United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act or the Expanding the VOTE Act This bill expands access to voting materials for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language. Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) requires covered states and political subdivisions to provide voting materials and other language assistance to persons who are American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Natives, or of Spanish heritage and whose ability to speak or understand English limits electoral participation. A state or political subdivision that is subject to Section 203 is prohibited from providing English-only voting materials in an election. Among other requirements, this bill (1) requires the Department of Justice to issue a notice of prohibition, including the trigger threshold at which the prohibition applies, to certain states and political subdivisions; and (2) requires covered states and political subdivisions to provide written translations of all voting materials, with the consent of any applicable tribal government, to election workers. Additionally, the bill requires the Election Assistance Commission to make incentive grants for states and political subdivisions to provide translated voting materials. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the impact of (1) reducing the threshold requirement under Section 203 of the VRA, and (2) expanding the definition of language minorities to include native speakers of additional languages.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 2023
Providing Essential Temporary Shelter Assistance For Emergencies Act of 2023 or the PETSAFE Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a pilot program to provide grants for mobile pet shelters during emergencies and major disasters. FEMA may provide funds to state, local, and tribal governments to establish a new pet shelter site that is a mobile unit, which may be a companion animal mobile equipment trailer, to be used in case of evacuation due to emergencies and major disasters. FEMA's authority to approve projects under this bill shall cease on January 1, 2029.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023
Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act or the FISHES Act This bill establishes deadlines for the approval of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requests for fishery resource disaster assistance funding. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve or deny a spend plan (a type of funding request submitted to NOAA by a state, an Indian tribe, or other eligible requester with an affirmative fishery resource disaster determination) within 30 days of its receipt from NOAA. For any denial, OMB must return the plan to NOAA within 15 days of the denial with a description of the changes necessary for the spend plan to be approved. The bill provides that NOAA, in consultation with the requester, must make the necessary changes and resubmit the spend plan to OMB for approval. OMB must approve or deny a resubmitted spend plan within 15 days of its receipt. The bill also requires OMB to provide certain information regarding approved spend plans (e.g., the dates of the approval and each denial or resubmission) on its website.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2023
Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act or the SEAS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase support for aquaculture grants and assistance. (Aquaculture is the controlled breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and sea vegetables.) Specifically, the bill directs USDA to give aquaculture producers the same consideration as animal agriculture producers in awarding grants or other assistance. Further, USDA must ensure adequate and fair funding levels for aquaculture producers under USDA programs. USDA must also provide its staff with specific education and trainings on aquaculture. USDA must submit to Congress (1) an annual report that includes information on USDA seafood and aquaculture purchases and grants, and (2) a report on USDA's role in supporting aquaculture and the seafood industry. USDA must make competitive grants (e.g., to regional aquaculture centers or nonprofit organizations) to develop next generation technology to reduce pollution and fuel usage in the seafood and aquaculture industries. Further, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative program grants must address methods of increasing the survival rate and adaptability of shellfish, including resistance to heat, disease, salinity, and acidification. In addition, the federal crop insurance program (FCIP) must research and develop a policy to insure aquaculture products and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (the agency that finances FCIP operations) must establish a policy to insure aquaculture products.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act This bill transfers the administration of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus from the National Park Service to the General Services Administration (GSA) to facilitate leasing the campus to the District of Columbia. The GSA must lease the campus to the District for no consideration. The District may lease the campus for (1) stadium use; (2) commercial and residential development; or (3) recreational facilities, open space, or public outdoor recreation use. If the District uses the campus for commercial and residential development, the bill sets forth additional requirements, including requiring the District to (1) ensure that development does not adversely impact National Park Service lands, (2) designate at least 30 percent of the campus as parks and open space, and (3) provide parking facilities to accommodate the development.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2023 or the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023 This bill modifies enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act, including by allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring civil actions against violators of the act for appropriate relief, such as removing animals, revoking violators' licenses, or issuing civil penalties. DOJ must use the penalties to pay for the temporary care for animals pending the disposition of civil or criminal proceedings that allege violations of the act with respect to such animals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Tax Fairness for Workers Act This bill allows an above-the-line tax deduction for union dues and expenses. (An above-the-line deduction is subtracted from gross income and is available whether or not a taxpayer itemizes other deductions.) The bill also reinstates the miscellaneous itemized tax deduction for unreimbursed expenses attributable to the performance of services as an employee (Under current law, all miscellaneous itemized deductions are suspended through 2025).
