Yadira Caraveo

GusNIP Expansion Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

ACES Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

ACES Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study and report on the prevalence and mortality of cancers among veterans who served on active duty as aircrew members and regularly flew in fixed-wing aircraft.

Mental Health for Latinos Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Mental Health for Latinos Act of 2023 This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop and implement an outreach and education strategy regarding behavioral health issues among the Hispanic and Latino populations. The strategy must be designed to promote behavioral and mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse among such populations.

Scientific Integrity Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Scientific Integrity Act This bill revises provisions regarding the release of scientific research results by federal agencies. Each agency that funds, conducts, or oversees scientific research must (1) adopt and enforce a scientific integrity policy that includes certain requirements, such as restricting scientific conclusions from being based on political considerations; and (2) submit such policy to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) for approval. Agencies must make their policies public, submit them to Congress, and periodically update them with OSTP's approval. The Government Accountability Office shall review implementation of the policies. Each agency shall (1) appoint a Scientific Integrity Officer, (2) establish a process for dispute resolution consistent with the scientific integrity policy, and (3) establish a specified training program for current and new employees.

Doctors in our Borders Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023

Doctors in our Borders Act This bill increases the number of Conrad 30 waivers available each year from 30 to 100. Typically, a J-1 visa holder (nonimmigrant exchange visitor) must leave the United States for two years after finishing the exchange visitor program, including J-1 visa holders who entered the United States to receive graduate medical training. The Conrad 30 waiver program waives this requirement for eligible foreign medical graduates who agree to practice medicine in an underserved area or for an underserved population in the United States.

ATTAIN Mental Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2023

Achieving Thorough Transparency and Accessibility for Information Navigation on Mental Health Act of 2023 or the ATTAIN Mental Health Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish an online dashboard with information about federal grants relating to mental health and substance use disorders.  Among other requirements, the dashboard must be searchable, current, and indicate whether the application period is open or closed. The dashboard must also include information about associated state programs and subgrants.

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023 This bill expands Medicare coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. Specifically, the bill allows coverage for therapy that is provided by (1) a physician who is not a primary care physician; or (2) other health care providers (e.g., physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and approved counseling programs, if provided upon a referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner. Currently, such therapy is covered only if provided by a primary care practitioner. The bill also allows coverage under Medicare's prescription drug benefit of drugs used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for individuals who are overweight.

GATES Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

PFAS Alternatives Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Helping Tobacco Users Quit Act This bill provides for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage of certain tobacco cessation services. Specifically, the bill provides for coverage, without cost-sharing, of diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services and pharmacotherapy, including prescription and nonprescription tobacco cessation agents, that are provided under medical supervision and in accordance with specified guidelines. It also applies a 90% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for such items and services for five years.  

Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act This bill requires state Medicaid programs to establish a process through which qualifying out-of-state providers may enroll as participating providers for five years without undergoing additional screening requirements, unless the state has an agreement with other states that governs coverage of children with medically complex conditions that is in accordance with specified guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Among other requirements, a qualifying provider must (1) serve individuals under the age of 21; (2) have previously been screened for Medicare participation or for participation in the Medicaid program of the state in which the provider is located; and (3) have been determined by the CMS or state Medicaid program to pose a limited risk of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Investing in Rural America Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Investing in Rural America Act This bill allows Farm Credit System (FCS) institutions to provide financing and technical assistance for essential community facility projects as part of the Department of Agriculture's Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. (This program provides funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas.) The FCS financing and technical assistance may be provided in order to make capital available to develop, build, maintain, improve, or provide other support for essential community facilities in rural communities (e.g., certain facilities that provide healthcare, community support, public safety, educational, or utility services).  Under the bill, the financing provided by an FCS institution may not exceed 15% of the institution’s total assets unless the FCS institution offers at least one non-FCS lending institution an interest in the financing under reasonable terms and conditions acceptable to the borrower. The FCS institution must also report the offer to the Farm Credit Administration (FCA). The FCA must submit an annual report to Congress on the activities undertaken by FCS institutions under this bill, including through the partnerships between FCS institutions and other lending institutions. The FCA must post the report on the agency's website. 

Delivering for Rural Seniors Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Delivering for Rural Seniors Act of 2023 This bill directs the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to award competitive grants to state agencies under a home delivery pilot program for participants in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). (The CSFP works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious Department of Agriculture foods.)  Under the pilot program, a state agency must distribute grant funds to an eligible entity (i.e., a local agency or subdistributing agency) to operate projects that facilitate home delivery of commodities to CSFP participants. Grant funds may be used for costs associated with transportation and distribution of commodities to CSFP participants, staffing required to operate home delivery services, and home delivery outreach to CSFP participants or potential participants. A state agency must prioritize eligible entities that serve CSFP participants who reside in rural areas. A state agency must also submit an annual report to FNS about the project, including best practices regarding the use of home delivery to improve the effectiveness of the CSFP. 

