United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023
Cranes of Concern at our Ports Act or the CCP Act This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to assess the threat posed to U.S. ports by cranes manufactured by certain countries (such as China, Russia, and Iran) and commercial entities in those countries, including Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. The bill also requires the ODNI to submit a report and provide a briefing to Congress on the findings of the assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023
Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a contract to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. (Under the program, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service works in coordination with the Texas Animal Health Commission to combat the spread of cattle fever ticks, which can spread a serious cattle disease called bovine babesiosis or cattle fever.) Specifically, USDA must enter into a contract to review and report on the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program with a (1) land-grant college or university, or (2) non-land-grant college of agriculture. The review must include an evaluation of the program's effectiveness with respect to preventing and reducing the spread of cattle fever ticks; the program's benefits, and the burdens of compliance, to cattle producers; the treatment protocols developed and implemented under the program; and the federal and state funds allocated to support the program for the most recent fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023
Non-Intrusive Inspection Expansion Act This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to increase its use of nonintrusive inspection systems to scan passenger and commercial vehicles at land ports of entry. Beginning no later than September 30, 2026, CBP must use such systems at land ports of entry to scan at least (1) 40% of passenger vehicles and 90% of commercial vehicles entering the United States, and (2) 10% of all vehicles exiting the United States. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the use of such systems, including an assessment of their effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023
Genomics Expenditures and National Security Enhancement Act of 2023 or the GENE Act This bill establishes oversight requirements for certain foreign investments in a U.S. business that maintains or collects information about the genetic tests of U.S. citizens (including information relating to genomic sequencing). Specifically, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) must require the parties to specified transactions (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers by or with any foreign person that could result in foreign control of any U.S. business) to submit a mandatory declaration containing basic information regarding the transaction. Further, CFIUS must consult with the Department of Health and Human Services in any review or investigation of a covered transaction that involves this type of investment by a foreign person in a U.S. business. The bill also expands the congressional committees to which CFIUS must give annual testimony concerning foreign investment in the United States to include (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, (2) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, (3) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and (4) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. Currently, such testimony is only given to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023
Veteran Caregiver Application and Appeals Reform Act of 2023 or the CARE Act of 2023 This bill modifies the administration of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). First, the bill provides that relevant medical specialists must be part of the application review process for veterans and their family members applying to participate in the program. Under current law, the VA must provide notifications regarding decisions affecting the furnishing of assistance to individuals who submit applications for the program and their family caregivers. The bill requires that the VA provide such notifications to individuals who are being reassessed for eligibility to continue in the program. Additionally, the bill requires that such notifications include all criteria used to determine eligibility for assistance and how the criteria were used to evaluate information provided in assessments to determine eligibility. The bill also requires the VA to report annually on the program. Finally, the bill requires the VA to establish a process through which it may recognize organizations and individuals to assist veterans, their family members, or caregivers, in navigating the programs and services of the Veterans Health Administration. The VA must solicit feedback and recommendations from relevant organizations in the creation of such a process. In order to be recognized under the established process, individuals and organizations must certify that no fee or compensation will be charged to individuals for the provision of assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023
This resolution recognizes the importance of mental health and behavioral health for children and supports efforts to provide access to programs and services that support the mental health and well-being of children.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023
United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund to conduct collaborative defense projects between the United States and Israel in areas of emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence). The purpose of the fund is to enable the U.S. Armed Forces and the military forces of Israel to meet emerging defense challenges.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023
Taliban Sanctions Act of 2023 This bill requires the President to impose sanctions on certain individuals related to Afghanistan. Specifically, the President must impose certain sanctions on foreign persons, including members of the Taliban, who (1) have directly or indirectly provided support for terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan; (2) are responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses in Afghanistan; or (3) play a significant role in or provide support to international narcotics trafficking in Afghanistan. Required sanctions include, for example, property blocking and ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole into the United States. The Department of State shall use the voice and vote of the United States at the United Nations to maintain sanctions on the Taliban imposed pursuant to certain Security Council resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023
Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award supplemental grants to certain federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) for recruiting and retaining mental health care providers who are fluent in another language besides English. HHS must award the grants to FQHCs that are already receiving federal assistance to support outpatient primary care for low-income individuals or other underserved populations. Additionally, HHS must give preference to FQHCs where at least 10% of the patients are best served in a language other than English.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
WOlf and Livestock Fairness Act of 2023 or the WOLF Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide emergency relief to producers of livestock with herds adversely affected by Mexican gray wolves. Additionally, the bill modifies USDA's Livestock Indemnity Program. In the case of attacks on livestock by Mexican gray wolves, the bill increases the payment rate from 75% to 100% of the market value of the affected livestock.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2023 This bill establishes enhanced criminal penalties for distributing controlled substances via the dark web. It also establishes other programs and requirements to address the use of the dark web for illicit drug activities. ( Dark web means the portions of the internet with hidden sites and services that (1) are not generally searchable, and (2) can only be accessed with specialized devices or services that conceal the identities and locations of users.) Specifically, the bill provides an enhanced criminal penalty for delivering, distributing, or dispensing controlled substances via the dark web. The bill also provides statutory authority for the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement Task Force, which supports the investigation and prosecution of drug offenses committed via the dark web domestically and internationally. In addition, the Department of Justice must report on how and to what extent virtual currencies are used for opioid distribution via the dark web.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023
Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023 This bill provides additional funding for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) animal disease prevention and management programs and reauthorizes the programs through FY2028. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes and provides additional funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (a nationally coordinated network and partnership of federal, state, and university-associated animal health laboratories that provides animal health diagnostic testing to detect biological threats to the nation's food animals); the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (which allows APHIS to partner with states, tribes, producer organizations, universities, and others to carry out projects that enhance local, regional, and national capabilities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to animal disease outbreaks); and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (which allows the Department of Agriculture to stockpile animal vaccines and related products to use in the event of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease or other high-impact foreign animal diseases).
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023
This resolution designates the week of May 14-May 20, 2023, as National Police Week. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023
Starr–Camargo Bridge Expansion Act This bill authorizes the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company to expand the Starr-Camargo international toll bridge near Rio Grande City, Texas, including expanding and adding adjacent spans to the existing bridge.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2023
Feral Swine Eradication Act This bill reauthorizes the feral swine eradication and control pilot program and removes the pilot program designation. This Department of Agriculture (USDA) program responds to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. The bill also requires USDA to ensure that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continue monitoring an area for reoccurrence of feral swine for one year after USDA determines that feral swine has been eradicated from an eligible area. Further, the bill includes new reporting requirements, which direct APHIS and the NRCS to submit a joint report to Congress on the program. This report must be publicly available on USDA's website.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
Federal Law Enforcement Service Weapon Purchase Act This bill generally permits a federal law enforcement officer to purchase a retired handgun from the agency that issued a handgun to the officer. The bill directs the General Services Administration to develop policies to facilitate the sale and disposition of eligible handguns.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
Respect for Grieving Military Families Act This bill addresses the overpayment of retired or retainer pay to a joint account (bearing the name of the decedent and the decedent's designated beneficiary) during the month of the death of a retired member of the armed forces. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to forgive or offset the overpayment if the decedent was enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). In the case of an offset, each of the first 12 SBP annuity payments after the death of the retired service member must be reduced by one-twelfth of the overpayment. If the decedent was not enrolled in the SBP, DOD is authorized to forgive the overpayment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Army and Navy Nurse Corps members in recognition of their critical military service and devotion to duty.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
National American Indian Veterans Charter Act This bill grants a federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans Inc., which is a nonprofit corporation organized in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
Back the Blue Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer. Additionally, the bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or firefighter or other first responder; broadens the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms; and limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023
COPS on the Beat Grant Program Parity Act of 2023 This bill makes changes to the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program. Among the changes, the bill reduces the required matching contribution for certain rural communities during the first three years of a grant and eliminates the preference for agencies that exceed the matching requirements; allows grant funds to be used to increase wages of career law enforcement officers in states or localities that have a median household income of less than 70% of the national median household income and qualify for a reduced matching contribution; and provides statutory authority for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on whether law enforcement workforces are representative of the communities they serve, the percentage of law enforcement officers who live in the community they serve, the average pay of officers compared to the cost of living in the community they serve, and recommendations for improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023
Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-risk Trafficking Act of 2023 or the FIGHT Act of 2023 This bill expands protections of animals provided under the Animal Welfare Act, including by prohibiting any (1) broadcasts from international, interstate, or intrastate sources of animal fighting ventures in the United States or U.S. territories; and (2) transport of certain mature roosters.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023
Equitable Access to School Facilities Act This bill expands a grant program established to provide charter schools with facilities financing. Among other changes, the bill expands the allowable uses of a grant and revises the selection criteria for a grant. For example, the Department of Education must consider the extent to which the activities proposed to be carried out under a grant will increase charter schools' access to public buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023
Space Protection of American Command and Enterprise Act or the SPACE Act This bill prohibits the purchase of certain telecommunications or aerospace equipment and services from China and requires reporting on investment by foreign entities in U.S. space companies. The National Space Council shall submit a specified report to Congress on space investment competition from China and Russia. No funds made available to the Department of Commerce or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may be used to purchase or lease telecommunications or aerospace goods or services from any telecommunications or aerospace corporation, subsidiary, or affiliate associated with China or the Communist Party of China. The bill requires foreign entities to submit certain reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission if they acquire more than 2% of shares in a U.S. space company. The Department of Defense, in coordination with Commerce and the Department of the Treasury, shall submit annual reports to Congress on investment by foreign entities in activities conducted in the United States or conducted by U.S. entities related to exploration, manufacturing, telecommunications, or national security activities involving space.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023
This resolution congratulates the students, families, teachers, administrators, and staff of public charter schools across the United States for (1) making ongoing contributions to public education, (2) making important strides in closing the academic achievement gap in U.S. schools, and (3) strengthening the public school system. The resolution supports the ideals and goals of the 24th annual National Charter Schools Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023
Accelerating Biomedical Innovation Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish, through a consortium of institutions of higher education, a center to accelerate the development of advanced medical countermeasures. (These are certain medical products that may be used to diagnose, prevent, or treat conditions associated with chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats or emerging infectious diseases during public health emergencies.) The center must work on drugs or devices that are selected by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency (BARDA). A drug or device is eligible for selection if it incorporates a novel technology (or uses an existing technology in a novel way) in a manner that substantially (1) furthers the development of a drug or device of interest, (2) fulfills an unmet need, or (3) develops the manufacturing process for a drug or device. The bill also requires BARDA to coordinate with international partners to encourage global efforts to advance medical countermeasures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023
This bill requires the immediate expulsion of certain inadmissible non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who arrive at or along the U.S.-Mexico border subject to certain limits. Specifically, during the two years starting from this bill's enactment, such a non-U.S. national must be immediately expelled without further hearing or review if the individual lacks proper documentation or committed fraud to gain admission. (Currently, such individuals are typically subject to expedited removal, which includes a chance to request asylum.) Such an individual must be expelled to Mexico unless Mexico's government is unwilling to accept the individual or expulsion to Mexico is contrary to U.S. national interest. In such a case, the individual shall be expelled to the country (1) where the individual is a citizen, subject, or national; (2) where the individual was born or has a residence; or (3) that will accept the individual. An individual may not be expelled to a country where (1) the individual's life or freedom would be threatened due to certain characteristics, such as race or religion; or (2) there are substantial grounds for believing the individual would be subject to torture. However, this protection shall not apply to an individual convicted of a particularly serious crime or involved with terrorist activities. An individual who claims that they be subject to such dangers in a country must meet the burden of proof similar to the burden faced by an asylum seeker in a credible fear determination.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023
Satellite Cybersecurity Act This bill requires the dissemination of information and other activities to address cybersecurity risks to commercial satellite systems. Specifically, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) must (1) maintain a publicly available clearinghouse of resources concerning the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems; and (2) consolidate voluntary recommendations for developing, maintaining, and operating those systems, including recommendations for protecting systems against cyber-related risks and attacks. To the extent practicable, CISA must implement these activities as a public-private partnership. In addition, the National Space Council and the White House Office of the National Cyber Director must develop a national strategy for addressing and improving the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems. Further, the Government Accountability Office must report on federal actions to support and improve the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems, including actions taken to address the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure sectors. The report must cover, among other topics, the effectiveness of those actions and the reliance of federal agencies on commercial satellite systems (particularly those with ties to foreign countries).
