Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Employee Equity Investment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Program. The bill further directs DOJ to award a grant under the program to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for the expenses associated with community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs operated by the of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and National Law Enforcement Museum.

Maternal Health for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Maternal Health for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report annually through FY2028 on its activities relating to the coordination of maternity health care. The reports must also include (1) data on the maternal health outcomes of veterans who receive medical care or services from the VA or a non-VA provider that is authorized to provide care or services under VA programs, and (2) VA recommendations to improve the maternal health outcomes of veterans. The reports must be made publicly available. The bill also authorizes funding through FY2028 for VA programs relating to the coordination of maternity health care.

Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from modifying its policy relating to anesthesia care in a manner that would provide any medical professional other than a physician anesthesiologist with full practice authority for the furnishment of anesthesia care to veterans under VA health care laws. The VA is also prohibited from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the provisions relating to anesthesia care of the proposed rule titled Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (81 Fed. Reg. 33155), or any substantially similar rule.

Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act This bill extends through FY2033 and increases funding for the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund. The funding is provided from revenues from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leases, and awards from the fund are made to states and other entities, including tribes and nonprofits.

Moms Matter Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Moms Matter Act This bill establishes two grant programs to address maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders, with a focus on demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, maternal health disparities, and other adverse outcomes. First, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award grants for maternal behavioral health services and education and training for health care providers about maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders in pregnancy. Eligible grantees include (1) state, tribal, and local governments; (2) health care providers; and (3) organizations that serve pregnant and postpartum individuals. Second, the Department of Health and Human Services may award grants to grow and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral health workforce by establishing or expanding schools and training programs.

Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act of 2023 This bill prohibits state or local governments that abolish or defund police departments from receiving certain Economic Development Administration grants or Community Development Block Grant funds. Specifically, the bill applies to state or local governments that (1) abolish or disband the police with no intention of reconstituting the police department; or (2) significantly reduce the police department's budget without reallocating a portion of those funds to any other community policing program, provided that the jurisdiction did not face a significant decrease in revenues in the previous fiscal year. Further, a state or local government that abolishes or defunds a police department must return certain Community Development Block Grant funds it has already received.

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act This bill incorporates mental health promotion and education into guidelines for school wellness policies that are used by local educational agencies participating in school meal programs. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must issue further regulations for local educational agencies to (1) incorporate goals for mental health promotion and education, and (2) include reducing eating disorders as part of the nutrition guidelines for foods available on school campuses. The bill also requires that local educational agencies establish multidisciplinary teams of school personnel to lead the development, periodic review, and updating of local school wellness policies. Further, the bill requires the involvement of registered dietitians and school-based mental health services providers (in addition to those already required to be involved) in the periodic review and updating of the local policy. USDA must also provide technical assistance to promote mental health, encourage mental health assessments, and establish resilient school environments.

Diwali Day Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2023

Diwali Day Act This bill establishes Diwali, also known as Deepavali, as a federal holiday.

Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal officials or employees from taking any action to recognize a Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad. The bill also expands existing sanctions related to the Syrian conflict to cover additional activities and persons (individuals and entities). Current law requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign persons engaged in certain activities related to the conflict in Syria. For example, such sanctions must be imposed on those that knowingly (1) are responsible for serious human rights abuses against the Syrian people, or (2) provide aircraft or spare aircraft parts for military purposes on behalf of the Syrian government to a foreign person operating in certain areas of Syria. This bill expands the types of activities that would subject a foreign person to sanctions, including knowingly (1) providing any type of aircraft or spare aircraft parts to the Syrian government, (2) diverting humanitarian assistance intended for the Syrian people, or (3) confiscating property in Syria or owned by a Syrian citizen for personal gain or political purposes. The bill also extends these sanctions to entities owned or controlled by a sanctioned person and to a sanctioned person's adult family members. Additionally, the bill removes an exception to the sanctions related to the importation of goods. The Department of State must provide Congress with a strategy to counter foreign government efforts to normalize relations with the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda.

PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and otherwise modifies research and education programs for preventing premature births. In particular, the bill expands the scope of education programs for health care providers and the public to address the importance of screening for and treatment of chronic conditions as part of preconception and prenatal care. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an interagency working group to improve the coordination of programs and activities to prevent preterm birth, infant mortality, and related adverse effects. (Current law permits HHS to establish such a working group.) The bill also requires HHS to support a study carried out by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on matters related to premature births, such as the financial costs and factors that affect preterm birth rates.

Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act This bill requires the Department of State to report on the curriculum (including textbooks, leaflets, pamphlets, magazines, and other instructional materials) used in schools in areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority or located in Gaza and controlled by any other entity. Among other topics, the report must address (1) whether the materials used encourage violence or intolerance toward other nations or ethnic groups, (2) the steps the Palestinian Authority is taking to reform such materials, and (3) whether U.S. foreign assistance is used to fund the dissemination of the offending materials. The State Department must make such reports publicly available.

