United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023
End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2023 This bill authorizes actions, including the provision of international assistance, to combat tuberculosis. The President may provide international assistance to prevent, treat, control, and eliminate tuberculosis. The President must also establish goals for U.S. efforts to detect, cure, and prevent all forms of tuberculosis globally by updating the National Action Plan for Combating Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis. The Government Accountability Office must periodically report to Congress on the impact of efforts to combat tuberculosis that are supported by U.S. bilateral assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023
Goldie's Act This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to document and record detailed descriptions of violations of the act observed during inspections and investigations. USDA must provide a copy of all records documenting violations to state, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement officials within 24 hours of such inspections or investigations. Inspections must be held at least once a year of each research facility, the premises of each animal dealer, and each exhibitor of animals. If violations are found during inspections, then USDA must conduct any necessary follow-up inspections until all the violations are corrected. Inspectors must confiscate or destroy in a humane manner animals found to be suffering physical or psychological harm as a result of failure to comply with the AWA. Violators are subject to civil penalties as outlined in the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023
LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, California. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of the coins shall be promptly paid by Treasury to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Properties for the objects and purposes related to the hosting of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to aid in the execution of its legacy programs, including the promotion of youth sports in the United States. Treasury is encouraged to develop and execute a marketing and educational program to promote and sell the coins.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023
Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act This bill makes certain workers with a traveling carnival or circus eligible for P visas (nonimmigrant visas for athletes, artists, and entertainers). Such visas shall be available for workers who perform functions that are integral and essential to the carnival or circus, such as transporting and assembling relevant structures and equipment. Such visas shall only be available for a position if (1) there are not sufficient U.S. workers available, and (2) employing a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) will not affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
This bill provides that an individual's Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance benefits must not be charged for a course or program if the VA determines the individual could not complete the course or program because (1) it was suspended or terminated due to information collected as part of a VA risk-based survey, or (2) the Department of Education has determined the educational institution committed an actionable act or omission that had a detrimental effect on direct loan borrowers. The bill also provides that as a condition of the approval of a course or program of education, an educational institution offering the course or program must agree to repay to the VA all educational assistance amounts if the institution closes or suspends or terminates a course or program because the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Education determined there was fraud.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2023 This bill requires finished pasteurized orange juice to contain at least 10% by weight of orange juice soluble solids (currently 10.5%), exclusive of the solids of any added optional sweetening ingredients.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
This bill establishes bonding requirements for the recipient of a water infrastructure construction loan under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. A borrower must secure the financed project with payment and performance bonds in minimum amounts set out in the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Health Care Affordability Act of 2023 This bill revises the tax credit for health care premium assistance to expand the eligibility of low-income taxpayers for such credit and reduce the cost of health care premiums.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023 This bill extends death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) to certain public safety officers who suffer from exposure-related cancer while on duty and their survivors. The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty and their survivors. The bill specifies that exposure-related cancer shall be presumed to constitute a personal injury in the line of duty if the public safety officer was exposed to or in contact with heat, radiation, or a carcinogen that is linked to an exposure-related cancer; the officer began serving as an officer not later than 5 years before the date of the diagnosis of an exposure-related cancer and the diagnosis occurred not later than 15 years after the last date of active service; and the exposure-related cancer directly and proximately resulted in the death or permanent and total disability of the officer. The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) must periodically review the definition of exposure-related cance r. It directs the BJA to add additional cancers to the definition under certain circumstances (e.g., a petition process).
