H.R. 9615: BRACE Act

Bill text used: Engrossed in House (as passed by the House, September 15, 2026) · updated Oct 28, 2026

This breakdown was drafted by AI from the official documents and passed our automatic checks: every quoted word was found in its source, and every number comes from an official record. A person must review it before we mark it reviewed. Tap any small number to see the exact words a sentence rests on.

At a glance

Sourced

This bill makes it easier to recycle old lithium-ion batteries here. They power phones, laptops and electric cars.
3
The term lithium-ion battery means a battery that uses the movement of lithium ions between two electrodes to store and release energy.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(a)(5)Any additional regulatory changes to support the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and recovery of critical minerals, while maintaining protections for health and the environment.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(C)
Recycling plants could store old batteries on site under lighter rules than they face today.
3,6
Until the date on which the Administrator issues the rule pursuant to subsection (c), in lieu of the requirements described in section 273.60(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), a destination facility that stores lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling such lithium-ion batteries shall comply with[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)which shall apply as if the destination facility were a large quantity handler of universal waste[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)(1)destination facilities that recycle batteries may not store them without being subject to the more stringent hazardous waste regulations[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Background
The EPA would have 18 months to write a rule just for these batteries. It must think about new safety steps.
3
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a rule regarding the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(1)Universal waste requirements specially tailored for lithium-ion batteries.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(A)Additional safety requirements needed to address gaps in existing protections.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(D)
It passed the House on September 15, 2026, and waits in a Senate committee.
1
2026-09-15 19:52:27 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, September 15, 20262026-09-16 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, September 16, 2026
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa wrote it.
1
Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Sponsor

What it would mean for you

Sourced

If you throw away old phones, laptops or power tools

More of those batteries could be recycled here

Old batteries are often shipped to China to be processed.
6
end-of-life batteries and related scrap materials are often sent to China for processing[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Background
Supporters say the bill would help keep the metals inside them, like lithium and cobalt, in the country.
3,7
much of this material is sent overseas, often to China, for processing. In our landfills, it creates a fire hazard.[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5679, Rep. Miller-MeeksAny additional regulatory changes to support the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and recovery of critical minerals, while maintaining protections for health and the environment.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(C)

If you live near a battery recycler

Storage rules would change, and a safety rule would follow

The plant could keep batteries waiting for recycling under the rules for large waste handlers.
3
Until the date on which the Administrator issues the rule pursuant to subsection (c), in lieu of the requirements described in section 273.60(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), a destination facility that stores lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling such lithium-ion batteries shall comply with[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)which shall apply as if the destination facility were a large quantity handler of universal waste[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)(1)
The EPA must consider extra safety steps, such as for fire risks, in its new rule.
3,7
Additional safety requirements needed to address gaps in existing protections.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(D)many landfills and recyclers have been forced to address the fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries without any guidance from EPA[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5678, Rep. Fletcher

If you live in Iowa

Your representative wrote it

Rep. Miller-Meeks wrote the bill with Democratic Reps. Raul Ruiz and Rob Menendez.
1
Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · SponsorCosponsors (3): Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25] (2026-07-16); Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8] (2026-09-01); Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1] (2026-09-02)[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Cosponsors

What this bill does not do

Sourced

It does not ban putting batteries in the trash or set fines.
3
Until the date on which the Administrator issues the rule pursuant to subsection (c), in lieu of the requirements described in section 273.60(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), a destination facility that stores lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling such lithium-ion batteries shall comply with[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a rule regarding the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(1)
It does not stop the EPA from writing more battery rules later.
3
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit any future rulemaking of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding lithium-ion batteries.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(3)
It does not spend new money on recycling plants.
3
Until the date on which the Administrator issues the rule pursuant to subsection (c), in lieu of the requirements described in section 273.60(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), a destination facility that stores lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling such lithium-ion batteries shall comply with[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a rule regarding the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(1)
It is not law yet. The Senate has not acted.
1
2026-09-16 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, September 16, 2026

Current law vs. the bill

Sourced

Every place the bill changes existing law. On the left, the law as it stands today, quoted from the U.S. Code. On the right, the bill's words.

42 U.S.C. 14323(a)Replaces words

Current law

be regulated under applicable provisions of the regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 60 Fed. Reg. 25492 (May 11, 1995), as effective on May 11, 1995
8
be regulated under applicable provisions of the regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 60 Fed. Reg. 25492 (May 11, 1995), as effective on May 11, 1995[8] 42 U.S.C. 14323, Uniform national labeling requirement / universal waste rule for rechargeable batteries (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)

The law pointed to EPA's battery rules as they stood in 1995.

The bill

is amended by striking the regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 60 Fed. Reg. 25492 (May 11, 1995), as effective on May 11, 1995 and inserting part 273 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).
3
is amended by striking the regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 60 Fed. Reg. 25492 (May 11, 1995), as effective on May 11, 1995 and inserting part 273 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 3

In plain words: The law would point to EPA's current universal waste rules, and any that replace them.

is amended by striking the regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 60 Fed. Reg. 25492 (May 11, 1995), as effective on May 11, 1995 and inserting part 273 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 3

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

Sourced

Written into the bill

These take effect exactly as written.

