Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

JETSET Costs Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Justification and Examination of Transportation Staff's Executive Travel Costs Act of 2023 or the JETSET Costs Act of 2023 This bill restricts the use of Department of Transportation (DOT) aircraft by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary's executive staff. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Secretary and the Secretary's executive staff from traveling on a DOT aircraft unless it is determined that the cost of the flight is at least 5% less than the cost of a flight on a commercial airline. A DOT aircraft is any aircraft owned, operated, or maintained by DOT. This restriction does not apply when emergency travel is required and commercial service is unavailable. The DOT Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Congress must be notified in writing within seven days after such emergency travel is completed. Further, the Federal Aviation Administration must revise Order 2500.36N ( Application of Flight Hour Rates ) to reflect the true cost of flight operations. When calculating per-seat costs of a flight, DOT (1) may not charge different rates to non-DOT officials, and (2) must use the actual and full cost of a flight on a DOT aircraft when comparing such flight to any commercial alternative. DOT's OIG must submit an annual report to Congress that includes an itemization and justification of each trip and flight in which the Secretary or the Secretary's executive staff traveled on a DOT aircraft. The bill also prohibits the Secretary or the Secretary's executive staff from traveling on a DOT aircraft for any trip that involves personal or political activities. 

Honoring the efforts of the Coast Guard for excellence in maritime border security.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This resolution acknowledges members of the Coast Guard for providing maritime border security and congratulates them on their service.

Eliminating the Office of Diversity and Inclusion of the House of Representatives, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This resolution terminates the Office of Diversity and Inclusion within the House of Representatives.

ACES Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Anti-CCP Espionage via Social Media Act of 2023 or the ACES Act of 2023 This bill requires certain actions related to ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese parent company of TikTok (a video-sharing mobile application). Specifically, the bill grants Executive Order 13942 the force and effect of law. That order prohibits certain transactions by any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States with ByteDance. The bill provides statutory authority for that prohibition and specifies exceptions. Further, the bill establishes enforcement procedures and penalties for related violations. The bill requires ByteDance, within 90 days of this bill's enactment, to divest itself of (1) any assets or property used to enable or support ByteDance's operation of the TikTok application in the United States, and (2) any data obtained or derived from TikTok application or Musical.ly application users in the United States. The bill outlines further requirements and procedures for such divestment. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) must review proposed sales or transfers by ByteDance to a third party. CFIUS may implement measures as necessary to verify compliance with the required divestment. CFIUS must review and issue a report to the President on the relationship of each covered U.S. business with ByteDance to determine the effects of such relationship on U.S. national security. The President may take actions to suspend or prohibit the relationship.

Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act of 2023 This bill establishes accounts to fund the construction of physical barriers along the U.S. southern border and to provide grants to address fentanyl abuse. These accounts shall be funded from the sale of assets belonging to cartels that have been seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The bill defines cartel as (1) an organization with operations in Mexico and the United States designated as a significant transnational criminal organization; (2) certain named organizations, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Juarez Cartel; and (3) other organizations as designated by the President.

ACES Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

ACES Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study and report on the prevalence and mortality of cancers among veterans who served on active duty as aircrew members and regularly flew in fixed-wing aircraft.

Stop CCP Land Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Stop China’s Continuous Purchase of Land Act or the Stop CCP Land Act This bill requires states that receive certain federal program funds to restrict the purchase of agricultural land by a covered foreign country.  Covered foreign country means a country included in Department of State regulations as subject to certain prohibitions (i.e., Belarus, Burma, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela), as well as Russia. Specifically, a state may not receive funds for certain programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (e.g., certain energy efficiency and conservation programs) unless that state has a law prohibiting a covered foreign country (or persons acting on behalf of the country) from purchasing agricultural land in the state. Further, a state must require that a person from a covered foreign country that holds agricultural land in the state prior to the state law's enactment submit an annual report to the state on the agricultural holdings. The Department of Agriculture must submit a report to Congress on how the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 should be updated to ensure accurate documentation and monitoring of foreign investment in agricultural land. The Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress that includes (1) an assessment of this bill's impact on national security, and (2) any measures that can be taken to better secure U.S. real estate from foreign manipulation. 

Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act This bill expands eligibility and flexibility under the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) of the Farm Service Agency (FSA). (TAP provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters.) The bill expands eligibility to include growers who produce biennial crops. The current program is limited to producers of annual crops.  The bill also expands eligibility to include growers who experience tree mortality that exceeds normal mortality. Currently, mortality must exceed 15%. Further, the bill exempts growers who derive at least 75% of their average adjusted gross income from farming, ranching, or silviculture activities from a limit on adjusted gross income. (Under current law, the limit prohibits a grower with an average adjusted gross income that exceeds $900,000 from being eligible for TAP.) A grower may carry out any replacement and rehabilitation activities within 12 months of approval of the application for assistance or at such time as is necessary to ensure tree survival. Further, a grower may replant using an alternative (1) variety, (2) stand density, and (3) location than was used prior to the loss.  Finally, the FSA must approve or deny an application (and notify the applicant) within 120 days of receiving the application. 

Main Street Tax Certainty Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Main Street Tax Certainty Act This bill makes permanent the tax deduction for qualified business income. (Under current law, the deduction expires after December 31, 2025.) Qualified business income is defined as the net amount of qualified items of income, gain, deduction and loss with respect to any trade or business, excluding capital gains or losses, dividends, interest income, or income earned outside the U.S.

AUKUS Submarine Transfer Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Afghan Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Afghan Adjustment Act This bill provides lawful permanent resident status (also known as green cards ) to certain individuals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and addresses related issues. Generally, to be eligible for a green card under this bill, an Afghan national must be (1) lawfully admitted into the United States, or (2) paroled into the United States on or after July 30, 2021. Any individual who was admitted or paroled after this bill's enactment is eligible only if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the individual provided support to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. DHS must provide a green card to an eligible individual who applies and meets certain requirements, including vetting requirements. The bill also authorizes special immigrant visas for certain Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan while serving in certain capacities, including an individual who (1) served in the Afghan Air Force or certain other branches of the Afghan armed forces, or (2) was a female member of certain entities in the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces. To be eligible, such an individual must receive a recommendation from the Department of Defense (DOD). DOD must review the applicant's relevant records, including service records, after receiving a recommendation request. (Special immigrant visa holders qualify for a green card after meeting certain criteria.) The bill also authorizes a special immigrant visa for an Afghan national who is the parent or sibling of a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

ACE Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

American Confidence in Elections Act or the ACE Act This bill addresses election administration and security, campaign finance, and other related provisions. Specifically, the bill directs the Election Assistance Commission's (EAC's) Standards Board and Local Leadership Council to issue voluntary considerations for states about various aspects of election administration. Additionally, the bill  reduces certain election assistance payments for states and local jurisdictions that allow noncitizens to vote; requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to observe the administration procedures of federal elections; prohibits federal agencies from using funds made available for salaries and expenses to solicit or enter into agreements with nongovernmental organizations to conduct voter registration or voter mobilization activities on the agency's property or website;   prohibits federal funds for election administration for states that allow ballot harvesting, with exceptions; establishes various requirements for elections in the District of Columbia; makes various changes to the EAC; and prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or donations in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda. The bill also establishes the Twentieth Amendment Section Four Panel, which must recommend to Congress model legislation to resolve any vacancy created by the death of a candidate in a contingent presidential or vice-presidential election. The bill makes changes to campaign finance, including by (1) repealing limits on coordinated party expenditures, and (2) prohibiting federal funds from being used to make payments in support of a congressional election campaign. It also makes changes to the Federal Election Commission.

Expressing support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. (A journeyman lineworker is a person who builds and maintains electrical power systems.)

Ensuring Voluntary Actions are Compensated Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Canadian Snowbird Visa Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Canadian Snowbird Visa Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to admit into the United States qualifying Canadian citizens as long-term nonimmigrant visitors. A qualifying Canadian citizen is an individual who (1) is at least 50 years old, (2) maintains a Canadian residence, (3) owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of the individual's stay, (4) is not inadmissible or deportable, (5) will not engage in employment or labor for hire in the United States other than for a non-U.S.-based person or entity by whom the Canadian citizen was employed in Canada or for whom the Canadian citizen performed services in Canada, and (6) will not seek certain forms of assistance or benefits. A qualified individual may be admitted for up to 240 days during any single 365-day period. The spouse of such an individual may be admitted under the same terms, except that the spouse is not required to separately satisfy the requirement for owning or renting a residence in the United States. An individual admitted into the United States under this bill shall have nonresident alien tax status.

Affirming the nature and importance of the support of the United States for the religious and ethnic minority survivors of genocide in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

This resolution affirms that the fundamental human right and dignity of the religious and ethnic minority communities of Iraq should be a policy priority of the United States and the international community.

Healthcare Equality and Rights for Our Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Healthcare Equality and Rights for Our Heroes Act or the HERO Act This bill allows claims to be brought against the United States for damages relating to the personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in providing medical, dental, or related health care functions at a military medical treatment facility. However, the bill does not apply to care provided at a medical treatment location deployed in an area of armed combat.

VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2023 or the VALID Act of 2023 The bill requires a Federal Housing Administration mortgage notice to contain comparative rate and fee information about loans available under the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program.

Restore VA Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2023 or the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2023 This bill modifies personnel action procedures regarding certain employees and executives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  The bill authorizes the VA to remove from civil service, demote, or suspend VA employees that are supervisors or managers if the VA determines by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of such individual warrants such action. This authority does not apply to certain appointees or individuals in their probationary or trial period. Supervisors or managers who are subject to a removal, demotion, or suspension under this bill are entitled to (1) advance notice of the action and supporting evidence, (2) representation by an attorney or representative, and (3) grieve the action in accordance with an internal grievance process. The bill also provides protections from removal, demotion, or suspension for supervisor or managers who are whistleblowers or are seeking corrective action for an alleged prohibited personnel practice such as discrimination. The bill also modifies the procedures to remove, demote, or suspend VA employees or senior executives based on performance or misconduct, specifically by requiring the VA to determine by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of the individual warrants such removal, demotion, or suspension. Such procedures must apply retroactively, beginning on the date of enactment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (June 23, 2017).

ARC Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act of 2023 or the ARC Act of 2023 This bill provides for coverage of peripheral artery disease screening tests without cost-sharing under Medicare and Medicaid for certain at-risk individuals. It also requires the development of certain educational programs, a payment model, and Medicare quality measures to reduce amputations relating to such disease.

Balloon Location and Identification Pronouncement Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2023

Balloon Location and Identification Pronouncement Study Act or the BLIPS Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study the effects on aviation safety of domestically launched unmanned free balloons that do not emit a trackable electronic or radio signal. DOD and the FAA must submit a report to Congress on the study. The report must include a discussion and recommendations on the efficacy, feasibility, technical specifications, and potential civil and military impacts of mandating that domestically launched unmanned free balloons be equipped with an electronic or radio emitter that can be tracked with near real-time, geolocational, and altitudinal precision, and which can transmit identifying information of the balloon or its owner; and how DOD and the FAA can collect the data and integrate it into a real-time or near real-time digital system that supports the operations of DOD and the FAA.

Import Security and Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Import Security and Fairness Act This bill excludes imported articles from nonmarket economy countries or countries on the priority watch list from receiving de minimis treatment. De minimis treatment allows imported articles valued under $800 to enter the United States without paying duties or taxes. The bill also directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect additional information on merchandise that may qualify for de minimis treatment.

Department of Defense Student Financial Literacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Expressing support for the designation of June 13 as "Posttraumatic Growth Day".

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

This resolution supports the designation of Posttraumatic Growth Day. (Post-traumatic growth is a concept that acknowledges the potential for positive psychological change and personal transformation that can arise from the struggle with trauma.)

Fair and Open Skies Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Fair and Open Skies Act This bill amends the policy considerations the Department of Transportation (DOT) must take into account when issuing a foreign air carrier permit. (This allows foreign air carriers to operate in U.S. air space.) DOT must consider preventing the undermining of labor standards when determining whether the foreign air transportation will be in the public interest. Further, the bill amends the requirements for the Department of State and DOT in formulating U.S. international air transportation policy. Under current law, the State Department and DOT must develop a negotiating policy emphasizing the greatest degree of competition compatible with a well-functioning international air transportation system and include specific considerations; this is amended to also include preventing the undermining of labor standards.

Expressing support for the designation of June 12, 2023, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day".

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Women Veterans Appreciation Day to recognize the service and sacrifices of women veterans.

To limit the flags that may be flown over a facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act This bill addresses unfair trade practices by making various changes to U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty law. Antidumping provides relief to U.S industries and workers that are materially injured or threatened with injury due to imports of like products sold in the U.S. market at less than fair value, while countervailing duty provides such relief from imports of products subsidized by a foreign government or public entity. Specifically, the bill establishes a process for successive antidumping and countervailing duty investigations. Successive investigations may be concurrent (an ongoing investigation of the same product) or recently completed (not more than two years before the date of the initiation of the successive investigation). Further, the bill establishes a time line for the Department of Commerce to issue determinations in successive investigations. Among other provisions, the bill authorizes Commerce to apply countervailing duty law to subsidies provided by a foreign government or public entity to a company operating in a third country, use another method for calculating the cost of production in specific circumstances, and require importers to provide a certification that the imported merchandise is not subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order. Additionally, the bill statutorily establishes procedures for Commerce to conduct circumvention inquiries, including by specifying the deadlines for preliminary and final determinations. The bill also provides statutory authority for Commerce to investigate currency undervaluation as a countervailable subsidy.