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act This bill establishes several environmental justice requirements, advisory bodies, and programs to address the disproportionate adverse human health or environmental effects of federal laws or programs on communities of color, low-income communities, or tribal and indigenous communities. Specifically, the bill expands Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit federally funded programs, policies, practices, or activities from causing disparate impacts on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Aggrieved persons may seek legal remedy when faced with such discrimination. In addition, the bill directs agencies to follow certain requirements concerning environmental justice, including new environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Further, it creates a variety of advisory bodies and positions, such as the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council. Among other things, the council must issue an environmental justice strategy. It also establishes requirements and programs concerning chemicals or toxic ingredients in certain products. For example, the bill (1) requires certain products (e.g., cosmetics) to include a list of ingredients or warnings; and (2) provides grants for research on designing safer alternatives to chemicals in certain consumer, cleaning, toy, or baby products that have an inherent toxicity or that are associated with chronic adverse health effects. Finally, it creates a variety of funding programs, such as a grant program to enhance access to park and recreational opportunities in an urban areas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act This bill addresses safety standards related to foreign aircraft repair stations. Specifically, the bill requires that all foreign aircraft repair stations be subject to at least one unannounced safety inspection each year. Further, mechanics and others working on U.S. registered aircraft at foreign repair stations are required to meet certain minimum certification or licensing standards. The bill also prohibits certain agreements, contracts, and application approvals related to maintenance in a country that the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) International Aviation Safety Assessment program has classified as Category 2 (i.e., the country does not provide safety oversight in accordance with certain international standards). Air carriers must submit annual reports to the FAA with respect to heavy maintenance work on aircraft (including on-wing aircraft engines) performed outside the United States. The bill also prohibits FAA officials from traveling internationally if a previously mandated final rule on drug and alcohol testing of employees at repair stations has not been published, with specified exceptions. In addition, the bill requires the FAA to initiate rulemaking to require certain employees of foreign repair stations to undergo security threat assessments. Finally, the bill directs the FAA to convene a foreign repair station working group with other civil aviation authorities to conduct a review of the certification and oversight of the stations and to identify any future enhancements to strengthen oversight of such stations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Higher Education Dream Act of 2023 This bill prohibits institutions of higher education that receive federal student aid from discriminating against Dreamer students (e.g., students who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status) based on their immigration status, including charging out-of-state tuition to students who would qualify as residents of the state. The bill also makes Dreamer students eligible for federal financial aid. The bill prohibits the use or publication of certain identifiable information related to such students, subject to civil penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2023 This bill authorizes using certain foreign assistance funds to provide comprehensive reproductive health care services in developing countries, including abortion services, training, and equipment. The bill also removes a statutory prohibition on using such funds in developing countries to (1) pay for abortions performed as a method of family planning, or (2) motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2023
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6444 San Fernando Road in Glendale, California, as the "Paul Ignatius Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2023
Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act This bill amends the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to include additional bicyclist and pedestrian safety measures and increases the federal cost share for certain safety projects. Specifically, the bill allows HSIP to fund projects (1) for the connection of two or more segments of existing bicyclist or pedestrian infrastructure, or (2) that are based on a state's plan to improve the safety of vulnerable road users (e.g., bicyclists or pedestrians) in areas identified as high-risk. In addition, the bill allows an increased federal cost share of up to 100% for these projects. The bill also allows an increased federal cost share of up to 100% for certain transportation projects that include a Federal Highway Administration Proven Safety Countermeasure for bicyclists or pedestrians. These measures include bicycle lanes, walkways, and crosswalk visibility enhancements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2023
VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program for the purpose of improving safety and suicide care for veterans. The program must be implemented at five VA medical centers, including one that serves veterans in rural and remote areas.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2023
Puppy Protection Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; appropriate and nutritious food; continuous access to potable water; and meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023
This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 certain activities under the Impact Aid Program. The program provides funding to local educational agencies that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property or to those that have experienced increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military bases).
