United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2024
Jackie Robinson Commemorative Site Act This bill designates the Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Florida, as the Jackie Robinson Ballpark National Commemorative Site. It also makes the site a part of the African American Civil Rights Network established under the African American Civil Rights Network Act of 2017. In addition, the bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the site to evaluate its national significance and determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the site as a national historic landmark.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2024
Telehealth Enhancement for Mental Health Act of 2024 or the TELEMH Act of 2024 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a billing modifier for certain mental health services that are provided via telehealth under Medicare. Specifically, the CMS must create a billing modifier for telehealth mental health services that are provided by auxiliary personnel (i.e., individuals acting under the supervision of a physician or other practitioner) and that are billed as incident to a physician or practitioner's services.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Department of Labor titled Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act and published on January 10, 2024. The final rule addresses how to determine whether a worker is properly classified as an employee or an independent contractor for purposes of requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that address issues such as minimum wage and overtime compensation. The rights and protections provided by the FLSA apply only to employees.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2024
Laken Riley Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U. S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted for, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a decision to release a non-U. S. national from custody; failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2024
This resolution condemns the targeting and imprisonment of individuals associated with Mountain Gateway Ministry and calls upon the Nicaraguan government to take prompt action. Mountain Gateway Ministry is a U.S.-based religious organization active in Nicaragua. Individuals affiliated with the group were arrested in Nicaragua in December, 2023.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act This bill requires the President to make determinations about the relationship between the United States and South Africa. No later than 30 days after this bill's enactment, the President must certify to Congress a determination whether South Africa has undermined U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. This determination must also be released publicly. The President must also report to Congress a comprehensive review of the U.S.-South Africa bilateral relationship.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2024
This resolution condemns the hostilities in Sudan since April 15, 2023, and calls on the warring parties to permanently cease hostilities, stop attacks on civilians, and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The resolution also calls on (1) the President to name a Special Envoy for Sudan to coordinate U.S. policy and diplomatic efforts while working with international partners; and (2) the Department of State to develop a comprehensive sanctions strategy for Sudan, support efforts to end hostilities and protect civilians, and support the establishment of mechanisms of accountability.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2024
Global Anti-Human Trafficking Enhancement Act This bill authorizes the Department of State to investigate transnational violations of federal human trafficking law in which part of the offense occurred outside the United States or involved one or more foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2024
Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act This bill requires the President's annual budget and congressional budget resolutions to include the ratio of the public debt to the estimated gross domestic product.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024
This resolution commends Taiwan for its example of self-governance and regards Taiwan's democracy as a great strategic strength for the free world. The resolution also expresses concern about Chinese interference in Taiwan's 2024 elections and expresses commitment to continuing a strong partnership with Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the elections.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2024
This resolution congratulates the University of Michigan Wolverines for their win in the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2023
Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grant Program. The bill also places conditions on certain private educational institutions. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award Workforce Pell Grants to students enrolled in eligible workforce programs. Eligible programs are those that provide at least 150 clock hours (but less than 600 clock hours) of instruction during a minimum of 8 weeks (but less than 15 weeks). A state workforce development board must first make a determination that the program (1) provides education aligned with the requirements of high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations; (2) meets the hiring requirements of potential employers; and (3) satisfies any applicable educational prerequisite requirement for professional licensure or certification in the state or states in which the program is offered. Furthermore, an eligible program must lead to a recognized postsecondary credential that is portable across multiple employers and accepted toward requirements for a certificate or degree, as determined by an accrediting agency or association recognized by ED. Next, ED must determine if a program meets verified completion and job placement rates. ED must also collect and publish information regarding eligible workforce programs. The bill also places certain conditions on private educational institutions that are subject to an excise tax (also known as the endowment tax) on their net investment income. For example, the bill prohibits these institutions from awarding federal student loans to eligible students.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023
This resolution commemorates the 200th anniversary of the promulgation of the Monroe Doctrine. Specifically, it reasserts the rights and interests of the United States, in accordance with the Monroe Doctrine, to oppose foreign powers extending malign influence in the Western Hemisphere. The resolution also recognizes the principles of freedom and independence in the Western Hemisphere enshrined in the Monroe Doctrine.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023
This resolution expresses strong support for democracy in Pakistan, including free and fair elections. It calls on the President to work with Pakistan to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution also urges Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions and human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023
Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act This bill makes changes to the Charter Schools Program (CSP). Specifically, the bill allows state entities (e.g., state educational agencies and state charter school boards) to use up to 5% of their CSP grant funds to make pre-charter planning subgrants to prospective charter applicants (or nonprofit or public entities that will support prospective applicants). Currently, state entities must use at least 7% of their CSP grant funds to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants and authorized public chartering agencies. The bill instead allows state entities to use not more than 10% of these funds for technical assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board titled Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status and published on October 27, 2023. The rule establishes a new joint employer standard for determining whether two employers simultaneously employ a particular employee or employees. Under the rule, an entity may be considered a joint employer of another employer's employees if the two share or codetermine the employees' essential terms and conditions of employment. The rule is currently scheduled to take effect on February 26, 2024.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
Preventing Adversaries from Developing Critical Capabilities Act This bill requires the President to (1) identify categories of technologies and products in certain advanced technology sectors that may pose a particularly acute threat to national security if developed or acquired by North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran; and (2) prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions related to identified categories with those countries. The Department of State should conduct bilateral and multilateral engagement with partners and allies to coordinate protocols and procedures to facilitate the prevention of such transactions. Additionally, the President is authorized to exercise all emergency economic powers to implement this bill, including imposing sanctions on foreign persons.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023
Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act of 2023 or the 911 SAVES Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget, by 30 days after the bill's enactment, to categorize public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation under the Standard Occupational Classification System.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
Protecting Kids on Social Media Act This bill requires social media platforms to verify the age of account holders and limits access to such platforms by children. Specifically, social media platforms (1) must verify the age of account holders, (2) may not allow an individual to create or continue to use an account unless the individual's age has been verified, and (3) must limit access to the platform for children under the age of 13. Social media platforms may not use or retain any information collected during the age verification process for any other purpose. Further, platforms must take reasonable steps to (1) require affirmative consent from the parent or guardian of a minor who is at least 13 years old to create an account for the minor on the platform, and (2) provide the parent or guardian with the ability to revoke such consent. Social media platforms may not use the personal data of an individual in an algorithmic recommendation system unless the individual is at least 18 years old according to the platform's age verification process. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish a voluntary pilot program to provide secure digital identification credentials for individuals to use when verifying their age on social media platforms. Commerce may issue rules for social media companies to enroll in the program. The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general (or other authorized state officials).