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
This resolution honors Gibraltar's contribution to advancing U.S. security interests in the Mediterranean region and expresses support for the people of Gibraltar.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
This resolution condemns Iran for the 1988 massacre of political prisoners. It also urges the Biden Administration and U.S. allies to publicly condemn the massacre and to pressure Iran to provide information to the families of the victims.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Alyssa's Legacy Youth in Schools Safety Alert Act or the ALYSSA Act This bill requires each local educational agency (LEA), as a condition of receiving federal elementary and secondary education funds, to ensure that each elementary and secondary school served by the LEA is equipped with at least one silent panic alarm for use in a school security emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023
This resolution condemns the Taliban’s ongoing human rights abuses against women and girls, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and members of other vulnerable groups in Afghanistan. It also encourages the Department of State to consider determining whether the Taliban have committed crimes against humanity in connection to their treatment of women and girls.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023
This resolution recognizes the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and the contribution of hip-hop to American art and culture. Further, it encourages local governments to build partnerships with local hip-hop entities and other members of creative arts.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023
This concurrent resolution calls for an end to the consumption and trade of dog and cat meat and urges nations to adopt and enforce laws banning that trade.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023
Bring Animals Relief and Kibble Act of 2023 or the BARK Act of 2023 This bill provides civil and criminal liability protections for the donation of pet food and pet supplies under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. (The act shields persons that donate and distribute food to nonprofit organizations from liability for injuries caused by those donated products, with exceptions.) Specifically, the bill limits liability for persons or gleaners arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of food or pet supplies that are donated in good faith by the person or gleaner to a nonprofit organization, state, or local government for direct distribution to pets, service animals, or emotional support animals. Gleaner means a person who harvests for free distribution to the needy, or for donation to a nonprofit organization, an agricultural crop that has been donated by the owner. Further, the bill limits liability for a nonprofit organization, state, or local government arising from donated items received from a person or gleaner in good faith for direct distribution to pets, service animals, or emotional support animals. The bill also specifies that the existing exception that permits a person, gleaner, or nonprofit organization to be held liable for acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence or intentional misconduct applies to the liability protections established by this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023
This resolution applauds and expresses support for the continued cooperation between the United States and the European Union in thwarting Hezbollah's terrorist activities. It also urges the European Union to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023
This resolution condemns the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and calls for the perpetrators, including Iranian and Hezbollah operatives, to be held accountable for their crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023
U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act of 2023 This bill increases the authorization of appropriations for the Department of Defense in carrying out research, development, test, and evaluation activities, on a joint basis with Israel, to establish capabilities for countering unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The bill also requires DOD to report to Congress on the status of U.S.-Israeli cooperation to counter UAS capabilities and to provide an assessment of the UAS threat to the United States and Israel from Iran and associated proxies of Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023
Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023
Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act of 2023 This bill requires the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons determined to engage in activities or transactions to contribute to the illicit production and proliferation of captagon. Captagon is a marketing name for amphetamine-type stimulants. The bill requires sanctions on any foreign person the President determines (1) engages in activities or transactions contributing to the illicit production and international trafficking of captagon, or (2) knowingly receives property from those activities. The sanctions include blocking of property; ineligibility for U.S. visas, admission, or parole; and revocation of current visas. The bill also requires the President to report to Congress on whether certain Syrian and Hezbollah leaders meet the criteria established in this bill for sanctions imposition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023
Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2023 This bill restricts the President's authority to unilaterally undertake certain actions with respect to Iran and increases congressional oversight of those actions. Specifically, the President must report to Congress before terminating or waiving sanctions related to Iran or taking a licensing action that significantly alters U.S. foreign policy with respect to Iran. Each report must (1) describe the proposed action and its rationale, and (2) indicate whether or not the action is intended to significantly alter foreign policy concerning Iran. If the intention is to alter that policy, the report must provide additional information about the policy objectives and anticipated effects of the action. After the President submits a report, the bill provides Congress with a 30-day period to review it; this period is extended to 60 days for reports submitted between July 10 and September 7. During this period, Congress may enact a joint resolution approving or disapproving the action. During the review period, the President may not take the action unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval; if Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval, the bill prohibits the President from taking the action. The bill also outlines procedures for the introduction and consideration of these types of joint resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023
This resolution affirms that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state. The resolution also (1) rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia, and (2) affirms that the United States will always be a staunch partner of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023
Mercury 13 Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to commemorate the Mercury 13 in recognition of their accomplishments as part of the First Lady Astronaut Trainees (FLATs) Program (a privately funded project testing women pilots for astronaut fitness in the 1960s), their work for gender equity, and their example of women in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023
This resolution urges combatants in the conflict in Sudan to agree to an immediate cease-fire. The resolution condemns the outbreak of armed conflict and departure from the transition to a democratic government. The resolution also calls on the President and federal agencies to urgently resource and scale up the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Sudan and the region.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023
Social Security 2100 Act This bill modifies the Social Security system, particularly with respect to benefit calculations, fund administration, and beneficiary resources. For example, the bill temporarily increases the primary insurance amount for Social Security benefits for all individuals (from 90% of a certain portion of average indexed monthly earnings to 93%). It also modifies benefit calculations for certain individuals, including by temporarily (1) increasing benefits for widows or widowers in two-income households; and (2) allowing children of a deceased, disabled, or retired worker to remain eligible for benefits through age 25 if they are full-time students. Additionally, the bill temporarily eliminates (1) the government pension offset , which reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own; and (2) the windfall elimination provision , which reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. The bill also modifies the financing and administration of the Social Security trust funds. For example, the bill (1) subjects income over $400,000 to Social Security payroll taxes, and (2) combines the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund into a single Social Security Trust Fund. Finally, the bill establishes requirements relating to Social Security services and resources, including by prohibiting the closure of field offices unless certain conditions are met (e.g., public hearings).