Equality in the Halls of Congress Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Equality in the Halls of Congress Act This bill authorizes the President to invite each U.S. territory to provide and furnish no more than two statues for placement in National Statuary Hall.

Fentanyl Trafficker Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Fentanyl Trafficker Elimination Act This bill increases the term of imprisonment for drug trafficking offenses involving large quantities of fentanyl or fentanyl analogues. Specifically, the bill requires life imprisonment for illegally importing or exporting, or illegally manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, 400 grams or more of fentanyl or 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, regardless of prior offenses or if death or serious bodily injury occurs. (Currently, such offenses carry a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for a first offense; penalties increase with subsequent offenses or if death or serious bodily injury occurs.)

Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2023 This bill establishes a program to expand the mental health services workforce in schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education to contract with graduate institutions to pay a share of the cost of attendance for graduate students pursuing careers in the school-based mental health profession (e.g., school counseling).

RIDE for Ukraine Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

REAL ID Eligibility for Ukraine Act or the RIDE for Ukraine Act This bill makes certain citizens or nationals of Ukraine eligible for a REAL ID driver's license or identification card in the United States. Specifically, this bill applies to a citizen or national of Ukraine (or an individual who last habitually resided in Ukraine) who was paroled into the United States between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023, as well as certain individuals paroled into the United States after that period.

Reservist Pay Equity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Reservist Pay Equity Act of 202 3 This bill increases the rate of the differential wage payment tax credit from 20% to 50% and requires that the maximum dollar amount of such credit be adjusted for inflation after 2023. The credit is allowed to employers for their employees who are active duty members of the uniformed services.

Acknowledging the essential contributions of frontline health workers to recovering progress and further expanding and sustaining gains in global health, saving the lives of millions of women, men, and children around the world, and strengthening the United States national security and global economic prosperity.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This resolution reaffirms the central role of local frontline health workforces in achieving global health objectives. The resolution also urges greater global attention and support for local frontline health workers.

To amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This bill grants a federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, which is a nonprofit organization that provides housing counseling to veterans and active members of the Armed Forces.

To authorize the immediate expulsion of inadmissible aliens attempting to enter the United States by fraud or without a necessary entry document, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

This bill requires the immediate expulsion of certain inadmissible non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who arrive at or along the U.S.-Mexico border subject to certain limits. Specifically, during the two years starting from this bill's enactment, such a non-U.S. national must be immediately expelled without further hearing or review if the individual lacks proper documentation or committed fraud to gain admission. (Currently, such individuals are typically subject to expedited removal, which includes a chance to request asylum.) Such an individual must be expelled to Mexico unless Mexico's government is unwilling to accept the individual or expulsion to Mexico is contrary to U.S. national interest. In such a case, the individual shall be expelled to the country (1) where the individual is a citizen, subject, or national; (2) where the individual was born or has a residence; or (3) that will accept the individual. An individual may not be expelled to a country where (1) the individual's life or freedom would be threatened due to certain characteristics, such as race or religion; or (2) there are substantial grounds for believing the individual would be subject to torture. However, this protection shall not apply to an individual convicted of a particularly serious crime or involved with terrorist activities. An individual who claims that they be subject to such dangers in a country must meet the burden of proof similar to the burden faced by an asylum seeker in a credible fear determination.

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions of the low-income housing tax credit and renames it as the affordable housing tax credit . The bill increases the per capita dollar amount of the credit and its minimum ceiling amount beginning in 2023 and extends the inflation adjustment for such amounts. The bill modifies tenant income eligibility requirements and the average income formula for determining such income. It also revises rules for student occupancy of rental units and tenant voucher payments, and prohibits any refusal to rent to victims of domestic abuse. The bill further modifies the credit to increase state allocations of the credit; repeal the qualified census tract population cap; prohibit consideration of local approval and local government contribution requirements for housing projects; increase the credit for certain projects designated to serve extremely low-income households; increase the credit for certain bond-financed projects designated by state agencies; eliminate the basis reduction for properties that receive certain energy-related tax benefits; and increase the population cap for difficult development areas (i.e., areas with high construction, land, and utility costs relative to area median gross income). The bill also includes Indian and rural areas as difficult development areas and modifies other requirements relating to casualty losses, tax-exempt bond financing, and foreclosures.

