House and Senate Pass Farm Act and 2026 Budget

The United States House of Representatives and Senate passed a series of critical legislative measures between April 24 and April 30, 2026. The House approved the federal budget for fiscal 2026 alongside several key bills, including the Farm, Food, and National Security Act (H.R. 7567), the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act, and the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act.

National security and surveillance remained a focal point as both chambers addressed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The House approved a temporary extension of Section 702 authorities, a measure sponsored by Senator Tom Cotton, which ensures the authorities remain active through June 12. This action allows the government to continue specific electronic surveillance operations while long-term legislative solutions are debated.

In the Senate, members confirmed Robert Cekada, the former deputy director of the agency, as the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Senate also maintained the current foreign policy trajectory by rejecting motions that sought to restrict military actions against Iran and Cuba. Additionally, the chamber blocked a measure intended to void an Environmental Protection Agency rule concerning Colorado's regional haze plan, effectively upholding the agency's air quality standards for the region.