United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2022
Assuring that the Fact-Finding Examination Continues to Track Human Rights in Venezuela Act or the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act This bill requires the Department of State to act in the United Nations to extend the mandate of the International Fact-Finding Mission in Venezuela and to provide technical assistance to the Fact-Finding Mission. The bill also authorizes the President to direct U.S. representatives to the United Nations to support actions addressing Venezuela's human rights violations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2022
This resolution affirms the use of diplomacy with the African Union and its member countries and expresses support for implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2022
Home Internet Accessibility Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on broadband internet capacity in housing that is supported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Department of Agriculture. In its report, the GAO must identify such housing that lacks broadband capacity and estimate the costs and time frame necessary to provide broadband capacity in such housing. Additionally, HUD must develop a plan for retrofitting such housing to provide the capacity for broadband internet.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 2022
United States-Ecuador Partnership Act of 2022 This bill requires and authorizes actions to strengthen the U.S.-Ecuador relationship. The President may transfer two excess Coast Guard vessels to Ecuador if there is sufficient capacity to maintain the vessels. The Department of State must develop and implement a strategy to strengthen commercial and economic ties between the United States and Ecuador, including by (1) promoting cooperation and information sharing to increase trade and investment opportunities, and (2) supporting efforts by Ecuador's government to promote a more open and competitive business environment. The State Department must also develop and implement a strategy to increase the capacity of Ecuador's justice system and law enforcement to combat crime, corruption, and the harmful influence of malign foreign and domestic actors. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) must develop and implement a strategy to support inclusive economic development across Ecuador's national territory, including by facilitating increased access to financing and investment for small- and medium-sized businesses. USAID must also, by working through appropriate nonprofit organizations, develop and implement programs to provide training and technical assistance to strengthen the National Assembly of Ecuador. USAID must also develop and implement programs to improve ecosystem conservation and enhance the effective stewardship of Ecuador's natural resources. The State Department and USAID must periodically report to Congress on the implementation of these strategies and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 2022
Afghan Adjustment Act This bill expands eligibility for special immigrant visas to certain Afghan nationals (and accompanying spouse and children) and addresses related issues. The Department of Homeland Security may provide such visas to Afghan nationals who provided qualifying service as a member of the Afghan Air Force or other specified entities and meet eligibility requirements, such as passing a background check. Currently, special immigrant visas for Afghan nationals are generally only available to those who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. Such visas shall also be available to an Afghan national who is a qualifying relative of a veteran or member of the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill also modifies procedures for providing lawful permanent resident status to certain classes of Afghan nationals, such as by (1) providing a streamlined process with specified vetting requirements for certain individuals, including those who provided support to the U.S. government in Afghanistan; and (2) preserving the eligibility of certain battered spouses whose eligibility for such status stemmed from a marriage that has terminated. Furthermore, the Department of State (1) must respond to inquiries from Members of Congress about specific applications from Afghan nationals seeking special immigrant or refugee status; and (2) establish an office in Afghanistan to perform certain tasks, such as issuing visas, if no U.S. embassies are operational in Afghanistan. The President must establish a task force to develop and implement a strategy to assist Afghan nationals who qualify for admission to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2022
John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act of 2022 This bill establishes the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program within the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program (commonly referred to as the Fulbright Program). The fellowship program shall honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis and promote studies, research, and international exchange in the subject of nonviolent civil rights movements around the world. The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board shall annually select at least 25 qualified individuals when feasible to serve as fellows in the fellowship program. Each fellow shall (1) work in an internship or research position with an approved organization in a country with an operational Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and (2) receive an award sufficient to cover the fellow's reasonable costs during the fellowship period and certain travel and lodging expenses related to the program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2022
Salton Sea Public Health and Environmental Protection Act of 2022 This bill provides support for restoring the Salton Sea in California. Specifically, the Bureau of Reclamation must establish a program to provide for water quality improvements, dust mitigation, and environmental restoration at the Salton Sea. The Department of the Interior must, in coordination with efforts by California, engage in activities to improve dust control and habitat conservation. Interior must also establish a Salton Sea Council to coordinate and expedite various Salton Sea projects.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2022
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 123 South 3rd Street in King City, California, as the "Chief Rudy Banuelos Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2022
Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to prohibit the export or sale of petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to (1) China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran; (2) any other country the government of which is subject to sanctions imposed by the United States; and (3) any entity owned, controlled, or influenced by such countries or the Chinese Communist Party. However, DOE may issue a waiver of the prohibition if the export or sale of petroleum products is in the national security interests of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2022
VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2022 or the VALID Act of 2022 The bill requires a Federal Housing Administration mortgage notice to a veteran to contain comparative rate and fee information about loans available under the Veterans Affairs home loan program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2022