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023
Child Care Investment Act of 2023 This bill increases the employer-provided child care tax credit, the amount excludable from gross income for dependent care flexible spending accounts, and makes the household and dependent care tax credit refundable. Among other provisions, the bill increases the rate of the employer-provided child care tax credit from 25% to 50% and increases the maximum credit amount from $150,000 to $500,000. It also increases (1) the pre-tax deduction for dependent care flexible spending accounts from $5,000 to $10,000, plus an additional $2,000 for each eligible dependent; and (2) the rate of the household and dependent care tax credit and makes such credit refundable.
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.)
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023
This resolution expresses solidarity with the brave people of Cuba who participated in the peaceful demonstrations on July 11, 2021, and were subsequently arbitrarily detained and sentenced. It also urges democratic governments in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean to hold Cuba accountable for human rights violations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023
Reducing Waste in National Parks Act This bill directs the National Park Service to establish a program for the National Park System to reduce disposable plastic products and, if applicable, eliminate the sale and distribution of disposable plastic products. Each regional office of the National Park Service must eliminate the sale of water in disposable plastic products and the sale and distribution of other disposable plastic products after consideration of several specified factors (e.g., the costs and benefits to overall operations). Each regional office must develop a proactive visitor education strategy to address visitor expectations of water availability and explain the rationale for the program and its implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023
IDEA Full Funding Act This bill provides permanent, mandatory funding for the grant program that assists states and outlying areas in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023
John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (a protein deficiency that raises the risk of lung and other diseases). Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of at-home augmentation therapy for beneficiaries with emphysema as a result of severe hereditary AAT deficiency. Treatment must be provided through qualified home infusion therapy suppliers; beneficiaries must be under the care of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2023 This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover prescription drugs that prevent HIV, including related screenings, diagnostic procedures, administrative fees, and clinical follow-ups, without any cost-sharing obligation for the plan holder. Further, insurance plans must not impose any preauthorization requirement for this coverage. These coverage requirements also apply to public health insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Additionally, the bill prohibits denying, limiting, or qualifying coverage or increasing premiums for disability insurance, long-term care insurance, or life insurance policies based on an individual taking medication for HIV prevention. The bill further requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to states, or directly to eligible local organizations, to provide uninsured individuals and underinsured individuals access to prescription drugs and related services that prevent HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also must develop a public awareness campaign that focuses efforts in communities with a high need for HIV prevention treatment. HHS, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Treasury must enforce and report on private insurers' compliance with the bill's requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
This resolution declares that it is the policy of the United States (1) to use all means necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and (2) to support the freedom of action of partners and allies to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
This resolution expresses condemnation for criminalizing the provision of and access to reproductive health care services, including abortion, contraception, and gender-affirming care. It further expresses support for efforts to expand access to such services.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
This resolution expresses support for (1) equal rights and protections for all people, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics; and (2) the designation of LGBTQI+ Equality Day to commemorate Supreme Court decisions handed down on June 26 in 2003, 2013, and 2015. The resolution also acknowledges the need for further legislation to ensure that people in the United States are free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
Equal Access to Reproductive Care Act This bill includes assisted reproduction as a tax deductible medical expense. It defines assisted reproduction as any methods, treatments, procedures, and services for effectuating a pregnancy and bringing it to term, and treats it as medical care of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or a dependent to the extent that they intend to take legal custody or responsibility for any children born as a result of such assisted reproduction.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023
Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to support the provision of services for cancer survivors, including health care, employment, and supportive services. For example, the bill provides for Medicare coverage of cancer care planning and coordination services (i.e., treatment plans that are developed by physicians or other providers). It also establishes grant programs for navigation services for cancer survivors with respect to follow-up services (e.g., screenings) and other support. Additionally, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation must test a model to provide cancer survivorship care planning for children under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill also provides for other services and support for cancer survivors, including (1) a grant program to provide employment assistance for cancer survivors, including trainings, transportation, and childcare; and (2) Medicaid and CHIP coverage of fertility services for those with cancer and for cancer survivors.