United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2022
Think Tank Transparency Act This bill requires U.S. nonprofit think tanks to disclose to the Department of Justice any gifts, donations, or contributions from a foreign principal in amounts of $10,000 or greater. The bill also requires the think tanks to disclose contracts or agreements with foreign principals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2022
Trademark Licensing Protection Act of 2022 This bill establishes that licensing a trademark or trademark registration for use by a related company does not contribute to establishing an employment relationship between the licensor and the licensee, nor does a licensor's exercise of control over how the licensed trademark is used.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2022
Promoting Readiness for Overseas Contingencies and Unexpected Responses Emergencies Act or the PROCURE Act This bill establishes a Critical Munitions Acquisition Fund to finance the acquisition or ensure the availability of certain munitions during the war in Ukraine and future conflicts. The fund may accept contributions from foreign entities, foreign governments, or international organizations. The authority for the fund expires at the end of 2024.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2022
Zero Tolerance for Deceptive Fentanyl Trafficking Act This bill adds five fentanyl analogues and the entire category of fentanyl-related substances to schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the bill establishes a new criminal offense and penalties with respect to the deceptive sale of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, or fentanyl-related substances.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2022
This resolution condemns the death and detention of Mahsa Amini (an Iranian woman who died in the custody of the Morality Policy of Iran after being detained for purportedly wearing her hijab improperly). It also calls on Iran to end its systemic persecution of women.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2022
Sexual Abuse Services in Detention Act This bill authorizes grants and establishes a national resource center to support the provision of emotional support services for incarcerated individuals who have experienced sexual abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2022
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4110 Bluebonnet Drive in Stafford, Texas, as the "Leonard Scarcella Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2022
Respect for Child Survivors Act This bill requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to use a multidisciplinary approach with any investigation of child sexual exploitation or abuse, the production of child sexual abuse material, or child trafficking. The FBI must also use a trained child adolescent forensic interviewer in these investigations if practicable and consistent with applicable federal law. In implementing a multidisciplinary approach, the bill requires the FBI to use and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams based at children's advocacy centers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2022
This resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Robert "Bob" Charles Krueger for his (1) accomplishments as a patriot and as an example for future generations of leaders; and (2) dedication to Texas as a Senator, a member of the House of Representatives, an Ambassador, and a public servant.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2022
Preventing Underhanded and Nefarious Iranian Supported Homicides Act of 2022 or the PUNISH Act of 2022 This bill extends sanctions and national emergencies related to Iran established by specified executive orders and limits the authority of the President to waive sanctions related to Iran. The bill requires the Department of State to periodically report whether Iran or any foreign person has supported specified activities, including murder or politically motivated detention in Iran of a U.S. citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2022
Defense Export Promotion Of Relevant Technology and Supplies Act or the Defense EXPORTS Act This bill provides funding to (1) develop program protection strategies for Department of Defense systems that may be exported, (2) design and incorporate exportability features into such systems during the research and development phases of such systems, and (3) integrate design features that enhance interoperability of such systems with those of friendly foreign countries.
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 · 20 September 2022
Improving Government Efficiency and Workforce Development through Federal Executive Boards Act of 2022 This bill addresses the perpetuation, administration, and funding of Federal Executive Boards. Specifically, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA), shall continue to support the existence of the Federal Executive Boards in geographic areas outside the District of Columbia (DC) metropolitan area. Federal Executive Board means an interagency entity established by OPM, in coordination with OMB and GSA; located in a geographic area with a high concentration of federal employees outside the DC metropolitan area; focused on strengthening the management and administration of agency activities and coordination among local federal officers to implement national initiatives in that geographic area. OPM must develop a set of criteria to establish and evaluate the number and locations of such boards that (1) factor in contemporary federal workforce data as of the date of this bill's enactment; and (2) is informed by annual changes in workforce data, including the geographic disbursement of the federal workforce and the role of remote work options. The bill sets forth provisions regarding administration and oversight, and governance and activities, of such boards. OPM, in coordination with OMB and GSA, must establish a Federal Executive Board Fund within OPM for financing essential board functions for the purposes of staffing and operating expenses.
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
Keeping Everyone Safe and Securing Lives by Emergency Readiness Act or the KESSLER Act This bill directs the President to supplement disaster response plans to account for catastrophic incidents. Specifically, the President must supplement each Federal Interagency Operational Plan to include an annex containing a strategy to ensure the health, safety, and general welfare of the civilian population affected by catastrophic incidents by providing for the basic needs of the civilian population that is impacted by catastrophic incidents in the United States; coordinating response efforts with state and local governments, the private sector, and nonprofit relief organizations; promoting personal and local readiness and non-reliance on government relief during periods of heightened tension or after catastrophic incidents; and developing international partnerships with allied nations for the provision of relief services and goods. The strategy must include specified elements, including a description of actions the President will take to ensure the basic needs of the U.S. civilian population in a catastrophic incident are met. The Department of Homeland Security shall lead an exercise, as part of a national exercise program, to test and enhance the operationalization of the strategy. The President must provide recommendations for (1) actions that should be taken to prepare the United States to implement the strategy, increase readiness, and address preparedness gaps; and (2) additional authorities that should be considered to more effectively implement the strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2022
Preventing Adversary Influence, Disinformation, and Obscured Foreign Financing Act of 2022 or the PAID OFF Act of 2022 This bill requires certain persons to register as agents of a foreign principal if the foreign principal in question is a foreign adversary. For the purposes of this bill, a foreign adversary is a foreign government or person (individual or entity) that has engaged in a long-term pattern of conduct significantly adverse to U.S. national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons. Currently, the Foreign Agents Registration Act exempts certain agents from the act's registration requirements, including agents (1) engaged only in private and nonpolitical activities to advance a foreign principal's bona fide trade or commerce interests, or (2) engaged in certain lobbying activities and where the agent has registered as a lobbyist. Under this bill, these exemptions shall not apply if the foreign principal is a foreign adversary.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2022
Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block 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; and purchasing, implementing, and using technology to assist with violent crime reduction efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2022
Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act This bill makes the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death a first degree murder. An individual who is guilty of first degree murder by distributing fentanyl is subject to death or life in prison.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2022
American Defense Programs, Logistics, and Acquisitions for our Nation's Security Act of 2022 or the American Defense PLANS Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to enter into an arrangement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a study of the programs, acquisitions, and budget of DOD and make recommendations regarding how DOD can ensure program development cycles and acquisition of new technologies keep pace with the rate at which DOD technologies become outdated or are replaced.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2022
Providing Resources, Officers, and Technology to Eradicate Cyber Threats to Our Children Act of 2022 or the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 (1) the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, and (2) the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program.