Deter PRC Support to the Russian War Effort Act The bill authorizes the President to impose sanctions on persons associated with China for financial, material, or technological support contributing materially to Russia's military action in Ukraine. The sanctions include, for example, blocking transactions in U.S. property and prohibiting U.S. entry visas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2022
Atrocity Crimes, Relief and Accountability Act or the ACRA Act The bill requires the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide assistance to suspected victims, survivors, and witnesses of war crimes; establishes a Ukraine victims trust fund; and establishes a Ukraine atrocity crimes rewards fund. The bill also allows the International Criminal Court to conduct limited activities in the United States relating solely to foreign nationals suspected of committing war crimes in Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2022
This resolution recognizes the importance of Chicano Heritage Month and asserts that Mexican Americans enhance the diversity and strength of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2022
This resolution condemns the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, extends condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Abe and the people of Japan, honors the life and legacy of former Prime Minister Abe, and calls for a renewed commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2022
Millennium Challenge Corporation Eligibility Expansion Act This bill modifies income-related eligibility requirements for assistance from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a program that provides assistance through a competitive selection process to eligible developing countries based on various factors, including a country's level of economic freedom and effectiveness of government. Currently, to be a candidate to receive MCC assistance, a country must, among other requirements, must (1) fit the World Bank's income-based criteria for a low- or lower-middle-income country, or (2) be among the 75 lowest per capita income countries according to the World Bank. Under this bill, a candidate country must have a gross national income per capita no higher than the 125th poorest country as identified by the World Bank for the fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2022
LGBTQI+ and Women's History Education Act of 2022 This bill directs the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out, among other things (1) the development and national dissemination of accurate, relevant, and accessible national resources for classrooms to administer LGBTQI+ and women's history education in an inclusive and intersectional approach; (2) the development, national dissemination, and implementation of principles of sound pedagogy for administering LGBTQI+ and women's history education; and (3) the development, operation, and expansion of a teacher fellowship program to cultivate and support leaders in LGBTQI+ and women's history education. In addition to the activities described in this bill, the museum shall develop and maintain on its website content designated for educators, students, and families to improve their awareness and understanding of LGBTQI+ and women's history education.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2022
No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2022
Respect for Marriage Act This bill provides statutory authority for same-sex and interracial marriages. Specifically, the bill replaces provisions that define, for purposes of federal law, marriage as between a man and a woman and spouse as a person of the opposite sex with provisions that recognize any marriage that is valid under state law. (The Supreme Court held that the current provisions were unconstitutional in United States v. Windsor in 2013.) The bill also replaces provisions that do not require states to recognize same-sex marriages from other states with provisions that prohibit the denial of full faith and credit or any right or claim relating to out-of-state marriages on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. (The Supreme Court held that state laws barring same-sex marriages were unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015; the Court held that state laws barring interracial marriages were unconstitutional in Loving v. Virginia in 1967.) The bill allows the Department of Justice to bring a civil action and establishes a private right of action for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2022
Right to Contraception Act This bill sets out statutory protections for an individual's right to access and a health care provider's right to provide contraception and related information. Contraception refers to an action taken to prevent pregnancy, including the use of contraceptives (i.e., a device or medication used to prevent pregnancy), fertility-awareness based methods, and sterilization procedures. Generally, the bill prohibits measures that single out and impede access to contraception and related information. However, a party may defend against a claim that a measure violates the bill's prohibitions by demonstrating, through clear and convincing evidence, that the measure significantly advances access to contraception and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The Department of Justice, individuals, or health care providers may bring a lawsuit to enforce this bill, and states are not immune from suits for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022
Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2022 This bill imposes requirements related to the treatment of noncitizen children detained in immigration custody. For example, the bill (1) prohibits an accompanied noncitizen child from being separated from a parent or legal guardian while in immigration custody, except in certain situations; (2) requires each child in immigration custody to receive a legal orientation presentation and have access to legal counsel and child advocates; and (3) requires each unaccompanied noncitizen child in Department of Health and Human Services custody to be placed in the least restrictive setting that most approximates a family and in which any special needs may be met.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022
Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2022 This bill directs the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to establish a free on-line tax preparation and filing service and allows taxpayers to access third-party provided tax return information and information held by the IRS. The bill prohibits the IRS from entering into any agreement that restricts its legal right to provide tax return preparation services or to provide tax return filing services. The bill requires the IRS to establish and operate programs to (1) facilitate claims for the child care and the earned income tax credits, (2) provide software for the preparation and filing of individual income tax returns for taxable years beginning after 2022, (3) allow taxpayers to download third-party provided return information and IRS-held information to their tax returns, and (4) allow taxpayers to elect to have their tax returns prepared by the IRS. The bill also requires verification of taxpayer identity and requires the IRS to conduct an outreach campaign to provide the public with information about this bill's programs and software.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2022
