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 · 18 May 2023
Main Street Tax Certainty Act This bill makes permanent the tax deduction for qualified business income. (Under current law, the deduction expires after December 31, 2025.) Qualified business income is defined as the net amount of qualified items of income, gain, deduction and loss with respect to any trade or business, excluding capital gains or losses, dividends, interest income, or income earned outside the U.S.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
No START Treaty Act This bill sets requirements for certain nuclear arms agreements with Russia and bars the expenditure of funds to implement the New START Treaty (a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia signed April 8, 2010) or similar future agreements unless such requirements are met. The bill prohibits the President from negotiating or entering into a treaty with Russia that would allow Russia to possess an equal or greater number of nuclear warheads or nuclear-capable delivery systems than the United States unless the treaty or agreement restricts the size of China's nuclear arsenal; includes measures to ensure that Russia and China are compliant with the terms of the treaty; includes inspections of Chinese nuclear facilities comparable to those for Russian facilities; includes current and future Russian strategic nuclear arms not currently limited by the New START Treaty (e.g., intercontinental hypersonic glide vehicles); and includes current and future non-strategic nuclear weapons and delivery systems. In the absence of a ratified treaty incorporating such provisions, the President is prohibited from reducing the size of the U.S. nuclear arsenal or entering into an agreement with Russia or China to limit or reduce U.S. missile defenses. Beginning one year after the bill's enactment, no funds may be expended to implement the New START Treaty, or any future agreement with Russia that limits the number of U.S. nuclear warheads or nuclear capable delivery systems, unless the above requirements are included or already in effect or a waiver is approved.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
Reciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments Act of 2023 This bill establishes a reciprocal marketing approval process that allows for the sale of a drug, biological product, or medical device that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if the product is approved for sale in another country and there is an unmet need. Specifically, in order to receive reciprocal approval, the bill requires the product's sponsor to demonstrate, among other things, that (1) the product has been approved in one of the specified countries, (2) neither the FDA nor any of the specified countries have withdrawn approval for the product because of safety or effectiveness concerns, and (3) there is a public health or unmet medical need for the product. The FDA may decline approval if the FDA determines that the product is not safe or effective. The FDA may condition reciprocal approval on the conduct of postmarket studies. The FDA must issue a decision on whether to grant a request for reciprocal marketing approval within 30 days of receiving the request. Congress may pass a joint resolution to grant reciprocal marketing approval of a product that the FDA declines to approve through the reciprocal process.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
Federal Insurance Office Abolishment Act of 2023 This bill eliminates the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) within the Department of the Treasury. The bill also removes the FIO director as a nonvoting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. (AM broadcast stations are often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.) Specifically, this bill applies to motor vehicles manufactured in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce after the rule's effective date. The DOT rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations or digital audio AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. Prior to the effective date of the rule, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM broadcast stations as standard equipment must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling. DOT may assess civil penalties against any manufacturer that fails to comply with the mandate. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation. Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on whether a reliable alternative communication system exists for delivering emergency alerts and consider the (1) cost to drivers and passengers of receiving communications through an alternative system, and (2) cost and time required to develop and implement an alternative.
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 · 17 May 2023
Upholding a Secure Postal System Act or the USPS Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to investigate nationwide patterns and instances of theft of mail and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) property and report to Congress. Any such report must include a description of any measures that the USPS has in place to address, and recommendations on how the USPS and Congress can combat, such theft.
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 · 11 May 2023
This bill requires the Department of State to (1) submit to Congress any classified State Department cables or memos that express a dissenting opinion relating to the withdrawal of the U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan, and (2) make publicly available unclassified versions of such cables and memos.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration to issue or update guidance to minimize the risk for contamination of breast milk, baby formula, purified deionized water for infants, juice, and related products that are subject to re-screening or additional screening, including by ensuring adherence to hygienic standards. Related products include ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool breast milk, baby formula, and juice. In addition, the bill directs the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General to audit compliance with these requirements and submit a report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
This resolution supports the designation of November 12, 2023, as National Warrior Call Day and encourages individuals to engage with warriors (i.e., members of the Armed Forces and veterans) to connect and provide support.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
Maximize Americans' Retirement Security Act This bill revises the fiduciary duties for a retirement or employee benefit plan that is regulated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The bill generally requires a fiduciary to select and maintain investments for a plan based solely on pecuniary factors. Under the bill, a pecuniary factor is a factor that is expected to have a material effect on the risk or return of an investment based on appropriate investment horizons that are consistent with the plan's investment objectives and funding policy. A fiduciary may only use nonpecuniary factors if the fiduciary is unable to distinguish between investment alternatives on the basis of pecuniary factors alone. In such a case, the fiduciary must provide specified documentation to the plan's participants and beneficiaries, including an explanation of how the chosen nonpecuniary factors are consistent with their interests.
