Delivering Priority Legislation Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
- Committees
- Appropriations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 17, 2026
Bottom line
This omnibus bill bundles a diverse set of policy changes and appropriations, ranging from small business support and environmental access to national security, housing, healthcare tax credits, and election integrity.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the "Delivering Priority Legislation Act," is an omnibus measure that touches upon various policy areas. It reauthorizes and modifies Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, reauthorizes the Every Kid Outdoors program, establishes a National Nuclear Forensics Center, amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regarding intermittent leave, allows federal agencies to insure second mortgages, creates a tax credit for hearing aids, mandates a National Intelligence Estimate on Chinese AI systems, prohibits the use of corporations to conceal foreign election contributions, and includes several appropriations for various federal entities.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue that this bill efficiently addresses a wide range of pressing issues, from supporting small businesses and promoting outdoor access for children to enhancing national security against nuclear threats and foreign influence, making housing more accessible, and providing tax relief for healthcare costs. They might highlight the strategic benefit of packaging diverse, popular provisions to ensure their passage.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that the bill's omnibus nature obscures individual provisions from proper scrutiny, potentially allowing controversial measures or riders to pass without adequate debate. They could argue that combining unrelated topics prevents focused discussion and transparent policymaking, and that some provisions might have unintended consequences or be fiscally irresponsible.
Given its omnibus nature and the breadth of topics covered, the bill requires significant time for review, which may be challenging if it is rushed through the legislative process.
Sections 101(a) and 101(b)
Extension and Modification of SBIR and STTR Programs
This provision extends the authorization for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2030. It increases the administrative, oversight, and contract processing cost allowance from 3 percent to 3.3 percent. It also mandates that certain federal agencies transfer at least 10 percent of these funds to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to increase its resources for administering these programs, with a prohibition on using these funds for Small Business Investment Act programs. Additionally, it modifies provisions related to outreach and technical assistance to increase participation of underserved populations and States with historically low SBIR awards.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this extension ensures critical funding for small businesses engaged in federal research, fostering innovation and economic growth. The increased administrative allowance and SBA transfers will improve program efficiency and outreach to underrepresented groups, making the programs more equitable and effective.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that increasing administrative allowances and mandating transfers could divert funds from direct research awards or create bureaucratic inefficiencies. Some might question the effectiveness of the outreach provisions or the necessity of such a long extension without further review.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for continued innovation funding with concerns about administrative overhead and ensuring equitable access for all businesses.
Section 201
Every Kid Outdoors Program Reauthorization and Expansion
This provision reauthorizes the Every Kid Outdoors program, which provides free access to federal lands and waters for children. It expands eligibility from "fourth graders or home-schooled learners 10" to "fifth graders or home-schooled learners who are 10 or 11." It authorizes $25,000,000 annually for operational support, program promotion, transportation services for financially needy schools, and targeted outreach for underserved communities and children with disabilities.
Section 301
Establishment of National Nuclear Forensics Center and Conforming Repeals
This provision establishes a National Nuclear Forensics Center within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) with the mission to coordinate and improve all federal nuclear forensics and attribution activities. It mandates NNSA to develop a plan to include nuclear forensics expertise in its university program. The bill also repeals the Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act and amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to remove related provisions, effectively consolidating nuclear forensics responsibilities under NNSA.
Section 401
Modification of Intermittent Leave Rules and Certification Requirements under FMLA
This provision amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to explicitly state that leave for the birth or placement of a child (subsection (a)(1)) or for a serious health condition of a family member or the employee (subsection (a)(3)) may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule. Crucially, it removes paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) of Section 103(b) of the FMLA, which previously required specific certification details for intermittent leave related to planned medical treatment or for a serious health condition.
Sections 501, 502, 503
Federal Insurance for Second Mortgages and Loan Disclosure Requirements
This provision expresses a Sense of Congress that federal agencies (FHA, USDA, VA) should insure/guarantee second mortgages to facilitate the assumption of first mortgages by subsequent purchasers. It then amends the National Housing Act to allow the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure second mortgages when it also insures the first mortgage. Similarly, it amends title 38, U.S. Code, to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to insure or guarantee real estate housing loans secured by second liens if it also insures/guarantees the first lien. Finally, it mandates FHA, USDA, and VA to publish public websites listing properties with insured/guaranteed mortgages, including address and origination date, within one year of enactment.
Section 601
New Tax Credit for Hearing Aids
This provision establishes a new non-refundable tax credit, Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code, for the purchase of qualified hearing aids. The credit is equal to the amount paid, not compensated by insurance, up to $1,000. It includes income limitations ($300,000 for joint filers/head of household, $150,000 for others) and allows an election for the credit once every five years. It also defines "qualified hearing aid" by reference to FDA regulations and prevents double benefits with other deductions/credits. The amendments apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
Sections 701, 702
Requirement for National Intelligence Estimate on Chinese AI Systems
This provision states Congressional findings regarding potential biases in Chinese AI systems and the need for an intelligence estimate. It then requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to Congress within 180 days of enactment. This NIE must evaluate embedded algorithmic bias in China-developed commercial AI, analyze training data and use cases, assess potential use for foreign influence or surveillance, identify risks to democratic norms and civil liberties, and recommend counter-measures for the intelligence community and allies. The DNI must coordinate with the NSA and DIA.
