# 119-hr-6039: Commonsense Legislating Act

119-hr-6039, Commonsense Legislating Act, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] (D-MA); status in_committee; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-09-21).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-6039
- As of: 2026-09-21
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-hr-6039
- Congress: 119
- Title: Commonsense Legislating Act
- Status: in_committee
- Introduced: 2025-11-12
- Sponsor: Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] (D-MA)
- Cosponsors: 0
- Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
- Touches household money: yes
- Last recorded action: 2026-09-21

## Summary

**Expanded grants and program authorizations** are the heart of this bill, pairing new funding with policy changes to boost small-business research access, Native tourism, family supports, and coordinated drug disruption. - Small businesses and research institutions: Extends the FAST program through Sep 30, 2030 and authorizes Small Business Administration help for SBIR and STTR applicants, including required outreach to minority-serving and Hispanic-serving institutions to increase participation. - Tribal nations and Native Hawaiian organizations: Creates a Native American Tourism Grant Program that lets multiple federal agencies make grants and authorizes $35.0 million for fiscal years 2026–2030 to support tribal and Native Hawaiian tourism projects. - Working families, military families, and veterans: Establishes an Interagency National Task Force on Working Families to study supports like the child tax credit and child care, expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to cover qualified military spouses, and requires initial and annual mental-health consultations for veterans with service-connected mental health diagnoses. *This bill authorizes at least $35.0 million for Native tourism grants across 2026–2030 and adds $1.0 million to six FY2026 accounts, increasing authorized federal spending by at least $41.0 million.*

## Provisions PRIA read

- Tax credit for hiring military spouses: benefit, high. Employers would be able to claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring a certified military spouse. Only hires who start after enactment would qualify, and the spouse must be certified by the local agency as of the hiring date.
- Yearly VA mental health check-ins: benefit, medium. Veterans who get VA disability pay for a mental health condition would be offered a mental health consultation each year. VA would do outreach about these consultations and other mental health services. A report to Congress would be due within two years on how many veterans used the service and any…
- Grants to boost Native tourism: benefit, medium. The bill would set up grants for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to grow tourism and improve visitor experiences. Multiple agencies could award these grants. It would authorize $35 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
- More help for small-business research: benefit, medium. If enacted, small businesses applying for SBIR or STTR would get more help. Agencies could assist with applications, especially in states with few past awards. Agencies would also step up outreach to researchers at minority-serving and Hispanic-serving schools. The FAST program would stay authorize…
- Team to coordinate fentanyl response: benefit, medium. If enacted, a Fentanyl Disruption Steering Group inside the National Security Council would coordinate agencies. It would set disruption goals, align resources, and oversee updates to CBP’s fentanyl strategy. Agencies would submit annual plans and public‑private partnership ideas.
- Federal ban on package theft: benefit, medium. It would become a federal crime to steal or fraudulently take a package delivered by a private or commercial interstate carrier before the addressee takes possession. This aims to deter porch piracy and protect deliveries.
- New task force on working families: benefit, medium. Within 90 days, the Labor Department would set up an interagency Task Force on Working Families. It would meet quarterly, talk with outside groups, and study issues like jobs, child care, housing, and family tax credits. A public report with recommendations would be due within 180 days of enactment.
- Funding for migratory bird conservation: benefit, low. The bill would add $1 million in FY2026 to carry out the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. The funds would remain available until spent.
- More funds for Marine Corps upkeep: benefit, low. The Marine Corps would receive $1 million more in FY2026 for operations and maintenance. This supports authorized activities and readiness.
- More NIH funds for diabetes research: benefit, low. NIH would receive $1 million more in FY2026 for work on diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases. The money would support research activities under existing law.
- More funds for housing inspections: benefit, low. HUD would get $1 million more in FY2026 for assisted housing inspections and assessments. The funds could cover travel, training, and support contracts.
- New House rules and CRS funding: mixed, low. House committees would need to hold a hearing on this Act’s implementation within one year. For budget scoring, the House would use the latest PAYGO statement printed before passage. Members, officers, and employees would be barred from serving as officers or directors of public companies. The Cong…

## Related bills

- 119-hr-185: Responsible Legislating Act
- 119-hr-7977: Energy Bills Relief Act
- 119-hr-7973: Momnibus Act
- 119-hr-2038: American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2025
- 119-hr-3971: Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act
- 119-hr-7007: Governing for the People Act

## Sources
- [119-hr-6039 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6039)

## Related
- [119-hr-185: Responsible Legislating Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-185)
- [119-hr-7977: Energy Bills Relief Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-7977)
- [119-hr-7973: Momnibus Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-7973)
- [119-hr-2038: American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-2038)
- [119-hr-3971: Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3971)
- [119-hr-7007: Governing for the People Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-7007)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-6039 (as of 2026-09-21).