Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Disapproving of the waiver of sanctions on Iran submitted to Congress on September 11, 2023.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Rape Kit Backlog Progress Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act This bill provides FY2024 appropriations for the salaries and expenses of certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees who are required to work during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown) in FY2024. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to CBP for the salaries and expenses of agents of the U.S. Border Patrol and officers of the Office of Field Operations who are excepted from furlough (i.e., required to work) during a lapse in discretionary appropriations in FY2024. 

Preventing Ethnic Cleansing and Atrocities in Nagorno-Karabakh Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023

Stop Campus Hazing Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Stop Campus Hazing Act This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs to report hazing incidents. Specifically, the bill requires each IHE to disclose hazing incidents that were reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies in its annual security report. The bill defines the term hazing to mean any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person against a student (regardless of that student's willingness to participate), that (1) is connected with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and (2) causes or is likely to contribute to a substantial risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the IHE or the organization, of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation. In addition, each IHE must develop and distribute as part of its annual security report a statement of policy regarding the following: (1) a comprehensive program to prevent hazing, which must include information on hazing awareness and hazing prevention; and (2) the IHE's current campus policies on hazing, which must include procedures that comply with specified collection and reporting requirements.

Designating the week of September 24 through September 30, 2023, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

This resolution designates an annual Gold Star Families Remembrance Week and recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans' families and the families of members of the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend freedom and protect the United States.

FACE Act Repeal Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

FACE Act Repeal Act of 2023 This bill repeals provisions of federal criminal law that prohibit conduct intended to injure, intimidate, or interfere with persons who are seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services.

VA Emergency Transportation Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023

SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023

SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act This bill increases resource limits used to determine eligibility for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI is a federal assistance program that provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Specifically, the bill increases the resource limits from $2,000 to $10,000 for individuals and from $3,000 to $20,000 for married couples. The bill annually adjusts the limits for inflation.

CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023

CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act This bill prohibits a Federal Reserve bank from offering products or services directly to an individual, maintaining an account on behalf of an individual, or issuing a central bank digital currency (i.e., a digital dollar) directly or indirectly to an individual. Further, The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee are prohibited from using a central bank digital currency to implement monetary policy.

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023

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.

Safeguarding Endangered Children, Unaccompanied and at Risk of Exploitation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023

Safeguarding Endangered Children, Unaccompanied and at Risk of Exploitation Act of 2023 or SECURE Act of 2023 This bill requires regular reports to Congress detailing the status of unaccompanied non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) children. The bill also rescinds certain funding for the agencies responsible for the report for each day that a report is late. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation must jointly report to Congress every 60 days on such children that have been in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) since January 1, 2021, and have been released to a parent, family member, or sponsor within the United States. This report must provide each child’s age, sex, location, and detail the child’s health and well-being. Additionally, the report must provide specified information about adults living in the child’s home, such as whether adults in the home have been subject to a fingerprint-based check of national crime information databases. The report must also specify the number of children that ORR has tried to contact without success on at least three separate attempts. The report must be provided for up to three years or until all of the specified children have been accounted for.  The bill also rescinds certain funding from HHS, DHS, and the FBI for each day that a report is late. Up to $10 million may be rescinded from each agency for each fiscal year. 

Crucial Communism Teaching Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2023

Crucial Communism Teaching Act This bill directs the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to develop a civic education curriculum and oral history resources for high school students to promote understanding of certain political ideologies (e.g., communism and totalitarianism) that conflict with principles of U.S. democracy.

Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023

Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the federal government from using certain federally administered lands to provide housing to any non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who have not been admitted into the United States. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to any land under the administrative jurisdiction of the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service.

Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023

Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023

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.

Honoring the efforts of the Coast Guard for excellence in maritime border security.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This resolution acknowledges members of the Coast Guard for providing maritime border security and congratulates them on their service.

Public Housing Fire Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Public Housing Fire Safety Act This bill creates a grant program, to be administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for public housing agencies to install automatic sprinkler systems in certain public housing projects.

Tax Fairness for Workers Act

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).

To direct the Secretary of State to take certain actions for the declassification and publication of materials relating to the Afghanistan withdrawal, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This bill requires the Department of State to make certain information regarding the 2021 withdrawal of U.S. personnel from Afghanistan available to Congress and to the public. Specifically, the State Department must provide Congress with the July 13, 2021, dissent channel cable regarding the likely consequences of a U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the official State Department response to the cable. (The dissent channel is a tool that foreign service officers may use to communicate alternative or dissenting views about foreign policy matters with senior State Department officials. ) The unredacted cable and official response must be provided to Congress within five days of the bill's enactment, except that the names of the cable signatories may be redacted. The bill also requires the State Department to complete a declassification review of (1) the dissent channel cable and official response, and (2) the after-action review developed with respect to the Afghanistan withdrawal. After determining what information may be declassified, the State Department must publish such information online within 60 days of the bill's enactment.  