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023
Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023 This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the female telephone operators of the Army Signal Corps, commonly known as the Hello Girls , in recognition of their military service, devotion to duty, and 60-year struggle for veterans' benefits and recognition as soldiers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023
Personal Health Investment Today Act of 2023 or the PHIT Act of 2023 This bill allows a medical care tax deduction for up to $1,000 ($2,000 for a joint return or a head of household) of qualified sports and fitness expenses per year. The bill defines qualified sports and fitness expenses as amounts paid exclusively for participating in a physical activity, including (1) fitness facility memberships, (2) physical exercise or activity programs, or (3) equipment for a physical exercise or activity program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2300 Sylvan Avenue in Modesto, California, as the "Corporal Michael D. Anderson Jr. Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023
Veterans Benefits Improvement Act This bill addresses certain requirements related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical disability examinations for purposes of benefit claims. First, the bill updates procedures related to the publishing of VA disability benefit questionnaire forms. Specifically, the VA does not have to publish certain forms if it determines the form could not reasonably be completed to a clinically acceptable standard by someone who is not an employee or contractor of the VA. The bill also requires the VA to report on its efforts to provide reimbursement for a veteran's travel to a facility, regardless of whether the facility is inside or outside of the United States, when such travel is incident to a scheduled compensation and pension examination. Additionally, the VA must partner with veterans service organizations and other stakeholders (as determined by the VA) to implement an outreach program for veterans regarding (1) contact information for contractors providing medical disability examinations, and (2) the requirement for veterans to provide personally identifiable information when contacted by such contractors to verify their identity. The VA must also include certain elements in contracts it enters with contractors to provide medical disability examinations. Specifically, every communication from a contractor to a claimant regarding the scheduling of such an examination must be contemporaneously transmitted to the appropriate representative for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. Finally, the VA must report on improving its support of governmental veterans service officers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2023. The bill requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023
This resolution recognizes the importance of sufficiently supporting public elementary and secondary schools to provide all students with a well-rounded education. Additionally, the resolution promotes the implementation of practices that reduce disparities, eliminate discrimination, and make schools safer, inclusive, and supportive for all students.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2023
Paycheck Fairness Act This bill addresses wage discrimination on the basis of sex, which is defined to include pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Specifically, it limits an employer's defense that a pay differential is based on a factor other than sex to only bona fide job-related factors in wage discrimination claims, enhances nonretaliation prohibitions, and makes it unlawful to require an employee to sign a contract or waiver prohibiting the employee from disclosing information about the employee's wages. The bill also increases civil penalties for violations of equal pay provisions. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs must train EEOC employees and other affected parties on wage discrimination. The bill directs the Department of Labor to (1) establish and carry out a grant program to provide training in negotiation skills related to compensation and equitable working conditions, (2) conduct studies to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, and (3) make available information on wage discrimination to assist the public in understanding and addressing such discrimination. The bill establishes the National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. It also establishes the National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to address compliance, public education, and enforcement of equal pay laws. Finally, the bill requires the EEOC to issue regulations for collecting from employers compensation and other employment data according to the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in enforcing laws prohibiting pay discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage of germline mutation testing for individuals with a personal or family history of a hereditary cancer gene mutation or suspected history of hereditary cancer, as well as for associated coverage of risk-reducing surgeries and screenings.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
Good Jobs for Good Airports Act This bill modifies 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 prohibits small, medium, and large hub airports from accessing certain federal funds for airport projects unless the airports certify that such airport service workers are paid no less than the higher of $15 per hour; the applicable federal, state, or local minimum wage and fringe benefits; or the prevailing wage and fringe benefits required under the Service Contract Act, which the bill requires the Department of Labor to establish.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
Federal Firearm Licensee Act This bill makes various changes to the federal statutory framework governing the sale or disposition of firearms by federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers (i.e., federal firearms licensees, or FFLs). Specifically, the bill establishes new requirements, including for FFLs to secure their business premises and conduct physical checks of their business inventories. It also expands the recordkeeping and reporting requirements with which FFLs must comply; broadens the authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to administer federal firearms laws and investigate violations; and increases penalties on FFLs for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 20 2 3 This bill repeals certain work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The requirements apply to able-bodied adults who are ages 18-49 and have no dependent children. Individuals who do not meet certain work requirements are generally prohibited from receiving more than 3 months of SNAP benefits over a 36-month period. Under current law, some of the work requirements under SNAP are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
This resolution recognizes the disparity between wages paid to men and women, and its impact on women, families, and the nation and reaffirms Congress' commitment to supporting equal pay and to narrowing the gender wage gap.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2023 This bill limits or repeals certain fossil fuel oil and gas subsidies for oil companies. Specifically, it increases to seven years the amortization period for geological and geophysical expenditures; repeals the tax credits for producing oil and gas from marginal wells and for enhanced oil recovery; repeals the tax deduction for the intangible drilling and development costs of oil and gas wells; repeals percentage depletion; repeals the tax deduction for tertiary injectant expenses; repeals the passive loss exception for working interests in oil and gas property; denies the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities for oil and gas activities; prohibits the use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) accounting method by major integrated oil companies; limits the foreign tax credit for dual capacity taxpayers (i.e., taxpayers who are subject to a levy of a foreign country or U.S. possession and receive specific economic benefits from such country or possession); and expands the definition of crude oil for purposes of the excise tax on petroleum and petroleum products to include any oil derived from a bitumen or bituminous mixture (tar sands), and any oil derived from kerogen-bearing sources (oil shale).
