United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes a law that requires the implementation of a strategy to promote quality basic education in partner countries by (1) expanding access to basic education for all children, particularly marginalized children and vulnerable groups; and (2) improving the quality of basic education and learning outcomes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
This joint resolution provides that the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, was ratified by three-fourths of the states and is therefore a valid constitutional amendment, regardless of any time limit that was in the original proposal. The Equal Rights Amendment was originally proposed to the states in 1972. The original proposal included a deadline for ratification of March 22, 1979; Congress subsequently extended the deadline to June 30, 1982. Although the requisite 38 states have ratified the amendment, three of these states did so after the deadlines, and five states subsequently rescinded their ratifications. The status of the amendment has been the subject of litigation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act This bill permanently authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use specified funding to provide assistance to homeless veterans and veterans participating in the Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. Additionally, the VA may collaborate with one or more organizations to manage the use of VA land for homeless veterans for living and sleeping. (Under current law, similar authorities have been temporarily provided to the VA for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to waive the matching funds requirement for grants under the specialty crop research initiative. Currently, entities that receive grants under the initiative must provide nonfederal matching funds (including funds from an agricultural promotion, research, and information program) equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Ethan's Law This bill establishes a framework to regulate the storage of firearms on residential premises at the federal, state, and tribal levels. At the federal level, the bill establishes statutory requirements for firearms on residential premises to be safely stored if a minor is likely to gain access without permission or if a resident is ineligible to possess a firearm. An individual who violates the requirements is subject to criminal penalties. A firearm stored in violation of the requirements is subject to seizure and forfeiture. At the state and tribal levels, the bill requires the Department of Justice to award grants to implement functionally identical requirements for the safe storage of firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023 This bill expands and extends through FY2029 the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program of the Department of Agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2023
Keep Americans Safe Act This bill establishes a new criminal offense for the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The bill does not prohibit certain conduct with respect to an LCAFD, including the following: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification and the date of manufacture. Additionally, the bill allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender an LCAFD under a buy-back program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2023
Make NEXUS Work Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to make video conferencing available for NEXUS enrollments and renewals. (The NEXUS program provides expedited border processing for prescreened travelers entering the United States and Canada.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2023
Booster Seat Safety Act This bill addresses labeling requirements and testing standards for booster seats used in motor vehicles. Specifically, the bill requires labels on booster seats to include the minimum recommended age (4 years) and weight (40 pounds) for a child to use the seat. It also requires that a label on a car seat or combination car seat list the maximum weight and height limits of the seat, as well as a recommendation to continue using the seat until the child exceeds the listed limits. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must either establish a minimum height recommendation for booster seats or a method for manufacturers to use to determine a minimum height recommendation. Once the minimum height or method is established, booster seat labels must also contain the minimum height recommendation. The NHTSA must also establish a standard for side-impact crash tests for booster seats and provide guidelines for creating a testing dummy that approximates a six-year old child for such crash tests. Further, the NHTSA must study systems for tethering child restraint systems in vehicles and make recommendations about using or modifying tether systems to maximize child safety.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2023
Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body). Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2023
Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023 or the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 This bill addresses home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Under the bill, the cost of providing noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care may not exceed 100% of the cost that would have been incurred if a veteran had been furnished VA nursing home care, unless the VA determines that a higher cost is in the best interest of the veteran. (Under current law, these expenditures are limited to 65% of the cost.) Among other requirements, the VA must seek to enter into an agreement with the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly in certain areas to furnish noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care; implement various programs (e.g., the Veteran Directed Care program) to expand access to home- and community-based services; provide specified support and benefits to caregivers of certain disabled veterans; implement a pilot program to provide homemaker and home health aide services to veterans who reside in communities with a shortage of home health aides; and ensure the availability of home and community-based services for Native American veterans. For veterans or family caregivers who are discharged from the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, a caregiver support coordinator must provide for a personalized transition to an appropriate program. The Veterans Health Administration must review programs administered through the Office of Geriatric and Extended Care to ensure consistency in program management, eliminate service gaps at the medical center level, and ensure the availability of and access to home and community-based services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2023
Crimea Annexation Non-Recognition Ac t This bill prohibits any federal agency from taking any action or extending any assistance that recognizes or implies recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2023
Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act or the FAIR Act This bill modifies pay rates for federal employees in 2024. Specifically, the bill increases rates under the statutory pay systems and for prevailing rate employees by 4.7% and increases locality pay by 4%.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2023
Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act of 2023 or the EACH Act of 202 3 This bill requires federal health care programs (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)) to provide coverage for abortion services and requires federal facilities to provide access to those services. Currently, coverage for such services under federal programs is generally only available in the case of rape, incest, or life endangerment. Additionally, the bill repeals certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that permit states to prohibit coverage of abortion services in plans offered through a health insurance exchange in the state. The bill also permits qualified health plans to use funds attributable to premium tax credits and reduced cost sharing assistance to pay for abortion services. The bill is not subject to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, which generally prohibits the federal government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a generally applicable law.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2023
Return Home to Housing Act This bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to entities (i.e., grant recipients or authorized entities) that furnish services and transitional housing to homeless veterans. The bill also specifies that the VA may adjust the per diem rate in response to an emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2023
West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area of the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, or Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2023
Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations with ASEAN Act or the PARTNER with ASEAN Act This bill establishes that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) shall be covered by the International Organizations Immunities Act, which provides immunities and privileges to certain international organizations, such as immunity from certain lawsuits and exemption from property taxes. (ASEAN is Southeast Asia's primary multilateral organization. It has 10 member nations, including Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2023
This resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year. The resolution expresses, in observance of this Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rabbit and Year of the Cat, the deepest respect of the House of Representatives for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate this significant occasion. The resolution wishes Asian Americans and all individuals who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2023
Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023 This bill subjects bump stocks to regulation under federal firearms laws. Specifically, the bill adds bump stocks to the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., registration and licensing requirements) under the National Firearms Act. Additionally, it includes bump stocks in the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., background check requirements) under the Gun Control Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2023
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Korean American Day and honors the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2023
Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive grants to operate work-study programs to notify a student receiving work-study assistance that the student may be eligible for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Education must provide guidance to states and IHEs on how to identify and communicate with students who are potentially eligible for SNAP.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2023
This resolution condemns all acts of political violence, as well as attacks on health care facilities, health care personnel, and patients. The resolution also states that all people have the freedom to access reproductive health care services and medical advice without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Finally, the resolution calls on the Biden Administration to use all appropriate authorities to uphold public safety, protect health care facilities, and safeguard health care personnel and patients.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2023
Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 This bill repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. The bill eliminates the government pension offset , which in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own. The bill also eliminates the windfall elimination provision , which in some instances reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. These changes are effective for benefits payable after December 2023.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2023
Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care. Coverage includes (1) routine dental cleanings and exams, basic and major dental services, emergency dental care, and dentures; (2) routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses; and (3) routine hearing exams, hearing aids, and exams for hearing aids. With respect to such care, the bill establishes special payment rules, limitations, and coinsurance requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2023
VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the scheduling for the appointment occurs during that telephone call.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2023
Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the admission of the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the United States. The commonwealth consists of all the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding certain federal property. The excluded property shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of federal government; it includes the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, and the federal office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and Capitol Building. In addition, the bill maintains the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property and prohibits the commonwealth from taxing federal property except as permitted by Congress. Within 30 days of this bill's enactment, the DC mayor must call for the election of two Senators and one Representative for the commonwealth. The commonwealth shall be admitted into the United States upon a presidential proclamation announcing the results of that election. The bill applies current DC laws to the commonwealth and continues pending judicial proceedings. It also continues certain federal authorities and responsibilities, including regarding employee benefits, agencies, and courts, until the commonwealth certifies that it is prepared to take over those authorities and responsibilities. Further, the bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution to repeal the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (which allows DC citizens to vote in presidential elections). The bill also establishes a commission to advise the President, Congress, and DC and commonwealth leaders on the transition.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2023
Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against freed African slaves and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations). The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work. The commission must submit its final report within 18 months of its first meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2022
Aviation Workforce, Opportunity, Recruiting, Knowledge, and Supply Act or the Aviation WORKS Act This bill extends through FY2028 and expands aviation workforce development programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Specifically, the bill directs DOT to establish an aviation manufacturing development grant program to develop the aviation manufacturing and supplier workforce. It also requires DOT to develop and support the education of workers who design or produce any aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, or a component, part, or system thereof, that (1) is produced under a production approval issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), (2) has been issued a design approval by the FAA, or (3) has an active application for a design approval. Additionally, DOT must establish a program to provide grants for eligible projects to plan, establish, and expand workforce development partnership programs in the aviation and aerospace industry sector.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2022
Bus Rapid Transit Act This bill directs the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish a grant program to provide grants to state, local, and tribal governments for the design and implementation of bus rapid transit systems, including for the redesign, retrofit, renovation, update, and repair of existing bus systems. As a condition of receiving a grant, eligible entities must certify that fares for riding the bus rapid transit system shall not increase solely due to improvements carried out with grant funds and for any reason for at least one year after completion of a project funded by the bill. In carrying out the program, the FTA must prioritize projects located in economically disadvantaged communities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2022
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative should prepare a report related to U.S. exports of environmental goods, the United States should work with trading partners to facilitate trade in environmental goods to meet each country's environmental and climate goals, and the United States should launch negotiations to implement a new environmental goods agreement with updated product coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2022
Developing Alternative Mitigation Systems for Beavers Act or the DAMS for Beavers Act This bill directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to establish a competitive grant program to assist projects that use nonlethal measures to reduce property damage caused by beavers and maintain or enhance habitat for beavers and other wildlife. In awarding grants, the FWS may prioritize projects that (1) include monitoring and research that facilitates evaluation of such projects and identification of best practices, (2) includes educational and outreach activities, (3) are located in an area that ensures grant recipients represent diverse geographic areas, and (4) satisfy any other criteria to effectively reduce damage to property and maintain or enhance habitat for beavers and other wildlife.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2022
International Violence Against Women Act of 2022 This bill requires a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. The bill establishes in the Department of State an Office of Global Women's Issues, which shall be headed by an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. The Ambassador-at-Large shall (1) coordinate U.S. government efforts regarding gender equality and the advancement of women and girls in foreign policy, and (2) develop or update periodically a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The bill establishes in the U.S. Agency for International Development the position of Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment who shall coordinate policies, programs, and funding regarding gender equality and women's empowerment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2022
Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2022 This bill establishes new, and expands existing, programs and activities to prevent and respond to seasonal and pandemic influenza (flu). In particular, the bill addresses flu vaccine development, manufacturing, and supply chains; genomic sequencing, diagnostic tools, and other technologies to detect, prevent, and respond to flu; and public health communications and related efforts to increase flu vaccination rates and access to antiviral medications. The bill also sets out a process through which Congress may adjust discretionary spending limits to accommodate additional funding for health defense operations (e.g., flu-related activities).