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023
Sexual Abuse Services in Detention Act This bill authorizes the Office for Victims of Crime within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants for providing emotional support services in corrections settings for incarcerated survivors and victims of sexual abuse. The bill also directs DOJ to establish a national resource center to provide guidance, training, and information to support the delivery of emotional support services in correctional or detention settings.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023
This resolution recognizes the centrality of a free press to free societies and democratic governance and expresses concerns about threats to the exercise of freedom of expression globally.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023
Kids Online Safety Act This bill sets out requirements to protect minors from online harms. The requirements apply to covered platforms, which are applications or services (e.g., social networks) that connect to the internet and are likely to be used by minors. However, the bill exempts internet service providers, email services, educational institutions, and other specified entities from the requirements. Covered platforms must act in the best interest of minors using the applications or services, including by mitigating harms that may arise from that use (e.g., sexual exploitation and online bullying). Additionally, covered platforms must provide (1) minors (or their parents or guardians) with certain safeguards, such as settings that restrict access to minors' personal data; and (2) parents or guardians with tools to supervise minors' use of a platform, such as control of privacy and account settings. Covered platforms must also disclose specified information, including details regarding the use of personalized recommendation systems and targeted advertising; allow parents, guardians, minors, and schools to report certain harms; refrain from facilitating advertising of age-restricted products or services (e.g., tobacco and gambling) to minors; and annually report on foreseeable risks of harm to minors from using the platform. The bill provides for enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission and states. Further, the bill establishes a program to facilitate relevant independent research for noncommercial purposes and a council to advise on implementing the bill. It also requires guidance for market and product research focused on minors and an evaluation of options to verify a user's age.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2023
Targeting Child Predators Act of 2023 This bill revises the processes and procedures related to nondisclosure requirements issued in connection with certain administrative subpoenas. The bill modifies the process for issuing a nondisclosure requirement in a child exploitation or abuse investigation and lengthens the period of time during which a recipient of an administrative subpoena is prohibited from disclosure. It also subjects a nondisclosure requirement to judicial review, requires the administrative subpoena to include notice of the availability of judicial review, and establishes a process for judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2023
Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the Project Safe Neighborhoods grant program within the Department of Justice. The bill also allows funds under the program to be used for hiring crime analysts to assist with violent crime reduction efforts; the cost of overtime for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and law enforcement assistants who assist with the program; purchasing, implementing, and using technology to assist with violent crime reduction efforts; and supporting multijurisdictional task forces.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023
Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act This bill establishes an interagency Federal Work Group on Youth Residential Programs to support and implement best practices regarding the health and safety, care, treatment, and appropriate placement of youth in youth residential programs. The work group must develop recommendations about a national database to aggregate information about processes and outcomes for youth in such programs. The work group also must support the education and training of professional and paraprofessional personnel in fields that service such youth. Further, the Department of Health and Human Services must contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study and make recommendations about various aspects of federal and state oversight of youth residential programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023
Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill provides the Department of Justice (DOJ) with a mechanism to demand evidence for investigating compliance with foreign-agent disclosure requirements and increases penalties relating to such requirements. DOJ may issue civil investigative demands to a person who may have information relevant to an investigation related to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA). Such demands may be for documents, written answers to questions, or oral testimony. The bill prescribes various procedures and requirements, such as minimum notice periods when seeking oral testimony. Investigative demands may be enforced or challenged in district court. Such investigative demands may not require the production of information that would be protected from disclosure under (1) the rules governing grand jury subpoenas, or (2) the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to the extent the rules are consistent with this bill. The bill increases the maximum criminal fine for certain FARA violations from $10,000 to $200,000. Agents of a foreign principal must disclose being a FARA-registered agent before or during a meeting with a Member of Congress (or with staff of a Member or congressional committee). The bill provides for various civil penalties for failing to meet agent registration requirements. The foreign principal of a penalized agent may not pay the imposed fines. The Government Accountability Office shall (1) analyze the effectiveness of FARA enforcement, and (2) audit the exemption of certain foreign agents from FARA-registration if the agent has engaged in lobbying activities and has registered under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023
Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective Care or the COMPLETE Care Act This bill modifies payments and establishes certain requirements to support integrated behavioral health services under Medicare. Specifically, the bill increases payments for integrated behavioral health services that are provided by physicians under Medicare for 2025-2027, with payments increased by 175% in 2025, 150% in 2026, and 125% in 2027. The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish reporting requirements for physicians and practitioners who participate in certain alternative payment models under Medicare in order to measure the extent to which behavioral health services are integrated into primary care under these models. The bill provides funds for FY2024-FY2027 for the CMS to contract with entities to provide technical assistance to primary care practices that want to adopt models for behavioral health integration.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023
College Transparency Act This bill requires the National Center for Education Statistics to establish a secure and privacy-protected data system that contains information about postsecondary students. Specifically, the data system must evaluate student enrollment patterns, progression, completion, and postcollegiate outcomes, and higher education costs and financial aid; provide complete and customizable information for students and families making decisions about postsecondary education; reduce the requirements for reporting by institutions of higher education; and periodically match with other federal systems of data. The bill also establishes a postsecondary student data system advisory committee.
![Official portrait of Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001056_200.jpg)