The deadline for EPA's rule is 18 months.
3
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a rule regarding the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(1)
Until then, the storage rules for recyclers are set in the bill.
3
Until the date on which the Administrator issues the rule pursuant to subsection (c), in lieu of the requirements described in section 273.60(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), a destination facility that stores lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling such lithium-ion batteries shall comply with[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)which shall apply as if the destination facility were a large quantity handler of universal waste[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)(1)

Left to agencies or states

The real effect depends on rules someone else writes later.

EPA decides what goes into the new rule; the bill lists what it must consider.
3
the Administrator shall consider including in such rule[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)Universal waste requirements specially tailored for lithium-ion batteries.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(A)Additional safety requirements needed to address gaps in existing protections.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(D)

Section by section

Sourced

Read all 4 sections in plain words

Sec. 1 Short title: Names the bill the BRACE Act.
3
This Act may be cited as the Battery Recycling for America’s Competitive Economy Act or the BRACE Act.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 1
Sec. 2(b) Storage until the new rule: Until EPA's new rule, recycling plants may store lithium-ion batteries under the same rules as large universal waste handlers.
3
Until the date on which the Administrator issues the rule pursuant to subsection (c), in lieu of the requirements described in section 273.60(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), a destination facility that stores lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling such lithium-ion batteries shall comply with[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)which shall apply as if the destination facility were a large quantity handler of universal waste[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)(1)
Sec. 2(c) A lithium-ion battery rule: EPA must issue a rule on handling these batteries as universal waste within 18 months.
3
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a rule regarding the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(1)
EPA must consider tailored rules, more recycling, and added safety steps, while protecting health and the environment.
3
the Administrator shall consider including in such rule[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)Universal waste requirements specially tailored for lithium-ion batteries.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(A)Any additional regulatory changes to support the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and recovery of critical minerals, while maintaining protections for health and the environment.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(C)Additional safety requirements needed to address gaps in existing protections.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(D)
Sec. 3 Update to an older law: Points an older battery law to EPA's current universal waste rules instead of the 1995 version.
3,6,8
is amended by striking the regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 60 Fed. Reg. 25492 (May 11, 1995), as effective on May 11, 1995 and inserting part 273 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 3be regulated under applicable provisions of the regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 60 Fed. Reg. 25492 (May 11, 1995), as effective on May 11, 1995[8] 42 U.S.C. 14323, Uniform national labeling requirement / universal waste rule for rechargeable batteries (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)Pub. L. No. 104-142.[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · BackgroundSection 104(a) of the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act (42 U.S.C. 14323(a))[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 3

What changed between versions

Sourced

2 steps, from first draft to final text

From the House bill as introduced to the committee's version (House)

The committee made the storage rule temporary, lasting until EPA writes a new rule.
3,5
Universal waste regulations for lithium-Ion batteries: In lieu of the requirements[5] Introduced in House (July 9, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)Until the date on which the Administrator issues the rule pursuant to subsection (c), in lieu of the requirements described in section 273.60(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), a destination facility that stores lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling such lithium-ion batteries shall comply with[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)
It added the requirement for EPA to write that rule within 18 months, including safety steps.
3
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a rule regarding the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(1)Additional safety requirements needed to address gaps in existing protections.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(D)

From the committee's version (House) to the House-passed text

No changes to the wording.

Cost

Sourced

No cost estimate was available when the committee reported the bill.
6
At the time this report was filed, the estimate was not available.[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Committee Cost Estimate
The bill sets no new spending; it changes rules and orders an EPA rule.
3
Until the date on which the Administrator issues the rule pursuant to subsection (c), in lieu of the requirements described in section 273.60(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), a destination facility that stores lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling such lithium-ion batteries shall comply with[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(b)Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a rule regarding the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste.[3] Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Sec. 2(c)(1)

Analysis

Every bill gets the same five questions. Arguments are attributed to the people who made them, and each side gets about the same space.