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023
Violet's Law This bill requires federal research facilities to facilitate the adoption or nonlaboratory placement of dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits with animal rescue organizations, animal sanctuaries, animal shelters, or individuals. In order to be adopted or placed, the animals must no longer be needed for research and be suitable for release. To be suitable for release, the animal must be free of any infectious disease or physical abnormality that would endanger the animal, other animals, or public health.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023
Offshore Pipeline Safety Act This bill establishes requirements that address the safety and environmental risks associated with certain pipelines on the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifically, the bill requires the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to finalize regulations proposed in 2007 related to offshore pipelines. The regulations must require owners of oil and gas pipelines to (1) provide for biannual, third-party inspections of pipelines; and (2) equip pipelines with leak detection systems or devices. Further, the BSEE must issue regulations to charge an annual fee on such owners for the purpose of providing the BSEE with funds to decommission or remove offshore pipelines in the event the owner files for bankruptcy. In addition, the BSEE must continually monitor the condition and location of all oil and gas pipelines that have been decommissioned (e.g., inactive pipelines that are left buried in the seafloor) and remain in place. If the BSEE identifies an exposed segment of any decommissioned pipeline, then it must either remove the pipeline from the ocean or ensure it is properly decommissioned and does not pose a threat. If a segment of any active pipeline is exposed or shifts, then the BSEE must remove the pipeline, decommission it, or resecure the segment to the sea floor. When determining whether to permit an owner to decommission such pipelines, the BSEE must consider the navigational hazards, any interferences with other uses of the Outer Continental Shelf, and the environmental impacts of the pipelines.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023
This bill directs the Coast Guard to provide certain data about a ballast water management system with a type approval certificate to any state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia upon request. Specifically, the Coast Guard must provide all data possessed by the Coast Guard pertaining to challenge water quality characteristics, challenge water biological organism concentrations, post-treatment water quality characteristics, and post-treatment biological organism concentrations for the ballast water management system.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023
Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act This bill allows the use of funds in a qualified tuition program (commonly known as a 529 account) to pay for expenses associated with obtaining or maintaining recognized postsecondary credentials.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023
Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act This bill permanently allows services relating to cardiac rehabilitation programs, intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs to be furnished via telehealth at a beneficiary's home under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023
Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act This bill establishes requirements to protect marine mammals adversely affected by climate change, including by establishing a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor the adverse impacts of climate change on marine mammals. In addition, it also requires NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to issue regulations that list marine mammal species in waters under U.S. jurisdiction for which climate change is more likely than not to result in a decline in population abundance, an impeded population recovery, or a reduced carrying capacity (i.e., the maximum population of a marine mammal species that an area will support without undergoing deterioration). The NMFS and the USFWS must update the list at least once every five years and issue regulations that include climate impact management plans for species on such list. The bill also directs the NMFS and the USFWS to review agreements with foreign governments concerning the management of marine mammals that are or may be affected by climate change. The Department of State must initiate amendments to such agreements or negotiate the development of such agreements in a manner consistent with the goals of the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act This bill modifies the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition, which is approximately 3,925 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Lake County, California. The Department of the Interior shall administer the addition as part of the monument. Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall jointly develop a comprehensive management plan for the monument in accordance with, and in a manner that fulfills the purposes specified in, Presidential Proclamation 9298 of July 10, 2015, relating to the establishment of the monument. The BLM or the Forest Service shall enter into agreements, contracts, and other similarly cooperative and collaborative partnerships if requested by an affected federally recognized Indian tribe regarding management of the monument pursuant to the relevant federal authority.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023
Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2023 or the DOC Access Act of 20 23 This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services, except for dental cleanings, provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine for which the plan does not pay a substantial amount. Additionally, an agreement between a plan and such a doctor for limited scope dental or vision benefits may last longer than two years only with the prior acceptance of the doctor for each term extension. Plans also may not restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers. Such doctors may elect to waive the application of the payment amount and choice of laboratories provisions of this bill. The bill does not supersede state laws regarding health insurers and dental or vision benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023