Expressing support for the people of Afghanistan, condemning the Taliban's assault on human rights and the specific targeting of women, girls, and members of religious and ethnic minorities, and expressing support for any Afghans who assisted in the United States mission in Afghanistan.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023

This resolution condemns the Taliban’s ongoing human rights abuses against women and girls, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and members of other vulnerable groups in Afghanistan. It also encourages the Department of State to consider determining whether the Taliban have committed crimes against humanity in connection to their treatment of women and girls.

Expressing opposition to Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2023

This resolution disapproves of the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City and strongly recommends that (1) New York conduct an economic impact report on the program, and (2) relevant federal agencies and New York halt the program's implementation. The tolling program, also known as congestion pricing, will charge drivers a toll to enter an area designated as Manhattan's central business district.

PFAS Alternatives Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Urging the European Union to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

This resolution applauds and expresses support for the continued cooperation between the United States and the European Union in thwarting Hezbollah's terrorist activities. It also urges the European Union to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization.

To amend title 40, United States Code, to prohibit the Administrator of General Services from constructing or acquiring public buildings or entering into leases based on the legality or availability of abortion, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023

Cambodia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

Safeguarding Domestic Energy Production and Independence Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

ACE Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

American Confidence in Elections Act or the ACE Act This bill addresses election administration and security, campaign finance, and other related provisions. Specifically, the bill directs the Election Assistance Commission's (EAC's) Standards Board and Local Leadership Council to issue voluntary considerations for states about various aspects of election administration. Additionally, the bill  reduces certain election assistance payments for states and local jurisdictions that allow noncitizens to vote; requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to observe the administration procedures of federal elections; prohibits federal agencies from using funds made available for salaries and expenses to solicit or enter into agreements with nongovernmental organizations to conduct voter registration or voter mobilization activities on the agency's property or website;   prohibits federal funds for election administration for states that allow ballot harvesting, with exceptions; establishes various requirements for elections in the District of Columbia; makes various changes to the EAC; and prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or donations in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda. The bill also establishes the Twentieth Amendment Section Four Panel, which must recommend to Congress model legislation to resolve any vacancy created by the death of a candidate in a contingent presidential or vice-presidential election. The bill makes changes to campaign finance, including by (1) repealing limits on coordinated party expenditures, and (2) prohibiting federal funds from being used to make payments in support of a congressional election campaign. It also makes changes to the Federal Election Commission.

Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Expressing support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

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

Countering China’s Exploitation of Strategic Metals and Minerals and Child and Forced Labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

Countering China’s Exploitation of Strategic Metals and Minerals and Child and Forced Labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Act This bill prohibits the importation of goods containing metals or minerals (particularly cobalt, lithium, and their derivatives) that are mined, produced, smelted, or processed by child labor or forced labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It also requires certain federal actions to address this issue. The prohibition does not apply if U.S. Customs and Border Protection (1) determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the goods were not made with child labor or forced labor; and (2) submits to Congress a report containing such a determination (and makes this report publicly available). The bill requires the President to annually report to Congress on each foreign person determined to have (1) knowingly engaged in child labor or forced labor in DRC's mining industry, and (2) knowingly engaged in efforts to contravene U.S. law regarding the importation of covered DRC goods. The President must impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions against each identified foreign person. The bill requires  the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to submit to Congress a report containing an enforcement strategy for effectively addressing child labor and forced labor in DRC's mining industry, the Department of State to submit to Congress a strategy for addressing child labor and forced labor in DRC's mining industry, and the U.S. Agency for International Development to increase efforts to prevent child labor and forced labor in DRC's mining industry.  

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

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

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

Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

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

Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023

This resolution declares that it is the policy of the United States (1) to use all means necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and (2) to support the freedom of action of partners and allies to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Nicaragua Political Prisoner Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023

Nicaragua Political Prisoner Support Act This bill provides various immigration-related benefits to certain Nicaraguan nationals who are in the United States as part of a political prisoner release. Specifically, such individuals shall be eligible to receive (1) certain benefits that are available to admitted refugees, such as resettlement assistance; (2) certain assistance available to refugee children; and (3) a driver's license or identification card. An eligible individual is a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who (1) is a citizen or national of Nicaragua (or an individual with no nationality who had resided in Nicaragua), (2) arrived in the United States on February 9, 2023, as part of a political prisoner release, (3) received a two-year humanitarian parole from the U.S. government, and (4) has completed the relevant security and law enforcement background checks. The parent, spouse, or child of such an eligible individual shall also be eligible for benefits under this bill.

