United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023
Restore Everyone's Sleep Tonight Act of 2023 or the REST Act of 2023 This bill authorizes an airport to impose an access restriction (i.e., a prohibition on the landing or takeoff of aircraft) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. for aircraft, with exceptions. The authorization to impose the restriction does not apply to exceptional circumstances, such as (1) a scheduled flight that is delayed in takeoff or landing due to weather; (2) emergency flights; and (3) flights for the purpose of preserving life, health, or safety. An airport may impose a noise deterrence penalty on an air carrier or aircraft operator for a violation of the access restriction. The restriction does not apply to the operation of military, law enforcement, and U.S. Coast Guard flights. Further, the bill specifies that an airport may impose the restriction without approval or comment by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Transportation, any air carrier or aircraft operator, or any other entity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023
Responsive Employees Support Productive Educated Congressional Talk Act or the RESPECT Act This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to respond in writing within 90 days to requests for data and information from Congress. Specifically, the FAA must substantively respond if the data is within the control of the FAA; and the data would be otherwise appropriate to provide if requested by an airline, an airport, a flight procedure proponent, an Aviation Roundtable, anyone not employed by the FAA, or via a Freedom of Information Act request from any individual or any entity. The FAA must also provide staff at a private or public meeting with a Member of Congress if certain conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023
This resolution encourages people around the world to work to achieve the goal of zero new HIV transmissions, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths, in order to end the HIV epidemic in the United States and around the world by 2030. The resolution supports continued funding for prevention, care and treatment services, and research programs for communities impacted by HIV and people living with HIV in the United States and globally. The resolution supports continued leadership by the United States in domestic, bilateral, multilateral, and private sector efforts to fight HIV. Finally, the resolution urges other members of the international community to sustain and scale up their support for and financial contributions to efforts around the world to combat HIV.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023
This resolution expresses strong support for democracy in Pakistan, including free and fair elections. It calls on the President to work with Pakistan to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution also urges Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions and human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023
Never Again Education Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill extends the authorization for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to carry out certain Holocaust education program activities through FY2030.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2023
This resolution condemns Hamas' use of human shields as a contravention of international humanitarian law and a violation of the rights and dignity of civilian noncombatants. The resolution also calls for Hamas to immediately cease using human shields, for the swift release of all hostages taken by Hamas, and for Hamas' unconditional surrender.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2023
This resolution expresses support for the goals and principles of Transgender Day of Remembrance by recognizing the epidemic of violence toward transgender people and memorializing the lives lost this year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023
Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act This bill prohibits the importation of energy products that were produced at any refinery that uses crude oil originating in Russia. Current law prohibits the importation of Russian products that are classified under chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (which includes mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, and mineral waxes). The bill extends this prohibition to products that were produced at any refinery that uses crude oil originating in Russia.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023
Russian War Crimes in Ukraine Tax Act This bill imposes a 100% excise tax on certain assets of Russia and Belarus that have been frozen in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. The bill establishes the Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund to hold tax revenues generated by this bill. Such revenues shall be used for the benefit of Ukraine, including reconstruction and rebuilding efforts, humanitarian assistance, and the fostering of long-term economic growth. The Department of State must direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use U.S. influence to encourage the transfer of capital gains on Russian sovereign assets to Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
End Financing for Hamas and State Sponsors of Terrorism Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from using its stabilization fund to deal in International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights (SDR) from any country determined to be a state sponsor of terrorism. (The SDR is an international reserve asset maintained by the IMF based on contributions from IMF member countries. SDRs may be exchanged between member countries and may also be exchanged for currencies.) Treasury must develop a strategy, in coordination with allies and partners, to ensure that Hamas is incapable of financing armed hostilities against Israel. Treasury must report to Congress on the major sources of funding to Hamas, with an evaluation of U.S. efforts to undermine Hamas' ability to finance armed hostilities against Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
This resolution calls on Azerbaijan to immediately return all Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons and to provide information on those detained or deceased in custody. It also (1) calls on the President to impose human rights sanctions on Azerbaijani officials involved in illegal detention, torture, and extrajudicial killing of Armenian prisoners of war and other detained persons; (2) calls on the President to suspend military or security assistance to Azerbaijan; and (3) urges the Department of State to make clear to Azerbaijani authorities their obligations under international law to release and treat humanely all prisoners of war and other detained persons.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023
Farmers Feeding America Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), increases funding for the program, and provides additional delivery options for geographically isolated states (i.e., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam). TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of people with low income by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases a variety of commodities and makes those food products (e.g., canned, frozen, dried, and fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, dairy, and whole-grain and enriched grain products) available to state distributing agencies. The bill increases funding for purchasing commodities under the program. Further, the bill directs USDA to coordinate with geographically isolated states to (1) establish alternative delivery options for allocated commodities, and (2) allow for the states to order commodities through the USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. USDA may also provide geographically isolated states the ability to directly purchase domestically grown food in lieu of receiving a portion of the commodities. Under this option, USDA may distribute as cash to the state up to 20% of the cash value of the commodities that are allocated to the state under TEFAP. Further, USDA may consider additional factors beyond lowest price in determining winning bids for contracts for fresh produce packages (including product variety and transportation distance).
