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![Official portrait of Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001098_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
2,950 records where Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023
Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2023 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 · 9 February 2023
Major Richard Star Act This bill allows a veteran with a combat-related disability and fewer than 20 years of creditable service to receive retirement pay, without reduction, concurrent with disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023
Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions related to the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law). DHS may detain an individual pending a removal decision for any length of time until the individual is subject to a final removal order. DHS must detain certain individuals, such as those convicted of an aggravated felony, beyond certain time limits for immigration-related detention. The authority of the Department of Justice to review DHS custody decisions concerning an individual awaiting a removal decision shall be limited to whether the individual may be detained, released on bond, or released with no bond. DHS may release such an individual on bond only if the individual is not a flight risk or risk to the community. For an individual subject to a removal order, DHS may extend the 90-day removal period (generally the window in which DHS has to remove an individual after a final order of removal) in certain instances, such as when removal is stayed during an appeal. DHS may continue to detain an individual beyond the removal period and any removal period extensions. DHS must periodically certify a justification for detaining an individual beyond the removal period. DHS must establish a detention review process for individuals who (1) have made all reasonable efforts to comply with a removal order, and (2) are not subject to mandatory detention. DHS shall use this process to determine whether such an individual should be detained or released with conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022, enacted by the council of the District of Columbia (DC). The act makes a variety of changes to DC criminal laws, including by providing statutory definitions for various elements of criminal offenses, modifying sentencing guidelines and penalties, and expanding the right to a jury trial for certain misdemeanor crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023
Highway Formula Modernization Act of 202 3 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to study the methods and data used to apportion certain federal-aid highway funding and develop recommendations for a new apportionment method. DOT must also (1) consult with state departments of transportation and representatives of local governments on the study and recommendations, and (2) report annually to Congress on the progress of the study and submit a final report on completion of the study.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023
No Coyote Cash Act This bill makes it a crime to transmit money or any item of value with the intent to finance the unlawful entry of a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) into the United States. Violators are subject to a fine equal to the value of the transmitted property, up to one year in prison, or both. Additionally, the bill makes a non-U.S. national who violates this prohibition inadmissible and deportable. Current law criminalizes certain conduct related to bringing a non-U.S. national into the United States and transporting, harboring, concealing, or shielding such an individual within the United States from detection by immigration authorities while knowing or in reckless disregard that the individual entered unlawfully.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023
Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act of 2023 This bill places restrictions on the purchase of certain property by a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, is acting for or on behalf of, or receives subsidies from Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea. Specifically, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States must review a purchase or lease by, or a concession to, any such foreign person of private or public real estate in the United States that is within (1) 100 miles of a military installation; or (2) 50 miles of a military training route, special use airspace, a controlled firing area, or a military operations area. Further, the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation may not issue final determinations regarding specified projects (e.g., energy projects) that involve a transaction under review by the committee until the committee concludes its action.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps 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 emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and shall only be used for the purposes of supporting the mission of the Marine Corps Heritage Center.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
This bill establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors. Specifically, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration must administer the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs: vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, educational assistance programs, veterans' housing loan and related programs, the Transition Assistance Program, and the database of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Prior to the transfer of administrative responsibilities, the bill requires the VA to certify that (1) the transition of the provision of services will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans, and (2) such services are ready to be transferred.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the interim final rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) titled Reproductive Health Services and published on September 9, 2022. The rule authorizes the VA to provide certain abortion-related care to veterans. The rule also applies to such care provided to beneficiaries covered under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
No Emergency Crude Oil for Foreign Adversaries Act This bill prohibits exports of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to require as a condition of any sale of crude oil from the SPR that the oil not be exported to such countries. However, DOE may issue a waiver of the prohibition if the sale of crude oil is in the national security interests of the United States. In addition, DOE must report on (1) the route to destination and place of refinement of all crude oil sold at auction from the SPR since November 23, 2021, and (2) the ownership of the refinement facilities at which such crude oil was refined.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
