Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]

AIR PUMP Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

FAMILY Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

HELP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Human-Services Emergency Logistic Program Act of 2023 or the HELP Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allot funding to states, tribal nations, and territories to improve the 2-1-1 and 9-8-8 telecommunication systems. The 2-1-1 system provides callers with information and referrals with respect to health and human services and other provider agencies, and the 9-8-8 system provides callers with mental health or suicide crisis support and resources through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The funds must be used solely for making the call systems available to all individuals in the service area, enhancing community information and referrals with respect to human services, or both. As a condition of this funding, recipients must appoint a lead entity to manage activities to improve the call systems. Recipients must also establish a Human Services State Oversight Council to provide the lead entity with guidance and oversight related to the call systems. In addition, HHS must establish a Human Services National Board, comprised of federal and non-federal representatives, to manage the allocation of funds and evaluate the call systems.  

Hot Foods Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Hot Foods Act of 2023 This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to permit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption.

SAFE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Save America's Forgotten Equines Act of 2023 or the SAFE Act of 2023 This bill permanently prohibits the slaughter of equines (e.g., horses and mules) for human consumption. (Current law prohibits the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption. This bill extends the prohibition to equines.) Specifically, this bill prohibits a person from knowingly slaughtering an equine for human consumption; or shipping, transporting, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donating an equine to be slaughtered for human consumption or equine parts for human consumption. The bill subjects a violator to a fine. The bill applies to conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. However, it does not apply to an activity carried out by an Indian for a religious ceremony. In recent years, appropriations acts have prohibited the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using federal funds to inspect horses before they are slaughtered for human consumption. Therefore, there are currently no USDA-inspected horse slaughter facilities in the United States.

Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023 This bill modifies and expands nutrition programs for older adults and adults with disabilities, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Under the bill, a household's eligibility for SNAP benefits may be certified for 36 months if all adult household members are elderly or disabled, an increase from 24 months. The bill also expands the SNAP medical expense deduction. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish an elderly simplified application program (ESAP). Under ESAP, a state may implement a streamlined SNAP application and certification process for households where all adult household members are elderly or disabled and have no earned income. The bill also directs USDA to authorize public-private partnerships between USDA, retail food stores participating in SNAP, and community-based organizations to provide free or low-cost food delivery under SNAP, including through the use of private funds. Further, the bill reauthorizes CSFP, provides additional funding for the program, and expands eligibility to include low-income adults with disabilities. CSFP benefits may also be certified for 36 months. Currently, benefits may be certified for not less than one year, but not more than three years. The bill also expands eligibility for the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to include adults with disabilities, provide a 36-month certification period, and include minimum and maximum benefit amounts. Under the bill, USDA must also establish various grant programs; for example, USDA must establish grant programs to modernize SFMNP operations and establish new farmers' markets.

Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act This bill sets out activities and modifies existing programs to address racial and ethnic mental health disparities. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must implement a strategy for promoting behavioral and mental health and reducing stigma associated with mental health conditions and substance use disorder among racial and ethnic minority groups. HHS must consult with appropriate advocacy groups and behavioral health organizations on this strategy. Additionally, HHS must seek to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a study on research gaps related to mental health disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups. Modifications to existing programs include (1) permitting HHS to prioritize health care facilities that serve a high proportion of racial and ethnic minority groups when awarding grants for integrating physical and behavioral health care, and (2) extending the authorization for the grants from FY2027 through FY2029. The bill also permits the use of funds available through the Minority Fellowship Program for developing best practices or core competencies to address mental health disparities in curricula for training social workers, psychologists, and other behavioral health professionals. (This program supports the education and training of minority students who are studying for advanced degrees in a mental or behavioral health profession.)

NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act of 2023 This bill sets out requirements to increase the diversity of clinical trial participants and requires other activities to foster participation in clinical trials. As a condition of approval from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a clinical trial investigating a drug, device, or behavioral intervention, a sponsor's application must include certain information related to diversity in its trial, such as goals for recruiting and retaining trial participants, plans for achieving the recruitment and retention goals and implementing less-burdensome clinical trial follow-up requirements, and requirements for researchers and other individuals involved with the trial to complete education and training about diversity in clinical trials. A sponsor must also annually share demographic data of clinical trial participants with the NIH. The NIH must publish on its website information about the diversity of and other information concerning the clinical trials it funds. If a sponsor fails to meet its diversity goals or related requirements, the sponsor must develop and implement a strategic plan to increase the diversity of the clinical trial participants. Further, the NIH and the Food and Drug Administration must carry out a national campaign to increase awareness about the need for diverse clinical trials. The bill also requires studies on barriers to participation in clinical trials. The Government Accountability Office must study actions taken by federal agencies to address such barriers while the NIH must study regulations that govern reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses of and incentives for clinical trial participants.

