Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]

Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act This bill modifies the Conrad 30 Waiver program, which incentivizes qualified foreign physicians to serve in underserved communities. It also extends statutory authority for the program for three years from this bill's enactment. Aliens coming to the United States under a J-1 nonimmigrant visa to receive medical training typically must leave the country and reside for two years abroad before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence. The Conrad program waives this requirement for individuals who meet certain qualifications, including serving for a number of years at a health care facility in an underserved area. The bill increases the number of waivers that a state may obtain each fiscal year from 30 to 35 if a certain number of waivers were used the previous year, and provides for further adjustments depending on demand. An alien physician may be employed at an academic medical center to meet the Conrad program's employment requirements if the alien's work is in the public interest, even if the medical center is not in an underserved area. Employment contracts for alien physicians under the Conrad program shall contain certain information, such as the maximum number of on-call hours per week the physician shall have to work. Certain alien physicians (along with the physician's spouse and children) shall be exempt from the direct annual numerical limits on immigration, including those physicians that have met certain requirements related to visas for physicians to serve in underserved areas.

Raise the Wage Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Polluter Portfolio Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Polluter Portfolio Disclosure Act This bill requires certain insurance companies to annually disclose investments in, and insurance policies relating to, fossil fuel extraction. Specifically, insurance companies that annually collect premiums of at least $100 million must report this information to Congress, the Office of Financial Research, the Financial Stability Oversight Counsel, and the Federal Insurance Office. The Office of Financial Research, the Financial Stability Oversight Counsel, and the Federal Insurance Office must use this information to enhance monitoring of financial risks to consumers, individual insurance companies, and the financial system.   

To provide low-income individuals with opportunities to enter and follow a career pathway in the health professions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Pathways to Health Careers Act This bill provides funding for, reauthorizes through FY2028, and makes a variety of changes to certain grants administered by the Department of Health and Human Services that provide education and training to low-income individuals for health care occupations, including by establishing a new competitive grant for projects designed to train low-income individuals in allied health professions.

Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage of custom fabricated breast prostheses following the surgical removal of the breast (i.e., a mastectomy), including replacements of such prostheses. Currently, Medicare covers surgically implanted breast prostheses, as well as some external breast prostheses (e.g., post-surgical bras).

PFAS Alternatives Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

SHADE Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

This resolution recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at institutions of higher education.

Promoting Health Careers in Community and Technical Colleges Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Bring Animals Relief and Kibble Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Bring Animals Relief and Kibble Act of 2023 or the BARK Act of 2023 This bill provides civil and criminal liability protections for the donation of pet food and pet supplies under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. (The act shields persons that donate and distribute food to nonprofit organizations from liability for injuries caused by those donated products, with exceptions.)  Specifically, the bill limits liability for persons or gleaners arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of food or pet supplies that are donated in good faith by the person or gleaner to a nonprofit organization, state, or local government for direct distribution to pets, service animals, or emotional support animals. Gleaner means a person who harvests for free distribution to the needy, or for donation to a nonprofit organization, an agricultural crop that has been donated by the owner. Further, the bill limits liability for a nonprofit organization, state, or local government arising from donated items received from a person or gleaner in good faith for direct distribution to pets, service animals, or emotional support animals.  The bill also specifies that the existing exception that permits a person, gleaner, or nonprofit organization to be held liable for acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence or intentional misconduct applies to the liability protections established by this bill.

The People’s Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Freedom to Vote Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

To conform Federal tax law with the Texas Constitution to allow for the continued benefit to the fullest extent possible from the financial leverage of the Permanent University Fund to the State of Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This bill updates the effective date of the arbitrage rules for the Permanent University Fund of the state of Texas.

Expressing support for the designation of July as "Plastic Pollution Action Month".

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of a Plastic Pollution Action Month.

Social Security 2100 Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Social Security 2100 Act This bill modifies the Social Security system, particularly with respect to benefit calculations, fund administration, and beneficiary resources. For example, the bill temporarily increases the primary insurance amount for Social Security benefits for all individuals (from 90% of a certain portion of average indexed monthly earnings to 93%). It also modifies benefit calculations for certain individuals, including by temporarily (1) increasing benefits for widows or widowers in two-income households; and (2) allowing children of a deceased, disabled, or retired worker to remain eligible for benefits through age 25 if they are full-time students. Additionally, the bill temporarily eliminates (1) the government pension offset , which reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own; and (2) the windfall elimination provision , which reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. The bill also modifies the financing and administration of the Social Security trust funds. For example, the bill (1) subjects income over $400,000 to Social Security payroll taxes, and (2) combines the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund into a single Social Security Trust Fund. Finally, the bill establishes requirements relating to Social Security services and resources, including by prohibiting the closure of field offices unless certain conditions are met (e.g., public hearings).

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids. In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services. Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an interagency review of the status of women and lung cancer. The review must report on the status of existing research and current knowledge gaps; identify new opportunities for collaborative research to determine the causes of lung cancer and advance prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and provide recommendations for a national cancer screening strategy and public education campaign.