Fair Access to Banking Act This bill places restrictions on certain banks, credit unions, and payment card networks if they refuse to do business with a person who complies with the law. Restrictions include prohibiting the use of electronic funds transfer systems and lending programs, termination of an institution's depository insurance, and specified civil penalties. Banks and other specified financial institutions are allowed to deny financial services to a person only if the denial is justified by a documented failure of that person to meet quantitative, impartial, risk-based standards established in advance by the institution. This justification may not be based upon reputational risks to the institution. The bill establishes the right for a person to bring a civil action for a violation of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act of 2023 This bill requires certain state and local prosecutors to report data on criminal referrals and outcomes of cases involving murder or non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson, or any offense involving the illegal use or possession of a firearm. The reporting requirement applies to state and local prosecutors in a jurisdiction that has 360,000 or more persons and receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. The report must contain data on cases referred for prosecution, cases the prosecutor declined to prosecute or refer for diversion, cases for which the prosecutor declined to reach a plea agreement, cases that resulted in a plea agreement or referral for diversion, and offenses the prosecutor dids not prosecute due to an internal policy. If a state or local prosecutor complies with these requirements, the bill requires (1) the Department of Justice to give priority in disbursing Byrne JAG program funds to the local government served by the prosecutor, and (2) the local government to ensure that the prosecutor receives a portion of the funds. Additionally, the bill prohibits states and local governments from receiving funds under the Byrne JAG program if they have in effect a policy that prohibits the use of cash bail for a defendant in a case involving the illegal use or illegal possession of a firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
Upholding the Law at Our Border Act This bill requires the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to periodically investigate and report on immigration-related issues until there have been fewer than 35,000 apprehensions at the southwest border for three consecutive months. When required, the reports must address certain issues, including (1) the vetting procedures applicable to non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) seeking entry into the United States who were apprehended along the southwest border, (2) the total number of individuals unlawfully present who have been processed and released into the United States, (3) the number of such individuals who have received parole, and (4) an audit of the parole applications. The office must submit such reports (and provide briefings on the reports) to the President, Congress, DHS, and the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023
This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor rule concerning the fiduciary duties with respect to employee benefit plans. Under the rule issued on December 1, 2022, plan fiduciaries may consider climate change and other environmental, social, and governance factors when they make investment decisions and when they exercise shareholder rights, including voting on shareholder resolutions and board nominations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Improving Access to Our Courts Act This bill adds Alpine to the list of places where court must be held in the Pecos Division of the Western District of Texas. Additionally, the bill adds Mount Vernon to the list of places where court must be held in the Western District of Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States," which was submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency on January 18, 2023. The rule specifies which bodies of water fall under the scope of the Clean Water Act and are thereby under federal jurisdiction. The 2023 rule replaced a 2020 rule that included a narrower definition of waters of the United States .
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This bill revokes certain waivers of sanctions relating to Iran's nuclear activity, including for (1) the modernization or redesign of the Arak reactor, and (2) the preparation or modification of centrifuge cascades at the Fordow facility. The bill also prohibits the President from issuing a new waiver relating to such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
This resolution commemorates the loss of the space shuttle Columbia (which occurred on February 1, 2003) and honors the seven astronauts who perished on the spaceflight. It also commends those who assisted in the debris recovery and accident investigation, including two helicopter pilots who lost their lives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2023 This bill specifies that a federal banking agency may not request or order a depository institution to terminate a customer account unless (1) the agency has a valid reason for doing so, and (2) that reason is not based solely on reputation risk. Valid reasons for terminating an account include threats to national security and involvement in terrorist financing, including state sponsorship of terrorism. A federal banking agency requesting a termination must provide the depository institution with notification and justification. The bill also sets forth additional requirements for the Department of Justice when seeking subpoenas, summoning witnesses, or compelling document production in the course of conducting a civil investigation in contemplation of a civil proceeding involving certain banking laws.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2023
Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act This bill prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission from using federal funds to (1) regulate gas stoves as a banned hazardous product, or (2) issue or enforce a product safety standard that prohibits the use or sale of gas stoves or substantially increases their price.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