Youth Voting Rights Act This bill expands voting access for youth. Specifically, the bill establishes a private right of action to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on age. Additionally, the bill directs each state to designate as voter registration agencies all offices within public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that provide assistance to students, implement a preregistration process to allow minors who are 16 years or older to register to vote in federal elections that take place when or after the preregistered individual turns age 18, and ensure the availability of polling places on campuses of IHEs (with the availability of waivers). The bill prohibits durational residency requirements for voting in all federal elections. Currently, this prohibition applies only to voting for the offices of President and Vice President. States and local jurisdictions with voter identification requirements must treat IHE-issued student identification cards as voter identification. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make grants to states to increase the involvement of individuals under age 18 in public election activities. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on trends related to voter registration, absentee voting, and provisional voting. The EAC must also collect and make publicly available certain data from states.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2022
This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives (1) demonstrates solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, (2) recognizes the importance of the Islamic faith, and (3) wishes Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world who observe Eid al-Adha a prosperous holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2022
Fair Manufactured Housing Lending Act This bill requires a manufactured or modular home retailer to comply with consumer mortgage protections, including those related to lending origination and conflicts of interest.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2022
Stable Families Act of 2022 This bill permits the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to provide financial assistance and housing stabilization services to extremely low-income households.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2022
This bill bars state or local officials from prohibiting or restricting the possession, sale, purchase, transportation, or use of contraceptives (i.e., drugs or devices that are primarily used to prevent pregnancy). Individuals or the Department of Justice may bring civil actions for violations of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2022
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 · 5 July 2022
This resolution condemns the Supreme Court's holding in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (that there is no constitutional right to abortion) and expresses a commitment to instituting judicial reform and supporting access to abortion and the communities affected by the Court's ruling. It also urges the executive branch to advance reproductive justice.
United States · United States Congress · 5 July 2022
This resolution encourages India to pursue an independent investigation into the arrest, incarceration, and death of Father Stanislaus Lourduswamy (also known as Father Stan), a prominent human rights activist who died while in custody on July 5, 2021. The resolution also states that (1) the mistreatment and incarceration of individuals advocating for human rights cannot persist, and (2) freedom of expression is a fundamental human right.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2022
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution; (2) LGBTQIA+ Pride Month should be celebrated; and (3) all Americans should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2022
Save Our Sequoias Act This bill provides for the conservation of giant sequoia trees ( Sequoiadendron giganteum ) in California, including by providing statutory authority for the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition; directing the coalition to submit a Giant Sequoia Health and Resiliency Assessment; declaring an emergency on certain public lands and allowing officials to carry out protection plans during the emergency to respond to the threat of wildfires, insects, and drought; directing the Department of the Interior to develop and implement a Giant Sequoia Reforestation and Rehabilitation Strategy; and establishing a variety of programs and funds to support the conservation of giant sequoias.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2022
This resolution reaffirms the goals of World Refugee Day and the commitment of the United States to promote the safety and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2022
This resolution condemns human rights violations and violations of international religious freedom in India, including those targeting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis, and other religious and cultural minorities. The resolution also calls on the Department of State to designate India as a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2022
This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Federal Pell Grant program and expresses support for the designation of National Federal Pell Grant Day.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022
My Body, My Data Act of 2022 This bill establishes protections, subject to certain limits, for personal reproductive or sexual health information. This includes information relating to past, present, or future surgeries or procedures, such as the termination of a pregnancy. Specifically, commercial entities, including individuals, nonprofits, and common carriers, may not collect, retain, use, or disclose personal reproductive or sexual health information except (1) with the express written consent of the individual to whom such information relates, or (2) as is strictly necessary to provide a requested product or service. Commercial entities also must provide individuals with access to, and a reasonable mechanism to delete, any of their reproductive or sexual health information upon request. Further, commercial entities must maintain and publish a privacy policy describing their practices with respect to such information. The bill's provisions do not apply to entities that are subject to certain existing health-related privacy regulations, such as the privacy regulations issued under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Additionally, the provisions do not apply to the disclosure of personal reproductive or sexual health information for the publication of newsworthy information of legitimate public concern. The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and by private civil actions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022
Good Jobs for Good Airports Act This bill addresses pay, benefits, and labor standards for certain airport service workers. Airport service workers include security officers, food service workers, cleaning staff, ticketing agents, and retail service workers. Specifically, the bill establishes a minimum wage and benefit standard for such airport service workers at large, medium, and small hub airports. It also prohibits small, medium, and large hub airports from accessing federal funds for airport development projects unless the airports certify that such airport service workers are paid no less than the higher of $15 per hour, the applicable state or local minimum wage and fringe benefits, or the prevailing wage and fringe benefits required under the Service Contract Act as established by the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2022
Ruthie and Connie LGBTQ Elder Americans Act of 2022 This bill addresses matters related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals in certain federal programs serving older Americans, particularly by including an individual's LGBTQ status within the scope of the greatest social needs served by such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2022