Acknowledging that unborn children are legal and constitutional persons who are entitled to the equal protection of the laws.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

This resolution declares that the life of each human person begins at fertilization and calls upon Congress to enact legislation to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection for unborn children nationwide.

Short Line Railroad Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

Short Line Railroad Relief Act This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to provide emergency grants or enter into contracts and other agreements for capital projects for short line railroads. A project must protect, repair, reconstruct, or replace short line railroad equipment and facilities in danger of suffering catastrophic damage, or that have suffered catastrophic damage, as a result of an emergency. An emergency includes a natural disaster affecting a wide area or a catastrophic failure from any external cause that results in the declaration of an emergency or a major disaster.

U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill modifies and extends certain authorities related to Israel. For example, the bill  extends the authorization for the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer certain defense items to Israel;  extends the authorization to finance cooperative projects among the United States, Israel, and developing countries related to water resources, agriculture, and energy storage;  extends energy cooperation and authorizes the Department of Energy to make grants to Israel to support advanced nuclear technologies, as well as for carbon capture, utilization, and storage;  requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to ensure that applicants from Abraham Accord countries are eligible for Middle East Regional Cooperation grants; and  requires the Department of State to report to Congress on U.S. diplomatic efforts to oppose politically motivated investigations against the United States and Israel at the International Criminal Court.

SHIP Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act or the SHIP Act This bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against foreign persons that knowingly transport, process, refine, or otherwise deal in petroleum and petroleum products originating in Iran. These sanctions also extend to certain foreign persons associated with the sanctioned individual, such as adult family members and any entities owned or controlled by the sanctioned individual.

Requiring foreign state media outlets with credentialed members in the House news media galleries to comply with the Foreign Agents Registration Act by prohibiting the admission into such galleries of reporters and correspondents who are representatives of such outlets who are not in compliance with the requirements of such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

This resolution restricts access to the news media galleries in the House Chamber by representatives of media outlets that are affiliated with a foreign government, the family of the ruling monarch of a foreign country, or a foreign political party. Specifically, the resolution bars access to the news media galleries by representatives of a foreign state media outlet if that outlet is not registered as a foreign agent or it otherwise fails to comply with applicable requirements for foreign agents. In addition, before being admitted to the news media galleries, representatives of foreign state media outlets must (1) certify that they have, within the prior six months, undergone a background check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (2) that the FBI determined they do not pose a threat to U.S. security. The resolution also caps at 10 the number of reporters and correspondents from the same foreign state media outlet who may be admitted to the news media galleries. The bill also requires a report on the most effective methods for implementing these restrictions.

Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Douglas "Mike" Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to award grants to eligible entities to research the treatment of certain members of the Armed Forces through the use of specified psychedelic substances (e.g., MDMA). Specifically, the research must focus on members of the Armed Forces who are serving on active duty and have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress, a traumatic brain injury, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Under the bill, eligible entities include federal or state government entities, academic institutions, and nonprofit entities.

To designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indian River, Michigan, as the "Pfc. Justin T. Paton Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

This bill designates the new community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indian River, Michigan, as the Pfc. Justin T. Paton Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a five-year pilot program to furnish, under the Veterans Community Care Program, hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.

PATIENT Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

Promoting Access to Treatments and Increasing Extremely Needed Transparency Act of 2023 or the PATIENT Act of 2023 This bill expands hospital price transparency requirements and establishes additional reporting requirements with respect to prescription drugs and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The bill also extends funding for various programs such as the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program, Community Health Center program, and National Health Service Corps. Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that hospitals publish an annual list of shoppable services they provide, including specified pricing information. Beginning in 2025, a hospital may not use an internet-based price estimator tool to meet the publication requirement for shoppable services. The bill also modifies the health insurance plan disclosure requirements to include the rates for certain in-network services and prescription drug payment information. The bill further requires providers of diagnostic laboratory tests under Medicare to publish online certain price information. Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations must report information about payments made to providers in which the MA organization has an ownership interest. Medicare prescription drug plan sponsors must report certain price information for covered drugs. Additionally, the bill requires health insurance plan issuers (or the PBM providing services on behalf of the plan) to report to the plan sponsor specified information about prescription drugs dispensed under the plan. This includes rebates, fees, alternative discounts, or other remuneration the plan receives from drug manufacturers. Finally, the bill requires pass-through pricing models, and prohibits spread-pricing, for payment arrangements with PBMs under Medicaid.

Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, also known as the Donut Dollies , who served honorably during the Vietnam conflict. The bill also authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for presenting the medals.

Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act This bill expands the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program. The bill expands the battlefield acquisition grant program to allow grants to be (1) awarded to Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations, and (2) awarded to acquire certain Revolutionary War or War of 1812 battlefields. The bill expands eligibility for the battlefield restoration grant program to include battlefield land that is owned by a state, tribe, local government, or nonprofit organization. Not later than 2 years after this bill's enactment and every 10 years thereafter, the American Battlefield Protection Program must report to Congress on preservation activities and the condition of battlefields.

Soo Locks Security and Economic Reporting Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Soo Locks Security and Economic Reporting Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to report on security at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and to recommend improvements. The report must include details about current security measures and the potential effects of a malfunction or failure. It must also recommend ways to strengthen security and reduce the impact of a malfunction or failure on the supply chain of the United States.

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. (AM broadcast stations are often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.) Specifically, this bill applies to motor vehicles manufactured in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce after the rule's effective date. The DOT rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations or digital audio AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. Prior to the effective date of the rule, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM broadcast stations as standard equipment must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling. DOT may assess civil penalties against any manufacturer that fails to comply with the mandate. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation. Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on whether a reliable alternative communication system exists for delivering emergency alerts and consider the (1) cost to drivers and passengers of receiving communications through an alternative system, and (2) cost and time required to develop and implement an alternative.

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements related to the fighter aircraft capabilities of the Air National Guard. Specifically, the bill requires that the aircraft inventory of the Air National Guard must include at least 25 fighter aircraft squadrons, each of which must have a minimum of 18 primary aircraft authorized. Such requirement may be waived in extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, the Department of the Air Force must develop a fighter aircraft recapitalization plan that provides for (1) the replacement and modernization of Air National Guard fighter squadrons at a rate that ensures the full recapitalization of such fighter squadrons by the end of FY2034, and (2) the fielding of the Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems in the Air National Guard.

Farm Operations Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Farm Operations Support Act This bill freezes the minimum wage for H-2A (temporary agricultural workers) through December 31, 2023. Specifically, the adverse effect wage rate that was in effect in a state on December 1, 2022, shall remain in effect through December 31, 2023. (Generally, the minimum wage for an H-2A worker is the highest of the adverse effect wage rate, the prevailing hourly wage or piece rate, the federal minimum wage, or the applicable state minimum wage.)

To amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This bill grants a federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, which is a nonprofit organization that provides housing counseling to veterans and active members of the Armed Forces.

Rural Education Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Rural Education Investment Act This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to annually determine the percentage of K-12 students who are served by local educational agencies (LEAs) located in rural areas. ED must then reserve at least an equal percentage of Teacher Quality Partnership grants for partnerships with these LEAs.

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions of the low-income housing tax credit and renames it as the affordable housing tax credit . The bill increases the per capita dollar amount of the credit and its minimum ceiling amount beginning in 2023 and extends the inflation adjustment for such amounts. The bill modifies tenant income eligibility requirements and the average income formula for determining such income. It also revises rules for student occupancy of rental units and tenant voucher payments, and prohibits any refusal to rent to victims of domestic abuse. The bill further modifies the credit to increase state allocations of the credit; repeal the qualified census tract population cap; prohibit consideration of local approval and local government contribution requirements for housing projects; increase the credit for certain projects designated to serve extremely low-income households; increase the credit for certain bond-financed projects designated by state agencies; eliminate the basis reduction for properties that receive certain energy-related tax benefits; and increase the population cap for difficult development areas (i.e., areas with high construction, land, and utility costs relative to area median gross income). The bill also includes Indian and rural areas as difficult development areas and modifies other requirements relating to casualty losses, tax-exempt bond financing, and foreclosures.

DCA Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Direct Capital Access Act of 2023 or the DCA Act of 2023 This bill increases the number of daily round-trip flights allowed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Specifically, this bill adds 56 new slots at DCA to allow for 28 additional daily round-trip flights. (Airlines flying to and from DCA are subject to slot and perimeter rules set by federal law and regulation. The slot rules determine the total number of flight slots that can be handled in a given time period. In addition, a statutory perimeter rule limits nonstop flights to a 1,250-mile radius unless they are granted an exemption in law.) Current law limits DCA to a maximum of 67 hourly slots for flights both within- and beyond-perimeter; a round-trip flight serving DCA requires two slots (or a slot pair). Of those slots, 40 daily slots are exempt from the perimeter rule. Under the bill's slot increase, operations at DCA may not increase by more than eight flights per hour. 

CDFI Fund Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

CDFI Fund Transparency Act This bill requires annual congressional testimony from the Department of the Treasury regarding the operations of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.