United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2023
Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and Intimate Care Product Safety Act of 2023 This bill requires the National Institutes of Health to conduct or support research on the extent to which components (including contaminants and substances used as fragrances, colorants, dyes, and preservatives) in menstrual products and intimate care products pose health risks to people who use the products or to the children of people who use the products during or before pregnancy.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023
United Negro College Fund, Inc. Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the United Negro College Fund, Inc. and its member institutions in recognition of its 80th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023
This bill expands the allowable uses of grants under the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) program to include activities related to arts, arts education, and cultural programs. Specifically, the bill allows grants under the HBCU program to be used for providing financial and other assistance to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs; establishing outreach programs and development offices for arts, arts education, and cultural departments; providing comprehensive wraparound services for arts, arts education, and cultural students, including faculty and peer mentorship, work-based learning opportunities, guidance counseling, and career advising; exhibiting, maintaining, monitoring, and protecting Black art collections in exhibition and in storage; and providing well-paid apprenticeship, internship, and fellowship opportunities to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs through partnerships with nonprofit arts, arts education, and cultural institutes. A grant recipient may enter into a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts to carry out these activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2023
This resolution calls for Saudi Arabia to ensure accountability for all individuals responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, release all individuals wrongly detained, lift restrictions on dissidents, and respect the rights of Saudi citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023
Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 This bill provides environmental and educational resources to public elementary and secondary schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide climate capital facilities grants to eligible entities (e.g., public schools and BIE schools). Grant recipients must use these funds to construct new, or convert existing facilities into, healthy zero-carbon schools. Healthy zero-carbon school refers to a school with highly energy-efficient facilities that produce or procure sufficient carbon-free and pollution-free renewable energy to meet the school's needs. The bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award resource block grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to hire and retain educators and staff in high-need schools. ED must award grants to eligible consortia of LEAs for educational equity planning and implementation. ED must establish the Climate Change Resiliency Program to increase the resiliency of public and BIE schools during climate change-related events, natural disasters, and public health crises. Further, ED must establish a related grant program for state educational agencies. Grant recipients must use these funds for certain activities (e.g., green infrastructure projects). The bill establishes the Office of Sustainable Schools within ED to (1) administer the resource block grant and educational equity grant programs, and (2) coordinate with specified agencies and the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy on climate capital facilities grants and the Climate Change Resiliency Program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023
Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023 This bill imposes a fee on the carbon content of fuels, including crude oil, natural gas, coal, or any other product derived from those fuels that will be used so as to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The fee is imposed on the producers or importers of the fuels and is equal to the greenhouse gas content of the fuel multiplied by the carbon fee rate. The rate begins at $15 per metric ton of CO2-e (i.e., carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2023, increases by $10 each year, and is subject to further adjustments based on the progress in meeting specified emissions reduction targets. The bill also includes exemptions for fuels used for agricultural or nonemitting purposes, exemptions for fuels used by the Armed Forces, rebates for facilities that capture and sequester carbon dioxide, and border adjustment provisions that require certain fees or refunds for carbon-intensive products that are exported or imported. The fees must be deposited into a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund and used for administrative expenses and dividend payments to U.S. citizens or lawful residents. The fees must be decommissioned when emissions levels and monthly dividend payments fall below specified levels. The bill also requires the Department of Energy to enter into agreements with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on various impacts related to the carbon fee and emissions reduction schedule established by the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023
No Photo for Food Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prohibit a state from requiring a photograph of any household member on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Under current law, a state may require that an EBT card contain a photo of one or more members of a SNAP household. As background, SNAP provides federally funded benefits (not the same as cash) on EBT cards to eligible households to purchase eligible food items from authorized retailers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023
