Rescom. González-Colón, Jenniffer [R-PR-At Large]

Uranium Miners and Workers Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Fiscal State of the Nation Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Fiscal State of the Nation Resolution This concurrent resolution requires the congressional budget committees to conduct an annual joint hearing to receive a presentation from the Comptroller General regarding (1) the Government Accountability Office's audit of the financial statement of the executive branch, and (2) the financial position and condition of the federal government.

United States Foreign Service Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

United States Foreign Service Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the United States Foreign Service. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training to support the collection, curation, and sharing of diplomatic history in the United States via oral history, books, social media, and other means.

Safe Interactions Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Safe Interactions Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to nonprofit disability organizations to develop training programs for law enforcement officers who may encounter individuals with disabilities.

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. (AM broadcast stations are often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.) Specifically, this bill applies to motor vehicles manufactured in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce after the rule's effective date. The DOT rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations or digital audio AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. Prior to the effective date of the rule, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM broadcast stations as standard equipment must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling. DOT may assess civil penalties against any manufacturer that fails to comply with the mandate. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation. Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on whether a reliable alternative communication system exists for delivering emergency alerts and consider the (1) cost to drivers and passengers of receiving communications through an alternative system, and (2) cost and time required to develop and implement an alternative.

No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act This bill requires health insurers to provide coverage for newborns of enrollees for the first 30-day period after the newborn's date of birth and to provide a special enrollment period for the newborn that extends at least 60 days after the initial coverage period. It also requires insurers to notify an enrollee if they receive a claim for the enrollee's newborn who is not enrolled in a health insurance plan.

WIC Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Wise Investment in Children Act of 2023 or the WIC Act of 2023 This bill expands eligibility for children to receive benefits under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Specifically, the bill extends eligibility for the program until the period that ends on the earlier of the sixth birthday of a child or when the child enters kindergarten; extends the certification period under the program for infants to up to two years, instead of the current one year; and increases the certification time under the program for postpartum women to a period of up to two years. The bill also authorizes the Department of Agriculture to grant a waiver to a state, on request, that waives certification deadline requirements for the eligibility extensions if such state demonstrates there are unusual technological barriers to implementation, operational costs are not affordable within the nutrition services and administration grant of the state, or it is in the best interest of the program.

Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act This bill allows funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program to be used to provide bonuses for the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers or career law enforcement officers.

National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023

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

Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

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

Equality in the Halls of Congress Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

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

Invest to Protect Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

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

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the cover over of certain distilled spirits taxes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

This bill repeals the limitation on the cover over (payment) of distilled spirits excise taxes to the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It also requires the transfer of a portion of the tax revenues to the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust Fund.

To provide for the issuance of a Manatee Semipostal Stamp.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Manatee Semipostal Stamp. Proceeds from the sale of the stamp must be transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for purposes of conserving manatees and manatee habitat in the United States. The stamp must be made available to the public for at least two years.

Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

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

Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act This bill provides commercialization services for federally funded small business research and development under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Specifically, the bill (1) expedites the application and award process for SBIR proposals and STTR solicitations, (2) requires determinations of commercialization potential for projects undertaken through SBIR and STTR awards, (3) provides continued flexibility of technical and business assistance for SBIR and STTR awardees, (4) instructs participating federal agencies to designate a technology commercialization official to help awardees commercialize, and (5) requires the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Patent Office to reach an interagency agreement to help SBIR and STTR awardees with intellectual property protection.

