United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act or the Unhoused VOTE Act This bill expands voter registration and voting access for unhoused individuals. The bill specifies that no state or political subdivision may deny or abridge the right of any U.S. citizen to vote because the citizen resides at or in a nontraditional abode. Additionally, the bill requires jurisdictions that allow for ballot drop boxes to ensure that these drop boxes are available for in-person use and are accessible and clearly labeled. If a state requires individuals to show proof of residence in order to vote in a federal election, then the state must accept the individual’s written attestation of residence. A state may not prohibit an individual who is residing in a homeless shelter from using the shelter as the individual’s residence for purposes of voting in a federal election. The bill requires chief state election officials to conduct outreach to unhoused individuals. The bill directs the Election Assistance Commission to (1) develop best practices for election officials regarding voter registration and voting access for unhoused individuals, and (2) make grants to eligible states and local governments for programs and activities to support access to voting for unhoused individuals. The bill also revises the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, including by (1) treating emergency shelters as voter registration agencies, and (2) allowing an unhoused individual to use an unsheltered street location as the individual's place of residence for purposes of a voter registration application.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023
Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act or the Expanding the VOTE Act This bill expands access to voting materials for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language. Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) requires covered states and political subdivisions to provide voting materials and other language assistance to persons who are American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Natives, or of Spanish heritage and whose ability to speak or understand English limits electoral participation. A state or political subdivision that is subject to Section 203 is prohibited from providing English-only voting materials in an election. Among other requirements, this bill (1) requires the Department of Justice to issue a notice of prohibition, including the trigger threshold at which the prohibition applies, to certain states and political subdivisions; and (2) requires covered states and political subdivisions to provide written translations of all voting materials, with the consent of any applicable tribal government, to election workers. Additionally, the bill requires the Election Assistance Commission to make incentive grants for states and political subdivisions to provide translated voting materials. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the impact of (1) reducing the threshold requirement under Section 203 of the VRA, and (2) expanding the definition of language minorities to include native speakers of additional languages.
United States · United States Congress · 22 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 · 18 August 2023
This resolution calls on the Senate to remove the name of Richard B. Russell from the Russell Senate Office Building and revert to the building's original name—the Old Senate Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2023
Original Resolution Honoring John Brown This resolution acknowledges and honors John Brown (1800-1859) for his relentless endeavors in his pursuit of liberty for all human beings, his unyielding opposition to the institution of slavery, and his significant role in the abolition of slavery.
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2023
Original Open for Business Act of 2023 This bill requires each branch location of a depository institution with in-person customer service to remain open until 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and for a minimum of four hours on Saturdays.
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2023
This resolution recognizes the work and legacy of seven Black publications in Houston, Texas, and acknowledges their role in elevating voices and shaping narratives within the African-American community and society at large.
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2023
Original Slavery Remembrance Day Memorialization Resolution This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that (1) Congress should hold an annual commemorative event at a location in the U.S. Capitol Complex to revere, honor, and remember the victims of slavery; and (2) similar commemorative events should be held throughout the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2023
This resolution condemns racism and invidious discrimination as evil and antithetical to the U.S. Constitution and declares unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination in America. (Invidious discrimination generally refers to discrimination based on a classification that is arbitrary or irrational and not related to a legitimate purpose.) The resolution also expresses the intention of the House of Representatives to pass legislation establishing a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation. The department shall be charged with developing and coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and invidious discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 2023
Original Open for Business Act of 2023 This bill requires each branch location of a depository institution with in-person customer service to remain open until 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and for a minimum of four hours on Saturdays.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023
Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution This joint resolution designates a Slavery Remembrance Day annually and condemns slavery and its progenies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2023
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1106 Main Street in Bastrop, Texas, as the "Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Enhancement for Haitian Prosperity Act of 2023 or the HOPE for Haitian Prosperity Act of 2023 This bill extends trade preferences for certain U.S. imports of textile and apparel products from Haiti. Specifically, the bill extends through FY2035 the special duty-free rules for Haiti. It also extends through December 19, 2035, the duty-free treatment provided for certain apparel products assembled in and imported from Haiti. Furthermore, the bill also expands the definition of core labor standards to include a safe and healthy work environment. (Generally, in order to qualify for preferential treatment, the goods must come from a producer that complies with specified core labor standards. Currently, these core labor standards pertain to freedom of association, recognizing collective bargaining rights, eliminating forced labor, abolishing child labor, and eliminating employment discrimination.) Any interested party may file a request to have individual producers reviewed for compliance with the core labor standards and with Haitian labor standards and laws. The bill also requires the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to provide technical assistance to Haitian government agencies, employers, labor unions, and others to increase and diversify exports to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education for Autumn Act of 2023 or the SHINE for Autumn Act of 2023 This bill authorizes grants and establishes other programs to improve data collection on stillbirths. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants for surveillance and data collection on stillbirths, and HHS must issue guidelines for health departments and vital statistics units concerning the collection of stillbirth data. HHS must also develop educational awareness materials about stillbirths and make them publicly available. Furthermore, HHS must implement a fellowship program to provide training in perinatal autopsy pathology and otherwise support research on stillbirths and fetal autopsies. The bill also requires HHS to issue a report with educational guidelines on stillbirths and stillbirth risk factors.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2023 or the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023 This bill modifies enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act, including by allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring civil actions against violators of the act for appropriate relief, such as removing animals, revoking violators' licenses, or issuing civil penalties. DOJ must use the penalties to pay for the temporary care for animals pending the disposition of civil or criminal proceedings that allege violations of the act with respect to such animals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Tax Fairness for Workers Act This bill allows an above-the-line tax deduction for union dues and expenses. (An above-the-line deduction is subtracted from gross income and is available whether or not a taxpayer itemizes other deductions.) The bill also reinstates the miscellaneous itemized tax deduction for unreimbursed expenses attributable to the performance of services as an employee (Under current law, all miscellaneous itemized deductions are suspended through 2025).