This resolution demands that the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China (CPC) immediately release Mark Swidan. The resolution also condemns the Chinese government and the CPC for denying Swidan access to U.S. diplomats and independent and competent medical care. Swidan is a U.S. citizen who was convicted of drug-related charges in China and sentenced to death. A U.N. working group on arbitrary detention considers Swidan's detention arbitrary and in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
No Budget, No Pay Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress from being paid in a fiscal year until both chambers approve the budget resolution and pass all regular appropriations bills for that fiscal year. Retroactive pay is prohibited for such a period.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2023 This bill allows a qualified individual to carry a concealed handgun into or possess a concealed handgun in another state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. A qualified individual must (1) be eligible to possess, transport, or receive a firearm under federal law; (2) carry a valid photo identification document; and (3) carry a valid state-issued concealed carry permit, or be eligible to carry a concealed firearm in his or her state of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Border Airport Fairness Act of 2023 This bill requires the President to designate certain primary airports near the border as ports of entry and terminate the user fee requirement for customs services at these airports.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act This bill prohibits the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from selling petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the SPR to any entity that is under the ownership or control of China. Further, DOE must require as a condition of any sale of crude oil from the SPR that the oil not be exported to China.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
This concurrent resolution calls for honoring the 237th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on Religious Freedom Day, January 16, 2023. The resolution affirms that religious freedom includes the right of individuals of any faith and individuals of no faith to live, work, associate, and worship in accordance with their beliefs; all people of the United States can be unified in supporting religious freedom because it is a fundamental human right; and the American people will remain forever unshackled in matters of faith.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
This bill requires federal agencies to submit zero-based budgets to the Office of Management and Budget and the congressional budget committees . A zero-based budget is a systematic budget analysis in which managers (1) examine current objectives, operations, and costs; (2) consider alternative ways of carrying out programs or activities; and (3) rank different programs or activities by order of importance. The bill also requires federal agencies to submit recommendations to reduce spending by at least 2% from the previous year's levels. The Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration are exempt from this requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, enacted by the council of the District of Columbia. The act allows noncitizens who meet residency and other requirements to vote in local elections in the district.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act of 2023 This bill imposes sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) employees and associates if the ICC investigates or pursues charges against certain individuals. The bill defines certain classes of individuals as protected individuals, including (1) members of the U.S. Armed Forces, (2) employees and contractors of the U.S. government who assist the U.S. Armed Forces, and (3) certain members of the armed forces of U.S. allies or partners. If the ICC investigates or pursues charges against a protected individual, the President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions against those foreign persons (individuals or entities) that, as ICC employees or associates, aided in the investigation, arrest, detention, or prosecution of a protected individual. Additionally, if the ICC investigates or pursues charges against protected individuals, the President must impose visa-blocking sanctions against any foreign individual who is (1) an employee of the ICC; (2) acting as an agent of the ICC; or (3) an immediate family member of those aiding the investigation, arrest, detention or prosecution of a protected individual. The property-blocking sanctions do not apply to the importation of goods. The visa-blocking sanctions do not apply to admissions to (1) further important U.S. law enforcement objectives; or (2) comply with international obligations, such as the United Nations Headquarters Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2023
Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act This bill establishes requirements for the degree of care a health care practitioner must provide in the case of a child born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion. Specifically, a health care practitioner who is present must (1) exercise the same degree of care as would reasonably be provided to any other child born alive at the same gestational age, and (2) ensure the child is immediately admitted to a hospital. Additionally, a health care practitioner or other employee who has knowledge of a failure to comply with the degree-of-care requirements must immediately report such failure to law enforcement. A health care practitioner who fails to provide the required degree of care, or a health care practitioner or other employee who fails to report such failure, is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. An individual who intentionally kills or attempts to kill a child born alive is subject to prosecution for murder. The bill bars the criminal prosecution of a mother of a child born alive under this bill and allows her to bring a civil action against a health care practitioner or other employee for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 20 23 This bill revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking. Specifically, the bill establishes a congressional approval process for a major rule. A major rule may only take effect if Congress approves the rule. A major rule is a rule that has resulted in or is likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The bill generally preserves the current congressional review process for a nonmajor rule.