CASES Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

Corruption in Argentina Stymied by Enforcing Sanctions Act of 2023 or the CASES Act of 2023 This bill requires sanctions to be imposed on five specified Argentinian public officials if such individuals meet the criteria for such sanctions. The specified Argentinian officials are Cristina Elisabet Fernandez de Kirchner, Maximo Kirchner, Juan Martin Mena, Oscar Isidro Jose Parrilli, and Carlos Alberto Zannini. The bill requires the Department of State to submit an annual report to Congress containing (1) a description of each person's assets, including the net worth of immediate family members; and (2) a determination as to whether each person meets the criteria for the imposition of visa- and property-blocking sanctions related to corruption or human rights violations. The President must impose such sanctions on any of these individuals whom the President determines meets the sanctions criteria.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the importance of a unified transatlantic role in deterring the Chinese Communist Party from disrupting the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023

This resolution urges transatlantic unity on a robust deterrence policy to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The resolution also (1) encourages NATO allies to work with their partners in the Indo-Pacific to address shared global security challenges; and (2) commends the people of Taiwan for their commitment to democracy, civil liberties, and human rights.

Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023 This bill eliminates a sunset clause in the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, thereby making permanent the requirement for the President to impose sanctions on certain individuals or entities engaged in specified transactions related to Iran's energy sector or Iran's efforts to acquire or develop certain weapons (such as chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons).

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 202 3 This bill addresses sexual harassment and sexual assault involving personnel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill specifies that NOAA's sexual harassment prevention and response policy applies to personnel such as observers, at-sea monitors, and voting members and staff of regional fishery management councils. The bill removes the requirement that certain acts, such as assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment of an observer or a data collector, be forcible in nature to be unlawful. The bill also requires NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to establish a policy for reporting to the Coast Guard the names of NOAA personnel who are the subject of certain claims. Specifically, such reports must identify employees or contractors who are the subject of a claim of an act or offense detrimental to good discipline and safety at sea (e.g., a claim of sexual assault substantiated by an investigation) or any other substantiated claim of an act or offense for which suspension or revocation of a credential is either mandatory or sought pursuant to certain Coast Guard regulations. Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to develop a restricted reporting system that allows employees and other personnel to confidentially report sexual harassment or assault and receive services without triggering an investigation. Finally, the bill also expands reporting requirements on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment.

Postal Police Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

Postal Police Reform Act of 2023 This bill removes certain restrictions on U.S. Postal Service (USPS) police officers to investigate criminal matters related to the USPS and postal mail.

PASTEUR Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Upsurging Resistance Act of 2023 or the PASTEUR Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enter into subscription contracts for critical-need antimicrobial drugs, provides $6 billion in appropriations for activities under the bill, and contains other related provisions. A manufacturer of a Food and Drug Administration-approved antimicrobial drug may apply to HHS to have the drug designated as a critical-need antimicrobial, and HHS may enter into a subscription contract for such a critical-need antimicrobial. The bill imposes certain requirements related to such contracts, including a mechanism to lower payments under the contract in certain instances to limit the manufacturer's revenue from the drug. Furthermore, HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall award grants to support efforts to encourage the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. The CDC shall also track and assess data relating to antibacterial resistance and human antibiotic use and make such data publicly available. HHS shall also establish a Committee on Critical Need Antimicrobials. The committee shall develop a list of prioritized infections for which new antimicrobial drug development is needed, among other duties. Within six years of the bill's enactment, the Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress a study on the bill's effectiveness in developing priority antimicrobial drugs.

Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the Coastal Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Under the voluntary program, the FWS works with partners to provide technical and financial assistance for habitat restoration projects, habitat protection projects, and related activities in priority coastal areas.

Living Donor Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Living Donor Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits certain insurance carriers from discriminating against, and provides other protections for, living organ donors. Specifically, carriers may not deny, cancel, or otherwise impose conditions on policies for life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance based on an individual's status as a living organ donor. The bill also expressly specifies that recovery from organ-donation surgery constitutes a serious health condition that entitles eligible employees to job-protected medical leave. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services must update educational materials on living organ donation to include information about the benefits of living organ donation and about access to insurance for living organ donors.

College Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

College Transparency Act This bill requires the National Center for Education Statistics to establish a secure and privacy-protected data system that contains information about postsecondary students. Specifically, the data system must evaluate student enrollment patterns, progression, completion, and postcollegiate outcomes, and higher education costs and financial aid; provide complete and customizable information for students and families making decisions about postsecondary education; reduce the requirements for reporting by institutions of higher education; and periodically match with other federal systems of data. The bill also establishes a postsecondary student data system advisory committee.

