United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2024
Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2024 This bill requires or authorizes certain actions related to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The bill requires the Department of Justice to appoint an assistant U.S. attorney in each judicial district to coordinate and supervise the investigation and prosecution of various crimes related to postal services (for example, assault on a postal service employee, breaking into a post office, or obstruction of mails). The bill also requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend sentencing guidelines to provide that the assault or robbery of a postal employee shall be treated the same as the assault of a law enforcement officer. Additionally, the bill authorizes appropriations for the USPS to install high security collection boxes and replace older versions of the universal mailbox key with electronic versions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2024
This concurrent resolution declares that Congress recognizes the disparity in wages paid to women compared to wages paid to men. The resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting equal pay and to narrowing the gender wage gap.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2024
Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act or the SAFE Act This bill incorporates risk assessments and prevention services for falls into annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical exams under Medicare, as well as associated services provided by physical therapists and occupational therapists.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2024
Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers Act or the CHEERS Act This bill treats qualified energy-efficient draft property (energy efficient kegs) as energy efficient commercial building property for purposes of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. It defines qualified energy-efficient draft property as property that is principally used in the trade or business of operating a restaurant, bar, or entertainment venue, and that is a stainless steel or aluminum container or related commercial tap equipment used to distribute or sell alcohol.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2024
Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2024 This bill allows the financing of spaceports with tax-exempt facility bonds. The bill defines spaceport as any facility located at or near a launch or reentry site used for (1) manufacturing, assembling, or repairing spacecraft, space cargo, or other facilities; (2) flight control operations; (3) providing launch services and reentry services; or (4) transferring crew, spaceflight participants, or space cargo to or from spacecraft.
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 · 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 · 15 February 2024
This resolution supports the designation of National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.
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 · 1 February 2024
Prove It Act of 2024 This bill expands the requirements for federal agency rulemaking with respect to small businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions. Specifically, when conducting an initial regulatory flexibility analysis, agencies must include, where feasible, any reasonably foreseeable potential indirect costs the proposed rule may impose on such small entities. Further, if an agency certifies that an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required because the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the agency must provide such certification within 10 days to the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. A small entity or group of small entities may petition the Office of Advocacy to review such certification. The petition must include specified information, such as the issues the petitioner believes should be addressed and a proposed solution to the issues raised. If the Office of Advocacy ultimately determines, upon a full review of the petition, that the proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the agency promulgating the rule must perform an initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis for the rule. Additionally, if the agency does not participate or assist in the full review process, the finalized rule shall not apply to small entities. The bill also requires agencies to publish, and allow for comments on, all guidance documents with respect to any rule an agency determines is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2024
Credit for Caring Act of 2024 This bill allows an eligible caregiver a tax credit of up to $5,000 for 30% of the cost of long-term care expenses that exceed $2,000 in a taxable year. The bill defines eligible caregiver as an individual who has earned income for the taxable year in excess of $7,500 and pays or incurs expenses for providing care to a spouse or other dependent relative with long-term care needs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2024
Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act This bill establishes programs for researching, developing, and demonstrating advanced materials and technologies applicable to pipelines and associated infrastructure, such as liquefied natural gas facilities and liquid fuel storage facilities. The Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a five-year initiative under which DOE awards financial assistance for carrying out demonstration projects—on low- to mid-technology readiness level subjects—to achieve deployment of technologies that (1) are applicable to pipelines and associated infrastructure; and (2) involve the development of next generation pipeline systems, components, and related technologies. DOE must select projects that (1) best advance research undertaken by DOE and the Department of Transportation (DOT), and (2) incorporate a range of technology focus areas. In consultation with DOT and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), DOE must establish a joint research and development program concerning advanced and innovative materials and technologies for pipeline transportation systems. DOE must enter into or update an existing memorandum of understanding with DOT and NIST to administer the joint program. DOE must also establish a National Pipeline Modernization Center, which must focus on collaborating with industry and stakeholders to coordinate and carry out research, development, and demonstration projects related to commercializing cost-effective products and procedures aligned with the goals and priorities set forth by DOE. Additionally, NIST must carry out a program of measurement research, development, demonstration, and standardization to (1) ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities; and (2) support pipeline safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024
Access to Family Building Act This bill provides a statutory right to access assisted reproductive technology (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access assisted reproductive technology, and to retain all rights with respect to the use or disposition of reproductive genetic materials (e.g., eggs or sperm), without prohibitions or unreasonable restrictions. Health care providers and insurers also have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. The bill does not affect state or local health and safety regulations that achieve their purpose in the least restrictive manner possible. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, localities, or government officials or entities that enact or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers who are affected by violations may also bring civil actions for relief.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2024
This resolution condemns acts of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war, including those acts committed by Hamas on and since October 7, 2023. The resolution also calls on all nations to criminalize rape and sexual assault and hold accountable all perpetrators of sexual violence, including state and non-state armed groups.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2024
Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2024 or the Nutrition CARE Act of 2024 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for individuals with eating disorders. Such services must be furnished by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional pursuant to a referral from a physician, psychologist, or other authorized mental health professional.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024
Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 This bill extends and provides FY2024 funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a monthly benefit that allows eligible low-income households to receive discounted internet service. The program also provides a one-time discount that may be used to purchase a connected device, such as a computer.
