically, it blocks payments that would only exist because of a totalization agreement between the U.S. and Mexico. A totalization agreement lets workers who split careers between two countries combine their work credits to qualify for benefits. No such agreement with Mexico has been approved by Congress, but negotiations have occurred. This section prevents the agency from spending money to carry out any such deal.

     Who this affects

     Social Security Administration employees whose work would involve processing Mexico-related totalization benefits. Also affects workers who split careers between the U.S. and Mexico and might otherwise qualify for combined benefits.

     Tradeoff

     The section limits potential new benefit costs and treaty implementation, but it also blocks possible retirement income for people who worked in both countries.

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     None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be used by the Commissioner of Social Security or the Social Security Administration to pay the compensation of employees of the Social Security Administration to administer Social Security benefit payments, under any agreement between the United States and Mexico establishing totalization arrangements between the social security system established by title II of the Social Security Act and the social security system of Mexico, which would not otherwise be payable but for such agreement.

126. Block pornography on government computer networks

     This section bars the use of any funds in this bill to run a computer network that does not block pornography. Any network paid for with these funds must prevent users from viewing, downloading, or sharing pornographic content. There is one exception: law enforcement agencies and other groups that investigate, prosecute, or decide criminal cases may still access such content when needed for their work.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies and other organizations that receive funding under this bill and operate computer networks. Law enforcement agencies doing criminal work are exempt.

     Tradeoff

     The rule adds a layer of content control to government-funded networks, but it requires agencies to set up and maintain filtering systems, which takes time and money.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.

127. Scientific conference reporting rules for HHS divisions

     This section changes how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports its conference spending. Normally, all HHS offices report their spending as one combined agency total. Under this rule, each operating division inside HHS (such as the CDC or NIH) is treated as its own separate agency for reporting purposes. Also, costs tied to scientific conferences are counted separately and are not added into the main agency spending totals. This applies to rules set by an older executive order and a 2012 budget memo that limit and track conference spending across the federal government.

     Who this affects

     HHS operating divisions (such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA) and their staff who attend or organize scientific conferences. Federal budget officials who track and report agency conference spending are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Separating scientific conference costs from general agency totals makes those costs easier to see, but it also means HHS divisions may face less pressure to cut those costs compared to other types of spending.

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     attendance at and support for scientific conferences shall be tabulated separately from and not included in agency totals.

128. Taxpayer funding disclosure on government communications

     This section requires federal agencies funded by this bill to tell the public when a communication is paid for by taxpayers. The disclosure must appear in the text, audio, or video of ads and educational content. This includes emails and internet posts. The cost of adding these disclosures must come from money already set aside for advertising and communications. No new or extra funding is provided for this requirement.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies covered by this appropriations bill and the public who see or hear their ads, emails, and online content.

     Tradeoff

     The public gets clearer notice when content is taxpayer-funded, but agencies must use their existing communications budgets to comply, leaving less money for other outreach.

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     Federal agencies funded under this Act shall clearly state within the text, audio, or video used for advertising or educational purposes, including emails or Internet postings, that the communication is printed, published, or produced and disseminated at United States taxpayer expense.

129. Quarterly spending balance reports

     This section requires four federal agencies to send quarterly reports to Congress. The agencies are the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and the Social Security Administration. Each report must arrive within 30 days after a calendar quarter ends. The reports must show the status of unspent money. Unspent money falls into three groups: money not yet committed, money committed but not yet spent, and money obligated but not yet paid out. For each group, the report must show which budget year the money originally came from, going back to fiscal year 2012 or earlier if possible.

     Who this affects

     The four federal agencies listed must produce these reports. Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees receive them.

     Tradeoff

     Congress gains more detailed visibility into old, unspent funds, but the agencies must spend staff time and resources compiling and submitting these reports every quarter.

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     Not later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, beginning with the first month of fiscal year 2027 the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and the Social Security Administration shall provide the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate a report on the status of balances of appropriations

130. Advance notice to Congress before grant awards or terminations

     This section requires the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, plus the Corporation for National and Community Service, to give Congress a heads-up before acting on certain grants. They must notify the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 3 full business days before announcing a new grant, a continuation grant, or a grant supplement. They must also give notice before ending or not renewing any grant, and must include a short reason why. Two exceptions apply: emergency response grants and grants awarded in the last 10 business days of the fiscal year do not need the advance notice.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies making discretionary grants under these departments, and grant applicants or recipients whose awards or terminations may be briefly delayed for the notice period.

     Tradeoff

     Congress gains more oversight of how grant money is awarded or cut, but agencies lose some flexibility to act quickly on routine grant decisions.

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     shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate not less than 3 full business days prior to announcing or providing notice of— (1) any new or non-competing continuation grant, including supplements, issued at the discretion of such Departments... and (2) the termination or non-continuation of any grant, including a short description of the reason for the termination or non-continuation.

