United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2023
This resolution expresses support for the goals and principles of Transgender Day of Remembrance by recognizing the epidemic of violence toward transgender people and memorializing the lives lost this year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023
Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act This bill prohibits the importation of energy products that were produced at any refinery that uses crude oil originating in Russia. Current law prohibits the importation of Russian products that are classified under chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (which includes mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, and mineral waxes). The bill extends this prohibition to products that were produced at any refinery that uses crude oil originating in Russia.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023
Russian War Crimes in Ukraine Tax Act This bill imposes a 100% excise tax on certain assets of Russia and Belarus that have been frozen in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. The bill establishes the Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund to hold tax revenues generated by this bill. Such revenues shall be used for the benefit of Ukraine, including reconstruction and rebuilding efforts, humanitarian assistance, and the fostering of long-term economic growth. The Department of State must direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use U.S. influence to encourage the transfer of capital gains on Russian sovereign assets to Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023
This resolution honors the service, sacrifice, and contributions of Texas veterans and their families. The resolution also expresses that the House of Representatives commits to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that veterans are provided timely care and applicable benefits and compensation as a result of their service.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1535 East Los Ebanos Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas, as the "1st Lieutenant Andres Zermeno Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023
Farmers Feeding America Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), increases funding for the program, and provides additional delivery options for geographically isolated states (i.e., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam). TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of people with low income by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases a variety of commodities and makes those food products (e.g., canned, frozen, dried, and fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, dairy, and whole-grain and enriched grain products) available to state distributing agencies. The bill increases funding for purchasing commodities under the program. Further, the bill directs USDA to coordinate with geographically isolated states to (1) establish alternative delivery options for allocated commodities, and (2) allow for the states to order commodities through the USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. USDA may also provide geographically isolated states the ability to directly purchase domestically grown food in lieu of receiving a portion of the commodities. Under this option, USDA may distribute as cash to the state up to 20% of the cash value of the commodities that are allocated to the state under TEFAP. Further, USDA may consider additional factors beyond lowest price in determining winning bids for contracts for fresh produce packages (including product variety and transportation distance).
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2023 This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Further, it expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should continue to raise awareness of and support programs to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that James Lewis, John Willis Menard, Pinckney B.S. Pinchback, and Josiah Thomas Walls (1) won election to the House during Reconstruction, (2) were wrongly denied the right to take their seats as Members, and (3) should be recognized as former Members. The resolution also expresses the sense of the House that an oil on canvas honoring James Lewis, John Willis Menard, Pinckney B.S. Pinchback, and Josiah Thomas Walls should be displayed in the House connecting corridor (first floor).
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023
All Students Count Act of 2023 This bill requires the results of student academic assessments to be disaggregated within each state, local educational agency, and school by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups. In particular, the Asian American category must include Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Thai, Taiwanese, Burmese, Bangladeshi, and Nepalese subgroups, and, to the greatest extent practicable, additional subgroups such as the lu Mien and Montagnards. The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander category must include Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, iTaukei, and Marshallese, and, to the greatest extent practicable, additional subgroups such as the Chuukese and Palauan. The Department of Education must develop guidance related to whether and when these reporting requirements will yield statistically reliable information. Such guidance shall help to inform the minimum number of students that will maximize data reporting for each major racial and ethnic group.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023
This resolution honors the memories of the victims who were killed in the antisemitic attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2018. The resolution also condemns rising antisemitism.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023
Empowering Striking Workers Act of 2023 This bill allows workers engaged in a labor dispute to receive unemployment compensation. It also exempts such workers from the requirement that they be available to work and are actively seeking work.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023
Court Legal Access and Student Support Act of 2023 or the CLASS Act of 2023 This bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from restricting students' ability to pursue claims against IHEs in court. In addition, the bill makes mandatory arbitration agreements inapplicable to enrollment agreements between students and IHEs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023
VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2023 This bill requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to include on the Uniform Residential Loan Application (i.e., Fannie Mae Form 1003/ Freddie Mac Form 65) a disclosure that (1) notifies applicants with military service that they may qualify for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan, and (2) directs applicants to consult their lender regarding eligibility. Not later than 18 months after the enactment of the bill, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on whether at least 80% of lenders using the loan application form have met this requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023
This resolution calls on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during its October 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution (1) condemns Hamas for attacking Israel, taking hostages, and for threats made against hostages; (2) demands that Hamas immediately release hostages; (3) recognizes that hostage-taking is a violation of international humanitarian law; and (4) expresses sympathy to the hostages, wounded, deceased, and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023
United Negro College Fund, Inc. Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the United Negro College Fund, Inc. and its member institutions in recognition of its 80th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023
Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 This bill provides environmental and educational resources to public elementary and secondary schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide climate capital facilities grants to eligible entities (e.g., public schools and BIE schools). Grant recipients must use these funds to construct new, or convert existing facilities into, healthy zero-carbon schools. Healthy zero-carbon school refers to a school with highly energy-efficient facilities that produce or procure sufficient carbon-free and pollution-free renewable energy to meet the school's needs. The bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award resource block grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to hire and retain educators and staff in high-need schools. ED must award grants to eligible consortia of LEAs for educational equity planning and implementation. ED must establish the Climate Change Resiliency Program to increase the resiliency of public and BIE schools during climate change-related events, natural disasters, and public health crises. Further, ED must establish a related grant program for state educational agencies. Grant recipients must use these funds for certain activities (e.g., green infrastructure projects). The bill establishes the Office of Sustainable Schools within ED to (1) administer the resource block grant and educational equity grant programs, and (2) coordinate with specified agencies and the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy on climate capital facilities grants and the Climate Change Resiliency Program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023 This bill addresses harassment at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires each IHE to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment on the basis of a student's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, a sex stereotype, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits), disability, or religion. In addition, the Department of Education may award grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; or (3) educate and train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023
Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act or the MORE Act This bill decriminalizes marijuana. Specifically, it removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. The bill also makes other changes, including the following: replaces statutory references to marijuana and marihuana with cannabis , requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to regularly publish demographic data on cannabis business owners and employees, establishes a trust fund to support various programs and services for individuals and businesses in communities impacted by the war on drugs, imposes an excise tax on cannabis products produced in or imported into the United States and an occupational tax on cannabis production facilities and export warehouses, makes Small Business Administration loans and services available to entities that are cannabis-related legitimate businesses or service providers, prohibits the denial of federal public benefits to a person on the basis of certain cannabis-related conduct or convictions, prohibits the denial of benefits and protections under immigration laws on the basis of an event (e.g., conduct or conviction) relating to possession or use of cannabis that is no longer prohibited under the bill, establishes a process to expunge convictions and conduct sentencing review hearings related to federal cannabis offenses, and directs the Government Accountability Office to study the societal impact of cannabis legalization.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023
This resolution recognizes the need for screening and treating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. The resolution also encourages all individuals in the United States to know their LDL-C number. High levels of LDL-C increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023
This resolution honors the Thai garment workers who were freed from the El Monte, California, sweatshop in 1995 and the many legal, cultural, and policy changes that resulted from the sweatshop case. The resolution also recognizes the individuals who continue to fight against exploitative working conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023
This resolution expresses that it is the duty of the federal government to develop a restaurant worker bill of rights, which includes the rights to (1) a thriving life, (2) healing and rest, (3) a safe and dignified workplace, (4) health care and bodily autonomy, and (5) participation in governance. The resolution also specifies how the federal government should implement these rights.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, expresses appreciation for the U.S. Postal Service having issued a special Representative John R. Lewis stamp, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023
John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state; 10 or more violations occurred, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself; or 3 or more violations occurred and the state administers the elections. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as redistricting. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the extent of any history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month and encourages the President to support access to innovative therapies for the disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder than can lead to pain, anemia, infections, and stroke.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023
This resolution supports the designation of National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness (NAIRHHA) Day. The resolution also recognizes the importance of dedicating more attention and resources to addressing HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis in African immigrant and refugee communities across the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023
No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023
No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023
Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing, subject to civil penalties. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment. The bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including if such animal testing (1) is conducted outside the United States to comply with a foreign regulatory authority; (2) is pursuant to a specified finding that there are no nonanimal alternatives to test the safety of a potentially dangerous cosmetic product or ingredient; (3) is of a product or ingredient for a drug or device subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (4) is required for a noncosmetic purpose pursuant to a state, federal, or foreign regulatory authority. Further, no animal-testing evidence may be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic product or ingredient that is regulated by the FDA after the effective date of this bill, subject to limited exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023
Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits to Save Lives Act or the WORK to Save Lives Act This bill directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to take actions to make opioid overdose reversal medications available in workplaces. Specifically, OSHA must issue regulations that require federal agencies to acquire and maintain opioid overdose reversal medications and annually train employees on the use of the medications. OSHA must also issue nonmandatory guidance to private employers on the same topics.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2023
Time Off to Vote Act This bill requires an employer, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. The employer may determine the two-hour period, excluding any lunch break or other break. Taking such leave shall not result in the employee losing accrued employment benefits. The bill makes it unlawful for an employer to interfere with the right to take such leave or for an employer to discriminate against an employee for taking such leave. Further, the bill makes it unlawful for any employer to retaliate against an employee for (1) opposing any practice made unlawful by this bill; (2) filing a charge, or instituting or causing to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this bill; or (3) testifying or preparing to testify in an inquiry or proceeding relating to such leave. The bill specifies penalties for employers who violate these provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2023
Building Unity through Dual Sponsors Resolution or the BUDS Resolution This bill permits two Members of the House of Representatives to jointly sponsor legislation if one is from the majority party and one is from the minority party. Under current House rules, only one Member may serve as the sponsor for a piece of legislation, though additional Members may serve as cosponsors.
United States · United States Congress · 29 August 2023
This concurrent resolution (1) recognizes the 133 years of significant and meaningful contributions the 1890 Institutions (i.e., historically Black universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890) have made to the United States, (2) supports the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies to build stronger partnerships with such institutions, and (3) commits to working in a bipartisan way to address the past funding and program inequities of such institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
This resolution recognizes and thanks the 25th Army Corps of the Union Army for their role in capturing Galveston, Texas, on June 5, 1865, and liberating thousands of enslaved people prior to the arrival of General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
Voters on the Move Registration Act of 2023 This bill requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to develop, and specified agencies to distribute, a statement providing individuals with information on how to register to vote and their voting rights. This information must be provided to individuals upon their participation in certain rental assistance programs or application for certain residential mortgages.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
People Over Long Lines Act or the POLL Act This bill sets forth provisions related to voting and the administration of federal elections. Specifically, the bill requires states to ensure that voters wait no more than 30 minutes at any polling place to cast their vote in a federal election, establishes a private right of action for voters who experience longer waiting times, and directs the Election Assistance Commission to make payments to eligible states to prevent unreasonable waiting times. Next, the bill requires each state to provide for the minimum required number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources for each polling location on the day of any federal election and each day of early voting. The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division must issue uniform standards regarding the minimum number and distribution of such systems, workers, and other resources. The bill also prohibits a chief state election administration official from taking an active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any federal election over which the official has supervisory authority, with certain exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
Youth Voting Rights Act This bill expands voting access for youth. Specifically, the bill establishes a private right of action to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on age. Further, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment against age-based restrictions for voting by mail. Additionally, the bill directs each state to designate as voter registration agencies all offices within public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that provide assistance to students, implement a preregistration process to allow minors who are 16 years or older to register to vote in federal elections that take place when or after the preregistered individual turns age 18, and ensure the availability of polling places on campuses of IHEs (with the availability of waivers). The bill prohibits durational residency requirements for voting in all federal elections. Currently, this prohibition applies only to voting for the offices of President and Vice President. States and local jurisdictions with voter identification requirements must treat IHE-issued student identification cards as voter identification. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make grants to states to increase the involvement of individuals under age 18 in public election activities. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on trends related to voter registration, absentee voting, and provisional voting. The EAC must also collect and make publicly available certain data from states.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
Sustaining Our Democracy Act This bill establishes and provides funds through FY2033 for the State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund for purposes of promoting election activities. Specifically, the bill establishes the Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program, through which the Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation (also established by this bill) shall make allocations to states for carrying out democracy promotion activities. These activities include improving the administration of federal elections, recruiting and training nonpartisan election officials and poll workers, and increasing voting access. The bill requires each state, in order to receive allocated funds, to (1) submit a plan for approval that describes how the state will distribute resources and carry out democracy promotion activities, and (2) establish uniform and nondiscriminatory state-based administrative complaint procedures. The bill prohibits states from using funds for certain activities, including any activity that diminishes the ability of any eligible voter to participate in the electoral process.