Community News and Small Business Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Community News and Small Business Support Act This bill allows certain small businesses and employers of journalists tax credits for advertising in local media and for the wages of not more than 1,500 local news journalists in any calendar quarter. Specifically, the tax credit for advertising in local media allows small businesses with less than 50 full-time employees a limited credit for the expense of advertising in a local newspaper, or in any licensed broadcast radio or television station that serves a local community. The credit for the wages of a local news journalist is a payroll tax credit that takes into account wages not exceeding $12,500 in any calendar quarter.

Locally Led Restoration Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program within the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the bill, USDA must establish and maintain (directly or by grant, contract, or cooperative agreement) a program to help eligible hospital facilities in rural areas with a population of 50,000 inhabitants or less.  The program must provide tailored technical assistance and training to hospital facilities to identify development needs for maintaining essential health care services and support action plans for financial, operational, and quality improvement projects to meet these needs. Development needs include (1) constructing, expanding, and modernizing health care facilities; (2) increasing telehealth capabilities; and (3) acquiring or upgrading health care information systems (e.g., electronic health records). The program must also provide technical assistance and training to help hospital facilities to better manage their financial and business strategies and identify, and apply for assistance from, USDA loan and grant programs. In selecting eligible hospital facilities to participate in the program, USDA must give priority to borrowers and grantees of certain USDA rural assistance programs.   USDA must also submit an annual report to Congress on the progress and results of the program. 

Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies Act of 2023 This bill requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to make awards to support early-career pediatric researchers. It also provides statutory authority for the NIH Pediatric Research Consortium to coordinate pediatric research across national health research institutions.

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.

Federal Mechanical Insulation Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

Federal Mechanical Insulation Act The bill directs federal agencies to identify energy saving and water saving measures, such as the installation of mechanical insulation property, in certain annual energy and water evaluations of federal buildings. Thus, the bill allows the installation of mechanical insulation property (e.g., thermal insulation) to be considered an energy or water efficiency measure that may be used in federal buildings under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act.

Rural Wellness Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Rural Wellness Act This bill prioritizes behavioral and mental health treatment services under certain rural development grant and loan programs. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2028 the set-asides and prioritizations for substance use disorder treatment services under the Department of Agriculture's (1) Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, (2) Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program, and (3) Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program. Under the community facilities program, the bill prioritizes direct loans and grants for the development of behavioral and mental health services facilities, including facilities that provide treatment services. Further, loans and grants provided under the program may be used to develop facilities and systems to provide telehealth services for behavioral and mental health treatment. Under the Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program, the bill prioritizes grants for behavioral and mental health education and treatment. Under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program, the bill includes a 17% set-aside for telemedicine projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services (currently a 20% set-aside).   

Interactive Federal Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Interactive Federal Review Act This bill revises the environmental review process for federal-aid highway projects. Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must encourage recipients of federal highway funding to utilize interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms when carrying out environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA); select at least 10 federal-aid highway projects to demonstrate the use of interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms in carrying out the environmental impact analysis and community engagement processes under NEPA; and publish technology-neutral best practice guidance to encourage sponsors of projects that receive federal funds from DOT to use an interactive, digital, cloud-based platform in carrying out the environmental impact analysis and community engagement processes required under NEPA.

FRIDGE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2023 or the FRIDGE Act of 2023 This bill expands the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program to include funding for technical assistance for infrastructure-related projects to ensure U.S. agricultural commodities are not damaged or lost due to infrastructure deficiencies in new and developing markets. This Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) program funds projects that address long-term opportunities to reduce foreign import constraints or expand export growth opportunities. Specifically, the bill directs FAS to enter into contracts or other agreements with trade organizations to enhance the infrastructure capabilities (including cold chain capacity and port improvements) in new and developing foreign markets through needs assessments, training, and other technical assistance.

National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023 This bill expands the scope of the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to include research and activities to prevent stillbirths.

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Agriculture Accessibility Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Agriculture Accessibility Act of 2023 This bill expands the eligible programs under the AgrAbility grant program of the Department of Agriculture and reauthorizes the program through FY2033. (AgrAbility provides direct education and assistance to farmers and family members with disabilities.) The bill specifies that grants may be used to initiate, expand, or sustain programs that provide education and support to youth and young adults with disabilities interested in farming and farm-related occupations. The bill also provides that the maximum grant award under the program is $260,000. Current law specifies a minimum grant award amount of $150,000, but does not include a maximum amount. 

Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act of 2023 This bill permits the use of the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant to address fentanyl in educational institutions. Specifically, grant funds may be used to (1) purchase naloxone or other opioid overdose reversal drugs for educational institutions, (2) train school nurses and other personnel on how to administer them, and (3) provide fentanyl awareness classes or materials to students.