Stop Pentagon Price Gouging Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Original LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

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, sex characteristics, or gender identity.

PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2023 This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover prescription drugs that prevent HIV, including related screenings, diagnostic procedures, administrative fees, and clinical follow-ups, without any cost-sharing obligation for the plan holder. Further, insurance plans must not impose any preauthorization requirement for this coverage. These coverage requirements also apply to public health insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Additionally, the bill prohibits denying, limiting, or qualifying coverage or increasing premiums for disability insurance, long-term care insurance, or life insurance policies based on an individual taking medication for HIV prevention. The bill further requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to states, or directly to eligible local organizations, to provide uninsured individuals and underinsured individuals access to prescription drugs and related services that prevent HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also must develop a public awareness campaign that focuses efforts in communities with a high need for HIV prevention treatment. HHS, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Treasury must enforce and report on private insurers' compliance with the bill's requirements.

Expressing opposition to the use of State power against people in the United States seeking essential health care, including criminalization of the full range of sexual and reproductive health care such as abortion, gender-affirming care, and contraceptive care, and disapproving of State punishment of people for their pregnancy outcomes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

This resolution expresses condemnation for criminalizing the provision of and access to reproductive health care services, including abortion, contraception, and gender-affirming care. It further expresses support for efforts to expand access to such services.

Recognizing the religious significance of Eid al-Adha and wishing Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world a prosperous holiday.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

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.

Honoring the struggle, sacrifice, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and fight for equality in Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

This resolution honors the contributions and sacrifices of the LGBTQI+ community in Texas.

Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to support the provision of services for cancer survivors, including health care, employment, and supportive services. For example, the bill provides for Medicare coverage of cancer care planning and coordination services (i.e., treatment plans that are developed by physicians or other providers). It also establishes grant programs for navigation services for cancer survivors with respect to follow-up services (e.g., screenings) and other support. Additionally, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation must test a model to provide cancer survivorship care planning for children under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill also provides for other services and support for cancer survivors, including (1) a grant program to provide employment assistance for cancer survivors, including trainings, transportation, and childcare; and (2) Medicaid and CHIP coverage of fertility services for those with cancer and for cancer survivors.

Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2023 or the VALID Act of 2023 The bill requires a Federal Housing Administration mortgage notice to contain comparative rate and fee information about loans available under the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program.

PRIDE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Promoting Respect for Individuals' Dignity and Equality Act of 2023 or the PRIDE Act of 2023 This bill requires the equal treatment of same sex married couples for tax purposes. It permits such couples to amend their filing status to married filing jointly for tax returns outside of the statute of limitations and modifies tax rules relating to married couples to include same sex couples.

Stop Fentanyl Now Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Stop Fentanyl Now Act of 2023 This bill establishes several programs and requirements to address the use of fentanyl and related substances. For example, the bill expands the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program in the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include training and resources for teachers on how to carry and administer opioid overdose reversal drugs (e.g., naloxone). DOJ must also increase resources and establish an interagency task force for law enforcement agencies to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, fentanyl-related, and fentanyl-laced substances. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must develop a national strategy to prevent the use of these substances, award grants to state and localities for treatment programs for those who are addicted to these substances, and research the health effects of these substances. The bill also increases criminal penalties for adulterating or misbranding drugs if the violation results in serious bodily injury or death (imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for violations that result in serious bodily injury, and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $5 million, or both for violations that result in death). Penalties are higher for violations that include the intent to defraud or mislead. The bill adds up to 5 years of additional imprisonment if the violation involves drugs that are promoted or sold online. Furthermore, the bill exempts the possession, sale, or purchase of fentanyl drug testing equipment, including test strips, from criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.

Stay Cool Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

American Worker and Trade Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

American Worker and Trade Competitiveness Act This bill reauthorizes and revises specified U.S. trade programs and provisions. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and revises the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, including by expanding program eligibility to additional workers, establishing a child and other dependent care allowance, and increasing the maximum benefit of wage insurance. It also permanently extends the tax credit for health insurance costs and increases the percentage of the credit. The bill extends through December 31, 2026, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which provides duty-free treatment to products imported from designated beneficiary countries. The bill makes changes to the GSP, including by (1) adding other criteria for designation as a beneficiary developing country, (2) requiring a review of laws relating to worker and gender rights, and (3) requiring a study on rules of origin and GSP utilization rates. Additionally, the bill provides through December 31, 2024, and retroactively applies to 120 days before this bill's enactment, temporary duty suspensions or reductions to eligible imported products. This authorization is commonly known as the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB). The last version of the MTB was enacted in September 2018 and the temporary treatment for those products listed in the MTB expired on December 31, 2020. The bill extends the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016 for two future MTB cycles (one in 2023 and one in 2026). This extension allows the U.S. International Trade Commission to conduct the MTB petition, review, and recommendation process for those additional cycles.

Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act This bill provides for coverage without prior authorization requirements of annual lung cancer screenings under Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance for individuals for whom screenings are recommended under U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. It also expands Medicaid coverage of counseling and pharmacotherapy for cessation of tobacco use to all individuals, rather than only pregnant women. The Department of Health and Human Services must conduct outreach on the importance of lung cancer screenings and who should be screened, and the Government Accountability Office must report on the demographics of those diagnosed with lung cancer and recommend ways the federal government can improve screenings.