Invasive Species Prevention and Forest Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Invasive Species Prevention and Forest Restoration Act This bill sets forth provisions to control invasive species and support native trees. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award grants to federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and certain institutions for research to promote the restoration of tree species affected by non-native plant pests and noxious weeds. USDA may also award grants to implement the research or other solutions to restore forest tree species native to the United States that have suffered severe levels of mortality caused by nonnative plant pests or noxious weeds. Grants may be awarded to cooperating forestry schools, land-grant colleges or universities, state agricultural experimental stations, or nonprofit organizations. The bill also expands the authority of USDA to transfer funds to respond to an emergency in which a plant pest or noxious weed directly or indirectly threatens any segment of U.S. agricultural production. Further, USDA must enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences or another nongovernmental entity to analyze available resources that federal agencies have to research, and find solutions to, nonnative plant pests and pathogens.

PFAS Registry Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

PFAS Registry Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a registry for current or past members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam at a military installation or other Department of Defense (DOD) location. Additionally, the VA must consult with DOD and the Environmental Protection Agency to make recommendations for additional chemicals that should be included in the registry.

Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award supplemental grants to certain federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) for recruiting and retaining mental health care providers who are fluent in another language besides English. HHS must award the grants to FQHCs that are already receiving federal assistance to support outpatient primary care for low-income individuals or other underserved populations. Additionally, HHS must give preference to FQHCs where at least 10% of the patients are best served in a language other than English.

Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to institutions of higher education that sponsor construction and manufacturing-oriented registered apprenticeship programs for (1) expanding or supporting outreach to high schools, local businesses, local workforce development boards, and apprenticeship intermediaries; and (2) providing advising and support services to students who are enrolled in these apprenticeship programs.

Invest to Protect Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Invest to Protect Act of 2023 This bill directs the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice to award grants to local and tribal governments that employ fewer than 200 law enforcement officers. Grant funds may be used for various activities, including to provide de-escalation training and improve recruitment and retention.

HELPER Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2023 or the HELPER Act of 2023 This bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. Specifically, these individuals may be eligible for a first-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment. Instead, the mortgage is subject to a one-time, up-front mortgage insurance premium.

National Critical Capabilities Defense Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

National Critical Capabilities Defense Act of 2023 This bill establishes a notification process for certain U.S. investment (known as outbound investment) involving national critical capabilities sectors in countries of concern (e.g., China and Russia). National critical capabilities sector includes, among others, a sector involving semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging, artificial intelligence, active pharmaceutical ingredients, or automobile manufacturing. Specifically, the bill directs the President to establish a Committee on National Critical Capabilities, which must establish regulations to carry out this bill. The bill requires a U.S. business or individual, 90 days before undertaking a covered activity (e.g., investment), to submit a written notification to the committee. The committee may review a covered activity that is the subject of a notification to determine if the activity poses a risk to U.S. national security. The bill outlines the factors to be considered during this review. The committee may, if it has reason to believe that a covered activity poses a risk to national security, take certain actions to mitigate the risk posed by the activity. Further, the committee may prohibit or regulate covered activities (with exceptions). Additionally, the committee must determine the sensitivities and risks for sourcing goods, materials, and technologies needed for national critical capabilities sectors. The bill outlines enforcement mechanisms and establishes civil penalties for violations. The bill directs (1) the President to conduct bilateral and multilateral engagement with U.S. allies and partners, and (2) the committee to develop a strategy to work with these countries and provide technical assistance.

Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of acupuncturist services, including those provided by a physician (as authorized under state law).

Fight CRIME Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act or the Fight CRIME Act This bill imposes sanctions pertaining to Iran's missile program. The President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign persons (i.e., foreign individuals, entities, and states) that are knowingly involved with Iran or Iran-aligned entities in certain missile-related activities, such as (1) acquiring, possessing, developing, transporting, transferring, or deploying missiles or related items and technology that are covered by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), or (2) developing missile or drone technologies. (The MTCR is an informal political understanding among states that seek to limit missile proliferation.) The President must also impose sanctions on (1) certain adult family members of those who are subject to the sanctions discussed above, and (2) foreign persons who knowingly provide significant support to or engage in a significant transaction with those subject to the sanctions discussed above. The bill also requires the Department of State to report to Congress on various topics, including (1) a diplomatic strategy to renew international restrictions on certain missile-related activities set forth in Annex B of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which concerns restrictions on arms transfers to and from Iran; (2) the identities of foreign persons engaging in restricted activity under Annex B; and (3) an analysis of the foreign and domestic supply chains that facilitate Iran's missile or drone programs.

Food Date Labeling Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Food Date Labeling Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements for the format of quality date and discard date labels on food packaging. Specifically, the bill requires the quality date on a food label (i.e., the date after which the quality of the item may deteriorate) to include the phrase BEST If Used By or the abbreviation BB . Similarly, the discard date on a food label (i.e., the date after which the item should not be consumed) must include the phrase USE By or the abbreviation UB . Abbreviations may only be used if the full phrase does not fit on the label. The Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture may specify alternative phrases through regulations.

Recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution recognizes the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to American society and culture, and calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and combat antisemitism.

Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act This bill modifies requirements for the complaint database for military housing that the Department of Defense must establish. The bill specifies that complaints may be made by a member of the Armed Forces or dependent that resides in a covered dwelling unit (i.e., a unit of accompanied family housing, unaccompanied housing, or barracks in which a member resides but does not own). The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment must annually report to Congress with a summary of the data collected by the complaint database and any actions taken to remedy complaints.

Encouraging the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to continue its critical work, in person and online, in educating the public about the dangers of antisemitism and the origins of the Holocaust.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution encourages the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to continue its work in educating the public about the dangers of antisemitism and the origins of the Holocaust, congratulates those responsible for the creation of the museum, condemns antisemitism, supports educational and community-based programs that counter antisemitism and hate, and supports the designation of a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Day.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2023.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week.

Supports the designation of "ALS Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of ALS Awareness Month. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as "Mental Health Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution declares mental health a national priority and supports the designation of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2023, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National Fentanyl Awareness Day to bring attention to the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills. (Fentanyl is a potent prescription opioid for treating severe pain that is also made and used illegally.)

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States during Public Service Recognition Week.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution supports the designation of Public Service Recognition Week and commends public servants for their contributions.

ACRE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act of 2023 or the ACRE Act of 2023 This bill excludes from the gross income of certain financial lending institutions, for income tax purposes, interest received on loans secured by rural or agricultural real estate.

WIC Healthy Beginnings Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

WIC Healthy Beginnings Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make available online certain information about solicitations for infant formula bids under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Under current law, state agencies must control infant formula costs in the WIC program through competitive bidding for infant formula rebate contracts. The bill requires state WIC agencies to provide USDA with a description of open solicitations for these competitive bids that includes the title of the solicitation, the state agency administering the solicitation, and other relevant information for the USDA to publish online.

To establish a defense industrial base advanced capabilities pilot program.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment within the Department of Defense to implement a five-year pilot program to create a robust and resilient defense industrial base. The program must be implemented through public-private partnerships to accelerate the scaling, production, and acquisition of advanced capabilities for national security by creating incentives (e.g., loan guarantees) for investment in domestic small business or nontraditional businesses. 

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery for all business and residential customers.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. Postal Service should continue door delivery for all customers.

POWER Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Providing Officers With Electronic Resources Act or the POWER Act This bill authorizes the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice to make grants to law enforcement agencies to purchase a chemical screening device and to train personnel to use, and interpret data collected by, such device.

Find It Early Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

Tim’s Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act or Tim's Act This bill increases compensation for federal wildland firefighters (including qualifying prevailing rate employees) and establishes related requirements. The bill increases the minimum rate of basic pay for firefighters at General Schedule (GS) levels 1 through 5 to at least the rate of pay for step 3 of GS-6. (A wildland firefighter engages in wildfire management activities, which include aviation, dispatch, and fuels management.)  The bill also increases the minimum rate of basic pay for wildland firefighters at GS-6 through 15 by specified percentages, with comparable increases to prevailing rate employees who are wildland firefighters. Next, the bill requires wildland firefighters (including prevailing rate employees) to be paid for sleep and rest periods when deployed to the field on continuous duty status to respond to a qualifying incident at 50% of their hourly rate of basic pay. The bill also mandates a nine-hour sleep and rest period for every 24-hour duty period.  The bill also establishes paid leave, a right to buy back service time for retirement credit purposes, and other benefits for wildland firefighters. The bill directs the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs within the Department of Labor to ensure that psychological stress-related injuries and illnesses correlated to fire protection work are compensated and to expedite related claims. Federally-employed firefighters who are not wildland firefighters must also receive pay and benefit increases comparable to the increases provided to wildland firefighters under this bill. 

Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act This bill establishes the position of Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords within the Department of State. (The Abraham Accords are agreements to normalize or improve relations between Israel and four members of the Arab League: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.) The Special Envoy shall serve as the primary advisor to the U.S. government for expanding and strengthening the Abraham Accords. The duties of the Special Envoy include (1) encouraging counties without diplomatic relations with Israel to establish formal diplomatic, economic, security, and people-to-people ties; (2) expanding and strengthening existing relationships between Israel and Muslim-majority countries; and (3) coordinating efforts across the US government and engaging diplomatically with foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders to expand and strengthen the Abraham Accords. The Special Envoy shall have the rank and status of ambassador.

Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

This resolution expresses support for recognizing National Police Week. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

PAST Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 2023 or the PAST Act of 2023 This bill addresses the practice of soring horses. The soring of horses includes various actions taken on horses' limbs to produce higher gaits that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness. Specifically, the bill expands soring regulation and enforcement at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, including by establishing a new system for inspecting horses for soring. In addition, the bill increases penalties for violations.