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023
Home for the Brave Act of 2023 This bill excludes certain veterans' service-connected disability or death benefits from income for purposes of determinations made in connection with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's housing assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives reaffirms the United States commitment to invoke the 1951 U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty if Philippine assets are attacked in the South China Sea. The resolution also calls on the United States and the Philippines to begin joint patrols in the South China Sea, objects to Chinese sovereignty claims to the South China Sea, and welcomes swift implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (a 2014 agreement enabling the U.S. and Philippine militaries to train together, respond to humanitarian crises, and modernize military capabilities).
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023
Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA's) working definition of antisemitism when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. According to the IHRA's working definition, antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023
Empowering Striking Workers Act of 2023 This bill allows workers engaged in a labor dispute to receive unemployment compensation. It also exempts such workers from the requirement that they be available to work and are actively seeking work.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023
Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), sex characteristics (including intersex traits), disability, or religion. Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 517 Seagaze Drive in Oceanside, California, as the "Charlesetta Reece Allen Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023
This resolution calls on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during its October 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution (1) condemns Hamas for attacking Israel, taking hostages, and for threats made against hostages; (2) demands that Hamas immediately release hostages; (3) recognizes that hostage-taking is a violation of international humanitarian law; and (4) expresses sympathy to the hostages, wounded, deceased, and their families.
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
Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act This bill extends the authority of the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons using human shields through 2030 and requires the President to impose such sanctions on each foreign person determined to be a member of Palestine Islamic Jihad and orders, controls, or otherwise directs the use of human shields. Currently, such sanctions are (1) required for users of human shields who are members of Hamas or Hezbollah or supporters of those groups, and (2) authorized for other users of human shields. The President must also determine if a person named in certain congressional requests meets the criteria for such sanctions and report on whether the President intends to impose sanctions on that person. Additionally, the Department of Defense must report to Congress on the implications of the use of human shields by Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestine Islamic Jihad.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023
'Operation Swords of Iron' Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act This bill provides $2 billion in appropriations for the Department of Defense to provide to the government of Israel for the procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats. The funds must be provided to address emergent requirements in support of Operation Swords of Iron.
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 · 29 September 2023
This resolution recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to renew efforts toward researching and examining the history of Filipino Americans to give all people of the United States an opportunity to learn about their contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023
Protecting America's Property Rights Act This bill requires title insurance on conventional mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Specifically, these mortgages must be secured by real property and the priority of the mortgage lien must be insured by a title insurance company that is licensed and authorized to do business in the appropriate state, territory, or district. The bill also prohibits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from implementing any new program without the approval of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), in addition to the approval of the Department of the Treasury as under current law. Approval from both is also required for any new activity, product, or type of risk. FHFA must appear before Congress on a semiannual basis regarding new programs, activities, products, or types of risk.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023
Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2023 This bill imposes temporary limits on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and requires various reports and actions related to the death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The President may not transfer or authorize for export certain defense articles or services to Saudi Arabia for 120 days after this bill's enactment. The prohibition shall remain in effect for up to three years unless the President periodically certifies to Congress that Saudi Arabia has not conducted (1) forced repatriation, intimidation, or killing of dissidents in other countries; (2) unjust imprisonment in Saudi Arabia of U.S. citizens or lawful aliens; or (3) torture of detainees in custody of the government of Saudi Arabia. The President shall certify to Congress that individuals with Saudi diplomatic credentials are not using such credentials to track or harass Saudi nationals in the United States. If the President does not make such a certification, the President shall close at least one Saudi diplomatic or consular facility in the United States until the certification is made. The bill requires reports to Congress on (1) whether any Saudi officials have engaged in a consistent pattern of harassment against any individual in the United States, and (2) whether the intelligence community fulfilled its duty to warn Khashoggi of the threats to his life.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023
This resolution recognizes the 16th anniversary of the establishment of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions and expresses support for the designation of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week.
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 · 27 September 2023
This bill designates the U.S. courthouse at 350 W. First Street, Los Angeles, California, as the Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023 This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if any of the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect. The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if the appropriations process has not been completed.
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 · 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 · 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
Foreign Affiliates Sharing Pilot Program Extension Act This bill extends a pilot program that allows financial institutions to share suspicious activity reports with foreign affiliates for the purpose of combatting illicit financial activity. Currently, the program has not been implemented and is set to terminate January 1, 2024. The bill extends the termination date to three years after the Department of the Treasury issues rules for the pilot program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023
Valley-Wide Noise Relief Act of 2023 This bill permits airports to implement partial or total mandatory nighttime curfews if they had a voluntary curfew in place before the passage of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 and meet other requirements. (That act imposed stringent requirements on airports seeking to implement night curfews and other types of noise rules or restrictions.)
![Official portrait of Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000344_200.jpg)