Supporting Armenians Against Azerbaijani Aggression Act of 2023 This bill directs and authorizes certain actions aimed at supporting Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan. For example, the bill repeals presidential waiver authority that allows for certain foreign assistance to Azerbaijan; authorizes foreign military financing grants to Armenia for FY2024; requires the Department of State to submit a detailed strategy to Congress to ensure the durable security for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and a detailed report on alleged Azerbaijani atrocities in its attacks on Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh in 2022 and 2023; authorizes the State Department and USAID to implement activities related to development of Armenia's energy sector; requires the State Department to seek opportunities for partnership between U.S. and Armenian entities on science and technology; and requires the President to impose sanctions on certain Azerbaijani officials determined to have directed (1) operations instigating the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, (2) attacks on Armenia in September 2022, (3) the blockade of the Lachin corridor beginning in December 2022, or (4) attacks on Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023 This bill addresses harassment at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires each IHE to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment on the basis of a student's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, a sex stereotype, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits), disability, or religion. In addition, the Department of Education may award grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; or (3) educate and train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023
Pay Our Military Act This bill provides continuing appropriations for military pay for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2024 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). Specifically, the bill provides FY2024 continuing appropriations for the pay and allowances of (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service or inactive-duty training during the period; and (2) civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy) who are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces. If a government shutdown occurs, the bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2025.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023
Feed Our Families Act of 2023 This bill provides appropriations for carrying out the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 during the first 90-day period of a lapse in discretionary appropriations for carrying out the act during any fiscal year beginning after FY2023. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 is the authorizing statute for several Department of Agriculture nutrition and food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023
Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act or the MORE Act This bill decriminalizes marijuana. Specifically, it removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. The bill also makes other changes, including the following: replaces statutory references to marijuana and marihuana with cannabis , requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to regularly publish demographic data on cannabis business owners and employees, establishes a trust fund to support various programs and services for individuals and businesses in communities impacted by the war on drugs, imposes an excise tax on cannabis products produced in or imported into the United States and an occupational tax on cannabis production facilities and export warehouses, makes Small Business Administration loans and services available to entities that are cannabis-related legitimate businesses or service providers, prohibits the denial of federal public benefits to a person on the basis of certain cannabis-related conduct or convictions, prohibits the denial of benefits and protections under immigration laws on the basis of an event (e.g., conduct or conviction) relating to possession or use of cannabis that is no longer prohibited under the bill, establishes a process to expunge convictions and conduct sentencing review hearings related to federal cannabis offenses, and directs the Government Accountability Office to study the societal impact of cannabis legalization.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023
Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act of 2023 This bill directs the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to establish a fresh produce program that serves individuals at risk of food and nutrition insecurity. Specifically, the AMS must enter into contracts with growers, distributors, food hubs, and others to procure U.S.- grown fresh produce (excluding legumes) for distribution to organizations that serve individuals at risk (e.g., nonprofit food banks and pantries, schools, child or senior care centers, and community-based organizations). Under the AMS contracts, the produce must meet specific requirements. For example, the produce must be grown in the United States, include locally grown produce, and include at least seven varieties of fresh produce that are distributed. The AMS must prioritize contracts with eligible growers, distributors, food hubs, and others that are (or source produce from) beginning farmers; small or mid-sized farms that are structured as family farms; or socially disadvantaged farmers, including women-owned and veteran-owned eligible entities. As part of the program, the AMS must provide (1) information to assist small farmers, beginning farmers, veteran farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers in obtaining food safety certifications; (2) financial assistance for changes and upgrades to improve food safety; and (3) technical assistance to eligible fresh produce growers, distributors, food hubs, and others. In addition, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress that evaluates the effectiveness of the program with respect to, among other things, increasing low-income households' access to a wide variety of fresh produce and increasing the federal government's procurement of fresh produce.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023
This resolution recognizes the need for screening and treating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. The resolution also encourages all individuals in the United States to know their LDL-C number. High levels of LDL-C increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, expresses appreciation for the U.S. Postal Service having issued a special Representative John R. Lewis stamp, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023
John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state; 10 or more violations occurred, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself; or 3 or more violations occurred and the state administers the elections. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as redistricting. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the extent of any history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month and encourages the President to support access to innovative therapies for the disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder than can lead to pain, anemia, infections, and stroke.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023
This resolution supports the designation of National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day. The resolution also recognizes the importance of dedicating more attention and resources to addressing HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis in African immigrant and refugee communities across the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023