Baltic Security Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Baltic Security Initiative Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out an initiative to deepen security cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The goals of this initiative include (1) achieving U.S. national security objectives by deterring Russian aggression; (2) enhancing regional planning and cooperation among these countries, particularly with respect to long-term regional capabilities such as long-range precision fire systems and integrated air and missile defense; and (3) improving these countries' cyber defenses. DOD must also submit to Congress a strategy for accomplishing these goals.

WARN Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Weather Alert Response and Notification Act or the WARN Act This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the effectiveness of local alerting systems in disseminating timely and relevant information during weather-related emergencies. In conducting the study, the GAO must (1) evaluate the efficacy of various alert mediums, including platforms such as social media; and (2) establish a set of best practices for such alerts.

Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023 This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the H-2A (temporary agricultural workers) visa program. The report must examine various issues, including (1) whether U.S. employers are increasingly reliant on the program, (2) any challenges in securing adequate and affordable housing for H-2A workers, and (3) compliance with the employment conditions of the program.

Commemorating the 62d anniversary of the Bay of Pigs operation and remembering the members of Brigada de Asalto 2506 (Assault Brigade 2506).

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

This resolution pays tribute to the members of Brigada de Asalto 2506 (Assault Brigade 2506) who participated in the Bay of Pigs operation, and it calls on the United States to support policies that promote respect for democratic principles, civil liberties, freedom, and justice in Cuba.

Uyghur Policy Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Uyghur Policy Act of 2023 This bill addresses human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and other minority groups residing primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. The bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State. The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may, subject to appropriations, make certain funds available to human rights advocates working on behalf of Uyghurs and members of other persecuted minority groups in China. The funds, if made available, shall be used to facilitate the presence of such human rights advocates at public diplomacy forums to speak on issues related to the human rights and religious freedoms of persecuted minority groups in China. The State Department must ensure that Uyghur language training is available to Foreign Service officers. It must also ensure that a Uyghur-speaking member of the Foreign Service is assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular missions in China.

Puerto Rico Status Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Puerto Rico Status Act This bill provides for a plebiscite to be held on November 2, 2025, to resolve Puerto Rico's political status. Specifically, such plebiscite shall offer eligible voters a choice of independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. The Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall invite national and international election observers to ensure transparency and confidence in the electoral process, and carry out a nonpartisan voter education campaign through traditional paid media and make available at all voting locations voter education materials related to the plebiscites. All voter educational materials and ballots used to carry out this bill shall be made available in English and Spanish. The bill sets forth transition and implementation provisions for each choice offered in the plebiscite.

Encouraging the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords to urge other nations to normalize relations with Israel and ensure that existing agreements reap tangible security and economic benefits for the citizens of those countries and all peoples in the region.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

This resolution encourages the United States and Israel to continue deepening and expanding cooperation on economic, security, and civilian issues. The resolution also encourages the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords are agreements to normalize or improve relations between Israel and four members of the Arab League: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Portal for Appraisal Licensing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Portal for Appraisal Licensing Act of 2023 This bill establishes a central portal for real estate appraisers and real estate appraisal management companies to apply for and to renew certain licenses, certifications, and registrations. The portal must provide connectivity with state agencies and include the ability to pay fees. The Department of Justice must provide access to criminal history information to state officials for required background checks.

Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide grants for collaborative research projects on ocean acidification developed and conducted through partnerships between the seafood industry and the academic community. NOAA must prioritize projects that (1) address ecosystems and communities vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification, (2) demonstrate support from local stakeholders, or (3) utilize seafood industry assets as research and monitoring platforms. NOAA may provide grants to a partnership in which a marine-dependent industry is substituted for the seafood industry.

FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance.

Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023

Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2023 This bill provides continuing appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and benefits when there is a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. Under the bill, a  Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs when (1) a bill providing appropriations for the Coast Guard for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the beginning of that fiscal year, and no joint resolution providing continuing appropriations for the Coast Guard is in effect; and (2) a bill providing appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for the fiscal year has been enacted before the beginning of the fiscal year, or a joint resolution providing continuing appropriation for DOD is in effect.  If a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs, the bill provides appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and allowances for military members of the Coast Guard who perform active service or inactive-duty training; pay and benefits for certain civilian employees and contract employees; the payment of a death gratuity; payments for travel related to funerals, the dignified transfer of remains, and unit memorial services; and the temporary continuation of the basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty. The bill generally provides the appropriations to the Coast Guard until the earlier of the enactment of specified Coast Guard appropriations legislation, the termination of the availability of appropriations for DOD, or two weeks after the beginning of the Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. 

Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023

Encouraging the European Union to Determine that the European Union Should Sanction the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Now As a Terrorist Entity Resolution or Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution This resolution urges the European Union (EU) to expeditiously designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under the EU Common Position 931 on terrorism. It also encourages the Biden Administration to make the EU designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization a diplomatic priority in engagements with the EU.

Safe Step Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023

Safe Step Act This bill requires a group health plan to establish an exception to medication step-therapy protocol in specified cases. A medication step-therapy protocol establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs are covered by a group health plan or a health insurance issuer.  A request for such an exception to the protocol must be granted if (1) an otherwise required treatment has been ineffective, (2) such treatment is expected to be ineffective and delaying effective treatment would lead to irreversible consequences, (3) such treatment will cause or is likely to cause an adverse reaction to the individual, (4) such treatment is expected to prevent the individual from performing daily activities or occupational responsibilities, (5) the individual is stable based on the prescription drugs already selected, or (6) there are other circumstances as determined by the Employee Benefits Security Administration. The bill requires a group health plan to implement and make readily available a clear process for an individual to request an exception to the protocol, including required information and criteria for granting an exception. The bill further specifies timelines under which plans must respond to such requests.

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2023

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act of 2023 This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program to encourage and facilitate coordinated rapid response and rescue of stranded marine turtles.

Establishing a "Bill of Rights" to support United States law enforcement personnel nationwide in their work to protect our communities.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2023

This resolution recognizes law enforcement agencies and officers for their tireless work to protect us and make our communities safer. It also condemns calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.

Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023

Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2023 This bill requires (1) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance to support coverage of prenatal and postpartum pelvic health services under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), (2) the Government Accountability Office to study gaps in Medicaid coverage of these and other services for postpartum women, and (3) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to educate health professionals and postpartum women on pelvic health services.

Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2023

Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act This bill modifies certain adjustments to payment amounts under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Payment amounts under the Medicare physician fee schedule are based on a service's relative value, a conversion factor, and a geographic adjustment factor. Current law provides for separate conversion factors for physicians that are qualifying participants in advanced alternative payment models (also known as qualifying APM participants) and for other physicians beginning in 2026, with an annual update of 0.75% and 0.25%, respectively. The bill replaces the separate conversion factors for qualifying APM participants and other physicians with a single conversion factor and provides for an update that is equal to the annual percentage increase in the Medicare Economic Index, beginning in 2024. (The Medicare Economic Index is a specialized index that is generally used to determine allowed charges for physician services based on annual price changes.)

Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act This bill allows for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and that are used to screen for cancer across many cancer types, if the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services determines such coverage is appropriate.

Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023

Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide competitive grants for projects that provide public parking for commercial motor vehicles and improve the safety of commercial motor vehicle drivers. States, metropolitan planning organizations, tribal governments, and local governments are eligible for these grants. The grants must be used for projects on federal-aid highways or a facility with reasonable access to such a highway or a freight facility. In providing grants, DOT must determine that there is a shortage of commercial motor vehicle parking capacity in the corridor in which the project is located; the eligible entity has consulted with motor carriers, commercial motor vehicle drivers, public safety officials, and private providers of commercial motor vehicle parking regarding the project; the project will likely increase the availability or utilization of commercial motor vehicle parking, facilitate the efficient movement of freight or improve highway safety, traffic congestion, and air quality; and the eligible entity has demonstrated the ability to provide for the maintenance and operation of the facility. To the maximum extent practicable, DOT must select grant projects that maximize the geographic dispersion of new commercial motor vehicle parking capacity across the United States.

