United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2023
Better Care Better Jobs Act This bill establishes programs and provides funds for state Medicaid programs to improve home- and community-based services (HCBS), such as home health care, personal care, case management, and rehabilitative services. Specifically, the bill provides funds for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to award planning grants, develop quality measures, and provide technical assistance to states regarding specified HCBS improvements, particularly with respect to access, utilization, and the associated workforce. The bill also increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for HCBS in states that develop plans and meet specified benchmarks for improvements. The bill also makes permanent (1) the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Program (a grant program to help states increase the use of HCBS for long-term care and decrease the use of institutional care), and (2) certain provisions regarding Medicaid eligibility that protect against spousal impoverishment for recipients of HCBS.
United States · United States Congress · 24 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38 states have ratified the amendment, three of these states did so after the deadlines, and five states subsequently rescinded their ratifications.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 · 24 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 · 24 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. 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 one year of its first meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2023
Improving Health Insurance Affordability Act of 2023 This bill expands the eligibility of taxpayers for the refundable tax credit for coverage under a qualified health plan and increases cost-sharing subsidies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2023
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: 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, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2022
National Task Force on the COVID-19 Pandemic Act This bill establishes a legislative branch task force to investigate the facts and circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, including preparedness for and responses to the pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2022
Medical Innovation Act of 2022 This bill requires certain drug manufacturers to make payments to fund research supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A drug manufacturer with over $1 billion in net income in a fiscal year that has entered into a relevant settlement agreement regarding specified violations must pay 0.75%-1.5% of its net income to the Department of Health and Human Services for each of its covered blockbuster drugs. A covered blockbuster drug is a drug that has at least $1 billion in net sales in a year and was developed, in whole or in part, through federal investments in medical research. Payments are divided between the FDA and the NIH in proportion to the discretionary funding of those agencies, excluding FDA user fees. Payments are not disbursed if appropriations for the FDA or the NIH are lower than in the prior fiscal year. Priorities for payments must include advancing regulatory science for medical products and research related to diseases that disproportionately account for federal health care spending. A covered blockbuster drug for which a manufacturer has not made a required payment is considered misbranded and subject to prohibitions on introducing or receiving misbranded drugs in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2022
Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act This bill establishes a student loan forgiveness program for certain farmers or ranchers. Specifically, to receive loan forgiveness under this bill, a borrower must (1) make 120 monthly loan payments under a specified repayment plan while employed full-time at a qualified farm or ranch; and (2) fall within certain categories of individuals such as a beginner farmer or rancher, an individual underrepresented in the agricultural profession, or a veteran farmer or rancher.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2022
Right to Build Families Act of 2022 This bill prohibits states from prohibiting (or unreasonably limiting) access to, provision of, or insurance coverage for assisted reproductive technology (e.g., in vitro fertilization). The Department of Justice and individuals adversely affected by violations may bring a lawsuit to enforce this bill, and states are not immune from suits for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2022
Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a final rule establishing evacuation standards for transport category airplanes that accounts for certain factors, including the ability of passengers of different ages (e.g., infants, children, and senior citizens) to safely and efficiently evacuate an airplane.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2022
Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2022 This bill expands requirements for foreign manufacturers of cylinders used for transporting hazardous materials in the United States (e.g., compressed gas cylinders). Current regulations require foreign manufacturers to apply for approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for testing such cylinders outside of the United States. For example, the bill requires that, to obtain an approval, manufacturers must answer in their applications specified questions, including whether the manufacturer is or has been subject to various civil or criminal penalties. The bill limits an approval to one year; however, the administration may extend an approval for five years if the manufacturer meets certain requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2022
Clarifying Civil Rights Remedies Act of 2022 This bill specifies that damages in certain civil rights lawsuits may include all types of compensatory damages, including for emotional harm.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2022
Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of the Treasury to award grants to pay for travel, childcare, and other expenses of an individual seeking access to abortion services. Eligible grant recipients must be nonprofit or community-based organizations that assist individuals seeking abortion services through programs that are unbiased and medically and factually accurate. The grants may not be used to pay for abortion procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2022
Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act This bill authorizes the location of a monument on the National Mall to commemorate the women's suffrage movement and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2022
Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers Required Skills Act of 2022 or the PARTNERS Act This bill establishes a grant program to promote registered apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs for small and medium-sized businesses within in-demand industry sectors, through the establishment and support of eligible partnerships.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2022