ISLET Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Increase Support for Life-saving Endocrine Transplantation Act or the ISLET Act This bill removes pancreatic islets that are donated from human cadavers from regulation as a drug or biological product by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (Islets are groups of cells, including those that make insulin, in the pancreas, and islet transplantation is an experimental treatment for certain conditions, such as type 1 diabetes.) Current FDA guidance treats pancreatic islets as a biological product, which makes them subject to the biological license application process and related standards for manufacturing practices, safety, identity, purity, and potency. The bill, instead, treats human cadaveric islets as organs, which makes them subject to the regulatory framework that governs the allocation, safety, and efficacy of organ donation and transplantation. That framework, developed by the Health Resources and Services Administration, is carried out by contract through the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. (The network is a public-private partnership that links the professionals involved in the U.S. donation and transplantation system.) Specifically, the bill defines human cadaveric islets as organs and excludes them from definitions related to the regulation of drugs and biological products.

Celebrating the historic anniversary of the June 24, 2022, decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

This resolution commemorates one year since the Supreme Court's holding in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (that there is no constitutional right to abortion). The resolution also commits to protecting the right to life.

ARC Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act of 2023 or the ARC Act of 2023 This bill provides for coverage of peripheral artery disease screening tests without cost-sharing under Medicare and Medicaid for certain at-risk individuals. It also requires the development of certain educational programs, a payment model, and Medicare quality measures to reduce amputations relating to such disease.

REPO for Ukrainians Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act or the REPO for Ukrainians Act This bill requires or authorizes various actions related to the confiscation and disposition of Russian sovereign assets (which include funds and other property of Russia's central bank, direct investment fund, or ministry of finance). Under the bill, the President must require U.S. financial institutions to notify the Department of the Treasury of any Russian sovereign assets located at such institutions. The President may confiscate any such assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Confiscated funds and the proceeds of liquidated property must be deposited into the Ukraine Support Fund established by the bill. The Ukraine Support Fund shall be used by the Department of State to compensate Ukraine for damages caused by the Russian invasion. The Ukraine Support Fund may also support an international body or mechanism for (1) reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in Ukraine, (2) humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people, or (3) other purposes which support the recovery of Ukraine and the welfare of the Ukrainian people. The bill also directs the President to seek to establish, with foreign partners, an international mechanism to provide compensation to Ukraine using the Ukraine Support Fund and Russian sovereign assets confiscated by foreign partners. Additionally, the bill sets policy on related topics, such as specifying that the United States should lead an international sanctions regime to freeze Russian sovereign assets in conjunction with allies and partners.

To designate the area between the intersections of International Drive, Northwest and Van Ness Street, Northwest and International Drive, Northwest and International Place, Northwest in Washington, District of Columbia, as "Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

This bill designates the area between the intersections of International Drive, NW, and Van Ness Street, NW, and International Drive, NW, and International Place, NW, in Washington, DC, as Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard. The bill also specifies that the address of the Chinese embassy (3505 International Place, NW) shall be redesignated as 1 Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard.

Payment Choice Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Payment Choice Act of 202 3 This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less, and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Make American Flags in America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.

Fair and Open Skies Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Fair and Open Skies Act This bill amends the policy considerations the Department of Transportation (DOT) must take into account when issuing a foreign air carrier permit. (This allows foreign air carriers to operate in U.S. air space.) DOT must consider preventing the undermining of labor standards when determining whether the foreign air transportation will be in the public interest. Further, the bill amends the requirements for the Department of State and DOT in formulating U.S. international air transportation policy. Under current law, the State Department and DOT must develop a negotiating policy emphasizing the greatest degree of competition compatible with a well-functioning international air transportation system and include specific considerations; this is amended to also include preventing the undermining of labor standards.

Safe Skies Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023

Safe Skies Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to modify a specified DOT final rule relating to flight crew member duty and rest requirements. Specifically, DOT must modify the rule so that the requirements apply to all-cargo flight crew members to the same extent that they apply to flight crew members in passenger operations conducted by air carriers.

Jackie Walorski Enhancing Necessary Data on Illegal School Bus Passing Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Jackie Walorski Enhancing Necessary Data on Illegal School Bus Passing Act This bill addresses various issues related to illegal passing of stopped school buses. For example, the bill requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to  establish a grant program for demonstration projects to monitor and collect data on illegal passing of stopped school buses, produce and distribute a national public safety messaging campaign concerning the dangers of illegal passing of stopped school buses, and modify certain educational materials to include more information on the dangers of illegal passing of stopped school buses and the importance of enforcing laws against it. The bill also requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the National Conference of State Legislatures, to develop model legislation to address incidents of illegal passing of stopped school buses.  

Small Business Paperwork Savings Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Small Business Paperwork Savings Act This bill increases from $600 to $5,000 the threshold for reporting income for tax purposes.

Securing Our Airspace from Reconnaissance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Neighborhood Homes Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

Neighborhood Homes Investment Act This bill allows a business-related tax credit for certain development costs for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or remediation of qualified real property (i.e., real property affixed on a permanent foundation and comprised of four or fewer residential units, a condominium unit, or a house or apartment owned by a cooperative housing corporation). The bill also provides for the exclusion from gross income, for income tax purposes, of the value of any subsidy provided to a taxpayer by any state energy office for purposes of improvements made to a qualified residence.