United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023
Protecting Americans from Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 This bill permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. The temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act expires on December 31, 2024.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023
Main Street Tax Certainty Act This bill makes permanent the tax deduction for qualified business income. (Under current law, the deduction expires after December 31, 2025.) Qualified business income is defined as the net amount of qualified items of income, gain, deduction and loss with respect to any trade or business, excluding capital gains or losses, dividends, interest income, or income earned outside the U.S.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023
This resolution affirms that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state. The resolution also (1) rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia, and (2) affirms that the United States will always be a staunch partner of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023
Federal Mechanical Insulation Act The bill directs federal agencies to identify energy saving and water saving measures, such as the installation of mechanical insulation property, in certain annual energy and water evaluations of federal buildings. Thus, the bill allows the installation of mechanical insulation property (e.g., thermal insulation) to be considered an energy or water efficiency measure that may be used in federal buildings under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023
Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies various grants, programs, and activities that address substance use and misuse. This includes reauthorizing (1) data collection, education, and surveillance activities; (2) grants and other support for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery; (3) student loan repayment and other programs for the substance use disorder workforce; and (4) programs for addressing trauma, particularly for children, youth, and their families. Generally, the modifications expand programs. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to the scheduling of controlled substances, including by incorporating illicit xylazine (a compound used in veterinary medicine as a nonopioid tranquilizer) into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Further, the bill makes permanent a requirement that Medicaid programs cover medication-assisted treatment for individuals with substance use disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023
Laws Ensuring Safe Shrimp Act or the LESS Act This bill establishes the Inspection and Consumption of Shrimp and Shrimp Products Fund. The fund consists of duties that are collected on shrimp and shrimp products that are imported into the United States. The fund must be used to support (1) the ability of the Food and Drug Administration to inspect imported shrimp and shrimp products in accordance with certain health and safety standards, including with respect to antibiotic contaminations and fair labor standards; and (2) the Department of Agriculture in encouraging the domestic consumption of shrimp.
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023
Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023 This bill limits the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with regard to regulating emissions standards for new motor vehicles. Specifically, the EPA is prohibited from prescribing a regulation related to new motor vehicle emissions standards that (1) mandates the use of any specific technology, or (2) results in limited availability of new motor vehicles based on the type of new motor vehicle engine. Additionally, the bill prohibits the EPA from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the proposed rule titled Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles . Among other purposes, the proposed rule includes more stringent greenhouse gas standards for both light-duty and medium duty vehicles starting with model year 2027.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023
American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Citizen Voter Act This bill prohibits a noncitizen from voting in a District of Columbia election. The prohibition includes any election for public office in the District of Columbia, including a federal office, as well as a ballot initiative or referendum.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023
No Funds for Armed Regulators Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal funds from being expended on the hiring or retention of an armed regulatory enforcement officer for the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, or the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023
Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act This bill prohibits the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from using appropriated funds to purchase, receive, or store any firearm or ammunition. It also requires the IRS to transfer to the General Services Administration (GSA) any firearms or ammunition owned or under the control of the IRS. Within 30 days of such transfer, the GSA must initiate the sale or auction of any firearms to licensed dealers and the auction of any ammunition to the general public. The bill grants the Department of Justice authority over the administration and enforcement of criminal investigations with respect to the sale or transfer of firearms and ammunition.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
Strengthening Manufactured Appliance Requirements towards Thoughtful Energy Efficiency Standards Act or the SMART Energy Efficiency Standards Act This bill modifies the date that regional energy efficiency standards established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) apply to furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps. EPCA applies the standard on the date such products are installed. The bill applies the standard on the date such products are manufactured or imported.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2023
Marc Fogel Act This bill requires the Department of State, in certain cases, to submit information to Congress regarding U.S. nationals who may be detained abroad unlawfully or wrongfully. The bill requires the State Department to submit all case-related documents and communications within 180 days of the initiation of a case review if the department (1) has not made a determination, or (2) has made a determination that there is no credible evidence that the individual is being detained unlawfully or wrongfully.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2023
Citizen Ballot Protection Act This bill allows a state to include on its mail voter registration application form a requirement that the applicant provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
This resolution addresses constitutional concerns related to Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty, which provides for collective action by NATO members when a member is attacked. Specifically, the resolution expresses that, even if the President determines it is necessary to engage U.S. forces in hostilities in order to meet U.S. obligations under Article V, such action does not supersede the constitutional requirement that Congress declare war or authorize the use of military force prior to the United States engaging in hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