Supporting the designation of July 19, 2023, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of Glioblastoma Awareness Day. Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor.

Keeping All Students Safe Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Keeping All Students Safe Act This bill prohibits the use of seclusion and limits the use of physical restraint in schools and Head Start programs that receive federal funding. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of seclusion, which is the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving. The term does not include a time out, which may involve separating the student from others in a non-locked setting. The bill prohibits the use of mechanical or chemical restraints or physical restraints that restrict breathing or are life threatening. The bill outlines the requirements for the use of physical restraint, including that the student's behavior must pose an imminent danger of serious physical injury to the student or other individual. Each state must ensure that a sufficient number of program personnel are trained and certified by a state-approved crisis intervention training program. Additionally, each program must establish procedures to follow after an incident involving physical restraint. Further, the bill establishes enforcement provisions, including a private right of action for a student who has been subjected to unlawful seclusion or restraint. The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services must withhold payments from a program for unlawful seclusion or restraint. Finally, the bill requires each state educational agency (SEA) to establish, implement, and enforce policies and procedures required by the bill. It also creates a grant program to assist SEAs with these activities.

CERTS Tax Exemption Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

CERTS Tax Exemption Act This bill excludes from the gross income of an eligible provider of transportation services, for income tax purposes, grant amounts received under the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act.

United States Foreign Service Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

United States Foreign Service Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the United States Foreign Service. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training to support the collection, curation, and sharing of diplomatic history in the United States via oral history, books, social media, and other means.

Bicycle Commuter Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Bicycle Commuter Act of 2023 This bill reinstates and expands the tax exclusion for employer-provided fringe benefits for bicycle commuting. It allows employees a bicycle commuting benefit equal to 30% of parking fringe benefits. The bill repeals the suspension period (2018-2025) applicable to such tax exclusion and revises definitions applicable to bicycle commuting benefits to make electric bicycles and certain scooters eligible for the tax exclusion.

Doxing Threat Assessment Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Doxing Threat Assessment Act This bill requires the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and disseminate a threat assessment regarding the use of cyber harassment, including doxing, by terrorists and foreign malicious actors. Doxing means knowingly publishing the personally identifiable information of another individual, without the individual's consent and with intent to threaten, intimidate, harass, or stalk any person; facilitate another to threaten, intimidate, harass, or stalk any person; incite or facilitate the commission of a crime of violence against any person; or place any person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. The threat assessment (1) shall be developed in coordination with the DHS Privacy Office and the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and (2) may be informed by existing products. I&A shall, consistent with the protection of classified and confidential unclassified information (1) disseminate the threat assessment with state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials; and (2) ensure that a version of the assessment is published on the DHS website within 30 days of dissemination to Congress.

Foster Youth Mentoring Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Foster Youth Mentoring Act of 20 2 3 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants for programs that provide mentoring for children in foster care and children with experience in foster care. Mentoring under such programs must match youth with appropriately screened and trained adult or peer volunteers and involve regular meetings designed to last for at least one year.

Medicare for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Medicare for All Act This bill establishes a national health insurance program that is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Among other requirements, the program must (1) cover all U.S. residents; (2) provide for automatic enrollment of individuals upon birth or residency in the United States; and (3) cover items and services that are medically necessary or appropriate to maintain health or to diagnose, treat, or rehabilitate a health condition, including hospital services, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse treatment, dental and vision services, long-term care, gender affirming care, and reproductive care, including contraception and abortions. The bill prohibits cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments) and other charges for covered services. Additionally, private health insurers and employers may only offer coverage that is supplemental to, and not duplicative of, benefits provided under the program. Health insurance exchanges and specified federal health programs terminate upon program implementation. However, the program does not affect coverage provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Indian Health Service. The bill also establishes a series of implementing provisions relating to (1) health care provider participation; (2) HHS administration; and (3) payments and costs, including the requirement that HHS negotiate prices for prescription drugs. Individuals who are age 18 or younger, age 55 or older, or already enrolled in Medicare may enroll in the program starting one year after enactment of this bill; other individuals may buy into the program at this time. The program must be fully implemented two years after enactment.