Weatherization Resilience and Adaptation Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Assault Weapon Financing Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

ARC Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act of 2023 or the ARC Act of 2023 This bill provides for coverage of peripheral artery disease screening tests without cost-sharing under Medicare and Medicaid for certain at-risk individuals. It also requires the development of certain educational programs, a payment model, and Medicare quality measures to reduce amputations relating to such disease.

Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2023 This bill prohibits a person from transporting a horse in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle that contains two or more levels stacked on top of one another. Vehicles operated exclusively on a rail or rails are excluded from the prohibition. The bill prescribes civil penalties for knowing violations of such prohibition.

ADINA Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Allergen Disclosure In Non-food Articles Act or the ADINA Act This bill requires the labels of drugs to identify ingredients that contain, or are derived from, major food allergens or gluten-containing grains.

Redesignating the Robert E. Lee Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery as the "Arlington House National Historic Site".

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

This joint resolution redesignates the memorial to Robert. E. Lee in Arlington National Cemetery as the Arlington House National Historic Site.

Equality Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

Condemning the recent rise in antisemitic violence and harassment targeting Jewish Americans, standing in solidarity with those affected by antisemitism, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2023

This resolution condemns all forms of antisemitism as a threat to democracy and overall safety and well-being for Jewish Americans.

LIFT the BAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Lifting Immigrant Families Through Benefits Access Restoration Act or the LIFT the BAR Act This bill repeals certain limits on the eligibility of noncitizens who lawfully reside in the United States for federal means-tested programs, including Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), programs funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grants, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and certain nutrition and housing programs.  

REPO for Ukrainians Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act or the REPO for Ukrainians Act This bill requires or authorizes various actions related to the confiscation and disposition of Russian sovereign assets (which include funds and other property of Russia's central bank, direct investment fund, or ministry of finance). Under the bill, the President must require U.S. financial institutions to notify the Department of the Treasury of any Russian sovereign assets located at such institutions. The President may confiscate any such assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Confiscated funds and the proceeds of liquidated property must be deposited into the Ukraine Support Fund established by the bill. The Ukraine Support Fund shall be used by the Department of State to compensate Ukraine for damages caused by the Russian invasion. The Ukraine Support Fund may also support an international body or mechanism for (1) reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in Ukraine, (2) humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people, or (3) other purposes which support the recovery of Ukraine and the welfare of the Ukrainian people. The bill also directs the President to seek to establish, with foreign partners, an international mechanism to provide compensation to Ukraine using the Ukraine Support Fund and Russian sovereign assets confiscated by foreign partners. Additionally, the bill sets policy on related topics, such as specifying that the United States should lead an international sanctions regime to freeze Russian sovereign assets in conjunction with allies and partners.

Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2023 This bill removes limitations on the civil liability of gun manufacturers and the disclosure of gun trace data in civil actions. Specifically, the bill repeals the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which prohibits civil actions against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, seller, importer, dealer, or trade association for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm. Additionally, the bill states that firearms trace data maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is not immune from legal process. Such data is subject to discovery; is admissible as evidence; and may be used, relied on, or disclosed in a civil action or administrative proceeding.

American Dream and Promise Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 This bill provides certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) with a path to receive permanent resident status and contains other immigration-related provisions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall provide conditional permanent resident status for 10 years to a qualifying individual who entered the United States as a minor and (1) is deportable or inadmissible, (2) has deferred enforced departure (DED) status or temporary protected status (TPS), or (3) is the child of certain classes of nonimmigrants. The bill imposes various qualifying requirements, such as the individual being continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021, passing a background check, and being enrolled in or having completed certain educational programs. DHS shall remove the conditions placed on permanent resident status granted under this bill if the alien applies and meets certain requirements, such as completing certain programs at an educational institution, serving in the military, or being employed. Furthermore, DHS and DOJ shall provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who had TPS, were eligible for TPS, or were eligible for DED status on certain dates. Such individuals must meet certain requirements and apply for such status within three years of this bill's enactment. DHS may not use information from applications filed under this bill or for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status for immigration enforcement purposes. This bill also repeals a restriction that bars a state from providing higher education benefits to undocumented individuals unless those benefits are available to all U.S. nationals without regard to residency in the state.

Right to Contraception Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

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 the safety of contraception and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The bill also specifies that the prohibition preempts inconsistent state and local laws and applies in spite of other federal laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. 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.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment.

Student Loan Refinancing Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Student Loan Refinancing Act This bill establishes a refinancing program for federal student loans. Specifically, the Department of Education (ED) must, within 30 days, establish a program that allows borrowers to refinance their federal student loans down to lower interest rates. The refinanced interest rates are (1) calculated based on the type of student loan (e.g., Stafford), and (2) fixed for the period of the loan. In addition, the bill requires ED to coordinate with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to alert borrowers of their program eligibility.