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Ending Discrimination in COVID-19 Treatments Act This bill prohibits consideration of certain factors in decisions about access to federally provided treatments or vaccines for COVID-19. As a condition of receiving the treatments or vaccines from the federal government, states, localities, and private entities must ensure that specified demographic characteristics (e.g., race, sex, and age) or other characteristics (e.g., vaccination status, veteran status, and political ideology or speech) are not taken into account when determining a patient's eligibility for treatments or vaccines.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Parental Rights Protection Act This bill restricts government entities from requiring that individuals age 18 or younger receive certain COVID-19 vaccines that were authorized through emergency use and related procedures. Specifically, a federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local government entity (including a local educational agency) that receives funding from either the Department of Education or the Department of Health and Human Services may not require such COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals age 18 or younger. In particular, a local educational agency that mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for students loses its eligibility for federal education funding. The bill also requires the prior, informed, written consent of a parent or guardian before administration of such COVID-19 vaccines to an individual age 18 or younger.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
No Mask Mandates Act of 2023 This bill nullifies existing federal mask mandates and prohibits future actions to require individuals to wear face masks to respond to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Specifically, the bill nullifies the executive order issued on January 20, 2021, that addresses the use of face masks in federal buildings and on federal lands; and the emergency order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on January 29, 2021, that required the use of face masks on public transportation conveyances and in transportation hubs until the order was struck down by a court on April 18, 2022. In addition, the bill prohibits (1) federal agencies or offices from issuing any future orders that mandate face masks or using previously appropriated federal funds to implement or enforce masking requirements to respond to COVID-19, and (2) the Department of Health and Human Services from requiring face masks in response to any declared public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
No Vaccine Mandates Act of 2023 This bill creates a federal statutory framework to govern restrictions and requirements related to COVID-19 vaccinations. First, the bill temporarily prohibits (1) requiring an individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, or (2) administering a COVID-19 vaccine to a minor or other individual who lacks the capacity to consent without the consent of a parent or guardian. A violation is subject to criminal penalties. Second, the bill requires any person who administers a COVID-19 vaccine to provide a potential recipient with certain information about the risks associated with the vaccine so the potential recipient can make an informed decision. Third, the bill generally prohibits the public disclosure of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status without express, written consent. A violation is subject to criminal and civil penalties. This bill does not preempt state or local laws that provide greater privacy protection than these provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Guarding against Injustice based on Vaccine-status, Ensuring Lifesaving Intervention For Everyone Act or the GIVE LIFE Act or Doss's Act This bill generally prohibits an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status from being taken into account for purposes of organ donation or receipt. The bill also prohibits (1) the incidence rate of COVID-19 in a geographic area from being considered in such decisions, and (2) the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network from establishing standards that incorporate any of these factors. Additionally, as a condition of Medicare and Medicaid participation, health care providers, with specified exceptions (e.g., skilled nursing facilities), may not deny services to individuals based on COVID-19 vaccination status.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
No Vaccine Passports Act This bill restricts collection and disclosure of an individual's vaccination status, including for COVID-19 vaccinations. It also makes it unlawful to discriminate based on COVID-19 vaccination status and to mandate vaccination in certain circumstances. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to establish or collaborate with federal, state, private, or international systems that track or monitor an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status. Additionally, federal agencies must destroy existing records that contain information about an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status within 30 days. Furthermore, agencies may not issue vaccine passports or similar standardized documentation of COVID-19 vaccination status. The bill also prohibits discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status or willingness to provide documentation of vaccination status in employment, public accommodations, and certain public programs and services. Remedies and enforcement mechanisms available under federal civil rights laws apply to violations under this bill. In addition, federal privacy standards for health information must prohibit the disclosure of non-anonymized information about the status of any vaccination without a patient's express consent. Moreover, the bill makes anyone who requests an individual's vaccination status subject to these standards. The bill temporarily bans (1) mandates for vaccines authorized for use under emergency procedures, and (2) administration of those vaccines to minors or individuals who lack capacity to consent to vaccinations without the consent of their parent or guardian. It also prohibits public disclosure of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status without express, written consent. Violations of these prohibitions are subject to criminal and civil penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act This bill expands the E-Verify program by requiring all employers to use it and permanently reauthorizes the program. Currently, E-Verify use is voluntary for most employers, although some states mandate its use. All employers must use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all recruited, referred, or hired individuals, including current employees who were never verified under the program. Failure to use E-Verify shall create a rebuttable presumption that the employer is violating immigration law. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must generate weekly reports about individuals who have received a final nonconfirmation of employment eligibility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must use the report to enforce immigration laws. DHS must establish a program to help certain small businesses verify employee eligibility. DHS shall also update E-Verify's design to help prevent and detect fraud and identity theft. The bill increases civil and criminal penalties for hiring non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who are not authorized to work. DHS must debar repeat offenders and those criminally convicted from holding federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. The Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, and DHS must jointly establish a program to share information to help identify non-U.S. nationals who are not authorized to work. The bill establishes the Employer Compliance Inspection Center within Homeland Security Investigations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The center's duties include processing I-9 employment eligibility verification forms and ensuring compliance with employment eligibility laws. DHS must report to Congress on ways to simplify procedures relating to I-9 forms and on whether the I-9 process should be eliminated.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Sarah's Law This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who is unlawfully present in the United States and has been charged with a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person. ICE must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the identity of any victims of the crimes for which the detained individual was charged or convicted. ICE shall provide the victim, or a relative or guardian of a deceased victim, with information about the detained individual, including name, date of birth, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and a description of any related removal efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today Act or the SHORT Act This bill removes certain short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and other weapons from the definition of a firearm for purposes of regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The bill also eliminates certain restrictions that apply to the sale or transportation of such rifles and shotguns in interstate commerce. If a state or local registration or licensing requirement is determined by reference to the NFA, the bill treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or other weapon in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968 as meeting the registration and licensing requirements. The bill preempts certain state or local laws that tax or regulate these rifles, shotguns, and weapons. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives must destroy records relating to the registration, transfer, or manufacture of applicable weapons described by this bill within one year after the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
American Values Act This bill expands restrictions on using U.S. foreign assistance to pay for or promote abortions, involuntary sterilizations, or other related activities. Specifically, the bill expands existing prohibitions, including prohibitions against using foreign assistance to pay for abortions or involuntary sterilization for family planning, to apply to all assistance provided under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA). (Currently, these prohibitions apply to only certain parts of the FAA.) Furthermore, assistance provided under the FAA may not be made available to (1) pay for lobbying for or against abortion, or (2) any organization involved in managing a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. (These prohibitions have typically been in appropriations acts, but the bill would make the prohibitions a permanent part of the FAA.) The bill also makes permanent a prohibition against using funds made available to the Peace Corps to pay for abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Let Them Learn Act This bill prohibits the District of Columbia (DC) from using federal or local funds to require that students in elementary or secondary schools receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill also nullifies the Coronavirus Immunization of School Students and Early Childhood Workers Regulation Amendment Act of 2021, enacted by the DC Council. That act (1) requires COVID-19 vaccinations for students in elementary and secondary schools and staff at licensed child care facilities, and (2) provides for the electronic transmission of COVID-19 and other vaccination certifications for school attendance.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2023
Restoring Military Focus Act This bill eliminates the position of Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense (DOD), as well as the position of Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion within the military departments. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to establish similar positions to that of Chief Diversity Officer or Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion within DOD.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2023
Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023 or the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act This bill addresses home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Under the bill, the cost of providing noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care may not exceed the cost that would have been incurred if a veteran had been furnished VA nursing home care, unless the VA determines that a higher cost is in the best interest of the veteran. (Under current law, these expenditures are limited to 65% of the cost.) Among other requirements, the VA must establish a partnership with the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly in certain areas to furnish noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care; implement various programs (e.g., the Veteran Directed Care program) to expand access to home- and community-based services; provide specified support and benefits to caregivers of certain disabled veterans; implement a pilot program to provide homemaker and home health aide services to veterans who reside in communities with a shortage of home health aides; and ensure the availability of home and community-based services for Native American veterans. For veterans or family caregivers who are discharged from the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, a caregiver support coordinator must provide for a personalized transition to an appropriate program. The Veterans Health Administration must review programs administered through the Office of Geriatric and Extended Care to ensure consistency in program management, eliminate service gaps at the medical center level, and ensure the availability of and access to home and community-based services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2023
Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act of 2023 This bill prohibits product hopping by drug manufacturers, authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to enforce this prohibition, and imposes limits on patent litigation involving biological products. Generally, product-hopping describes a situation where, when the patents on a reference drug (or biological product) expire, the manufacturer switches to a follow-on product that is covered by a later-expiring patent. Under this bill, a follow-on product is a modified version of the reference drug that has an indication (what the drug is used for) that is identical or substantially similar to an indication of the reference drug. The bill presumes product hopping has occurred when a reference drug manufacturer, after receiving notice that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received an application to market a competing generic (or biosimilar) version, takes certain actions such as withdrawing the reference drug from the market and selling a follow-on product. A drug manufacturer may rebut these presumptions by demonstrating that its conduct was not intended to limit competition. The bill also limits in certain instances the number of patents that a reference biological product manufacturer can assert in a patent infringement lawsuit against a company seeking to sell a biosimilar version. Specifically, if the biosimilar manufacturer completes certain actions as part of an abbreviated pathway to get FDA market approval, the bill limits, subject to exceptions and waivers, the number of certain types of patents that the reference product manufacturer may assert, such as patents filed more than four years after the reference product received market approval.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2023
Stop Significant and Time-wasting Abuse Limiting Legitimate Innovation of New Generics Act or the Stop STALLING Act This bill makes it an unfair method of competition to submit an objectively baseless petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in an attempt to interfere with a competitor's application for market approval of a drug. The bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to sue an individual or entity that submits such a petition to the FDA. A party found liable in such a lawsuit shall be subject to civil penalties, such as a fine of up to $50,000 for each day that the FDA spent reviewing the baseless petition.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2023
Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 This bill expands federal enforcement of criminal offenses related to organized retail crime. Organized retail crime typically refers to large-scale retail theft and fraud by organized groups of professional shoplifters, or boosters, who make money by stealing merchandise and reselling it for a fraction of the retail cost. First, with respect to criminal offenses involving the transportation of stolen property across state lines and the sale or receipt of stolen goods, the bill broadens the scope of conduct that qualifies as offenses. Additionally, the bill makes the offenses predicate offenses (i.e., underlying offenses) for prosecutions under the federal money laundering statute and authorizes the criminal forfeiture of any property representing or traceable to the gross proceeds obtained as a result of an offense or a conspiracy to commit an offense. Second, with respect to criminal offenses involving theft from an interstate or foreign shipment, the bill makes an offense an underlying offense for prosecution under the federal money laundering statute and authorizes the criminal forfeiture of any property representing or traceable to the gross proceeds obtained as a result of an offense or a conspiracy to commit an offense. Finally, the bill establishes a center—the Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center—within the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate the federal law enforcement activities related to organized retail crime.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2023
Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act or the A PLUS Act This bill creates a framework under which states may receive federal elementary and secondary education funds on a consolidated basis and use such funds for any educational purpose permitted by state law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2023
Support And Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act of 2023 or the SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving any new drug (either as a brand-name drug or a generic) intended to terminate a pregnancy and imposes additional restrictions on such drugs that are already approved. Under the bill, an already-approved drug intended to terminate a pregnancy may be dispensed to a patient only with a prescription. Furthermore, the FDA may not approve any labeling change that would authorize (1) using the drug after 70 days of gestation, or (2) dispensing the drug by any means other than in-person administration by the prescribing health care practitioner. The FDA must also impose additional restrictions on such already-approved drugs, including by (1) requiring the prescribing health care practitioner to receive a special certification, (2) prohibiting the practitioner from also acting as the dispensing pharmacist, and (3) requiring the practitioner to have the ability to provide surgical intervention to the patient. The bill also rescinds any investigational use exemption already granted to such a drug if the bill would have prohibited the FDA from granting the exemption. (Currently, the FDA may grant an exemption to certain market approval requirements if a drug is intended solely for use in safety and effectiveness investigations.)