Students' Access to Freedom and Educational Rights Act of 2022 This bill expands protections against discrimination and harassment in federally funded education programs or activities. Among other provisions, the bill (1) establishes statutory standards of liability for harassment and relevant remedies under specified statutes; (2) requires the Department of Education to develop a climate survey on K-12 students' experiences with domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking; and (3) establishes training requirements and a grant program for Title IX coordinators.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2022
This resolution (1) recognizes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972; and (2) acknowledges the importance of national marine sanctuaries to supporting community resilience, protecting biodiversity, and increasing access to nature.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2022
Healthcare for Our Troops Act This bill addresses TRICARE Reserve Select coverage and eligibility for Selected Reserve members of the Ready Reserve and their families. Among other elements, the bill provides eligibility for TRICARE Reserve Select to Selected Reserve members of the Ready Reserve who are eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2022
Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act This bill amends the Clean Air Act to address the limitations on Reid Vapor Pressure (a measure of gasoline's volatility) that are placed on gasoline during the summer ozone season, including by applying the Reid Vapor Pressure requirements that are applicable to gasoline blended with 10% ethanol (E10) to gasoline blended with more than 10% ethanol.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2022
This resolution designates November 2022 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. It also encourages individuals to increase their understanding and awareness of care at the end of life.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2022
This resolution recognizes the one-year anniversary of the tragic attack at the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, 2021. The resolution condemns the attack and honors the memories of Tamara Durand, Wilhelm Hospel, Jane Kulich, Leanna Owen, Virginia Sorenson, and Jackson Sparks.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2022
Data on Interactions and Accountability for Law Enforcement with Individuals with Disabilities Act This bill expands activities to collect data about interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with disabilities. In particular, the bill establishes a temporary advisory council within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a methodology for collecting and reporting data on interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with disabilities. HHS must award a grant to an independent research organization or institution of higher education to test the validity and reliability of the council's methodology. The council must also provide the Department of Justice with best practices to collect disability status in cases where a death or injury occurred because of an interaction with law enforcement. The bill also requires certain federal initiatives that collect information about interactions with law enforcement (e.g., the National Use-of-Force Data Collection) to include disability status. Further, the Bureau of Justice must award a grant to an independent third-party organization (e.g., an institution of higher education) for identifying trends using certain survey data in violence committed by law enforcement officers against individuals with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2022
Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a grant program to help states address contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, on agricultural land and commercial farms. The bill also requires USDA to establish a task force to provide (1) advice regarding whether addressing PFAS contamination should be added as an eligible activity for each USDA program, and (2) technical assistance to states in addressing PFAS contamination.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2022
Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, certain broadband grants made for broadband deployment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2022
This resolution recognizes the long history and positive economic effects of the Social Security programs. It also expresses the belief that the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs should continue to be funded through mandatory spending.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2022
State Offices of Rural Health Program Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 grants awarded to state offices of rural health for improving health care in rural areas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2022
Reliable Rail Service Act This bill revises freight rail transportation policy to require rail carriers to provide transportation or service in a manner that meets the shipper's need for timely, efficient, and reliable rail service and fulfills the shipper's reasonable service requirements. It also establishes specific criteria for the Surface Transportation Board to consider when determining whether a rail carrier has violated its obligations under the policy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2022
Non-Recognition of Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Territory Act This bill prohibits any federal agency from taking any action or extending any assistance that recognizes or implies recognition of Russia's sovereignty over any internationally recognized territory of Ukraine, including its airspace and territorial waters.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2022
Invent Here, Make Here for Homeland Security Act This bill restricts the manufacture abroad of products invented using funding provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifically, the bill prohibits a firm or nonprofit organization which receives title to any subject invention developed under a funding agreement with DHS from granting to any person the exclusive right to use or sell such invention unless that person agrees that any products embodying, or produced through the use of, such invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States. The bill authorizes waivers of this prohibition in certain instances, but prohibits waivers for products that will be manufactured substantially in a country of concern, including North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2022
This resolution recognizes (1) the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, 2022; and (2) the integral role of Latinos and their manifold heritage in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2022
This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 2022 as PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormone imbalance, which may result in infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and other symptoms.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2022
988 Coordination and Improvement Act This bill supports efforts related to behavioral health crisis care, with a particular focus on the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (a three-digit number that connects callers in suicidal crisis or mental health distress to a national network of crisis centers).