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2023 This bill authorizes certain targeted clinical trials involving combinations of drugs to treat pediatric cancer. Specifically, the bill modifies requirements relating to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations so as to authorize investigations of new drugs that are used in combination with active ingredients that have already been approved and that (1) have been determined to be the standard of care for treating a pediatric cancer, or (2) have been approved to treat an adult cancer and are directed at molecular targets for pediatric cancer. The Food and Drug Administration must issue guidance and report on the bill's implementation. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of the bill's changes with respect to the development of pediatric cancer drugs.

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.

My Body, My Data Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Fund the TSA Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Healthy Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act This bill requires entities (e.g., institutions of higher education, libraries, and museums), in order to be eligible for certain grants administered by the Department of Education (ED), to include Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history in their teaching of American history. It also requires Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history to be included in tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Specifically, the bill mandates the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history as a required component of American history for such entities to be eligible for American History and Civics Academies' competitive grants. These grants support the establishment of (1) Presidential Academies for Teachers of American History and Civics, which offer workshops to teachers of American history and civics to strengthen their knowledge and prepare them to teach in these subjects; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics, which support high school students in developing an understanding of these subjects. (Currently, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history is not a required component of American history for either academy.) In addition, ED must give priority to grant applicants that align their activities with programs and resources of the Smithsonian Institution's Asian Pacific American Center. The bill also requires the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history in tests administered by the NAEP, which measures student academic achievement in various subjects.

Charitable Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Charitable Act This bill allows individual taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize their tax deductions a deduction in taxable years beginning in 2023 or 2024 for charitable contributions. The deduction is limited to one-third of the standard deduction allowed to such taxpayers.

Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of an International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. The resolution encourages (1) health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and agender (LGBTQIA+) community; (2) schools to support the creation of gender and sexuality alliances; (3) individuals to learn about national resources for those who identify as LGBTQIA+; and (4) funding organizations, aid efforts, and governments to prioritize the health and human rights of LGBTQIA+ people.

Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Labor to award grants to certain national youth-serving organizations for comprehensive workforce readiness programs that are provided to youth and take place before or after school, during summer vacation or a holiday, or on the weekend (i.e., out-of-school-time programs). Such grants must be used to develop and implement nationwide youth workforce readiness programs, including for activities such as on-the-job training and leadership development opportunities, internships, and other supportive services. The bill also requires local workforce development boards to establish youth councils as subgroups of the boards.

Judiciary Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Judiciary Act of 2023 This bill increases from 9 to 13 the number of Justices on the Supreme Court.

Condemning the atrocity that occurred in Buffalo, New York, on May 14, 2022, in which 10 Americans were killed and 3 were injured, and in which 11 of the 13 victims were Black Americans, condemning the Great Replacement Theory as a White supremacist conspiracy theory, and reaffirming the House of Representatives commitment to combating White supremacy, hatred, and racial injustice.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

This resolution condemns the great replacement theory, which it describes as a white supremacist conspiracy theory that has been used to falsely justify racially motivated, violent acts of terrorism domestically and internationally.

Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill authorizes private civil causes of action for disparate impact violations (to the same extent as intentional violations) of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs or activities. Education programs that receive financial assistance authorized or extended by the Department of Education (ED) must designate at least one Title VI compliance coordinator to carry out responsibilities and investigate complaints. The bill requires ED to appoint a Special Assistant for Equity and Inclusion to (1) promote, coordinate, and evaluate efforts to engender program compliance and inform individuals of their rights; and (2) advise ED on matters relating to compliance.

No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act This bill requires health insurers to provide coverage for newborns of enrollees for the first 30-day period after the newborn's date of birth and to provide a special enrollment period for the newborn that extends at least 60 days after the initial coverage period. It also requires insurers to notify an enrollee if they receive a claim for the enrollee's newborn who is not enrolled in a health insurance plan.

Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration to issue or update guidance to minimize the risk for contamination of breast milk, baby formula, purified deionized water for infants, juice, and related products that are subject to re-screening or additional screening, including by ensuring adherence to hygienic standards. Related products include ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool breast milk, baby formula, and juice. In addition, the bill directs the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General to audit compliance with these requirements and submit a report to Congress.