131. Restrictions on needle programs and supervised drug sites

     This section blocks federal funds in this bill from buying needles or syringes used to inject illegal drugs. There is a limited exception. If a state or local health department works with the CDC and finds a serious rise in hepatitis or HIV from drug injection, that area can use funds for other parts of a needle program, but still not to buy the needles themselves. The section also fully blocks any federal funds from going to supervised drug consumption sites, which are places where people can use illegal drugs on-site under supervision.

     Who this affects

     State and local health departments that run drug harm-reduction programs are affected. People who use injection drugs and rely on needle programs or supervised consumption sites are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     The restriction limits spending on tools some public health officials say reduce disease spread, while supporters say it prevents federal money from directly enabling illegal drug use.

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     no funds appropriated in this Act shall be used to purchase sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug

132. Agency response deadline for committee questions

     This section sets a deadline for federal agencies. Any department funded by this spending bill must answer written questions from committee members. They must send answers within 45 business days of receiving the questions. This gives Congress a way to get timely information from agencies it oversees.

     Who this affects

     All departments and agencies funded by this bill, including the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Members of the congressional committee who submit written questions are also directly involved.

     Tradeoff

     Agencies get a clear, fixed deadline to respond, which helps accountability, but 45 business days is roughly nine calendar weeks, which some may see as too slow for urgent questions.

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     Each department and related agency funded through this Act shall provide answers to questions submitted for the record by members of the Committee within 45 business days after receipt.

133. Extended spending window for research and evaluation funds

     This section lets certain federal offices spend research money over a longer period. Normally, Congress sets tight deadlines for spending appropriated funds. Here, money given to the Administration for Children and Families and two Labor Department offices for research, evaluation, or statistics can be spent up until September 30, 2031, instead of the usual one-year window. The offices can pool that research money into one Treasury account for easier tracking. If a contract or grant ends early and money is left over, that leftover money is freed up right away. It can then be used again in the same year or the next year for the same research purposes.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies doing research on children, families, labor statistics, and related topics. It also affects contractors and grant recipients who work with those agencies.

     Tradeoff

     Giving agencies more time and flexibility to spend research funds can reduce waste from rushed spending, but it also means less frequent congressional oversight of how those dollars are used.

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     Amounts made available under this Act which are either appropriated, allocated, advanced on a reimbursable basis, or transferred to the functions and organizations identified in subsection (a) for research, evaluation, or statistical purposes shall be available for obligation through September 30, 2031

134. Child health insurance contingency fund freeze

     This section blocks $12.33 billion in a specific reserve fund from being spent in this fiscal year. The fund is called the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund. It was created under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover states if more children than expected enrolled. The money sits in the fund along with investment earnings. This section says that specific amount cannot be used or committed during this fiscal year.

     Who this affects

     States that run Children's Health Insurance Programs could be affected if they need extra federal funds for higher-than-expected child enrollment. Children enrolled in CHIP could also be affected if a state faces a funding shortfall.

     Tradeoff

     Blocking this money reduces federal spending this year, but it also means states cannot draw on those contingency funds if child enrollment spikes beyond normal levels.

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     $12,330,000,000 shall not be available for obligation in this fiscal year.

135. Clawback of unspent American Rescue Plan funds

     This section cancels $162 million in money that was set aside under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 but never spent. The money comes from a long list of specific program accounts in that law. Once this bill is enacted, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must report to Congress within 60 days. The report must show exactly which accounts the $162 million was taken from and how much came from each one.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies and programs funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Groups or states that might have used those leftover funds could no longer access them.

     Tradeoff

     Canceling unspent funds reduces the federal deficit, but any programs or recipients that were still waiting to use those funds would lose access to the money.

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     $162,000,000 are hereby rescinded: Provided, That not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report specifying the unobligated balances rescinded pursuant to this section by both account and amount from each applicable appropriation in Public Law 117–2.

136. Canceling funding for patient research trust fund

     This section permanently cancels any money set aside in 2027 for the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund. That fund was created by the 2010 Affordable Care Act. It pays for studies that compare medical treatments to help patients and doctors make better choices. By rescinding the funds, this section means no money from that source will be spent in 2027.

     Who this affects

     Researchers, hospitals, and health organizations that receive grants from this fund. Patients and doctors who rely on the studies it produces may also be affected.

     Tradeoff

     Canceling the funding saves federal money but reduces support for research that compares how well different medical treatments work.

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     Amounts made available for fiscal year 2027 to the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund...are hereby permanently rescinded.

137. Health insurance exchange fee rescission

     This section cancels $1.9 billion in funds. Those funds came from fees paid by health insurance plans sold on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. The fees were collected to help run those marketplaces. By rescinding them, the government takes back that money so it cannot be spent on marketplace operations.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies that run the health insurance marketplaces and the insurance plans that paid fees to operate on them.

     Tradeoff

     Rescinding these funds reduces federal spending on marketplace operations, but it may also reduce the resources available to run and oversee the health insurance exchanges.

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     Of the offsetting collections derived from fees collected from qualified health plans offered through an Exchange established under Public Law 111–148 to operate such an exchange, $1,900,000,000 are hereby rescinded.

138. No federal workers' compensation coverage for marijuana

     This section blocks federal money from being used to pay for marijuana or cannabis products as medical treatment under federal workers' compensation programs. This applies even if marijuana is rescheduled under federal drug law. The Department of Labor and the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs cannot approve, reimburse, or recognize cannabis as a covered medical benefit for injured federal workers.

     Who this affects

     Federal employees who are injured on the job and receive benefits under federal workers' compensation programs. It also affects the Department of Labor and its workers' compensation offices.

     Tradeoff

     Injured federal workers cannot use workers' compensation to pay for marijuana treatments that some states allow, but federal funds are not spent on a substance that remains contested under federal law.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Department of Labor, including the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, to authorize, provide, reimburse, or otherwise recognize marijuana or any cannabis-derived substance as a compensable medical treatment or benefit under any Federal workers' compensation program

139. Protection for traditional marriage beliefs

     This section bars the federal government from penalizing any person who holds or expresses the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. The protected person can be an individual, business, school, or nonprofit. The ban covers a wide range of federal actions. The government cannot change how that person is taxed, deny or remove tax-exempt status, block charitable deductions, cut off grants or contracts, deny loans or licenses, remove accreditation or certification, or restrict access to federal property and programs. The section also says the federal government must treat a person as accredited, licensed, or certified if the only reason they would lose that status is their belief about marriage.

     Who this affects

     Any person, organization, school, or business that holds or expresses the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. Federal agencies that distribute grants, contracts, licenses, and tax status are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     This section protects people with traditional marriage beliefs from losing federal benefits or status, but it may limit the government's ability to enforce anti-discrimination policies that conflict with those beliefs.

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     none of the funds provided by this or any other Act shall be used in whole or in part to take any discriminatory action against a person, wholly or partially, on the basis that such person speaks, or acts, in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, that marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and one woman.

140. Limits on flags flown at federal buildings

     This section says no money from this bill can be used to fly any flag over a federal building unless it is one of seven approved flags. The allowed flags are: the U.S. flag, a state or territory flag, the District of Columbia flag, a tribal government flag, an official federal agency flag, the POW/MIA flag, the Public Health Service flag, or the U.S. Surgeon General flag. Any other flag is banned at buildings run by the departments funded in this bill.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies covered by this bill, including the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and the Social Security Administration. Staff at those agencies must follow these rules at their buildings.

     Tradeoff

     The rule limits which flags can fly at federal buildings, which restricts agency choices but sets a uniform standard across covered departments.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, or Education, the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, or the head of any other agency funded in this Act to fly or display a flag over a Federal facility other than— (1) the flag of the United States; (2) the flag of a State, territory, or the District of Columbia; (3) the flag of an Indian Tribal Government; (4) the official Flag of a Federal agency; (5) the POW/MIA flag; (6) the flag of the Public Health Service; or (7) the flag of the United States Surgeon General.

141. Ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion funding

     This section bars federal money from being used for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. It covers DEI offices, officers, training, and policies. It also bars funding for anything that promotes Critical Race Theory or ideas connected to it. The ban applies to money from this bill and from any other federal law.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies, grantees, and contractors that receive funds from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, or Education. Any organization using those federal dollars for DEI work or related training would be affected.

     Tradeoff

     Supporters say this stops federal money from going to programs they see as divisive, while critics say it could cut programs aimed at reducing workplace or educational barriers for underrepresented groups.

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     None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act may be made available for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, training, programs, offices, officers, policies, or any program, project, or activity that promotes or advances Critical Race Theory, or any concept associated with Critical Race Theory.

142. Restrictions on certain diversity training content

     Section 536 blocks federal funds in this law from being used for any program or activity that teaches certain ideas. The banned content includes teaching that one race is superior to another. It also bans content that says the U.S. or its institutions are systemically racist or sexist. It bans content that says a person is racist or oppressive because of their race or sex. It bans content that ties a person's moral character to their race or sex. It bans content that says a person bears responsibility for past actions by others of the same race or sex. It also bans content that says meritocracy is racist or was created to oppress a racial group. Finally, it bans content that teaches people should feel guilt or discomfort based on their race or sex.

     Who this affects

     This affects federal agencies, contractors, grantees, and any organization that receives funds under this law and conducts training or education programs. Workers and participants in those programs are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Supporters say this prevents taxpayer money from funding divisive training, while critics say it may limit the range of topics that educators and trainers can legally cover.

