Shared Values Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
- Committees
- Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 28, 2026
Bottom line
The "Shared Values Act" is a wide-ranging omnibus bill that touches upon agriculture, public health, ethics, national security, veterans' care, and tax policy, reflecting a diverse set of legislative priorities.
What it actually does
This omnibus bill reauthorizes and increases funding for farmers' market programs, appropriates funds for nursing workforce development and climate and health programs, establishes a pilot program for critical infrastructure security, amends House rules regarding sexual relationships, authorizes international assistance for LGBTQI+ people, mandates baby changing tables on new Amtrak trains, provides a full-year supply of contraceptives for veterans, and increases the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. It also includes provisions on Black midwives, financial disclosures for special government employees, and a bison herd commemorative coin.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue that the bill addresses a broad spectrum of critical national needs, from supporting local food systems and strengthening the healthcare workforce to enhancing national security, promoting ethical governance, and improving quality of life for veterans and travelers. They would emphasize that the various provisions collectively advance "shared values" by investing in community health, environmental protection, and social equity.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that the bill is an unwieldy collection of disparate legislative items, making it difficult for the public and lawmakers to properly scrutinize each provision. They could argue that bundling such varied policies into one bill obscures individual impacts, potentially leading to wasteful spending or the passage of controversial measures that would not survive standalone votes. Concerns might also be raised about the fiscal implications of increased spending and tax deductions without clear offsets.
The bill's extensive scope and numerous distinct policy areas require significant time for thorough review, which may be challenging given typical legislative timelines for omnibus packages.
Sec. 101, Title I
Farmers' Markets and Local Food Promotion Program Reauthorization
Reauthorizes the Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program, increasing its funding from $50 million to $100 million annually for fiscal years 2019-2026, and then $50 million for FY2027 and thereafter. It also reserves 30% of funds for new farmers' markets in underserved areas and modifies matching fund requirements, exempting certain priority grants.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision strengthens local economies, improves food access, and supports sustainable agriculture by providing crucial funding and incentives for new market development.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this program, but some might question the overall level of federal spending or argue for different allocation priorities within agriculture.
Tradeoffs
Balancing support for established programs with fostering new market development; federal funding vs. local matching requirements.
Sec. 201, Title II
Nursing Workforce Development Programs Appropriation
Appropriates $610,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 for Nursing Workforce Development programs under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act. These programs support education, recruitment, and retention of nurses across the United States.
Sec. 701, Title VII
Prohibition on Sexual Relationships with Subordinate House Employees
Amends Rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner from engaging in a sexual relationship with any House employee who works under their supervision, is an employee of a committee they serve on, or is an employee of a leadership office they occupy. An exception is made for married couples.
Sec. 801, Title VIII
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Bison Herd Commemorative Coin
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 400,000 $1 silver coins in 2026, commemorating the 1969 establishment of the bison herd at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The coins will be legal tender and sold at a price covering face value and production costs, with a financial assurance that minting will not result in net cost to the government.
Sec. 901, Title IX
Authorization for International LGBTQI+ Assistance
Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide assistance to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI+ people internationally. This enables the U.S. to support human rights efforts globally.
Sec. 1001, Title X
Critical Infrastructure Security Programs
Establishes a one-year pilot program for State, local, Tribal, and territorial officials to be trained by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on security vulnerability and terrorism risk assessments. It also authorizes CISA to maintain clearinghouses for critical infrastructure owners and operators to access security guidance and best practices.
Sec. 1101, Title XI
Reduced FMLA Eligibility for Congressional Employees
Amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to reduce the eligibility requirement for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) for House employees from 12 months and 1,250 hours of employment to just 90 days of employment.
Sec. 1301, Title XIII
Grant Reduction for States Not Restricting Restraints on Pregnant Individuals
Decreases the amount of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Program funds allocated to a State by 25% if that State does not have laws in effect that restrict the use of restraints on pregnant individuals in prison, substantially similar to federal law (18 U.S.C. 4322). This reduction begins 6 months after enactment and occurs annually.