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 · 12 September 2022
Simplify Timelines and Assure Regulatory Transparency Act or the START Act This bill sets forth a variety of provisions to expedite the environmental review of energy projects, such as the Mountain Valley Pipeline project.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2022
This bill prohibits the use of additional funds appropriated to the Internal Revenue Service under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for audits of taxpayers with taxable incomes below $400,000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2022
This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Education rule published on July 6, 2022, concerning final priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for the Charter Schools Program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2022
This resolution designates November 13, 2022, as National Warrior Call Day to encourage individuals to talk with members of the Armed Forces and veterans to connect them with support.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2022
Guarding against Unexploded Arms and Munitions Act or the GUAM Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to use amounts available for operation and maintenance to remove munitions and explosives of concern from military installations in Guam. DOD must monitor and assess such removal and constantly update the processes for removal to mitigate any issues.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2022
Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness, and Military Stockpiles Act of 2022 or the Securing American ARMS Act of 2022 This bill provides that acquisition procedures other than competitive procedures may be used to (1) replenish United States stockpiles with like defense articles when stockpiles are diminished as a result of the response to an armed attack by a foreign adversary against a U.S. ally or partner, or (2) contract for the movement or delivery of defense articles transferred to such ally or partner through the President's drawdown authorities in connection with such response, provided that the United States is not a party to the hostilities. The head of the applicable agency must provide the congressional defense committees written notification of the use of such procedures within one week after such use.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2022
Simplifying Grants Act of 2022 This bill sets forth procedures for simplifying the grant process for nonurbanized areas, for both existing and new grant programs. Each agency must make publicly available a checklist for covered local governments with respect to each grant program of the agency for which such governments are otherwise eligible that includes each requirement for every step of the grant process. The Office of Management and Budget must report to Congress (1) within 270 days of this bill's enactment, evaluating the extent to which agencies have simplified the requirements and made the checklist available; and (2) each April 1st, evaluating the amount of technical assistance provided and the amount of funds awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2022
Army Facilitating Untapped Technology, Utilities, Resources, and Equipment for Servicemembers Act of 2022 or the Army FUTURES Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of the Army to submit a plan to Congress that comprehensively defines the roles and responsibilities of officials and organizations of the Army with respect to the force modernization efforts of the Army. In the event the report is not submitted within the required 180-day period, the Commanding General of the Army Futures Command must have the roles, responsibilities, and authorities assigned pursuant to Army Directive 2020-15 and any provision of Army Directive 2022-07 that modifies or contravenes Army Directive 2020-15 must have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2022
This bill extends until September 30, 2022, the special assessment of $5,000 on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking. Currently, the special assessment expires on September 11, 2022.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2022
This resolution expresses that the Senate has heard the announcement of the death of the Honorable Jacqueline R. Walorski, Congresswoman for the Second Congressional District of Indiana. The resolution also honors Representative Walorski for her service to Indiana and the United States. The resolution expresses that when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Representative Walorski.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2022
This resolution designates August 2022 as National Catfish Month. It also recognizes (1) the contributions of all workers, past and present, that produce, process, and provide catfish for the people of the United States; and (2) that purchasing U.S. farm-raised catfish supports farmers, jobs, and the economy of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2022
Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act This bill addresses economic and political development in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), including by supporting anti-corruption and trade initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2022
Expanding Local Meat Processing Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to revise its regulations to allow certain packers to hold an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of a market agency selling livestock on a commission basis. The bill applies to packers that have a cumulative slaughter capacity of (1) less than 2,000 animal per day or 700,000 animals per year with respect to cattle or sheep, and (2) less than 10,000 animals per day or 3 million animals per year with respect to hogs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2022
National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the National Computer Forensics Institute within the U.S. Secret Service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2022
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should negotiate and enforce rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of its broader trade and economic strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2022
Improving Early Childhood Data Systems Act This bill provides grants to states to improve the data systems that assist families seeking child care assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2022