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     None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to carry out any program, project, or activity that teaches or trains any idea or concept that condones an individual being discriminated against or receiving adverse or beneficial treatment based on race or sex...

143. Anti-semitism rules required at colleges and universities

     This section says colleges and universities must do two things to keep receiving federal funds from this law. First, they must add a written ban on antisemitic conduct to their student and employee rules. The conduct banned is the kind that creates a hostile environment under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Second, if a student, staff member, or student group commits an act of antisemitism using school facilities or resources, the school must take administrative action against them. A school that skips either step loses access to money provided by this law.

     Who this affects

     All U.S. colleges and universities that receive federal funds through this law. Students, staff, and student groups at those schools are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Schools get clearer federal expectations around antisemitism, but they must update policies and take disciplinary action or risk losing funding.

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     None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to a United States institution of higher education unless and until such institution adopts a prohibition on antisemitic conduct that creates a hostile environment in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in all documents relating to student or employee conduct.

144. Ban on funding certain foreign labs and gain-of-function research

     This section blocks any money from this bill from going to four categories. First, it bars funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. Second, it bars funding to EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. Third, it bars funding to any lab owned or controlled by the governments of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, or any country the Secretary of State labels a foreign adversary. Fourth, it bars funding to gain-of-function research, which is research that changes a pathogen to make it more transmissible or more harmful. The ban covers both direct and indirect support.

     Who this affects

     Research organizations that receive federal grants could lose funding if they partner with any of the listed entities. Scientists and institutions doing gain-of-function research would also be ineligible for funds from this bill.

     Tradeoff

     The ban limits certain research partnerships and types of research that some scientists say carry security or health risks, but it may also restrict scientific work that some researchers argue has public health benefits.

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     none of the funds made available by this Act may be made available to support directly or indirectly— (1) the Wuhan Institute of Virology located in the City of Wuhan in the People's Republic of China; (2) the EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.; ... (4) gain-of-function research.

145. Ban on COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates

     This section blocks the use of any money from this spending bill to create or enforce rules that require people to wear masks or get COVID-19 vaccines. No federal agency funded by this bill can set up, run, or carry out such a mandate. This applies to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the 2027 budget year.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies funded by this bill, and any workers, students, or program participants those agencies might otherwise require to mask or vaccinate.

     Tradeoff

     This provision limits agency authority to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak with mandates, which reduces potential public health tools but also prevents compulsory requirements on individuals.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to establish, implement, administer, or enforce any COVID–19 mask or vaccine mandate.

146. Ban on college partnerships with Chinese government-linked institutions in STEM

     This section bars any college or university from receiving money under this law if it has a formal academic partnership with a Chinese government or Chinese Communist Party-linked school or group in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). This includes joint institutes and similar arrangements. A school that keeps such a partnership would lose access to all funds provided by this appropriations act.

     Who this affects

     U.S. colleges and universities that currently have or want to form STEM partnerships with Chinese government-linked institutions. Students and researchers at those schools could also be affected if their school loses funding.

     Tradeoff

     The section aims to limit potential national security risks from STEM collaboration with China, but it could also cut off research partnerships and funding for schools that have existing ties.

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     None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for any institution of higher education...that engages in a partnership or other formalized academic collaboration in STEM...including but not limited to a joint institute with an entity, such as a college or university that is located, operated, or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party or the Government of the People's Republic of China.

147. Ban on buying computers and video equipment tied to Chinese ownership

     This section blocks federal agencies covered by this bill from spending money on computers, printers, or videoconferencing equipment if China has any ownership stake in the maker or seller. The ban also covers parent companies and subsidiaries of those makers or sellers. It applies even when an agency uses a third-party contractor to make the purchase. The rule covers fiscal year 2027 funds.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Vendors and manufacturers that have any Chinese government or Chinese company ownership are excluded from selling this equipment to those agencies.

     Tradeoff

     The section aims to reduce potential security risks from Chinese-linked technology, but it may limit the pool of vendors and could raise costs or create delays in purchasing common office equipment.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 may be obligated or expended to procure or purchase computers, printers, or interoperable videoconferencing services needed for an office environment in which the manufacturer, bidder, or offeror, or any subsidiary or parent entity of the manufacturer, bidder, or offeror, of the equipment is an entity, or parent company of an entity in which the People's Republic of China has any ownership stake.

148. Zero funding allocation

     This section sets a funding amount of zero dollars. It is unclear from the text alone what program or agency this applies to, as the section contains only the number '$0' with no additional context. A zero-dollar line item typically means that a program receives no money for that period. The program would still exist in law but could not spend any federal funds.

     Who this affects

     Any program or agency that this line item covers would receive no federal funding. Recipients of that program's services could be affected if the program cannot operate without federal funds.

     Tradeoff

     Setting funding to zero saves federal money but may halt or reduce services provided by whatever program this line item covers.

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     $0.