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119th Congress
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HOUSEH.R. 9615· 119th Congress

BRACE Act: Easing Regulations for Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling

BRACE Act

Sponsor
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA)
Introduced
Jul 9, 2026
Last Action
Sep 15, 2026

Recorded legislative actions. Future votes are not implied.

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Introduced
Jul 9, 2026
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In Committee
Jul 9, 2026
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Passed House
Sep 15, 2026

AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Sep 11, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.

01 — The Text

What.

  • The bill modifies how lithium-ion batteries are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
  • Facilities that store lithium-ion batteries before recycling would follow universal waste handler rules instead of hazardous waste regulations
  • Storage facilities would no longer need special permits under the new classification
  • The stated purpose is to facilitate battery recycling and recovery of critical minerals
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • The documented effect is reduced regulatory burden for battery storage facilities through exemption from stricter hazardous waste permit requirements
  • The bill's impact on actual recycling rates, mineral recovery volumes, or market competitiveness is not established in the official summary
  • Environmental or safety consequences of the reduced regulatory stringency are not addressed in the summary
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • House passed the bill on September 15, 2026 by voice vote under suspension of rules
  • House Energy and Commerce Committee reported the amended bill on September 14, 2026
  • The bill was placed on the Union Calendar on September 14, 2026
  • No subsequent action is documented; the bill's current status in the Senate is not recorded
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Sep 15, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • Sep 15, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Sep 15, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Sep 15, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9615.
  • Sep 15, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules.
  • Sep 15, 2026 — Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  • Sep 14, 2026 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 717.
  • Sep 14, 2026 — Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-818.