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 · 9 May 2023
Finish It Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to submit a plan (within 15 days after the bill is enacted) to utilize, transfer, or donate to states all existing excess border wall construction materials to construct a permanent physical barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. If DOD delays in submitting or executing the plan, the travel budget of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy must be decreased by 1% for every two days of delay. DOD must work with the Defense Logistics Agency to execute the plan until DOD is no longer incurring any costs to maintain, store, or protect the excess materials. Any state requesting border wall construction materials must certify, in writing, that the materials will be used exclusively for the construction of a permanent physical barrier to stop illicit human and vehicle trafficking along the border. If a state does not use all such materials for the specified purpose within two years of receiving the materials, the state must pay the federal government an amount equal to the original purchase price of the materials.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023
Border's Unused Idle and Lying Dormant Inventory Transfer Act or the BUILD IT Act This bill requires the federal government to transfer, upon request, materials associated with the construction of a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border to the governments of the states along that border (i.e., Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas). The transferred materials must be used to construct, repair, or reinforce a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. The federal government must cancel any existing contracts relating to the maintenance and security of the materials if the cancellation is necessary to transfer the materials.
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
Spur Permitting of Underdeveloped Resources Act or the SPUR Act This bill (1) accelerates the environmental review of certain federal actions related to energy; (2) modifies various laws pertaining to energy and mineral development; (3) establishes requirements related to the supply and delivery of electricity and natural gas; and (4) makes requirements concerning other natural resources. Specifically, the bill sets forth provisions to expedite the environmental review of certain federal actions that involve energy and mineral development, energy supply, or natural resources, such as issuing permits to export liquefied natural gas. It also establishes requirements about leasing onshore and offshore federal land for oil and gas development, including by directing the Department of the Interior to immediately resume onshore quarterly lease sales. By September 30, 2023, Interior must also approve a final 2023-2028 offshore leasing program. The bill also sets forth provisions to prevent or remove certain limitations on mining federal land and make related requirements. In addition, the bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to adopt tariff provisions, rate treatments, and other changes that are necessary to protect the adequacy, affordability, reliability, and security of the supply and delivery of electricity and natural gas by interstate pipelines. The bill also modifies FERC's responsibilities under a variety of laws. Finally, the bill modifies other laws governing natural resources, such as by extending the renewal term for grazing permits and directing the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a proposed rule titled Conservation and Landscape Health .
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023
NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act of 2023 or the NWR Modernization Act of 2023 This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to update the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) network. (NWR is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcasts weather information 24-7 from the nearest National Weather Service office, including weather warnings, watches, and forecasts.) Specifically, NOAA must update NWR to expand its coverage and support its reliability, particularly in rural and underserved communities, through timely repairs, additional equipment, software upgrades, alternative means of transmissions, and other system changes. NOAA must assess and report on access to the current system to identify potential improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023
National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act This bill requires the National Weather Service (NWS) to replace NWSChat with a commercial, off-the-shelf communications solution that is hosted on the public cloud. (NWSChat is an instant messaging program used by NWS personnel to share, in real-time, critical warnings and other types of weather information.)
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 · 1 May 2023
This resolution calls on North Korea to release any abducted foreign nationals, including those from Japan. It also urges North Korea to return the remains of deceased abductees, to make reparations, to apologize, and to permanently cease such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023
Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2023 This bill enhances the prison term for an individual who pickets or parades in or near a U.S. court or a judge's residence with the intent of (1) interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice; or (2) influencing a judge, juror, witness, or court officer. Specifically, the bill increases the maximum prison term from one to five years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023
This resolution expresses support for National Safe Digging Month and encourages all homeowners and excavators to call 811 to find the location of underground utility lines before digging.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023
Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to periodically review and report on the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Specifically, the VA must review such coverage amount every three years, taking into account the percentage increase in the average of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the fiscal year ending during the preceding calendar year compared to the average of the CPI-U for FY2005.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023
Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act or the TICKET Act This bill requires ticket sellers (including sellers on the secondary market) for concerts, performances, sporting events, and similar activities to clearly and prominently disclose at the beginning of the transaction, and prior to the selection of a ticket, the total ticket price for the event and an itemized list of the base ticket price and each fee (e.g., service fee, processing fee, delivery fee, facility charge fee, tax, or other charge). The total ticket price must also be disclosed in any advertisement, marketing, or price list. Currently, ticket sellers generally disclose fees at the checkout stage. Additionally, ticket sellers that are offering to sell a ticket that the seller does not have in their actual or constructive possession must clearly and prominently disclose that the ticket is not in their possession before an individual selects a ticket to purchase. The Federal Trade Commission must enforce these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023
Directing Independent Research To Yield Carbon Assessment Regarding Electric Vehicles Act of 2023 or the DIRTY CAR EV Act of 2023 The bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study the total carbon footprint and environmental impact of an electric vehicle ecosystem, including all aspects of the production, use, and disposal of electric vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023
Prime Minister Golda Meir Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel, and the 75th anniversary of the United States-Israel relationship. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid to the American Friends of Kiryat Sanz Laniado Hospital Inc.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023
Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness Act or the REEF Act This bill permanently exempts payments made from the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account from sequestration. Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals. Currently, this exemption ends 30 days after the termination of the COVID-19 national emergency period.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023
