Epstein Survivor Testimony in an Empty Congress | May 26, 2026

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In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the pro forma sessions of May 26, 2026, where the legislative machinery continues to churn despite the brief duration of the floor proceedings. We analyze how committee reports on student aid fraud and the introduction of dozens of new bills—ranging from prescription drug pricing to high-speed rail—set the stage for policies that directly impact the financial security and infrastructure of everyday Americans. By examining these procedural entries, we move past the political noise to reveal a government focusing on environmental accountability, public access to institutions, and the protection of survivors within the legal system.

Legislation Mentioned

• H.R. 7891 - A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to prioritize program reviews for institutions where FAFSA data presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud.
• H.R. 7892 - A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to use an identity fraud detection system to review each FAFSA.
• H.R. 9023 - A bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to strengthen control of the environmental impacts of surface coal mining.
• H.R. 9029 - A bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to protect taxpayers from liability associated with the reclamation of surface coal mining operations.
• H.R. 9031 - A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a refundable young adult tax credit with monthly advance payment.
• H.R. 9036 - A bill to provide for high-speed rail corridor development.
• H.R. 9038 - No Fencing at the United States Supreme Court Act.
• H.R. 9040 - A bill to establish fair prices for prescription drugs.
• H.R. 9041 - A bill to establish programs to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and incentivize the use of bicycles in transit.
• H.R. 9043 - A bill to amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 relating to determinations with respect to efforts of foreign countries to reduce demand for commercial sex acts.
• H. Res. 1324 - A resolution recognizing the 1885 Rock Springs Chinese Massacre.