H.R. 9586: Delivering Priority Legislation Act

This bill is a broad package that would change a number of unrelated federal programs, tax rules, housing rules, national security authorities, and House procedures.

Small business research programs

The bill would extend and adjust federal support for the SBIR and STTR programs, which help small businesses do research and development work for the government. It would:

• extend certain administrative-cost funding through September 30, 2030;
• slightly increase the share of funds available for administration from 3 percent to 3.3 percent;
• require some federal agencies, after receiving appropriations, to transfer at least 10 percent of the funds they use for these program purposes to the SBA for program administration;
• allow agencies to use some of those funds for outreach and technical assistance, especially to increase participation in states that have historically received fewer SBIR awards.

Outdoors program for children

The bill would reauthorize and expand the “Every Kid Outdoors” program, which gives fourth graders and certain home-schooled children free access to federal lands. It would update eligibility language so it includes fifth graders and home-schooled children who are 10 or 11. It would also authorize $25 million per year for program operations, outreach, transportation for schools and youth groups with the greatest financial need, and outreach to underserved communities and children with disabilities.

Nuclear forensics

The bill would create a new National Nuclear Forensics Center within the National Nuclear Security Administration. The center would coordinate federal work on nuclear forensics and attribution, including planning, assessments, exercises, research, testing, and operational improvements. The goal is to strengthen the U.S. ability to respond to nuclear terrorism or other nuclear attacks.

It would also require the Nuclear Security Administrator to update the NNSA university program within one year so it includes training and expertise in nuclear forensics. In addition, the bill would repeal an older nuclear forensics law and make related conforming changes so prior references point to the new center.

Family and Medical Leave Act changes

The bill would change how intermittent FMLA leave works. It would state more directly that qualifying leave may be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule. It would also remove certain certification-related provisions tied to intermittent leave.

Housing and mortgage changes

The bill would encourage and expand the use of second mortgages in certain federal housing programs. Specifically, it would:

• state that Congress wants FHA, USDA, and VA housing programs to insure or guarantee certain second liens when a first mortgage is also federally insured or guaranteed;
• amend FHA and VA rules so second mortgages or second liens can be covered in defined situations;
• require that a second-lien VA housing loan can only be used if the first lien is also insured or guaranteed by VA.

It would also require FHA, USDA, and VA to publish public websites listing properties with insured or guaranteed loans, including each property’s address and the date the loan originated.

Tax credit for hearing aids

The bill would create a new federal income tax credit for the purchase of qualified hearing aids. The credit would:

• cover up to $1,000 of qualifying out-of-pocket hearing aid costs per individual;
• be available only to taxpayers under certain income limits;
• apply only once every five years for the same individual;
• not be allowed if the expense is already deducted or credited elsewhere.

This tax change would apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

National security review of Chinese AI

The bill would require the Director of National Intelligence to submit a National Intelligence Estimate within 180 days on artificial intelligence systems developed or deployed by entities in China. The report would assess possible embedded bias, analyze training data and model design, examine risks such as influence operations and surveillance, and make recommendations for U.S. monitoring and countermeasures.

Foreign election contribution concealment

The bill would create a new criminal offense for using a corporation or similar entity to hide a foreign national’s unlawful election contribution or donation. A violation could lead to up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both.

House procedures and oversight

The bill would require each standing House committee to hold a hearing on implementation of the Act within one year. It would also revise the House’s Code of Official Conduct to say Members, Delegates, the Resident Commissioner, officers, and employees must follow both the spirit and letter of House rules.

Appropriations

The bill would provide several additional $1 million appropriations for specific federal activities, including the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the Joint Economic Committee, FinCEN, Space Force personnel costs, EPA science and technology work, and DOE’s ARPA-E.

Relevant Companies

• None found