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2022
Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act of 2022 This bill expands the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program. Among other provisions, the bill (1) renames the program the Educator Loan Forgiveness program, (2) expands program eligibility to early childhood educators and program directors serving in early childhood education programs and school leaders serving in public high-need schools, and (3) establishes a program in which the Department of Education cancels monthly student loan payments during qualifying service and provides complete loan forgiveness after five years of service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2022
Improving Access to Advance Care Planning Act This bill provides statutory authority for Medicare coverage of advance care planning services. It also (1) allows such services to be provided by clinical social workers, and (2) waives the coinsurance and deductible for such services (regardless of whether the services are provided as part of an annual wellness visit). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must conduct outreach about Medicare coverage of advance care planning services; the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must study and report on the provision and utilization of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2022
Survivor Outreach and Support Campus Act or the SOS Campus Act This bill requires an institution of higher education receiving federal financial-aid funds to designate an independent advocate for campus sexual assault prevention and response.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2022
This resolution remembers Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her more than 70 years of service in support of the British people and the Commonwealth of Nations. The resolution also expresses gratitude to Queen Elizabeth II for her efforts to maintain strong bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and the United States. Finally, the resolution extends condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II, to the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and to the peoples of the Commonwealth of Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2022
Military to Mariners Act of 2022 This bill modifies requirements related to U.S. Merchant Marine credentials for veterans and members of the uniformed services. Specifically, the bill requires the U.S. Coast Guard to review and examine all current procedures for issuing credentials for applicants who are veterans and members of the uniformed services seeking to become merchant mariners; provide the availability for a fully internet-based application process for a merchant mariner credential; issue new regulations to reduce the paperwork, delay, and other burdens for applicants for a merchant mariner credential who are veterans and members of the uniformed services and increase the percentages of time equivalent to sea service for such applicants; reduce burdens and create a means of alternative compliance to demonstrate instructor competency for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers courses; and assess the use of the SkillBridge program of the Department of Defense as a means for transitioning active duty sea service personnel toward employment as a merchant mariner.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2022
State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and otherwise changes the State Opioid Response Grant program. This program, which is managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, provides funding for states, territories, and Indian tribes and tribal organizations to address the opioid crisis. Specific changes to the program include (1) expanding its scope to also address stimulant use and misuse, (2) establishing a funding methodology and minimum funding allocations, and (3) allowing the use of grant funds for recovery support services. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on issues concerning the funding and other aspects of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2022
Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2022 or the DISCLOSE Act of 2022 This bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosures of campaign expenditures, and requiring additional disclosures regarding certain political advertisements. Specifically, the bill expands existing foreign money prohibitions to include disbursements for paid web-based or digital communications and federal judicial nomination communications. It also prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda. The Government Accountability Office must, for each four-year election cycle, study and report on the incidence of illicit foreign money in federal elections. Next, the bill makes it unlawful to establish or use a corporation, company, or other entity with the intent to conceal an election contribution or donation by a foreign national. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. Covered organizations (e.g., corporations, labor organizations, and political organizations) must, within 24 hours, file reports with the Federal Election Commission to disclose campaign expenditures of more than $10,000 during an election cycle. The bill also requires organizations to provide additional disclosures regarding political advertisements, including the donors who contributed the most money to that organization in the last year.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2022
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 This bill authorizes appropriations through FY2023 for the U.S. Coast Guard. It also revises a variety of requirements concerning the Coast Guard's personnel, operations, infrastructure, and environmental compliance. For example, the bill revises requirements concerning maritime cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, workforce readiness, oil spills, healthcare, vessel safety, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2022
Nationwide Right To Unionize Act This bill provides authorization for labor agreements to require membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment regardless of state law (thus preempting state laws that prohibit such agreements).
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2022
Naloxone Education and Access Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2027, expands eligibility for, and otherwise makes changes to a grant program that supports access to medications that reverse opioid overdoses (e.g., naloxone).
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2022
Go Pack Go Act of 2022 This bill requires a cable operator or satellite carrier to provide their subscribers in specified Wisconsin counties (i.e., Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Dunn, Florence, Iron, Pierce, Polk, Sawyer, St. Croix, or Washburn) the choice of retransmission of (1) the signal of any local network station that the operator or carrier is required to retransmit to the subscriber; (2) an in-state, adjacent-market network station; or (3) both. This will allow residents of such Wisconsin counties currently assigned to an out-of-state Minnesota television market to access programming in Wisconsin.
![Official portrait of Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001230_200.jpg)