This resolution supports observing National Women's Sports Week to recognize the expansion of opportunities for female athletes since the enactment of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and marks the observance of such week with appropriate programs and activities and legislative efforts to protect single-sex sports.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023
No Welfare for the Wealthy Act of 2023 This bill requires all households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to meet the program's income and asset requirements. Federal requirements generally provide two pathways for SNAP financial eligibility. A household may meet program-specific federal eligibility requirements, which include both income eligibility and an asset test. A household may also be automatically or categorically eligible for SNAP based on eligibility for or receiving cash benefits from other specified low-income assistance programs (e.g., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF]). Under this categorical eligibility, households that already meet financial eligibility rules in a program like TANF are not required to go through another financial eligibility determination in SNAP. Further, a majority of states also provide broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), a policy that makes most households with an income below a certain threshold categorically eligible for SNAP. Under BBCE, these states typically make households categorically eligible through receiving or being authorized to receive a minimal non-cash TANF benefit or service (e.g., a pamphlet). A state may set its own BBCE financial eligibility requirements for a household so long as the income requirement is below a certain level. A state's requirements do not have to match SNAP program-specific eligibility requirements. For example, most states that provide BBCE do not have an asset test for SNAP eligibility. The bill requires all SNAP households, including those that qualify under categorical eligibility, to meet the SNAP program's income and asset requirements. These requirements take effect one year after the bill's enactment and do not apply to certification periods that begin before the effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023
U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic Act This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Plano, Texas, as the U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023
Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2023 This bill modifies the appointment procedures and term of service for the Director of the Bureau of Prisons. Currently, the director is appointed by the Attorney General. This bill requires the director to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The bill also limits the director to a single term of 10 years.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023
This resolution recognizes the historical significance to the nation of Juneteenth Independence Day (commemorating the end of slavery in the United States).
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule relating to Federal "Good Neighbor Plan" for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (88 Fed. Reg. 36654) and published on June 5, 2023. The rule ensures that 23 states meet "Good Neighbor" standards required by the Clean Air Act by reducing pollution that significantly contributes to problems attaining and maintaining health-based air quality standards for ground-level ozone in downwind states.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2023 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a grant program to support youth fishing projects. Under the program, NOAA must award grants to nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; state, local, or tribal governments; or Native Hawaiian organizations for conducting youth fishing projects. Funds from the grants must be used for related purposes, such as (1) the purchase or rental of fishing equipment; (2) fees for boats, piers, or other facilities; (3) fishing licenses; and (4) fishing guide costs. In awarding such grants, NOAA must prioritize proposals for projects focused on underserved communities. NOAA must also provide technical assistance related to the youth fishing projects. The bill also requires NOAA to report to Congress regarding (1) the entities that were awarded grants, (2) the amount of funds disbursed, and (3) the activities and number of participants funded by the grants.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
Passport Sanity Act This bill prohibits the Department of State from issuing a passport, passport card, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad with an unspecified (X) gender designation. The State Department must also ensure that applications for such documents include only male and female gender designations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023
Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Quality of Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use an independent and objective outside organization to study the difference in the quality of care between behavioral and mental health care provided by VA providers and care provided by non-VA providers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023
This resolution declares that the life of each human person begins at fertilization and calls upon Congress to enact legislation to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection for unborn children nationwide.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023
U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill modifies and extends certain authorities related to Israel. For example, the bill extends the authorization for the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer certain defense items to Israel; extends the authorization to finance cooperative projects among the United States, Israel, and developing countries related to water resources, agriculture, and energy storage; extends energy cooperation and authorizes the Department of Energy to make grants to Israel to support advanced nuclear technologies, as well as for carbon capture, utilization, and storage; requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to ensure that applicants from Abraham Accord countries are eligible for Middle East Regional Cooperation grants; and requires the Department of State to report to Congress on U.S. diplomatic efforts to oppose politically motivated investigations against the United States and Israel at the International Criminal Court.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023
Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act or the SHIP Act This bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against foreign persons that knowingly transport, process, refine, or otherwise deal in petroleum and petroleum products originating in Iran. These sanctions also extend to certain foreign persons associated with the sanctioned individual, such as adult family members and any entities owned or controlled by the sanctioned individual.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023
Weather Innovation for the Next Generation Act of 2023 or the WING Act of 2023 This bill directs the National Weather Service to establish a temporary research, development, test, and evaluation program to ensure that weather radar detection and prediction capabilities continue to perform despite physical obstructions in their line of sight (e.g., wind turbines).