Early STEAM Achievement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Early STEAM Achievement Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to early childhood education programs to carry out early childhood STEAM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) programs and activities.

Moms Matter Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Moms Matter Act This bill establishes two grant programs to address maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders, with a focus on demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, maternal health disparities, and other adverse outcomes. First, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award grants for maternal behavioral health services and education and training for health care providers about maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders in pregnancy. Eligible grantees include (1) state, tribal, and local governments; (2) health care providers; and (3) organizations that serve pregnant and postpartum individuals. Second, the Department of Health and Human Services may award grants to grow and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral health workforce by establishing or expanding schools and training programs.

Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act This bill addresses data collection, public education, workplace safety, and other matters related to maternal health during public health emergencies. Specifically, the bill supports (1) various programs and initiatives carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect data about maternal health, including racial, ethnic, and other demographic data; and (2) research activities of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Additionally, the CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must make publicly available and periodically update pregnancy and postpartum data that is collected through federal surveillance systems during public health emergencies. The data must be disaggregated by factors such as race, ethnicity, insurance status, and location. Further, the CDC must carry out a program to educate pregnant individuals, their employers, and their health care providers about maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a task force to develop recommendations on the provision of maternity care during public health emergencies with a particular focus on communities of color and rural populations.

Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act This bill establishes requirements and grants that address risks associated with climate change, particularly for vulnerable individuals (i.e., members of racial and ethnic minority groups, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and children younger than age three). Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a program to award grants to partnerships of community-based organizations and other entities to identify and address climate-change-related risks to these individuals at a county level. HHS must also establish a program to award grants to health professional schools for developing—and integrating into their curriculums—education and training on identifying risks associated with climate change for vulnerable individuals. In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) must establish the Consortium on Birth and Climate Change Research. The consortium must coordinate research on such risks conducted and supported by various NIH institutes and offices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must also develop a strategy to designate areas that have a high risk of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes among vulnerable individuals due to risks associated with climate change.

Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act This bill directs multi-agency efforts to improve maternal health with a particular focus on racial and ethnic minority groups, veterans, and other vulnerable populations. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must address the social determinants of maternal health (i.e., child care, housing, and other nonmedical factors that affect health outcomes). HHS and other departments must also carry out other actions to increase access to maternal health care and otherwise improve maternal health, such as growing and diversifying the maternal health workforce; establishing various grants and other programs, including ones related to maternal health disparities and maternal behavioral health; testing alternative payment models for perinatal care in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); addressing maternal health during public health emergencies; and supporting training, technology, and telehealth initiatives. The bill further provides for extended postpartum and breastfeeding eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; increased research and data collection on maternal health indicators; activities to mitigate adverse maternal health outcomes associated with climate change; and expanded public education to improve maternal vaccination rates. The bill also addresses maternal health for incarcerated populations. For example, it (1) requires the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice to establish programs to improve maternity care; and (2) reduces grants for criminal justice activities unless the recipient state or territory has a law to limit the use of restraints during pregnancy for incarcerated populations.

Extending WIC for New Moms Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Extending WIC for New Moms Act This bill amends the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to extend the eligibility periods for breastfeeding and postpartum women. Specifically, a state program may elect to certify a breastfeeding woman for up to 24 months (currently 1 year) postpartum. The bill also expands the eligibility period for postpartum women to up to 24 months after termination of pregnancy (currently 6 months). The Department of Agriculture must submit a report to Congress evaluating the effect of these changes to the program on (1) maternal and infant health outcomes, (2) breastfeeding rates, and (3) qualitative evaluations of family experiences under WIC. 

Diwali Day Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Diwali Day Act This bill establishes Diwali, also known as Deepavali, as a federal holiday.

Build Housing with Care Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Build Housing with Care Act of 2023 This bill establishes a competitive grant program to support co-located childcare and housing facilities. It also requires the Government Accountability Office to study the availability and affordability of childcare for residents of public housing. Specifically, the Department of Housing and Urban Development must award the grants to eligible entities, which include community development financial institutions, public housing authorities, licensed childcare providers, government entities, housing developers, and consortia of such entities. Entities must use the grants for designing, planning, constructing, acquiring, renovating, or otherwise supporting new or existing housing facilities with  childcare providers on the same premises or nearby.

Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2023 This bill establishes pilot programs for providing 100% plant-based food and milk options in school meals and expands access to nondairy beverages in school meals. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must carry out a pilot program to award grants for purposes such as training food service personnel on serving 100% plant-based food options and covering additional costs of buying plant-based foods. USDA must give priority in awarding pilot program grants to school food authorities that will use the funds to serve a high proportion of children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.  The bill also requires a school participating in the school lunch program to substitute a nondairy beverage that is nutritionally equivalent to fluid milk, and meets USDA-established standards, if the student's parent or legal guardian submits a written request for such substitution. Further, a school has the option to offer each student a nondairy beverage as a substitute for fluid milk if it  meets these same standards.   USDA must also establish a pilot program to reimburse eligible schools for the cost of providing a nondairy beverage as a substitute for fluid milk. Eligible schools are those where at least 50% of the students served are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.    

Cameras in the Courtroom Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Cameras in the Courtroom Act This bill requires the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of all open sessions of the Court unless it decides by majority vote that allowing such coverage in a particular case would violate the due process rights of any of the parties involved.

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.

U.S. Citizenship Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

U.S. Citizenship Act This bill establishes a path to citizenship for certain undocumented individuals. The bill also replaces the term alien with noncitizen in the immigration statutes and addresses other related issues. Specifically, the bill establishes a new status of lawful prospective immigrant . This status shall be available to an applying noncitizen who meets certain requirements, including being continually present in the United States from January 1, 2023, and passing background checks. After at least five years with this status, an eligible noncitizen may apply for and receive lawful permanent resident status. The bill also provides permanent resident status to certain applying noncitizens, specifically for eligible noncitizens who (1) entered the United States as a minor, (2) were eligible for temporary protected status or deferred enforced departure on January 1, 2017, or (3) worked a certain amount of agricultural labor in the five years before applying. Among other things, the bill also redefines for immigration purposes the term conviction to exclude convictions that have been expunged or vacated, requires the Department of State to implement a strategy to advance reforms in Central America and address key factors contributing to migration from the region to the United States, requires the State Department to establish refugee processing centers in Central America, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection sectors and stations to have a certain number of employees with certain qualifications such as paramedic training, generally prohibits religious discrimination in granting or denying immigration benefits, and establishes grant programs for providing training and services to immigrants.

EATS Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Enhance Access To SNAP Act of 2023 or the EATS Act of 2023 This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for certain students. Specifically, the bill removes the restriction on SNAP eligibility for students to allow otherwise eligible students who are attending institutions of higher education (IHEs) at least half time to participate in SNAP. Under current law, students 18-49 years old are restricted, with exceptions, from participating in SNAP. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 temporarily exempted some students from certain SNAP eligibility requirements; these temporary student exemptions are currently scheduled to expire after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023. Further, the bill provides that students enrolled at least half time in a recognized school, training program, or IHE constitute individual households (not residents of institutions ) and may be eligible for SNAP benefits. (Participation in SNAP is limited to households.)

Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act This bill requires entities (e.g., institutions of higher education, libraries, and museums), in order to be eligible for certain grants administered by the Department of Education (ED), to include Asian Pacific American history in their teaching of American history. It also requires Asian Pacific American history to be included in tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Specifically, the bill mandates the inclusion of Asian Pacific American history as a required component of American history for such entities to be eligible for American History and Civics Academies' competitive grants. These grants support the establishment of (1) Presidential Academies for Teachers of American History and Civics, which offer workshops to teachers of American history and civics to strengthen their knowledge and prepare them to teach in these subjects; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics, which support high school students in developing an understanding of these subjects. (Currently, Asian Pacific American history is not a required component of American history for either academy.) In addition, ED must give priority to grant applicants that align their activities with programs and resources of the Smithsonian Institution's Asian Pacific American Center. The bill also requires the inclusion of Asian Pacific American history in tests administered by the NAEP, which measures student academic achievement in various subjects.

Recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution recognizes the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to American society and culture, and calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and combat antisemitism.

Encouraging the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to continue its critical work, in person and online, in educating the public about the dangers of antisemitism and the origins of the Holocaust.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution encourages the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to continue its work in educating the public about the dangers of antisemitism and the origins of the Holocaust, congratulates those responsible for the creation of the museum, condemns antisemitism, supports educational and community-based programs that counter antisemitism and hate, and supports the designation of a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Day.

Supports the designation of "ALS Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of ALS Awareness Month. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as "Mental Health Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution declares mental health a national priority and supports the designation of Mental Health Awareness Month.

People Over Parking Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023