Section 801
Prohibition on Establishing Corporations to Conceal Foreign Election Contributions
This provision amends title 18, U.S. Code, by adding a new section 612. This new section makes it unlawful for an owner, officer, attorney, or incorporation agent of an entity to establish or use that entity with the intent to conceal an activity of a foreign national prohibited under section 319 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121). Violators face imprisonment for up to 5 years, a fine, or both.
Section 901
Mandate for House Committee Hearings on Act Implementation
This provision mandates that each standing committee of the House of Representatives hold a hearing on the implementation of this Act within one year of its enactment. It specifies that this is an an exercise of the House's rulemaking authority, superseding inconsistent House rules, but recognizing the House's right to change its rules.
Section 1001
Amendment to House Code of Official Conduct
This provision amends Rule XXIII, clause 2, of the Rules of the House of Representatives. It strikes the existing text and inserts a new clause stating: "A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House shall adhere to the spirit and the letter of the Rules of the House and to the rules of duly constituted committees thereof."
Section 1101
PAYGO Determination
This provision states that the budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010 (PAYGO), shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided such statement is submitted prior to the vote on passage.
Section 1201
Miscellaneous Appropriations for FY2027
This provision appropriates specific additional amounts for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, for several entities. These include $1,000,000 for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) for salaries and expenses, $1,000,000 for the Joint Economic Committee for salaries and expenses (to remain available until expended), $1,000,000 for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) for necessary expenses (to remain available until expended), $1,000,000 for Military Personnel, Space Force, and $1,000,000 for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science and Technology (to remain available until expended), and $1,000,000 for the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy (ARPA-E) (to remain available until expended).
This clause specifies that none of the funds transferred to the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the SBIR/STTR program modifications may be used for any program established under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.
Section 101(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Why it matters:This is likely standard legislative practice to prevent mission creep or to ensure funds are used for their intended, specific purpose, rather than being evasive. It could also reflect a compromise between different committees or agencies regarding the scope of SBA's authority.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this ensures the transferred funds are strictly dedicated to the administration of the SBIR and STTR programs, preventing their diversion to other SBA initiatives and maintaining the focus of the original appropriations.
Case against: Critics might argue that such a specific restriction limits SBA's flexibility to allocate resources where they might be most effective, potentially hindering its ability to support small businesses through other established programs if circumstances change.
Estimated impact: Limits the scope of how approximately 10% of the 3.3% administrative allowance from major federal R&D agencies can be used by the SBA, potentially millions of dollars annually.
This clause defines "second mortgage" for the purpose of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance. It specifies that a second mortgage means "such classes of second liens as are commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate, under the laws of the State in which the real estate is located, together with the credit instrument, if any, secured thereby," but only with respect to real estate against which there is a first mortgage already insured under section 203.
Section 502(a)(1)(B)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative drafting practice for amending existing statutes, where definitions are often inserted directly into the relevant sections. It is not necessarily evasive but requires careful reading to understand the precise scope of the new authority.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this precise definition is essential to clearly delineate the types of second mortgages FHA is authorized to insure, ensuring legal clarity and preventing unintended expansion beyond the bill's intent to facilitate first mortgage assumptions.
Case against: Critics might argue that the definition's reliance on state law for "classes of second liens" could lead to inconsistencies in FHA's program across different states, potentially complicating national implementation or creating uneven access.
Estimated impact: Determines the specific types of second mortgages that can be federally insured by FHA, potentially affecting billions in future mortgage transactions.
This clause adds a new condition for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) housing loans secured by second liens: "A real estate housing loan may only be secured by second lien if the Secretary insures or guarantees the first lien on such real estate."
Section 502(b)(2)(C)
Why it matters:This is a standard method of adding a specific condition to an existing statutory framework. It's a key policy choice to limit the VA's risk exposure, ensuring that the VA only backs second liens when it already has a primary interest in the property. It is not evasive.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this limitation is a prudent risk management strategy, ensuring that the VA's exposure to second liens is only in cases where it already has a stake in the first mortgage, thereby reducing potential losses and protecting taxpayer funds.
Case against: Critics might argue that this restriction limits the flexibility and reach of the VA's program, potentially preventing veterans from accessing second lien financing in situations where the first mortgage is not federally insured or guaranteed, even if such loans could be beneficial.
Estimated impact: Significantly limits the universe of second liens that the VA can insure or guarantee, focusing the program on properties already within the VA's existing portfolio.
This subsection mandates that the hearing aid tax credit can only be claimed if an election is in effect for that taxable year, and such an election cannot be made for any taxable year if an election was in effect for any of the four preceding taxable years. This effectively limits the credit to once every five years per individual.
Section 601(d)
Why it matters:This is a common legislative technique to manage the fiscal impact of tax credits and prevent repeated claims for items that are not typically purchased annually. It's a standard control mechanism rather than an evasive tactic.
Case for: Proponents would argue that limiting the credit to once every five years ensures that the benefit is targeted towards the initial purchase or a significant upgrade, managing the fiscal cost while still providing substantial relief for a generally infrequent purchase.
Case against: Critics might argue that a five-year limitation could be too restrictive, especially if individuals require new hearing aids more frequently due to technological advancements, damage, or changing medical needs, potentially forcing them to bear costs without assistance.
Estimated impact: Significantly reduces the long-term fiscal cost of the hearing aid tax credit by limiting its frequency, potentially saving hundreds of millions or billions of dollars over a decade compared to an annual credit.