Path to law

Rep. Miller-Meeks introduced it on July 9, 2026.
1
Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Sponsor2026-07-09 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, July 9, 2026
The Energy and Commerce Committee approved it 46 to 0 on September 2, 2026.
6
by a record vote of 46 yeas and zero nays[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Committee ActionOn September 2, 2026 the full Committee on Energy and Commerce met in open markup session[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Committee Action
The House passed it by voice vote on September 15, 2026, under a fast-track rule.
1
2026-09-15 19:52:27 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, September 15, 20262026-09-15 19:46:16 | House floor actions | Considered under suspension of the rules.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, September 15, 2026
The Senate sent it to its Environment and Public Works Committee, where it waits.
1
2026-09-16 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, September 16, 2026

Balance of power

Miller-Meeks, a Republican, wrote it with two Democrats. Republican Chairman Brett Guthrie and Democratic Rep. Lizzie Fletcher both spoke for it.
1,7
Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · SponsorCosponsors (3): Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25] (2026-07-16); Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8] (2026-09-01); Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1] (2026-09-02)[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Cosponsorsthe volume of batteries available for recycling is expected to triple over the next 10 years[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5678, Rep. GuthrieEPA has promised battery recyclers a lithium-ion battery rule for years, and the BRACE Act will finally get it done.[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5678, Rep. Fletcher
Fletcher called it a compromise that does not include everything either side wanted.
7
While the text does not include everything either side might have wanted[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5678, Rep. Fletcher

Coalitions

The committee vote was 46 to 0. The House passed it without a roll call, and no member spoke against it.
1,6,7
by a record vote of 46 yeas and zero nays[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Committee Action2026-09-15 19:52:27 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, September 15, 2026EPA has promised battery recyclers a lithium-ion battery rule for years, and the BRACE Act will finally get it done.[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5678, Rep. Fletcher

Precedent

EPA's universal waste rules date from 1995. In 2023 it said it would write lithium-ion rules but had not proposed one.
6
In 1995, EPA established ``universal waste'' rules to streamline requirements for the collection and transportation of certain categories of hazardous waste, such as batteries.[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · BackgroundIn 2023, EPA issued guidance concerning the treatment of lithium-ion batteries and announced plans to promulgate specific universal waste regulations for lithium batteries.[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · BackgroundHowever no rule has been proposed, as of the time the Committee reported this bill.[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Background

The strongest case on each side

For

Old rules add needless costs for recyclers while used batteries go to China or catch fire in landfills.
7
Our current RCRA regulations, which predate the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries, create unnecessary costs and uncertainty for recyclers.[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5679, Rep. Miller-Meeksmuch of this material is sent overseas, often to China, for processing. In our landfills, it creates a fire hazard.[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5679, Rep. Miller-Meeks
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), sponsor
EPA has promised recyclers a battery rule for years; this finally requires one.
7
EPA has promised battery recyclers a lithium-ion battery rule for years, and the BRACE Act will finally get it done.[7] Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · H5678, Rep. Fletcher
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX)

Against

No one opposed it. Some witnesses raised the unique safety risks of these batteries.
6
some have expressed concerns regarding the unique safety risks posed by lithium-ion batteries[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Background
Energy and Commerce Committee report (summarizing hearing testimony)
Others warned EPA rules should not overlap with fire codes and other agencies' rules.
6
Others have emphasized the importance of making sure any EPA regulations on lithium-ion batteries do not overlap with existing authorities[6] H. Rept. 119-818 · Background
Energy and Commerce Committee report (summarizing hearing testimony)

Did this make sense?

Sourced

Three quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.

1. What would recycling plants be allowed to do?

2. How long would EPA have to write a lithium-ion battery rule?

3. Where does the bill stand?

How this was checked

Sourced

3 checks

Automatic: every quote matched its source; every number matched an official record.
H. Rept. 119-818 (Energy and Commerce): The committee's description matches the House-passed text.
CBO estimate: None was available when the committee reported the bill; none is listed in the status record.

Spot an error? See our corrections log and how to report one

Sources

Sourced

All 8 sources

Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Referred in Senate (September 16, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Engrossed in House (September 15, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Reported in House (September 14, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Introduced in House (July 9, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
H. Rept. 119-818 · Committee report · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Congressional Record, House, September 15, 2026 (H5678-H5679) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
42 U.S.C. 14323, Uniform national labeling requirement / universal waste rule for rechargeable batteries (U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026

Official summary

Sourced

Battery Recycling for America’s Competitive Economy Act or the BRACE Act

This bill modifies the regulation of lithium-ion batteries under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in order to facilitate the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and the recovery of critical minerals. Specifically, the bill directs certain facilities that store lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling them to follow regulations for large quantity handlers of universal waste instead of following the more stringent hazardous waste regulations that currently apply, thereby allowing these facilities to store lithium-ion batteries without needing a special permit.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jul 9, 2026).

What has happened

Sourced

Sep 15, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.Library of Congress
Sep 14, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-818.Library of Congress
Jul 9, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 16 recorded actions

Cosponsors

Diana Harshbarger R-TN-1
Robert Menendez D-NJ-8
Raul Ruiz D-CA-25

BRACE Act

How this bill changes the law

At a glance

What it would mean for you

More of those batteries could be recycled here

Storage rules would change, and a safety rule would follow

Your representative wrote it

What this bill does not do

Current law vs. the bill

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

Written into the bill

Left to agencies or states

Section by section

What changed between versions

Cost

Analysis

Path to law

Balance of power

Coalitions

Precedent

The strongest case on each side

For

Against

Did this make sense?

How this was checked

Sources

Official summary

What has happened

Cosponsors