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2022
VA Work-Study Improvement Act This bill updates the Department of Veterans Affairs work-study program, including by increasing the number of hours an individual may work, modifying the minimum wage requirements, and implementing an electronic timesheet.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2022
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6401 El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego, California, as the "Susan A. Davis Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2022
Strengthening the Force and Fleet Through Enlisted Education Act or the Smart Act This bill removes the capacity limit for enlisted members of the Armed Forces to receive graduate-level instruction in a Naval Postgraduate School program. The Department of Defense must brief Congress on the effects of increasing enrollment of enlisted members at the school.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2022
This bill requires the Defense Acquisition University of the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop training curricula related to software acquisitions and cybersecurity software or hardware acquisitions and offer the training to applicable DOD contracting officers and individuals with specified acquisition positions. Additionally, DOD must submit to Congress a plan to streamline approval processes related to information assurance and cybersecurity for software acquisitions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2022
Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2022 This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Further, it expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should continue to raise awareness of and support programs to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2022
Manufacturing Jobs for Veterans Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Labor, as part of the Veteran's Workforce Investment Program, to implement the Veterans Manufacturing Employment Program to award competitive grants to three states for the establishment and administration of a State Manufacturing Employment Program. Such program must provide grants to manufacturing employers and joint-labor management organizations that provide eligible veterans with training, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and training that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential. Eligible veterans are those who are employed by a manufacturing employer and enrolled or participating in a specified training, on-the-job training, apprenticeship, or certification class.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2022
Keep Americans Safe Act This bill establishes a new criminal offense for the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The bill does not prohibit certain conduct with respect to an LCAFD, including the following: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification and the date of manufacture. Additionally, the bill allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender an LCAFD under a buy-back program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2022
This concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, commonly known as the Clean Water Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2022
Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act This bill provides through December 31, 2022, duty-free treatment to certain infant formula base powder used in the manufacturing of infant formula in the United States, subject to quantity limitations. Infant formula base powder means a dry mixture of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that requires only the addition of vitamins and minerals in order to meet the definition of the term infant formula in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. During this time period, articles of infant formula base powder shall not be subject to any additional safeguard duties that may be imposed under subchapter IV of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2022
Ferry Service Expansion Act This bill revises and increases funding for grant programs related to ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities, including by making certain passenger ferries eligible and qualified vessels for capital construction funds.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2022
Prioritizing Digital Infrastructure Financing Act This bill directs the United States International Development Finance Corporation to prioritize projects that increase digital infrastructure and connectivity. The bill also requires the Corporation to submit a report on regions and countries with the greatest need for digital infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2022
Restoring Fulbright Exchanges with China and Hong Kong Act This bill nullifies the portion of Executive Order 13936 that terminated the Fulbright exchange program with respect to exchanges with China and Hong Kong.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2022
Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act This bill establishes leave policies for the military departments regarding abortion care for members of the Armed Forces, including policy elements related to privacy. Additionally, the bill requires the military departments to reimburse members for travel costs incurred if a member must travel to a different jurisdiction for an abortion. Under the bill, no member may be subject to any adverse action for requesting or taking leave in relation to abortion care.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2022
The Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2027, increases funding for, and modifies the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. This program supports home visits for expectant and new parents who live in communities that are at-risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes. Changes to the program include setting out requirements for allocating program funds; increasing the percentage of funds reserved for tribal entities; establishing a publicly available dashboard that reports program outcomes; requiring activities to reduce unnecessary data collection, reporting, and other administrative requirements of the program; and allowing for virtual home visits (provided certain conditions are met).
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2022
Veterans Medical Mileage Adjustment Act of 2022 This bill increases the rate for beneficiary travel allowances based on mileage (from 41.5 cents to 45.5 cents per mile) for beneficiary travel to or from Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care.