No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023
Teacher Diversity and Retention Act This bill revises certain grant programs related to teacher recruitment and training. First, the bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and otherwise revises the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence program, which provides grants to establish teacher preparation programs at minority-serving institutions. It allows grants to be used for school leader preparation programs. In addition, the bill consolidates certain grant programs for teacher preparation into a single grant program. In particular, the Department of Education must award grants to eligible partnerships (e.g., high-need local educational agencies and certain programs at institutions of higher education) to expand teacher preparation programs that embed dual certification in special education and training on social and emotional learning competencies and behavior management practices.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023
Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education to (1) award grants to Hispanic-serving institutions of higher education (IHEs) to improve and expand innovative collaboration agreements between local educational agencies and IHEs to better serve Hispanic and Latino students, (2) provide technical assistance to such IHEs, and (3) contract with a third party to conduct an independent evaluation of grant activities. Such grants must be used for specific activities, such as improving school-based and institutional practices to prepare students for postsecondary education and addressing nonacademic needs of students that are barriers to college enrollment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023
Green Ribbon Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for and expands the Department of Education’s (ED’s) Green Ribbon Schools program. (This program was established in 2011 to recognize early learning centers, schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions for excellence in reducing environmental impact, increasing health and wellness, and providing sustainability education.) In conducting the Green Ribbon Schools program, ED must (1) reserve funding for the Department of the Interior to carry out activities with respect to schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Education; (2) award grants to state educational agencies for the purpose of supporting and engaging eligible entities as green schools; and (3) provide an honorarium to each award winner, subject to appropriations. The bill directs the Institute of Museum and Library Services to establish an award program for nonformal learning institutions (e.g., libraries, museums, and zoos) that is modeled on ED’s program. The bill also establishes within ED the Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023
Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2023 This bill allows for the use of a pulsating light system for vehicle braking. Specifically, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108 (Standard 108) must be deemed to allow for the use of a pulsating light system on covered vehicles (i.e., passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, trailers, and motorcycles). The Department of Transportation must issue regulations to update Standard 108 to (1) include performance-based standards for pulsating light systems, and (2) allow for the use of the systems on motor vehicles. As background, Standard 108 regulates all automotive lighting, signaling, and reflective devices. Under the bill, a pulsating light system includes a system for a high-mounted stop lamp in which the lamp pulses rapidly no more than four times and for no more than 1.2 seconds when the brake of the vehicle is applied and then converts to a continuous light (as a normal stop lamp) until the brake is released.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023
Child Care Stabilization Act This bill provides additional funding through FY2028 for child care stabilization grants under which lead state agencies make subgrants to child care providers for personnel costs, facility costs, the purchase of personal protective equipment, and other costs related to providing child care services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023
Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing, subject to civil penalties. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment. The bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including if such animal testing (1) is conducted outside the United States to comply with a foreign regulatory authority; (2) is pursuant to a specified finding that there are no nonanimal alternatives to test the safety of a potentially dangerous cosmetic product or ingredient; (3) is of a product or ingredient for a drug or device subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (4) is required for a noncosmetic purpose pursuant to a state, federal, or foreign regulatory authority. Further, no animal-testing evidence may be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic product or ingredient that is regulated by the FDA after the effective date of this bill, subject to limited exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023
Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits to Save Lives Act or the WORK to Save Lives Act This bill directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to take actions to make opioid overdose reversal medications available in workplaces. Specifically, OSHA must issue regulations that require federal agencies to acquire and maintain opioid overdose reversal medications and annually train employees on the use of the medications. OSHA must also issue nonmandatory guidance to private employers on the same topics.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023
EITC Modernization Act This bill extends the earned income tax credit to taxpayers with certain dependents, including children and aged dependents, and to qualifying students. It also establishes a matching grant program for tax return preparation assistance for low-income taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2023
Family Farmer and Rancher Tax Fairness Act of 2023 This bill excludes from the gross income of certain farmers, ranchers, and forest land owners who are at financial risk payments for debt relief and for remedying past discrimination against such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 29 August 2023
Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program through FY2028. This Department of Agriculture program provides grants to help rural communities gain the technology and training necessary to engage in telemedicine and distance learning.
![Official portrait of Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000370_200.jpg)