Sultana Steamboat Disaster Commemorative Coin Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the Sultana steamboat explosion that occured on April 27, 1865, on the Mississippi River. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid to the Sultana Historical Preservation Society for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining a museum.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023
This resolution calls for the federal government to establish a national biodiversity strategy, which must include a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters to protect biodiversity and address climate change by 2030 and other goals necessary to reduce the threats to biodiversity.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023
Student Loan Disclosure Transparency Act of 2023 This bill requires lenders disbursing federal student loans to disclose additional information to borrowers and increase the frequency of such disclosures. Specifically, prior to disbursement, the lender making a loan must disclose (1) the principal amount, interest rate, and number of required monthly payments to be made on the loan; (2) the estimated balance owed by the borrower; and (3) the estimated aggregate amount the borrower will pay. Prior to repayment, the lender must disclose the projected total of interest charges that the borrower will pay on the loan, as well as projections of the borrower's monthly repayment amount. The bill also requires certain disclosures for the life of the loan. In particular, lenders must disclose information about loans on a monthly, rather than periodic, basis. Lenders must also provide borrowers who are not in a repayment status (e.g., a borrower who is in school or in a deferment period) with a monthly statement. The Department of Education must obtain feedback from borrowers and report on the usefulness and effectiveness of such disclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023
Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress on various issues relating to North Korea. Specifically, the State Department must report to Congress a review of the restrictions on travel by U.S. nationals to North Korea, including whether such restrictions should be adjusted to allow travel to North Korea to attend a funeral, burial, or commemoration of a relative. The State Department must also report to Congress a clear roadmap for achieving permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act This bill authorizes the location of a monument on the National Mall to commemorate the women's suffrage movement and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act or the DRIVE Act This bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate available to beneficiaries for travel to or from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Specifically, the bill makes the reimbursement rate for such travel equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for government employees using private vehicles when no government vehicle is available.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Major Richard Star Act This bill provides that combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of creditable service may concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act This bill expands the definition of law enforcement officer under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Specifically, the bill expands the definition to include (1) federal employees whose duties encompass the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted criminals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; (2) Internal Revenue Service employees whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns; (3) U.S. Postal Inspection Service employees; (4) Department of Veterans Affairs police officers; and (5) certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are seized-property specialists with duties relating to custody, management, and disposition of seized and forfeited property. The bill deems service performed by an incumbent law enforcement officer on or after the enactment date of this bill to be service performed as a law enforcement officer for retirement purposes. The past service of such incumbents shall be treated as service performed by a law enforcement officer for retirement purposes only if a written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management within five years after the enactment of this bill or before separation from government service, whichever is earlier. An incumbent who makes an election before the enactment of this bill may pay a deposit into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to cover prior service. A law enforcement officer shall not be subject to mandatory separation during the three-year period beginning on the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
More Homes on the Market Act This bill increases the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence and requires an annual inflation adjustment to such increased amount.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Military Spouse Hiring Act This bill expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include the hiring of a qualified military spouse. (The WOTC permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group such as qualified veterans, ex-felons, or long-term unemployment recipients to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.) A qualified military spouse is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as being (as of the hiring date) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2023 This bill requires certain medical devices with a digital interface to meet nonvisual accessibility standards established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specifically, the FDA must establish regulations to require a Class II or Class III medical device with a digital interface to provide a blind or low-vision user access to the same services and information, and generally the same ease of use, as provided to a user who is not low-vision or blind. (The FDA classifies medical devices in three classes. Class I devices are low-risk, Class II devices are moderate-risk, and Class III devices are high-risk.) A Class II or Class III medical device that does not meet the nonvisual accessibility standards established under this bill may not be sold. However, the FDA may waive the bill's requirements for a device upon a showing that applying the standards would fundamentally alter the nature of the device or create an undue hardship for the manufacturer. The bill also does not apply to devices that are intended solely for use by a health care provider or in a setting outside the home.
![Official portrait of Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/68000188f22eaf56065817e8_200.jpg)