This resolution declares gun violence to be a public health crisis. It also urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand research and data collection on preventing gun violence and the Surgeon General to report on firearm injuries and violence prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2022
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 79125 Corporate Centre Drive in La Quinta, California, as the "Corporal Hunter Lopez Memorial Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2022
This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives is committed to building upon the 20 years of success of the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, complementing humanitarian assistance efforts and development programs through the continued implementation of the McGovern-Dole Program to address global food insecurity and create conditions for peace and stability, and supporting U.S. farmers, millers, shippers, and commodity groups that provide agricultural commodities for use in the McGovern-Dole Program to help combat global malnutrition and food insecurity and advance global education.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2022
This bill establishes reporting and other requirements related to disaster preparedness and response and hazard mitigation. The Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) must conduct a study and report on disaster spending and strategies for reducing the need for such spending. Specifically, the GAO must identify for the 5-year period ending on the date of this bill's enactment, the total amount of federal, state, and tribal funds spent in response to major disasters and emergencies; 10 proposed federal actions, including reinsurance, that, if implemented, would most effectively reduce the need for spending related to such major disasters or emergencies; the effect that using blockchain may have on delivering disaster assistance to state and Indian tribal governments; and whether insurance protection against wildfires will remain available and affordable to homeowners. The President must coordinate with each state to update state plans to incorporate strategies that decrease the time required to prepare for disasters, including the time to evacuate individuals. An entity that receives grants for hazard mitigation revolving loan funds must ensure that at least 10% of the total dollar amount of the loans it makes each fiscal year assist projects or activities that reduce risks for residential structures related to specified natural hazards.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2022
This resolution condemns in the strongest terms 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2022
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Act or the SEED Act This bill requires lenders to refer applicants for certain small business loans to a resource partner if the applicant is determined ineligible for a loan under the program. Resource partners, such as small business development centers, provide informational tools and training to support business start-ups and existing business expansion. Lenders and the Small Business Administration must report on the number of resource partner referrals and the Government Accountability Office must periodically report on the rate of such referrals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2022
This resolution supports the designation of National CASA/GAL Volunteers Day to commend the work of court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2022
Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2022 This bill addresses immigration-related issues pertaining to noncitizen (or non-U.S. national) military veterans, including by authorizing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide lawful permanent resident status to a veteran subject to removal. If a noncitizen veteran appears to be eligible for lawful permanent resident status under this bill, that veteran must receive a reasonable opportunity to apply for such status and may not be removed until there is a final administrative decision on the veteran's eligibility. For the purposes of providing such status under this bill, DHS may waive any applicable grounds of inadmissibility, except for certain crime- or security-related grounds. The bill also extends certain deadlines relating to obtaining citizenship after serving in the Armed Forces. DHS must create a system for identifying noncitizens who are or may be veterans. Before initiating removal proceedings against a noncitizen, DHS must attempt to determine whether the noncitizen is a veteran. DHS must ensure that veteran status is considered in immigration proceedings. The bill also requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Defense to take certain actions to facilitate opportunities for military recruits and veterans to obtain U.S. citizenship, such as by training Judge Advocate General Corps members to act as liaisons between the Armed Forces and USCIS on servicemember citizenship applications. The bill also establishes the Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee to provide recommendations on cases involving the removal of a servicemember, veteran, or certain family members of such an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2022
Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Servicemembers Act or the MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act This bill repeals the restriction on utilizing Department of Defense funds and facilities for performing abortions. The restriction only allows such funds and facilities to be used for abortions in cases of rape, incest, or where the mother's life is endangered.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2022
Protecting Our Kids Act This bill makes various changes to federal firearms laws, including to establish new criminal offenses and to expand the types of weapons and devices that are subject to regulation. Among the changes, the bill generally prohibits the sale or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals who are under 21 years of age; establishes new federal criminal offenses for gun trafficking and related conduct; establishes a federal statutory framework to regulate ghost guns (i.e., guns without serial numbers); establishes a framework to regulate the storage of firearms on residential premises at the federal, state, and tribal levels; subjects bump stocks to regulation under federal firearms laws; and generally prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2022
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that those individuals who are responsible for the sexual war crimes on April 14, 1999, against U.S. citizen Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman in Kosovo should be brought to justice as per U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1820 and 2467, it is reprehensible that no individuals have been found guilty for their sexual war crimes against Ms. Krasniqi Goodman, and progress in resolving Ms. Krasniqi Goodman's case and those involving other survivors of sexual violence during the Kosovo war should remain an important bilateral priority between the United States and the government of Serbia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2022
Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act of 2022 This bill expands reporting requirements with respect to sales or dispositions of multiple firearms. Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days. This bill requires a federal firearms licensee to report multiple sales or dispositions of any firearms to the same person within five business days.
![Official portrait of Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/v000130_200.jpg)