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
This bill requires certain actions to address school security. Specifically, the bill requires the President's National Security Strategy to include the strategies and capabilities needed to ensure the safety and security of schools in the United States, including elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education (IHEs). The bill also requires the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of threats to elementary and secondary schools and IHEs. ED and DHS must jointly submit a report to Congress on the results of the assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
Incentivize Motivated Parents with Responsible Options for Vital Education Safety for Schools Act or the IMPROVE Safety for Schools Act This bill addresses school safety and security, with a particular focus on gun safety. Specifically, the bill directs the U.S. Secret Service to provide guidance to local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive federal funds on preparing a notice to advise parents on purchasing and using a gun safety device. Each LEA that receives federal funds must submit this notice to each parent with a child attending a school served by the LEA. Additionally, the bill allows certain individuals with a qualifying child or dependent a tax credit, up to $300 in a taxable year, for the purchase of any firearm safety device. The bill allows LEAs to use Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants for (1) providing de-escalation training to teachers, administrators, and other staff; and (2) establishing school safety specialist positions. Next, the bill requires LEAs that have expelled a student for bringing a firearm to school to provide the student and the student's parents with confidential mental health services (if the parents do not have the financial means to provide these services). The bill allows funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program to be used to implement a standardized training program for school resource officers. The bill also requires certain federal agencies to conduct outreach to expand the social media presence of SchoolSafety.gov (a website that provides information, resources, and guidance focused on school safety).
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023
This resolution condemns the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. It also urges the Department of Education to direct the Office for Civil Rights to investigate and, where appropriate, take immediate action.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2023
No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act This bill requires the President to impose property-blocking sanctions on foreign financial institutions and international financial institutions that process, participate in, or facilitate a transaction involving certain Iranian funds (namely, the approximately $6 billion of Iranian funds that the Biden administration permitted to be transferred from restricted accounts in South Korea to restricted accounts in Qatar to facilitate the release of five U.S. citizens detained in Iran).
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023
No U.S. Financing for Iran Act of 2023 This bill prohibits certain actions related to exports, imports, and financing with respect to Iran. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from authorizing U.S. financial institution transactions in connection with the importation from or exportation to Iran of goods, services, or technology. This prohibition does not apply to the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices benefitting the civilian population of Iran. The bill requires Treasury to instruct U.S. representatives to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to (1) oppose IMF financial assistance, and the allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDR), to Iran; and (2) seek to ensure that IMF member countries prohibit the exchange of SDR held by Iran. (The SDR is an international reserve asset maintained by the IMF based on contributions from IMF member countries. SDRs may be exchanged between member countries and may also be exchanged for currencies.) Further, the bill provides statutory authority for the prohibition on Export-Import Bank financing with respect to Iran. The bill's provisions shall be in effect until the earlier of (1) 30 days after the President certifies to Congress that Iran has ceased providing support for acts of international terrorism and is not a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern, or (2) 10 years after this bill's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023
Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act or the DETERRENT Act This bill expands oversight and disclosure requirements related to foreign sources and institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to annually disclose to the Department of Education (ED) any year in which the IHE receives a gift from a foreign country of concern (e.g., China or Russia) or foreign entity of concern of any dollar amount; receives a gift or contract from a foreign source (other than a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern) that is valued at $50,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts or contracts within a calendar year (current disclosure threshold is $250,000 or more), or which has an undetermined monetary value; enters into a contract with a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern after receiving a waiver for such contract; or is substantially controlled by a foreign source. Additionally, the bill prohibits IHEs from entering into contracts with a foreign country of concern or with a foreign entity of concern without obtaining a waiver, requires certain IHEs to disclose gifts or contracts between faculty members and foreign sources, and requires private IHEs with specified assets or investments to file annual investment disclosure reports. The bill authorizes ED to investigate possible violations of this bill and outlines the various penalties for each violation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.
![Official portrait of Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000307_200.jpg)