Child Care Investment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Child Care Investment Act of 2023 This bill increases the employer-provided child care tax credit, the amount excludable from gross income for dependent care flexible spending accounts, and makes the household and dependent care tax credit refundable. Among other provisions, the bill increases the rate of the employer-provided child care tax credit from 25% to 50% and increases the maximum credit amount from $150,000 to $500,000. It also increases (1) the pre-tax deduction for dependent care flexible spending accounts from $5,000 to $10,000, plus an additional $2,000 for each eligible dependent; and (2) the rate of the household and dependent care tax credit and makes such credit refundable.

Expressing support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. (A journeyman lineworker is a person who builds and maintains electrical power systems.)

RISE from Trauma Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion from Trauma Act of 2023 or the RISE from Trauma Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes, establishes, and extends programs to support youth and families who have experienced, or may experience, trauma. The bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, school-based grants to increase access to trauma-support and mental health services, public health data collection about adverse childhood experiences, and a task force on trauma-informed care. It also establishes grants for multi-sector demonstration projects to mitigate trauma and toxic stress; improving outcomes for hospital patients who experience drug overdoses, suicide attempts, or violent injury; and clinical training in infant and early childhood mental health. Additionally, the bill authorizes (1) federal agencies to use specified discretionary funds for pilot projects to address traumatic exposures among children, and (2) Department of Justice (DOJ) grants to prevent trauma in children by reducing their exposure to violence and trauma. Further, the Department of Health and Human Services must provide resources for training frontline service providers and certain community members about trauma, toxic stress, and resilience. In addition, DOJ must establish a national center to disseminate resources to law enforcement agencies to improve interactions with youth and families who are exposed to violence and trauma. The bill also incorporates trauma-informed practices in programs for health care professional education, health care access, and educators.

To direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a grant program to support the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

This bill directs the Department of Education to make allotments to state educational agencies to assist states, local educational agencies, and educational service agencies in recruiting and retaining paraprofessionals in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs.  

IDEA Full Funding Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

IDEA Full Funding Act This bill provides permanent, mandatory funding for the grant program that assists states and outlying areas in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.  

Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2023 This bill provides additional funding through FY2028 for the Social Services Block Grant to support the provision of menstrual products (e.g., menstrual cups and underwear, sanitary napkins, and tampons) to low-income individuals. (This grant is a flexible funding stream used by states and territories to support a wide range of social services.) The bill also exempts the additional funds from sequestration. Sequestration is a process of automatic, across-the-board reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.

School Food Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (a protein deficiency that raises the risk of lung and other diseases). Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of at-home augmentation therapy for beneficiaries with emphysema as a result of severe hereditary AAT deficiency. Treatment must be provided through qualified home infusion therapy suppliers; beneficiaries must be under the care of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to report on the deaths of covered veterans who died by suicide during the last five years, regardless of whether information relating to such deaths has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A covered veteran is any veteran who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the veteran's death. Among other elements, the report shall include the total number of covered veterans who died by suicide, violent death, or accidental death, as well as certain demographic information.

Law Enforcement Officers Preventing Overdose Deaths Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2023 This bill prohibits discrimination, in the context of various housing practices, against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and revises the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, which provides financial assistance for projects to promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds.

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.

Equal Access to Reproductive Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

Equal Access to Reproductive Care Act This bill includes assisted reproduction as a tax deductible medical expense. It defines assisted reproduction as any methods, treatments, procedures, and services for effectuating a pregnancy and bringing it to term, and treats it as medical care of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or a dependent to the extent that they intend to take legal custody or responsibility for any children born as a result of such assisted reproduction.

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act This bill prohibits payment under Medicare for a prosthesis, custom-fabricated orthosis, or off-the-shelf orthotics that is delivered via a drop shipment (i.e., shipped to an individual who does not have training in how to properly fit or care for the device). It also specifically allows for payment of replacements of custom-fitted devices.

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

Rural Veterinary Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Rural Veterinary Workforce Act  This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, student loan repayment or forgiveness assistance provided to veterinarians practicing in rural areas of a state. 

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.

Youth Poisoning Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Youth Poisoning Protection Act This bill makes a consumer product with a concentration of sodium nitrite of 10% or greater a banned hazardous product.

HERO Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Act or the HERO Act This bill establishes a series of programs relating to the behavioral health of law enforcement officers, first responders, 9-1-1 operators, and other public safety officers and health care providers. The programs include a public safety officer suicide-reporting system at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a grant program for peer-support behavioral health and wellness programs within fire departments and emergency medical services agencies, and a grant program for behavioral health and wellness programs for health care providers.

Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act of 2023 This bill requires certain entities that acquire human bodies and sell for profit a whole human body or human body part to register with the Department of Health and Human Services. Registered entities must comply with record-keeping, labeling, packaging, and disposition requirements. The registration and related requirements do not apply to the Organ Transplantation Network (a public-private partnership that links the professionals involved in the U.S. donation and transplantation system) or its members; the preparation, transportation, and final disposition of human bodies or body parts by funeral service professionals; and schools of medicine, dentistry, and mortuary science and other research and training entities that do not sell whole human bodies or body parts for profit.

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.