Sec. 1401, Title XIV
National Park System Disposable Plastic Reduction Program
Directs the Director of the National Park Service to establish a program for the reduction and, if applicable, elimination of the sale and distribution of disposable plastic products within the National Park System within 180 days of enactment. Regional directors are tasked with implementing the plan for park units in their regions.
Sec. 1501, Title XV
Expanded Financial Disclosures for Special Government Employees
Subjects Special Government Employees (SGEs) who are owners, controlling shareholders, or chief executive officers of companies contracted with the Federal Government to federal financial disclosure requirements (subchapter I of chapter 131 of title 5, U.S. Code).
Sec. 1901, Title XIX
Mandate for Baby Changing Tables on New Amtrak Trains
Amends title 49, U.S. Code, to require all new Amtrak-owned and operated passenger rail trains, solicited for purchase after the bill's enactment, to have a baby changing table in at least one restroom in each car, including in an ADA-compliant restroom. Signage must clearly indicate their presence.
Sec. 2001, Title XX
Full-Year Supply of Contraceptives for Veterans
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system who are prescribed contraceptive pills, transdermal patches, vaginal rings, or other contraceptive products can elect to receive a full-year supply. VA medical providers must notify veterans of this option.
Sec. 2101, Title XXI
Increase in State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap
Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the limitation on the deduction for State and local taxes (SALT) for individuals from $10,000 ($5,000 for married filing separately) to $15,000 (twice such amount for joint returns). This applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.
States that the budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" submitted by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee prior to the vote on passage.
Sec. 401, Title IV
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure compliance with PAYGO rules, but it also serves as a mechanism to control the official cost estimate that will be considered during the vote, potentially allowing for strategic presentation of fiscal impacts.
Case for: Ensures fiscal responsibility by requiring that new spending or tax cuts are offset, preventing increases in the national debt, and provides a clear mechanism for determining compliance.
Case against: Can be used to obscure the true fiscal impact if the "latest statement" is not fully transparent or if it relies on questionable accounting, potentially allowing for less rigorous fiscal scrutiny.
Estimated impact: Directly impacts how the bill's overall cost is officially calculated and presented, which can be billions or trillions depending on the bill's provisions.
Clarifies that nothing in Title X (Critical Infrastructure Security) or the amendments made by it may be construed to create, satisfy, or waive any requirement under Federal civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Sec. 1001(d), Title X
Why it matters:This is standard legal boilerplate to prevent unintended interpretations or challenges to existing civil rights protections, ensuring that new security measures don't inadvertently create new civil rights obligations or loopholes. It's a protective measure.
Case for: Protects existing civil rights laws from being undermined or misinterpreted by new security legislation, ensuring continued accessibility and non-discrimination in critical infrastructure contexts.
Case against: No direct case against, as it is a protective measure designed to uphold existing legal frameworks.
Estimated impact: Prevents potential legal challenges and ensures continued application of civil rights protections in critical infrastructure security contexts, maintaining existing legal obligations.
States that the requirement for House standing committees to hold a hearing on the implementation of this Act within one year of enactment is enacted as an exercise of the House's rulemaking power. It clarifies that this rule supersedes other House rules only if inconsistent and recognizes the House's constitutional right to change such rules at any time.
Sec. 1601(b), Title XVI
Why it matters:This is a standard legislative device to ensure that a provision affecting House procedures is treated as a rule of the House, rather than a statutory mandate that could be challenged on separation of powers grounds. It also emphasizes the House's ability to modify its own rules, providing flexibility.
Case for: Ensures that the House maintains control over its internal procedures and can adapt them as needed, while still establishing a commitment to oversight for the bill's implementation.
Case against: No direct case against, but it highlights the non-binding nature of such a "rule" compared to statutory law, meaning a future House could easily disregard it.
Estimated impact: Affects the internal procedural operations of the House of Representatives, ensuring oversight of the bill's implementation but allowing flexibility for future Congresses.