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, including hospitals in rural areas and health professional shortage areas. Current law provides for an increase of up to 200 positions per fiscal year beginning in FY2023, with a total increase of 1,000 positions; each hospital may receive up to 25 additional positions. Current law also provides for an additional increase of up to 200 positions for FY2026, with at least 100 of these positions for psychiatry or related specialties; each hospital may receive up to 10 additional positions. The bill provides for an additional increase of 2,000 positions per fiscal year from FY2025-FY2031; during this period, each hospital may receive up to 75 additional positions in total under the bill and current law. Additionally, one-third of the positions that are made available under the bill must be allocated to hospitals that are already operating above applicable resident limits. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on strategies to increase the diversity of the health professional workforce, including with respect to representation from rural, low-income, and minority communities.

Combating Illicit Xylazine Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2023

Combating Illicit Xylazine Act This bill criminalizes the illicit use of xylazine. (Xylazine, also known as Tranq , is a sedative that is approved for use in animals. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported an increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.) Specifically, the bill establishes criminal penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, xylazine for illicit use (i.e., for use in humans) in accordance with the penalties for schedule III substances (up to 10 years imprisonment or, if death or serious bodily injury occurs, up to 15 years imprisonment, as well as criminal fines). In addition, the DEA must coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration to report on the prevalence of the illicit use of xylazine, including associated supply chains. The bill also declares the illicit use of xylazine as an emerging drug threat.

Aviation Workforce Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2023

Aviation Workforce Development Act This bill expands the qualified tuition program (commonly referred to as 529 plans) to allow distributions to pay education-related expenses required for participation in certain aviation maintenance and commercial pilot courses.

To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King, an American icon, in recognition of a remarkable life devoted to championing equal rights for all, in sports and in society.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2023

This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King in recognition of her courageous and groundbreaking leadership in advancing equal rights for women in athletics, education, and society.

Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023

Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023 This bill makes changes in the process for seeking and providing assistance following a major disaster. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish and maintain a web-based interagency electronic information sharing system, to be known as the unified disaster application system, to facilitate the administration of a universal application for direct federal disaster assistance. The President may provide (1) assistance to respond to the disaster-related housing needs of individuals and households who are displaced from their predisaster primary residence that is damaged by a major disaster (currently, such residences must be rendered uninhabitable); and (2) direct assistance for repairs and for cost-effective hazard mitigation measures that reduce threats to life and property or future damage. FEMA may (1) provide funding to a state agency to establish, update, or operate a website to provide information relating to postdisaster recovery funding and resources; and (2) reimburse a state, tribal, or local government for certain costs relating to sheltering emergency response personnel. The bill extends FEMA's authority to implement state-managed housing assistance as a pilot program. FEMA must conduct a study and develop a plan to address the challenges and disparities associated with providing housing assistance to survivors of major disasters or emergencies. The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) assistance issues, including improper and potentially fraudulent federal disaster assistance; and (2) the effectiveness, successes, and challenges of any state-managed housing assistance pilot program and make recommendations on how to improve the provision of assistance.

Goldie’s Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023

Goldie's Act This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to document and record detailed descriptions of violations of the act observed during inspections and investigations. USDA must provide a copy of all records documenting violations to state, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement officials within 24 hours of such inspections or investigations. Inspections must be held at least once a year of each research facility, the premises of each animal dealer, and each exhibitor of animals. If violations are found during inspections, then USDA must conduct any necessary follow-up inspections until all the violations are corrected. Inspectors must confiscate or destroy in a humane manner animals found to be suffering physical or psychological harm as a result of failure to comply with the AWA. Violators are subject to civil penalties as outlined in the bill.