Tornado Observations Research and Notification Assessment for Development of Operations Act or the TORNADO Act This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to evaluate and improve its communications about hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, and other hazardous weather events. Specifically, NOAA must establish a Risk Communication Office to evaluate the effectiveness of NOAA's communications and to identify ways to provide simpler and clearer information to the public about hazardous weather events. NOAA must also (1) establish a research program to modernize its communication systems, and (2) establish a pilot program to implement the research with respect to communications about tornadoes. Additionally, the bill requires NOAA to develop a strategic plan for implementing the Warn-on-Forecast System, which aims to provide more advanced warnings of thunderstorm-related events (e.g., tornadoes). The bill also requires NOAA to evaluate its tornado rating system and to conduct post-storm assessments of significant events. The bill also provides statutory authority for NOAA's Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (known as VORTEX-USA), a collaborative project between meteorologists and social scientists to study the conditions that contribute to dangerous tornadoes in the Southeast and the best ways to communicate these events to the public. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the National Weather Service's communication technology, particularly with respect to timely notices of hazardous weather events.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023
Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality Research Act of 2023 or the TRANQ Research Act of 2023 This bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and other activities related to identifying xylazine (a compound used in veterinary medicine as a nonopioid tranquilizer), novel synthetic opioids, and other emerging substances of concern. In particular, NIST must support basic measurement science and research, including graduate and postgraduate research; near-real time spectrometry capabilities (i.e., a technique for rapidly identifying the chemical composition of a substance); strategies and voluntary best practices for handling, transporting, and analyzing such substances; and collaboration with other government agencies, institutions of higher education, and the private sector to enhance relevant narcotic and opioid detection and analysis capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023
Love Lives On Act of 2023 This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans. First, the bill removes the expiration on a surviving spouses' entitlement to educational assistance through the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship). The bill also provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation to such spouse. Next, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries. Additionally, the bill provides commissary store and MWR retail facility (e.g., exchange store) access to surviving spouses regardless of the martial status of the spouse. Such spouses must be entitled to use such stores and facilities to the same extent and on the same basis as surviving spouses who did not remarry. The bill expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment. Finally, the bill modifies the definition of a surviving spouse for purposes of veterans benefits to include same sex marriages.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023
Pretrial Release Reporting Act This bill requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics to submit a report to Congress on individuals who are granted bail or pretrial release from state courts and are charged with violent felony offenses (e.g., murder or rape).
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023
This resolution pays tribute to the members of Brigada de Asalto 2506 (Assault Brigade 2506) who participated in the Bay of Pigs operation, and it calls on the United States to support policies that promote respect for democratic principles, civil liberties, freedom, and justice in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas does not have the confidence of the Senate or of the American people to faithfully carry out his duties.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023
This bill makes permanent several tax provisions for individual taxpayers that were enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. These provisions include a reduction of individual income tax rates, an increase in the child tax credit, limitations on the tax deduction for state and local taxes and the mortgage interest deduction, and an increase in the exemption amount for estate and gift taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023
Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act of 2023 This bill allows the adjusted basis of certain assets (including any common stock in a C corporation, any digital asset, and tangible property used in a trade or business) to be indexed for inflation for the purpose of determining the gain or loss of a taxpayer (other than a corporation) who has held the asset for more than three years. The bill sets forth rules for applying the inflation adjustment to short sales; regulated investment companies; real estate investment trusts; other pass-through entities, including partnerships, S corporations, and common trust funds; dispositions between related persons; and improvements to property or contributions of capital. The Internal Revenue Service may disallow an adjustment if any person transfers cash, debt, or any other property to another person for the principal purpose of securing or increasing the adjustment allowed by this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023
Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment Act of 2023 or the STOP CSAM Act of 2023 This bill revises the federal framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children. Among the changes, the bill broadens the scope of the mandatory reporting requirements, expands legal rights and courts services for minor victims and witnesses who testify, and expands reporting requirements for large electronic communication service providers and remote computing service providers that report instances of online sexual exploitation of children to the CyberTipline.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023
Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act of 2023 or the EARN IT Act of 2023 This bill revises the federal framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children. The bill establishes the National Commission on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Prevention. The commission must develop best practices for interactive computer services providers (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) to prevent, reduce, and respond to the online sexual exploitation of children. Additionally, the bill limits the liability protections of interactive computer service providers with respect to claims alleging violations of child sexual exploitation laws. The bill replaces various statutory references to child pornography and material that contains child pornography with child sexual abuse material . Finally, the bill makes changes to the reporting requirements for electronic communication service providers and remote computing service providers (providers) who report apparent instances of crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Among the changes, the bill requires providers to report facts and circumstances sufficient to identify and locate each minor and each involved individual. The bill also increases the amount of time that providers must preserve the contents of a report.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2023
Project Safe Childhood Act This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2028 the Project Safe Childhood Program within the Department of Justice. The program coordinates child sexual exploitation investigations and prosecutions across federal, state, and local law enforcement; provides training to law enforcement on best practices; and supports public education programs.
![Official portrait of Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001098_200.jpg)