United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2024
Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act This bill requires certain providers, as a condition of Medicare participation, to limit mandatory overtime for nurses. Specifically, the bill prohibits hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, home health agencies, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and other specified providers from requiring nurses to work (1) more than a previously scheduled shift, 48 hours in a workweek, or 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period; or (2) during the 10 hours immediately following the 12th hour worked in a shift during a 24-hour period. Qualifying work hours include time spent in training, on call, and on standby. The bill's provisions do not apply during declared emergencies or disasters, subject to specified conditions, and do not preclude voluntary overtime. The bill also establishes (1) certain protections for nurses who file complaints against providers, (2) documentation and notice requirements for providers, and (3) potential civil penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2024
Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act This bill takes approximately 172.1 acres of specified lands in San Diego, California, into trust for the benefit of the Jamul Indian Village of California. Land taken into trust shall be part of the tribe's reservation. The bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2024
Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali. There is authorized to be charged against the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund such amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of the medals struck under this bill. Sums received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals authorized by this bill shall be deposited into that fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2024
Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish grant programs and set up a website to reduce suicide rates among youth and young adults (those under age 26), including by addressing the use of firearms in suicides and suicide attempts. Specifically, HHS must award grants to states, Indian tribes, health departments, hospitals, or other organizations to train health care providers on lethal means safety (e.g., safe storage of firearms), relevant laws concerning the use and possession of firearms, and other suicide prevention and intervention strategies for youth and young adults. Grantees may use a portion of funds to make secure gun storage or safety devices available to residences with an individual under age 26 who is at risk of suicide. In addition, HHS must award grants to health professional schools to integrate content into their curricula and continuing education programs about suicide prevention strategies and interventions to reduce suicide rates among youth and young adults. The bill also requires HHS to develop and maintain a website that contains information for individuals under age 26, their families, health care providers, and health professional schools concerning suicide prevention and the use of firearms in suicide attempts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2024
This resolution supports the designation of February 17-February 24, 2024, as National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2024
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Accessible Voting Act of 2024 This bill expands voting accessibility for individuals with disabilities and older individuals. The bill establishes the Office of Accessibility within the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Among other duties, the office must (1) serve as the advocate on behalf of voters with access needs; (2) ensure state and local election officials are obtaining, deploying, and maintaining voting systems that meet Department of Justice accessibility standards; and (3) make payments to states to implement the bill's accessibility requirements. Additionally, the office must establish and operate a National Resource Center on Accessible Voting to provide state and local election officials, poll workers, and volunteers with the information and technical assistance needed to provide accessible voting. The office must also work with state and local election officials to collect data and administer a public national voter accessibility website. The bill requires each state to (1) ensure election websites are accessible and meet specified requirements, (2) designate a single office to provide information on federal elections to individuals with disabilities and older individuals, (3) notify the public of changes to voting practices, (4) expand access to absentee registration procedures and no-excuse mail-in absentee voting in federal elections, and (5) ensure all polling places and voter drop boxes are accessible. The EAC must coordinate with specified agencies to make grants for studying, testing, and developing accessible voting options. The bill also permanently reauthorizes and expands a Department of Health and Human Services grant program for increasing accessibility to polling places.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
Redistricting Reform Act of 2024 This bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. Specifically, the bill requires congressional districts to comply with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Further, congressional districts must be drawn to (1) ensure the practical ability of a protected group to participate in the political process, nominate candidates, and elect representatives of choice; and (2) represent communities of interest and neighborhoods. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of a redistricting plan that was drawn with the intent (or has the effect of) materially favoring or disfavoring any political party. The entity responsible for developing and adopting the congressional redistricting plan of a state must solicit and take into consideration comments from the public throughout the process of developing the plan. The bill creates judicial remedies if a state fails to enact a final congressional redistricting plan. In particular, if a state fails to enact such a final plan by the applicable deadline, then a three-judge district court shall have the exclusive authority to develop and publish the congressional redistricting plan for the state. The bill also includes a provision to prevent states from redistricting more than once following an apportionment (i.e., mid-decade redistricting).
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
This bill extends the capital gains tax on transfers of appreciated property to certain tax-exempt social organizations (e.g., civics leagues, agricultural organizations, or business leagues). Currently, the tax is imposed only on transfers to political organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2024
This resolution supports observing National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 7, 2024, to recognize (1) all women athletes who represent schools, universities, and the United States in their athletic pursuits; and (2) the vital role that the people of the United States have in empowering girls and women in sports. The resolution supports (1) marking the observation of such day with legislative efforts to build on the success of the Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2022 and ensure equal pay for female athletes and to protect and uphold title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 so that future generations of athletes will not have to experience inequitable and unfair treatment; and (2) efforts to promote gender equity in sports, including equal pay and equal access to athletic opportunities for girls and women, and to support the U.S. commitment to expanding athletic participation for all girls and future generations of women athletes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2024
This resolution requests the Department of State to transmit to Congress a statement on human rights practices in Azerbaijan, including the steps the United States has taken to promote human rights in the region, an assessment of whether circumstances exist that necessitate a continuation of security assistance for Azerbaijan, and an assessment of whether ethnic cleansing or genocidal acts have taken or are taking place in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2024
This resolution expresses support for observing National Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month during the period of January 1-February 1, 2024.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024
Access to Family Building Act This bill provides a statutory right to access assisted reproductive technology (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access assisted reproductive technology, and to retain all rights with respect to the use or disposition of reproductive genetic materials (e.g., eggs or sperm), without prohibitions or unreasonable restrictions. Health care providers and insurers also have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. The bill does not affect state or local health and safety regulations that achieve their purpose in the least restrictive manner possible. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, localities, or government officials or entities that enact or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers who are affected by violations may also bring civil actions for relief.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2024
Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024 This bill establishes a federal statutory framework to prohibit certain conduct involving actions as a part of (or on behalf of) a private paramilitary organization while armed. An individual who violates the prohibition is subject to criminal penalties. The bill also authorizes civil remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024
Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 This bill extends and provides FY2024 funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a monthly benefit that allows eligible low-income households to receive discounted internet service. The program also provides a one-time discount that may be used to purchase a connected device, such as a computer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024
This resolution applauds the people of Guatemala for participating in a free and fair presidential election on August 20, 2023. The resolution also (1) expresses concern with the actions of Guatemala's Attorney General and Public Ministry in attacking President-elect Bernardo Arevalo's coalition, and (2) urges Guatemala to prioritize and work actively for a peaceful transfer of power. Additionally, it calls on certain U.S. federal departments and agencies to prepare for the possibility that a peaceful transfer of power does not occur.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) policies governing access to medication abortion care should be based on scientific review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and (2) the FDA has found mifepristone to be safe and effective for women seeking abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023
Predatory Lending Elimination Act This bill applies certain military consumer credit protections to all consumers. Specifically, the bill caps the interest rate on extensions of consumer credit at 36%.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2023
This resolution extends sympathies to the family and friends of Sandra Day O’Connor. The resolution also acknowledges her lifetime of service, including as an Arizona state senator and the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023
This resolution mourns the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter, extends sympathies to her husband and family, and honors her contributions to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023
This resolution expresses support for the goals and principles of Transgender Day of Remembrance by recognizing the epidemic of violence toward transgender people and memorializing the lives lost this year.