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2023 This bill provides support for long-term improvements to public elementary and secondary school facilities. First, the bill sets forth allocations to states and establishes a need-based grant program for local educational agencies (LEAs) to improve school facilities. Further, the bill specifies allowable uses of grant funds, including carrying out major repairs, improving indoor air quality, and making facilities accessible to disabled individuals. Additionally, the bill requires LEAs that receive funds for new construction, modernization, or renovation projects to comply with hazard-resistance building codes and performance criteria under the WaterSense program of the Environmental Protection Agency. Further, the bill requires such LEAs to adopt certain green practices (environmental standards) and requires the use of iron, steel, and manufactured products that are made in the United States (Buy America). The bill restores school infrastructure tax credit bonds. The bill also sets forth reporting requirements, including annual reports on grant program projects and a report by the Government Accountability Office that requires a study of the geographic distribution of projects, the impact of selected projects on student and staff health and safety, and the accessibility of projects to high-poverty schools. The bill also establishes the Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability within the Department of Education. Next, the bill extends through FY2028 the Impact Aid Construction program. Finally, the bill establishes a grant program to assist LEAs with repairing or replacing concrete foundations affected by pyrrhotite (an iron sulfide material linked to crumbling foundations).
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
This concurrent resolution opposes actions that undermine Israel's future as a Jewish, democratic state. The resolution expresses that democracy is at the core of the special relationship between the United States and Israel, and that Congress stands with all Israelis seeking to defend liberal democracy, judicial review, and independent political institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023
Break the Cycle of Violence Act This bill establishes federal grant programs and related entities to support violence intervention initiatives. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants for coordinated community violence intervention initiatives in communities disproportionately impacted by homicides and community violence. HHS must also establish several related entities, including an Office of Community Violence Intervention to administer programs and activities related to violence intervention; the Community Violence Intervention Advisory Committee to advise and assist the office and HHS; and the National Community Violence Response Center to provide training and technical assistance, coordinate research, and develop data collection policies. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Labor to award grants for job training and workforce programs in communities disproportionately affected by gun violence to connect youth ages 16 to 24 to in-demand occupations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023
South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award supplemental grants to states for heart-disease research and awareness among communities disproportionately affected by heart disease, including the South Asian population of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023
This resolution condemns racist education and revisionist history as it relates to U.S. history and African American history. The resolution condemns racist education on all fronts, calls upon Members of Congress to denounce the racist tropes found in Florida’s new African American history standards for elementary and secondary school students, pledges to advocate for education that tells the full narrative of U.S. history and African American history, rejects the decision to downplay the horror of slavery in the United States, promotes the dignity of African American youth by allowing them to learn the accurate historical account of their ancestors and the hardships they faced, rejects the decision to rewrite history to ingrain white supremacy into the minds of children, and urges the Florida Board of Education to immediately reverse its decision and promulgate new African American history standards that are free of inaccurate racist tropes and the assertion that Black people could find slavery beneficial.
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.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023
This joint resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, was ratified by more than three-fourths of the states and is therefore a valid constitutional amendment, effective January 27, 2020 (the date of Virginia's ratification). The Equal Rights Amendment was originally proposed to the states in 1972. The original proposal included a deadline for ratification of March 22, 1979; Congress subsequently extended the deadline to June 30, 1982. Although the requisite 38 states have ratified the amendment, three of these states did so after the deadlines, and five states subsequently rescinded their ratifications. The status of the amendment has been the subject of litigation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023
Social Security 2100 Act This bill modifies the Social Security system, particularly with respect to benefit calculations, fund administration, and beneficiary resources. For example, the bill temporarily increases the primary insurance amount for Social Security benefits for all individuals (from 90% of a certain portion of average indexed monthly earnings to 93%). It also modifies benefit calculations for certain individuals, including by temporarily (1) increasing benefits for widows or widowers in two-income households; and (2) allowing children of a deceased, disabled, or retired worker to remain eligible for benefits through age 25 if they are full-time students. Additionally, the bill temporarily eliminates (1) the government pension offset , which reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own; and (2) the windfall elimination provision , which reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. The bill also modifies the financing and administration of the Social Security trust funds. For example, the bill (1) subjects income over $400,000 to Social Security payroll taxes, and (2) combines the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund into a single Social Security Trust Fund. Finally, the bill establishes requirements relating to Social Security services and resources, including by prohibiting the closure of field offices unless certain conditions are met (e.g., public hearings).
