Policy & Government Affairs

FEC Updates Expenditure Limits and Lobbyist Bundling Threshold

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) published updated coordinated party expenditure limits and announced the 2026 lobbyist bundling threshold of $24,000. These updates affect how political committees and lobbyists operate within federal election regulations.

McDonald v. FEC - Appeals Court Affirms Dismissal of Lawsuit

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the McDonald v. FEC lawsuit. The lawsuit challenged the constitutionality of federal campaign finance reporting requirements for certain earmarked contributions up to $200.

FEC Weekly Digest: Litigation Updates and Reporting Dates

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) released its weekly digest for the week of February 23-27, 2026. The update includes litigation news, reporting deadlines for 2026, and upcoming outreach and training events.

VA Releases 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report

The Department of Veterans Affairs released its 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, detailing 6,398 Veteran suicides in 2023. While suicides decreased slightly, the report underscores the ongoing need for support and prevention efforts.

VA Enhances Home Loan Program with New Technologies

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is enhancing its Home Loan program by implementing new technologies, including Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). These changes aim to streamline the homebuying process for veterans, making it more efficient and transparent.

VA Introduces Claim Assist Portal for Faster Claim Responses

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched the Claim Assist Portal, a new online tool designed to streamline the process for claimants to provide additional information needed for their benefits claims. This initiative aims to expedite claim responses and improve the claimant experience.

VA App Enhances Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated its Health and Benefits mobile app to include enhancements for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for home loans. Eligible Veterans can now view their active COE Home Loan Letter in real-time through the app.

HUD Applauds Executive Orders on Housing Construction and Mortgage Credit

HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced support for two Executive Orders aimed at reducing regulatory barriers to affordable home construction and increasing access to mortgage credit. These orders seek to terminate burdensome regulations that increase housing costs and borrowing expenses, with projected savings of $212 billion.

HUD Rule Promotes Work Requirements for Public Housing

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed a rule to provide public housing authorities and Section 8 project-based rental assistance owners with flexibility to implement work requirements and time limits for work-capable adults. This initiative aims to encourage self-sufficiency and reduce long-term dependency on housing assistance.

HUD Appeals Court Ruling on Homelessness Grants

The Department of Justice, on behalf of HUD, is appealing a Federal District Court of Rhode Island ruling that enjoined HUD's policies for awarding homelessness grants. HUD argues the ruling prevents reforms aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and instead supports warehousing individuals and potentially funding illicit activities.