Federal Data Center Enhancement Act of 2022 This bill modifies requirements relating to data centers of federal agencies and extends the sunset of provisions regarding the federal data center consolidation initiative. Specifically, the General Services Administration (GSA) must establish minimum requirements for new data centers, including regarding the availability and use of new data centers; the use of sustainable energy sources; uptime percentage; protections against power failures, including on-site energy generation and access to multiple transmission paths; protections against physical intrusions and natural disasters; and information security protections. During the development and planning lifecycle of a new data center, an agency must report to the GSA and Congress upon determining it is likely to make a management or financial decision relating to such center. An agency must (1) regularly assess the application portfolio of the covered agency and ensure that each legacy application is updated, replaced, or modernized, as appropriate, to take advantage of modern technologies; and (2) prioritize and, to the greatest extent possible, leverage commercial cloud environments rather than acquiring, overseeing, or managing custom data center infrastructure. An agency must oversee and manage the data center portfolio and the information technology strategy of the agency in accordance with federal cybersecurity guidelines and directives.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2022
Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act This bill revises various statutes with respect to violent crimes and establishes new criminal offenses. For example, the bill (1) increases the statutory maximum penalty for carjacking, and (2) establishes enhanced criminal penalties for certain federal drug offenses involving the manufacture or distribution of candy-flavored controlled substances or similar products for minors.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2022
Safeguarding Privacy in Your Car Act of 2022 This bill repeals a provision relating to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prescribing a federal motor vehicle safety standard that required certain passenger motor vehicles to be equipped with advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2022
Texas Coastal Spine Authorization Act This bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out the project on coastal Texas protection and restoration in accordance with the plans and conditions laid out in the report issued by the Chief of Engineers on September 16, 2021. The report recommends plans to reduce the risks of tropical storm surge impacts and to restore degraded coastal ecosystems on the Texas Gulf Coast.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2022
Benjamin Berell Ferencz Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz in recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trials and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2022
Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2022 This bill prohibits specified federal entities (e.g., the Department of Energy) from considering the social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or greenhouse gas as part of any cost-benefit analysis required under any law or specified Executive Orders. In addition, such social costs must not be considered by such entities (1) in rulemaking, (2) in the issuance of guidance, (3) in taking other agency action, (4) or as a justification for any rulemaking, guidance document, or agency action.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2022
This resolution calls on the Russian government to immediately release Brittney Griner. The resolution urges the United States, in all interactions with the Russian government, to raise the case of Brittney Griner and to press for her release. The resolution further urges the Russian government to provide consular access to Brittney Griner while she remains in detention and to respect her human rights. Finally, the resolution expresses support to the family of Brittney Griner and a commitment to bringing her home.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2022
Non-Intrusive Inspection Expansion Act This bill requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to increase its use of nonintrusive inspection systems for passenger and commercial vehicles at land ports of entry.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2022
Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022 This bill revises the process of casting and counting electoral votes for presidential elections. The bill also revises provisions related to the presidential transition process. The bill specifies that the choice of electors must occur in accordance with the laws of the state enacted prior to election day. Additionally, the bill identifies each state's governor (unless otherwise identified in the laws or constitution of a state in effect on election day) as responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying the state's electors. Further, the bill provides for expedited judicial review for any action brought by an aggrieved presidential or vice-presidential candidate arising under the U.S. Constitution or U.S. laws with respect to the issuance or transmission of such a certificate. The bill revises the framework for the joint session of Congress to count electoral votes and make a formal declaration of which candidates have been elected President and Vice President. Among other changes, the bill (1) specifies that the role of the Vice President during the joint session shall be ministerial in nature, and (2) raises the objection threshold in Congress to at least one-fifth of the duly chosen and sworn members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill also revises the presidential transition process, including to (1) allow more than one candidate to receive federal transition resources under certain circumstances, and (2) require additional reporting by the General Services Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2022
Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act This bill provides for criminal penalties for certain conduct that interferes with U.S. border control measures. Specifically, a person who knowingly transmits the location or activities of law enforcement with the intent to further a crime related to immigration, customs, or controlled substances may be imprisoned for a maximum of 10 years. A person who knowingly damages or destroys a device deployed to control the border or port of entry may be imprisoned for a maximum of 10 years. Additionally, the bill provides for enhanced punishment for carrying or using a firearm in connection with certain criminal immigration violations such as assisting a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who is inadmissible due to a felony conviction.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2022
Homicide Victims' Families' Rights Act of 2022 This bill establishes a framework for immediate family members of a victim of murder under federal law to request a review of the victim's case file if the murder was committed more than three years prior, the murder was investigated by a federal law enforcement entity, all probative investigative leads have been exhausted, and no likely perpetrator has been identified.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022
Speak Out Act This bill prohibits the judicial enforceability of a predispute nondisclosure clause or predispute nondisparagement clause in a sexual assault dispute or sexual harassment dispute involving conduct that allegedly violates federal, tribal, or state law.