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2023
This bill generally prohibits Title X grants for family planning services, research, and training from being used for a hotline, website, or other system that provides individuals with counseling and referrals regarding abortion services. However, the prohibition does not apply (1) in cases of rape or incest, or (2) when a physician certifies that the individual suffers from a physical condition that is life-threatening unless an abortion is performed.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2023
Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency Act This bill requires certain executive branch employees to disclose their federal student loan debt in an annual report. The bill's requirement applies to an employee serving in a Senior Executive Service position or a position of a confidential or policy-determining nature (i.e., a Schedule C position). Covered employees must file a report detailing the principal and interest owed on loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, and the Federal Perkins Loan Program. The bill also requires the Office of Government Ethics to submit an annual report to Congress that contains (1) the total amount owed by all covered employees, and (2) the name of any covered employee who failed to report the required information.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023
Digital Dollar Pilot Prevention Act This bill prohibits the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve banks from establishing, carrying out, or approving a program to test the feasibility of issuing a central bank digital currency.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023
Transnational Repression Policy Act This bill seeks to reduce transnational repression (the actions of foreign governments to intimidate, silence, or harm members of diaspora and exile communities to prevent them from exercising their human rights). This bill requires the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons (individuals and entities) that directly engage in transnational repression. This bill also requires the Department of State to develop a strategy to promote initiatives that (1) enhance international awareness of transnational repression; (2) address transnational repression, including by raising the costs of perpetrating repressive activities and by protecting targeted individuals and groups; and (3) conduct outreach to those targeted by foreign governments. Additionally, the State Department and the Department of Justice must provide training to certain individuals (e.g., relevant federal employees and law enforcement partners) on specified aspects of transnational repression. The bill also directs the intelligence community to prioritize, to the extent feasible, the identification of those perpetrating transnational repression against communities in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023
Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2023 This bill prohibits a nonprofit entity from receiving federal funds (and denies a tax exemption) unless the entity certifies compliance with certain federal laws (e.g., laws with respect to human trafficking and smuggling). The bill also establishes reporting requirements, including that the Government Accountability Office must annually report to Congress on those nonprofit entities that do not certify their compliance with these laws. Finally, the bill removes the provision of federal law that exempts nonprofit charitable organizations that provide federal public benefits from having to verify the eligibility of program participants.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2023
No ESG at TSP Act This bill prohibits investments under the Thrift Savings Plan in mutual funds that are based on environmental criteria (e.g., emissions standards), social criteria (e.g., company diversity), political criteria (e.g., political affiliations), or corporate governance criteria that differ from the standards that currently apply under law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023
Primacy Certainty Act of 2023 This bill modifies provisions of the underground injection control program established under the Safe Drinking Water Act related to the review of state applications to obtain responsibility for regulating Class VI wells, which are used to store captured carbon. The bill sets forth a process to give states primary enforcement responsibility for such wells if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fails to meet specified deadlines. In addition, the bill prohibits the EPA from conditioning the approval of state applications on the inclusion of provisions that are not included in the applications or not explicitly required by the Safe Drinking Water Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
Reinstate Our Troops Act This bill addresses the reinstatement of members of the Armed Forces who requested an exemption from an order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and were involuntarily separated solely on the basis of the refusal to receive such vaccination. Specifically, at the election of the separated individual, the bill requires the military department concerned to reinstate the individual, in the same rank and grade the individual held at the time of separation. An individual must elect to be reinstated within the one-year period following the enactment of this bill. Additionally, such individuals (enlisted members and officers) are not required to repay a bonus for failure to complete a period of service solely because such service was incomplete due to the exemption request and involuntary separation. The military department concerned must return a bonus repaid by an individual if the individual elects to be reinstated. If an individual does not elect reinstatement, the military department concerned must ensure the discharge of the individual is characterized as honorable. The military department concerned must also expunge from an individual's military service record any reference to adverse action related to the refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
![Official portrait of Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000814_200.jpg)