United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2024
Securing American Agriculture Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assess, on an annual basis, U.S. dependency on critical agricultural products or inputs that could be exploited in the event that China weaponizes such a dependency. USDA must submit a report to Congress on the assessment, which must include recommendations to reduce U.S. dependency on China to supply critical agricultural products or inputs. Under the bill, critical inputs include all farm management, agronomic, and field-applied production inputs (e.g., agricultural equipment, fertilizers, veterinary drugs, and seed). The bill specifies that, in conducting the assessment, USDA may not require a private entity to provide information to USDA. Further, the bill requires USDA to comply with certain confidentiality requirements and restricts disclosures of the information.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled Credit Card Penalty Fees (Regulation Z) and published on March 15, 2024. The rule lowers the safe-harbor cap on certain credit card late fees. In particular, late fees allowed under safe-harbor provisions must be capped at $8 when charged by a large credit card issuer. This cap is not subject to annual adjustment to reflect inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2024
Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act This bill requires the Department of Justice to report on (1) targeted attacks on law enforcement officers, (2) the feasibility of incorporating such attacks into existing crime reporting systems, and (3) the mental health resources that are available to law enforcement officers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Department of Labor titled Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act and published on January 10, 2024. The final rule addresses how to determine whether a worker is properly classified as an employee or an independent contractor for purposes of requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that address issues such as minimum wage and overtime compensation. The rights and protections provided by the FLSA apply only to employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2024
Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act This bill prohibits distributing, maintaining, or providing internet hosting services for a foreign adversary controlled application (e.g., TikTok). However, the prohibition does not apply to a covered application that executes a qualified divestiture as determined by the President. Under the bill, a foreign adversary controlled application is directly or indirectly operated by (1) ByteDance, Ltd. or TikTok (including subsidiaries or successors that are controlled by a foreign adversary); or (2) a social media company that is controlled by a foreign adversary and has been determined by the President to present a significant threat to national security. The prohibition does not apply to an application that is primarily used to post product reviews, business reviews, or travel information and reviews. The bill authorizes the Department of Justice to investigate violations of the bill and enforce the bill's provisions. Entities that violate the bill are subject to civil penalties based on the number of users. The bill requires a covered application to provide a user with all available account data (including posts, photos, and videos) at the user's request before the prohibition takes effect. The bill gives the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over any challenge to the bill. Further, a challenge to the bill must be brought within 165 days after the bill's enactment date. A challenge to any action, finding, or determination under the bill must be brought with 90 days of the action, finding, or determination.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2024
Secure Payments Act of 2024 This bill prohibits the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from implementing the proposed rule published on November 14, 2023, titled Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing until the consideration of a report on the rule’s effects. The proposed rule establishes standards for reasonable debit card interchange fees and prohibits debit card network exclusivity. The report must analyze the impact of the rule on consumers, merchants, and financial institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2024
Let Injured Americans Be Legally Empowered Act or the LIABLE Act This bill prohibits COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers from being immune under federal law from lawsuits relating to their vaccines. Specifically, the bill prohibits any federal law from providing immunity for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers from civil suits or liability, or limiting liability, with respect to the administration or use of their vaccines. Additionally, individuals may not be precluded from bringing a civil suit against a COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer because the individual sought or received compensation through specified federal vaccine injury compensation programs, nor does the bill preclude individuals from seeking compensation through these programs. The bill applies to vaccine administrations that occur before, on, or after the bill's date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2024
Laken Riley Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U. S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted for, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a decision to release a non-U. S. national from custody; failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2024
This resolution recognizes and thanks the courageous men and women who participated in the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, rescuing over 17,000 citizens and Afghan allies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2024
Save our Allies Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Chad Robichaux, Sarah Verardo, Tim Kennedy, Kevin Rourke, Sean Gabler, Dave Johnson, and Dennis Price, in recognition of their exceptional efforts and selfless dedication during the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021, which led to the safe evacuation of over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Following the presentation of the gold medal, the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2024
Protect America’s Lands Act This bill prohibits national securities exchanges from allowing the trade of securities issued by natural asset companies. Natural asset companies are companies that oversee land for conservation, restoration, or for the sustainable management of the natural resources and ecosystem services on that land.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of the coins shall be promptly paid by Treasury to FWC2026 US, Inc. (the U.S.-incorporated FIFA subsidiary operating the FIFA Men's World Cup 2026) for the purpose of aiding soccer programs and activities in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2024
Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act This bill prohibits payment card networks from using merchant codes that distinguish firearms retailers from other retailers. The Department of Justice must enforce this bill and report annually on the resulting investigations and cases.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2024
