Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]

ARCC Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Veterans STAND Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Protecting Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

Protecting Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assign, for purposes of the disability compensation program, a disability rating of total to a veteran who meets certain parameters and is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to a service-connected disability. Specifically, the VA may make such a disability determination if a veteran has a service-connected disability rated at least 60%, or has two or more service-connected disabilities with one being at least 40% and a combined total of at least 70%. The VA may also make a determination on the disability rating in circumstances where a veteran meeting the specified parameters maintains marginal employment (income is less than the poverty threshold), or if the veteran maintains substantially gainful employment (exceeds the poverty threshold) and the VA determines that the rating is appropriate. The bill prescribes what disabilities may be considered as one disability (e.g., disabilities incurred or aggravated as a prisoner of war). The VA may not consider the age of a veteran or eligibility for retirement benefits when making any determination related to disability rating.

Veterans’ Sentinel Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

Veterans' Sentinel Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program establishing a working group in the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to collect and analyze data regarding on-campus (i.e., on VA property) suicides and on-campus attempted suicides by veterans. The working group is authorized to implement improvements to the process by which the VA collects data related to on-campus suicides to unify the disparate sources of such data. The VA must annually brief Congress regarding the progress and findings of the working group. The bill requires the VA to (1) annually evaluate the statistical trends of suicides and attempted suicides by veterans that occur on VA property, and (2) determine recommendations for preventing such suicides and attempted suicides. Finally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to submit a report on (1) the actions the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has taken to meet the priority objective of the VA with respect to preventing veteran suicide, (2) the challenges the office has faced in making such actions, and (3) recommendations for improvements.

Never Forgotten Korean War POW Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

Veterans Service Organization Modernization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

Veterans Service Organization Modernization Act of 202 3 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide competitive grants to veterans service organizations for repairs or rehabilitation of existing facilities and for modernization of technologies.

HCBS Relief Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023

HCBS Relief Act of 2023 This bill temporarily increases the applicable Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) under Medicaid for certain approved home- and community-based services that are provided during FY2024-FY2025. As a condition for receiving the increased rate, a state must agree to undertake activities to improve the delivery of such services, such as by providing additional benefits to home health workers and by helping individuals who were relocated to nursing facilities move back to their homes.

Think Differently About Emergencies Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

Think Differently About Emergencies Act This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress regarding assistance and resources provided by FEMA to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families of such individuals who are impacted by major disasters. Specifically, FEMA must report within 120 days of this bill's enactment, describing the assistance and resources that FEMA provides to such individuals and families through states, localities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Further, FEMA and GAO must each (1) review such assistance and resources, (2) identify potential legal impediments to providing such assistance and resources, and (3) provide recommendations to Congress.

Home for the Brave Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Home for the Brave Act of 2023 This bill excludes certain veterans' service-connected disability or death benefits from income for purposes of determinations made in connection with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's housing assistance programs. 

Reaffirming the ties between the United States and the Philippines.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

This resolution states that the House of Representatives reaffirms the United States commitment to invoke the 1951 U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty if Philippine assets are attacked in the South China Sea. The resolution also calls on the United States and the Philippines to begin joint patrols in the South China Sea, objects to Chinese sovereignty claims to the South China Sea, and welcomes swift implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (a 2014 agreement enabling the U.S. and Philippine militaries to train together, respond to humanitarian crises, and modernize military capabilities).

Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2023 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.

Providing Realistic Opportunity To Equal and Comparable Treatment for Rare Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Providing Realistic Opportunity To Equal and Comparable Treatment for Rare Act or the PROTECT Rare Act This bill provides for coverage under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, Medicaid, and private health insurance of certain drugs that are used to treat rare diseases or conditions (i.e., diseases or conditions that affect 200,000 or fewer individuals). Such drugs must be supported by peer-reviewed research or medical experts and must not have been reviewed unfavorably in specified compendia or used in a way that conflicts with approved labels.