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids. In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services. Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023
Low-Income First-Time Homebuyers Act of 2023 or the LIFT Homebuyers Act of 2023 This bill establishes a program to provide fixed-rate 20-year mortgages for first-time, first-generation homebuyers whose incomes do not exceed a certain amount. These mortgages must be offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Rural Housing Service (RHS). Pricing terms must be established (1) such that monthly mortgage payments under this program are similar to a 30-year FHA- or RHS-backed mortgage, or (2) as are determined to be necessary to develop liquidity for securities backed by covered mortgage loans and expand program participation by eligible homebuyers. Additionally, program funds must be transferred to the Department of the Treasury for the purchase of securities backed by such mortgages.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023
This resolution calls on the government of Venezuela to immediately release Eyvin Hernandez, a U.S. citizen and Los Angeles County public defender, from unjust imprisonment. The resolution urges the President and other U.S. government officials to continue raising the Eyvin Hernandez case to Venezuela and to press for his immediate release. The resolution also expresses support for all American citizens wrongfully detained in Venezuela.
United States · United States Congress · 3 July 2023
Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2023 This bill renames the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act as the Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023
The Original Resolution Recognizing Al Edwards as the Father of Juneteenth This resolution recognizes former Texas State Representative Al Edwards as the father of Juneteenth and shows appreciation for his work to garner recognition for the day.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution; (2) LGBTQIA+ Pride Month should be celebrated; and (3) all Americans should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation, sex characteristics, or gender identity.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
This resolution expresses support for (1) equal rights and protections for all people, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics; and (2) the designation of LGBTQI+ Equality Day to commemorate Supreme Court decisions handed down on June 26 in 2003, 2013, and 2015. The resolution also acknowledges the need for further legislation to ensure that people in the United States are free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives (1) demonstrates solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, (2) recognizes the importance of the Islamic faith, and (3) wishes Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world who observe Eid al-Adha a prosperous holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023
Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act of 2023 This bill modifies several tax provisions that refer to married couples to make the provisions equally applicable to legally married same-sex couples.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023
Promoting Respect for Individuals' Dignity and Equality Act of 2023 or the PRIDE Act of 2023 This bill requires the equal treatment of same sex married couples for tax purposes. It permits such couples to amend their filing status to married filing jointly for tax returns outside of the statute of limitations and modifies tax rules relating to married couples to include same sex couples.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
Stop Fentanyl Now Act of 2023 This bill establishes several programs and requirements to address the use of fentanyl and related substances. For example, the bill expands the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program in the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include training and resources for teachers on how to carry and administer opioid overdose reversal drugs (e.g., naloxone). DOJ must also increase resources and establish an interagency task force for law enforcement agencies to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, fentanyl-related, and fentanyl-laced substances. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must develop a national strategy to prevent the use of these substances, award grants to state and localities for treatment programs for those who are addicted to these substances, and research the health effects of these substances. The bill also increases criminal penalties for adulterating or misbranding drugs if the violation results in serious bodily injury or death (imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for violations that result in serious bodily injury, and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $5 million, or both for violations that result in death). Penalties are higher for violations that include the intent to defraud or mislead. The bill adds up to 5 years of additional imprisonment if the violation involves drugs that are promoted or sold online. Furthermore, the bill exempts the possession, sale, or purchase of fentanyl drug testing equipment, including test strips, from criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
LGBTQI+ and Women's History Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution (NMAH) to carry out activities to support LGBTQI+ (sexual and gender minority populations) history and women's history education programs. Specifically, the NMAH must, among other things, carry out the following activities: the development and national dissemination of accurate, relevant, and accessible national resources for classrooms to administer LGBTQI+ and women's history education in an inclusive and intersectional approach; the development, national dissemination, and implementation of principles of sound pedagogy for administering LGBTQI+ and women's history education; the development, operation, and expansion of a teacher fellowship program to cultivate and support leaders in LGBTQI+ and women's history education; and engagement with state and local education leaders to encourage the adoption of resources supported under this bill into curricula across diverse disciplines. In addition to the activities described in this bill, the museum must develop and maintain on its website content designated for educators, students, and families to improve their awareness and understanding of LGBTQI+ and women's history education.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act This bill provides for coverage without prior authorization requirements of annual lung cancer screenings under Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance for individuals for whom screenings are recommended under U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. It also expands Medicaid coverage of counseling and pharmacotherapy for cessation of tobacco use to all individuals, rather than only pregnant women. The Department of Health and Human Services must conduct outreach on the importance of lung cancer screenings and who should be screened, and the Government Accountability Office must report on the demographics of those diagnosed with lung cancer and recommend ways the federal government can improve screenings.
![Official portrait of Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_tx_9_green_al_200.jpg)