This resolution supports the designation of Barth Syndrome Awareness Day. Barth Syndrome is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder of lipid metabolism that primarily affects males.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) titled Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay and published on November 14, 2023. The final rule allows for the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from Paraguay into the United States under certain conditions. The United States prohibits or restricts the importation of certain animals and animal products to prevent the introduction of various animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). In response to a request from Paraguay to allow the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay into the United States, APHIS conducted a risk analysis. APHIS concluded that fresh beef could be safely imported from Paraguay, provided that certain conditions are met. These conditions include that (1) FMD has not been diagnosed in the exporting region within the previous 12 months; (2) the meat originated from premises where FMD has not been present during the lifetime of any bovines slaughtered for U.S. meat export; and (3) APHIS may periodically conduct on-site evaluations and subsequent inspections of the slaughter facilities, records, and operations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2024
Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act or the VETS Safe Travel Act This bill makes certain veterans eligible for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck Program at no cost if they meet the program's background check and security requirements. Veterans who are eligible for this fee waiver are those who are in the patient enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and require the use of a wheelchair, prosthetic limb, or other assistive device to aid with mobility due to (1) loss, or loss of use, of a limb; (2) full or partial paralyzation; or (3) permanent blindness. The VA and the TSA must develop and implement a process under which eligible veterans may receive the PreCheck Program benefit. Further, the VA and the TSA must develop and implement a process to provide disabled veterans with effective outreach about TSA programs that are designed to improve the screening process for passengers with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2024
Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to take custody of any non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who meets certain inadmissibility criteria and is arrested for, is charged with, is convicted of, or admits to assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
HUD Transparency Act of 2024 This bill requires the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to annually testify before Congress. Specifically, the office must testify regarding efforts to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse; ability to conduct and supervise audits, investigations, and reviews; actions to identify opportunities for HUD programs to progress and succeed; and ongoing activities regarding any such additional work.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) titled National Performance Management Measures; Assessing Performance of the National Highway System, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measure and published on December 7, 2023. Under current law, each state must set targets for and report on the progress of performance metrics related to the U.S. surface transportation system. The rule establishes a specific measure for assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with transportation (GHG measure). The rule also requires state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to establish declining carbon dioxide (CO2) targets for the GHG measure and report to the FHWA on their progress towards achieving these targets.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Fiscally Responsible Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for activities to respond to the attacks in Israel. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to DOD for Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; Defense Working Capital Funds; and the Defense Health Program. The funding is provided for purposes such as supporting current U.S. military operations in the region; replacing defense articles that were provided to Israel; reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Israel; and procuring Israel's Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Iron Beam defense systems to counter short-range rocket threats. The bill also provides appropriations to the State Department for Diplomatic Programs, Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service, and the Foreign Military Financing Program. The funding is provided to the State Department for purposes such as (1) increasing security at U.S. embassies impacted by the attacks on Israel, and (2) conducting emergency evacuations of U.S. government personnel and citizens in the region. In addition, the bill includes provisions that expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to Israel. Finally, the bill rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided for the Department of Commerce Nonrecurring Expenses Fund by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Countering Chinese and Russian Support for the Taliban Act This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress annually on Chinese and Russian malign influence in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act This bill prohibits a credit reporting agency from providing a consumer's credit report to a third party in connection with a residential mortgage transaction unless (1) the third party provides documentation certifying that it has the consumer's consent; or (2) the third party has originated the mortgage, is the current loan servicer, or has a current specified banking relationship with the consumer.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
Send Us Budget Materials and International Tactics In Time Act or the SUBMIT IT Act This bill prohibits the leadership of Congress from inviting the President to deliver a State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress until the President has transmitted, and Congress has received, the National Security Strategy and the President’s budget for the subsequent fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that former President Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against, nor give aid or comfort to the enemies of, the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the Department of Treasury's rule titled Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds , which was issued on November 20, 2023. The rule relates to the use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), which were initially authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to help state and local governments respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Current regulations allow for the use of funds for authorized purposes by December 31, 2026, if such funds are obligated for expenditure by December 31, 2024. The rule modifies the definition of an obligation to include satisfaction of administrative or legal requirements that are associated with the SLFRF program, such as reporting, audit, or environmental compliance requirements. Funds for these purposes are considered to be obligated by the required deadline of December 31, 2024. Estimated amounts of such obligations must be reported to Treasury by April 30, 2024, and the funds must still be used by December 31, 2026.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2024
Uncovering UNRWA’s Terrorist Crimes Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being used to provide funding, directly or indirectly, to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The bill also requires the Department of State to report to Congress on the total U.S. funding to UNRWA from FY2020 through FY2024.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2024
Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act This bill requires tax-exempt charitable organizations to disclose in annual reports contributions and gifts exceeding $50,000 received from foreign governments and foreign political parties. The reports must disclose the names of such governments and political parties and the aggregate amounts of contributions and gifts. The bill requires the Department of the Treasury to make publicly available in a searchable database information relating to such gifts and contributions received from foreign governments and political parties and the aggregate amount received in each year from the the People's Republic of China, and (stated separately) from the Chinese Communist Party.