To amend the short title of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act to be the Dianne Feinstein Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

This bill renames the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act as the Dianne Feinstein Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.

BAD APPS Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Bolstering America's Defenses Against Potentially Perilous Software Act or the BAD APPS Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to create (1) categorical definitions of foreign mobile applications of concern, and (2) a risk framework to assess certain foreign mobile applications for any potential impact on DOD personnel and operations. Generally, the framework must include mobile applications from countries that DOD determines to be engaged in consistent, unauthorized conduct that is detrimental to the national security or foreign policy of the United States. Such framework must incorporate specified considerations, such as the manner and extent of data collection by the application. DOD must issue guidance to all of its personnel incorporating the categories of foreign mobile applications of concern and advising how to mitigate the risks identified by the risk framework with respect to the applications. DOD must also update the categorical definitions and risk framework at least annually.

Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Air America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

SPEAK Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge Act of 2023 or the SPEAK Act of 2023 This bill establishes the Improved Access to Health Care Information Technology for non-English Speakers Task Force. The task force must assess any current barriers that limit the ability of non-English speakers to access telehealth services and recommend improvements (e.g., technological enhancements). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must collect information from relevant stakeholders to inform the task force's assessments and recommendations.  HHS must establish a website with best practices for connecting non-English speakers with telehealth services, based on the task force's final report.

Veteran Restitution and Justice Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983.

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

This resolution recognizes the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. The resolution also remembers servicemembers who died and honors their families.

Safe Schools Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), sex characteristics (including intersex traits), disability, or religion. Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.

Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2023

Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Federal Retirement Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Federal Retirement Fairness Act This bill modifies the federal civilian service that is creditable service under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Specifically, it expands the nondeduction service that may be creditable under FERS. Nondeduction service is federal service where an employee's pay is not subject to retirement deductions (e.g., service under a temporary appointment). Currently, nondeduction service performed before January 1, 1989, is creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund to cover the period of nondeduction service. This bill allows nondeduction service performed on or after January 1, 1989, to be creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund.

To provide that members of the Armed Forces performing services in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad shall be entitled to tax benefits in the same manner as if such services were performed in a combat zone.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, compensation of members of the Armed Forces performing services in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad on the same basis as if such services had been performed in a combat zone.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 517 Seagaze Drive in Oceanside, California, as the "Charlesetta Reece Allen Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 517 Seagaze Drive in Oceanside, California, as the "Charlesetta Reece Allen Post Office Building."

Clean Water Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act or the CIAO Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to review and revise the organic certification standards at least every five years. Specifically, USDA must  solicit public input on which organic standards regulations should be prioritized for revision, publish a list of proposed changes to the regulations that will be prioritized for revision, obtain recommendations for each of the proposed changes from the National Organic Standards Board (a federal advisory board that considers and makes recommendations concerning the production, handling, and processing of organic products), and revise the regulations accordingly. In implementing the recommended changes, USDA and the National Organic Standards Board must consider the best available information, including environmental and ecological data, consumer and market data, organic production and handling practices, organic research, and scientific data.  

Youth Mental Health Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

SEED Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions Act of 2023 or the SEED Act of 2023 This bill expands the tax deduction for the expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers to include early childhood educators.     

Permanently Authorizing PILT Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act of 2023 This bill allows married couples filing a joint tax return to apply the $2,500 limitation on the tax deduction for student loan interest separately to each spouse.

Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.

Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023

This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.

Recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity in wages paid to Latina women in comparison to men.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023

This concurrent resolution recognizes the disparity between wages paid to Latina women and wages paid to men. The resolution reaffirms Congress's support for ensuring equal pay and closing the gender wage gap.    

Recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2023

This resolution celebrates the successes and contributions of Latinas in the United States and recognizes the changes still to be made to ensure that Latinas can realize their full potential as equal members of society.

Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to streamline the process for individuals applying for or renewing enrollment in multiple security threat assessment (STA) programs, in particular the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) programs. Among other things, the TSA must permit an individual to enroll at a TSA-authorized enrollment center once and use the application, as well as information generated by TSA’s vetting, to enroll in any other programs; permit an individual to enroll in more than one STA program at the same time for a single fee that is less than the combined fee for applying to the same programs separately; provide for a streamlined and expeditious renewal process; and provide states the expiration dates for each individual’s STA to ensure commercial driver's licenses include an individual's current HME status. Additionally, the TSA must publish on its website information relating to the streamlining of the enrollment system. If the TSA determines it is necessary to implement these changes through rulemaking, the bill provides for an expedited rulemaking process.

Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

Recognizing the month of October 2023 as Filipino American History Month and celebrating the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

This resolution recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to renew efforts toward researching and examining the history of Filipino Americans to give all people of the United States an opportunity to learn about their contributions.

NEWBORN Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Nationally Enhancing the Well-being of Babies through Outreach and Research Now Act or the NEWBORN Act This bill establishes a pilot program through which the Health Resources and Services Administration must award grants to territorial, tribal, state, and local health departments in areas with the highest rates of infant mortality to address birth defects, premature births, and other leading causes of infant death. Funds may be used for needs assessments, outreach, and systems to improve social, educational, and clinical services, including prenatal counseling and postpartum care.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Indigenous Peoples' Day Act This bill designates Indigenous Peoples' Day as a legal public holiday in lieu of Columbus Day.

To establish in the National Nuclear Security Administration a Cybersecurity Risk Inventory, Assessment, and Mitigation Working Group.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023 This bill imposes a fee on the carbon content of fuels, including crude oil, natural gas, coal, or any other product derived from those fuels that will be used so as to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The fee is imposed on the producers or importers of the fuels and is equal to the greenhouse gas content of the fuel multiplied by the carbon fee rate. The rate begins at $15 per metric ton of CO2-e (i.e., carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2023, increases by $10 each year, and is subject to further adjustments based on the progress in meeting specified emissions reduction targets. The bill also includes exemptions for fuels used for agricultural or nonemitting purposes, exemptions for fuels used by the Armed Forces, rebates for facilities that capture and sequester carbon dioxide, and border adjustment provisions that require certain fees or refunds for carbon-intensive products that are exported or imported. The fees must be deposited into a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund and used for administrative expenses and dividend payments to U.S. citizens or lawful residents. The fees must be decommissioned when emissions levels and monthly dividend payments fall below specified levels. The bill also requires the Department of Energy to enter into agreements with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on various impacts related to the carbon fee and emissions reduction schedule established by the bill.

To designate the United States courthouse located at 350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, California, as the "Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse".

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

This bill designates the U.S. courthouse at 350 W. First Street, Los Angeles, California, as the Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse.

Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act This bill expands special education and related services for children and youth who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. The bill establishes additional requirements for states to identify and evaluate children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. A state's closure of a specialized school serving children who are blind or deaf shall count as a reduction of its financial support for special education and related services. The bill also authorizes support, including grants for training special education personnel, to be used in preparing individuals to become qualified teachers and early intervention specialists for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, or deafblind. The bill establishes within the Department of Education the Anne Sullivan Macy Center on Visual Disability and Educational Excellence to better support students with visual disabilities. 

WIC for Kids Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Government Shutdown Impact Report Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

Government Shutdown Impact Report Act of 2023 This bill requires the Congressional Budget Office to submit daily reports to Congress when a government shutdown is in effect. The reports must include details regarding the costs and economic effects of the shutdown, including estimates of lost economic output, the decrease in gross domestic product for the quarter, assistance that the Small Business Administration was unable to provide, revenue that the National Park Service (NPS) lost due to the closure of NPS lands and historic sites, and revenue lost due to the effects on tourism and travel to and within the United States.

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023 This bill addresses harassment at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires each IHE to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment on the basis of a student's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, a sex stereotype, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits), disability, or religion. In addition, the Department of Education may award grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; or (3) educate and train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs.