United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2023
Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act of 2023 This bill directs the federal crop insurance program to provide for research and development with respect to the inclusion of covered oilseed crops (i.e., rapeseed and canola crops) under double cropping policies. (Double cropping is producing two or more crops for harvest on the same acreage in the same crop year.) The research must evaluate (1) the economic and environmental benefits of incorporating the crops into the policies; and (2) the potential risks associated with incorporating the crops into the policies, specifically with respect to winter-planted covered oilseed crops, including risks to soil health, biodiversity, and the profitability of farming operations. (The term policy means an insurance policy, plan of insurance, provision of a policy or plan of insurance, and related materials.) In awarding contracts, the program may place emphasis on persons and institutions that have previous research experience with covered oilseed crops and have access to a facility with the capacity to do the research.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2023
IDB Transparency Act This bill directs the U.S. Executive Director at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to act to reduce China's influence and to promote greater transparency about China's role in the IDB. Specifically, the U.S. Executive Director must vote and advocate to reduce the influence of China's government and Chinese companies at the IDB, including by opposing any IDB funding or projects that (1) are at least 10% funded by China or Chinese companies, and (2) present risks to U.S. national interests. Additionally, the U.S. Executive Director must vote against and take other actions to oppose the acquisition of IDB stock by China or Chinese companies. The bill also directs the Department of the Treasury to provide Congress with a report on China's influence at the IDB, including an action plan to reduce Chinese involvement in IDB projects. If the report is not provided within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the U.S. Executive Director must vote against or act to prevent a quorum for any vote related to the IDB budget until the IDB takes available steps to provide to Treasury the information needed for the report.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023
This resolution affirms that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state. The resolution also (1) rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia, and (2) affirms that the United States will always be a staunch partner of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023
Preventing Restrictions and Empowering Speakers to Enable Robust and Varied Exchanges in Online Speech Act of 2023 or the PRESERVE Online Speech Act of 2023 This bill requires interactive computer services (e.g., social media companies) to issue a public disclosure containing specified information related to a request or recommendation by a government entity that the service moderate content on its platform. Examples of such moderation include eliminating the ability of a user to comment upon information or terminating or limiting a user's account. Failure to comply with this requirement shall result in a fine of $50,000 per day, which shall be deposited in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. The Federal Communications Commission must submit an annual report that includes the contents of each such public disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023
Building Chips in America Act of 2023 This bill modifies and limits the review of certain semiconductor (i.e., microchip) projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Specifically, the bill exempts from NEPA and NHPA specified semiconductor projects that receive financial assistance under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Next, the bill allows the Department of Commerce to serve as the lead agency for the review of a semiconductor project that receives such financial assistance but is not exempted from review under NEPA. A single environmental document and joint record of decision must be prepared for a semiconductor project. In completing the environmental review, Commerce may adopt a prior study or decision under certain circumstances. The bill also allows a state to assume the responsibility of an environmental review under NEPA for a semiconductor project. Finally, the bill sets a statute of limitations for certain claims under NEPA.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023
Protecting Investors' Personally Identifiable Information Act This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring a national securities exchange, association, or a member of either to provide a market participant's personally identifiable information to satisfy the reporting requirements of the Consolidated Audit Trail (i.e., data used to track market activity). However, this information must be provided to the SEC upon request if the information is related to a securities investigation. The SEC must destroy the information not later than one day after the conclusion of the matter for which this information was required.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act This bill restricts the President's authority to unilaterally undertake certain actions with respect to Iran and increases congressional oversight of those actions. Specifically, the President must report to Congress before terminating or waiving sanctions related to Iran or taking a licensing action that significantly alters U.S. foreign policy with respect to Iran. Each report must (1) describe the proposed action and its rationale, and (2) indicate whether or not the action is intended to significantly alter foreign policy concerning Iran. If the intention is to alter that policy, the report must provide additional information about the policy objectives and anticipated effects of the action. After the President submits a report, the bill provides Congress with a 30-day period to review it; this period is extended to 60 days for reports submitted between July 10 and September 7. During this period, Congress may enact a joint resolution approving or disapproving the action. During the review period, the President may not take the action unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval; if Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval, the bill prohibits the President from taking the action. The bill also outlines procedures for the introduction and consideration of these types of joint resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
This resolution recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic and increased tensions between the United States and China have exposed vulnerabilities due to overreliance by the United States and other countries on supply chains based in China. The resolution emphasizes that nearshoring in Latin America and the Caribbean has the potential to contribute to the economic security of the United States while advancing the post-pandemic economic recovery of countries in the Western Hemisphere. Nearshoring is the practice of moving a business or supplier to a nearby country, as opposed to a more distant one. The resolution encourages the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to support initiatives likely to relocate global supply chains to the Western Hemisphere. The resolution also calls for governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to increase opportunities for nearshoring in the region. Finally, the resolution urges the Department of State to prioritize efforts to advance nearshoring in Latin America and the Caribbean.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023
This joint resolution disapproves a rule submitted by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs of the Department of Labor relating to Rescission of Implementing Legal Requirements Regarding the Equal Opportunity Clause's Religious Exemption Rule. Such rule shall have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023
Mandatory Materiality Requirement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to limit issuer disclosure requirements made in a rulemaking. Specifically, the SEC must provide that an issuer of securities is only required to disclose information in response to a rulemaking if the issuer determines that this information is important to a voting or investment decision regarding the issuer.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023
This resolution condemns all forms of antisemitism, including acts of violence, discrimination, and hate speech directed at individuals or communities based on their Jewish identity.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023
Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act This bill restricts state and local governments from imposing certain standards or conditions on the preharvest production of agricultural products sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce. Specifically, it prohibits the imposition of such standards or conditions if (1) the production occurs in another state, and (2) the standard or condition adds to requirements applicable under federal law and the laws of the state and locality where the product is produced. The bill also allows for a private right of action to challenge state or local regulations relating to agricultural goods sold in interstate commerce. A person may bring an action in (1) the U.S. district court for the judicial district in which the person is affected by a regulation or the person resides, operates, or does business; or (2) any other appropriate court with jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023
Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry Act of 2023 or the CAREER Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support Grant Program and the Recovery Housing Program. The bill also specifies that the data used to determine which states to prioritize for grants (e.g., overdose mortality rates and unemployment rates) must be based on the five-year period immediately preceding the grant cycle. It also allows grants under the Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support Grant Program to be used for transportation services to and from the individual's work, training, or treatment or recovery services. The Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support Grant Program supports the ability of individuals who are in substance-use disorder treatment and recovery to live independently and participate in the workforce. The Recovery Housing Program supports the provision of transitional housing for those who are in recovery from a substance-use disorder for up to two years or until the individual finds permanent housing, whichever is earlier.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023
Protecting Americans' Data From Foreign Surveillance Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain export controls on personal data of U.S. nationals and individuals living in the United States. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Commerce (in coordination with specified federal agencies) to identify categories of personal data that could be exploited by foreign governments or foreign adversaries and harm U.S. national security if exported, reexported, or in-country transferred in a quantity that exceeds the threshold established by Commerce. The bill outlines the requirements for establishing this threshold. Commerce must seek to balance the need to protect personal data from exploitation by foreign governments and foreign adversaries against the likelihood of (1) impacting legitimate business activities, research activities, and other activities that do not harm the national security of the United States; or (2) chilling speech protected by the First Amendment. The bill also requires Commerce to impose appropriate controls on the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of covered personal data, including through interim controls (e.g., informing a person that a license is required). Commerce may not impose a requirement for a license or other authorization pursuant to specified transactions, such as those in which the personal data is encrypted with technology that is certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The bill applies certain export control penalties to officers or employees of an organization who knew or should have known that another employee was directed to illegally export covered personal data in violation of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023
This resolution celebrates the 246th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. flag, recognizes that the Pledge of Allegiance has been a valuable part of life for the people of the United States for generations, and defends the constitutionality of the pledge.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled Small Business Lending under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B) and published on May 31, 2023. The rule requires financial institutions to collect and report to the bureau credit application data for small businesses. On July 31, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ordered the bureau not to implement or enforce the rule until a related pending case is resolved.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2023
Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2023 This bill establishes policy on the preferred architecture of federal public buildings. For example, the bill establishes that (1) traditional and classical architecture is the preferred style for federal public buildings, and (2) classical architecture is the default and preferred style for federal public buildings in the District of Columbia. The bill also establishes a Council on Improving Federal Civic Architecture to evaluate and advise the General Services Administration (GSA) on the design of new and existing federal public buildings. If GSA approves a design that diverges from preferred architecture, it must notify Congress and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2023
United States-Uruguay Economic Partnership Act This bill addresses issues related to Uruguay. Specifically, this bill adds Uruguay to the list of countries eligible for designation as a beneficiary country under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. (Such a designation generally provides for duty-free entry of goods into the United States from the designated countries, with some exclusions and limitations.) The bill also establishes that a national of Uruguay shall be eligible for an E visa (for an investor or trader who is a national of a foreign country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States) if Uruguay provides a similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security must report to Congress an assessment as to whether Uruguay meets the eligibility criteria for the Visa Waiver Program. If Uruguay fails to meet the criteria, the report must also describe what actions Uruguay must take to become eligible. (Citizens of countries in the program may travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.)
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2023
Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023 This bill modifies criminal penalties for an offense involving the theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, or from their business premises. Specifically, the bill does the following: increases from 10 to 20 years the maximum prison term, and creates a 3- or 5-year mandatory minimum prison term for an offense that occurs during the commission of a burglary or robbery. An attempt to commit an offense is subject to the same penalties as a substantive offense.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
This resolution commends the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned electric utility corporation, on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933. It also honors the accomplishments of the TVA in improving navigation, controlling floods, promoting environmental stewardship, and providing electricity. Further, it recognizes the TVA, its employees, and its retirees for their service in the areas of energy, the environment, and economic development in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023
End Child Trafficking Now Act This bill imposes restrictions related to adult non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) being admitted into the United States with a minor. Such an adult may not be admitted with a minor unless the adult (1) presents documents and witness testimony proving that the adult is a relative or guardian of the minor, or (2) submits to a DNA test that proves such a relationship. The Department of Homeland Security may request a DNA test only if the required relationship cannot be established by the presented documents and witness testimony. An adult who does not consent to a requested DNA test shall be inadmissible. If the required relationship cannot be established and the immigration officer believes the adult is guilty of a felony offense, the officer may arrest the adult. The bill makes it a crime for an adult to knowingly use a minor to whom the adult is not a relative or guardian to enter the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023
Putting Investors First Act of 2023 This bill requires a proxy advisory firm to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and prohibits an unregistered proxy advisory firm from using interstate commerce to provide proxy-voting advice, research, analysis, or recommendations to any client. With respect to these firms, the bill (1) establishes procedures for both registration and termination of registration; (2) requires each firm to employ an ombudsman, designate a compliance officer, and publicly disclose conflicts of interest; (3) allows issuers to assess and comment on proxy voting recommendations; and (4) prohibits unfair, coercive, or abusive practices. The bill establishes a private right of action against a proxy advisory firm that endorses an approved proposal that is not supported by the issuer and is found to be illegal.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023
Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain requirements related to China's treatment of Uyghurs and certain other minority ethnic groups. The bill requires the President to report to Congress on individuals involved in systematic rape, forced sterilization, or human trafficking against such ethnic groups; requires the Department of State and the Department of Justice to deny entry into the United States by foreign nationals involved in the establishment or enforcement of forced abortion or sterilization policies; authorizes provision of medical care, physical therapy, and psychological support to members of such ethnic groups who experienced rape, torture, forced sterilization, or forced labor; authorizes the Smithsonian Institution to establish a repressed cultures preservation initiative; requires the Department of the Treasury to impose sanctions on specified entities in China that meet requirements for imposition of sanctions or that are involved in serious human rights abuses of such ethnic groups; requires the State Department to submit to Congress a strategy to counter Chinese propaganda regarding treatment of such ethnic groups; authorizes the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to support investigation and documentation of atrocities against such ethnic groups; prohibits U.S. government contracts with Chinese entities involved with forced labor involving such ethnic groups; and requires issuers of securities traded on national exchanges to disclose significant transactions with entities involved in abuses of such ethnic groups and subjects issuers conducting such transactions to sanctions.
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
Gun Owner Registration Information Protection Act This bill prohibits federal funding of, or support for, state databases that list (1) firearms lawfully owned or possessed by individuals, or (2) individuals who lawfully own or possess firearms.
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
Combatting Fentanyl Trafficking from China and Mexico Act This bill requires the Department of State to carry out programs and activities to prioritize efforts to combat the international trafficking of certain synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals from Mexico and China. Specifically, the State Department shall strengthen law enforcement and rule of law efforts outlined in certain agreements between the United States and Mexico, strengthen bilateral efforts, and provide Mexico with technical assistance and equipment for anti-drug law enforcement. The President may impose certain sanctions on persons of China determined to have engaged in or benefited from the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production. The President may terminate sanctions on Chinese persons upon determination that China has made substantial efforts in counternarcotics. The bill also authorizes through FY2027 State Department International Narcotics and Law Enforcement for Mexico, Customs and Border Protection interdiction programs, and a Department of Homeland Security transnational criminal investigative unit with Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
Disclose Government Censorship Act This bill requires officers and employees of the legislative and executive branches to disclose communications with providers of interactive computer services (e.g., internet service providers) regarding restricting speech. Specifically, executive and legislative branch officers and employees must disclose their communications with a provider or operator of an interactive computer service regarding action to restrict access to material posted by another information content provider. The bill makes exceptions for legitimate law enforcement and national security purposes. The disclosure must be made within seven days of the date on which the communication is made. The bill establishes penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement Act of 2023 or the POLICE Act of 2023 This bill makes assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder a deportable offense. Specifically, the bill makes deportable any non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who has been convicted of (or admits to have committed) any act that constitutes the essential elements of any offense involving assault of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023
Know Your App Act This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to undertake actions to inform customers about the country of origin of applications (apps) and dangers of certain foreign apps. Specifically, the NTIA must require app stores with more than 20 million U.S. customers to prominently display the country of origin for each app they distribute. In addition, app stores must enable customers to filter out apps that originate from countries of concern. These are countries, identified by the Departments of the Treasury and Commerce, with laws that allow governmental control of content moderation, algorithm design, or user data. App store pages for apps originating from a country of concern must include a disclaimer that warns customers about the potential for a foreign government to control functions of the app. Additionally, app developers must (1) certify to app stores that the information about the app displayed on the app store page, including country of origin and ownership, is correct; and (2) notify app stores about relevant changes in the country of origin or ownership. If a developer fails to provide the certification or update incorrect information, the app store must remove the app. App stores must also establish (1) a reporting mechanism to allow individuals to anonymously report when information about an app is incorrect, and (2) written policies for developers to appeal the removal of an app from the store. The bill provides for enforcement by the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2023 This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President must impose sanctions on foreign persons and on agencies or instrumentalities of foreign states that knowingly provide significant support or services to or are involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of the targeted groups. The President must impose property-blocking restrictions on such persons and must impose two or more sanctions on such agencies or instrumentalities. Specifically, the agency or instrumentality may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, or (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution. The President must periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar these governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of the Treasury must instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose providing assistance to an identified government for one year. The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests. The President must report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as the disposition of assets and group activities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023
Combating BDS Act of 2023 This bill allows a state or local government to adopt measures to divest its assets from entities using boycotts, divestments, or sanctions to influence Israel's policies. Such measures shall meet various requirements, including those related to written notice and comment. It also bars lawsuits against investment companies based solely on a company's decision to divest from entities that use boycotts, divestments, or sanctions to influence Israel's policies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2023
Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2023 This bill expands the application, testing, and inspection requirements for a foreign manufacturer of cylinders used for transporting hazardous materials in the United States (e.g., compressed gas cylinders). Current regulations require a foreign manufacturer to apply for approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) for testing such cylinders outside of the United States. The bill requires that, to obtain an approval, a foreign manufacturer must answer in their application specified questions, including whether the manufacturer is or has been subject to various civil or criminal penalties. Further, DOT must establish a process for any interested party to request a reevaluation of an approval for a foreign manufacturer's cylinders to review the accuracy and safety of the manufacturer's actions. DOT must also revise the foreign inspection regulations to require that annual inspections of foreign manufacturers be carried out if DOT determines there is good cause; specify that a refusal of inspection shall result in the loss of good standing; allow DOT to request testing and production records and random sample testing; and allow for the recovery of the costs of foreign inspections, including travel and time. The bill limits an approval to one year; however, DOT may extend an approval for five years for a manufacturer who meets certain requirements. On an annual basis, DOT must publish a list of approved foreign manufacturers of cylinders on the department's website.
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 · 11 May 2023
Depositor Protection Act of 2023 This bill expands Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protections and the actions the FDIC is allowed to take, including in the event of an institutional failure. First, the bill expands for two years FDIC deposit insurance for an amount up to $100,000,000 that a depositor maintains at an insured depository institution in a noninterest-bearing transaction account. (Currently, the FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000.) The bill also increases the reciprocal deposit limit applicable to depository institutions. (Reciprocal deposits are used by institutions to increase the availability of deposit insurance by splitting large deposits using a reciprocal network of institutions.) For 90 days after the date of enactment, the bill allows for the acquisition of distressed banks by a bank holding company without regulatory approval under certain circumstances. The bill also allows the FDIC to facilitate a merger, sale, assumption of liabilities, or stock acquisition involving the failure of a large institution using an adjusted least-cost resolution calculation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
Stopping Home Office Work's Unproductive Problems Act of 2023 or the SHOW UP Act of 2023 This bill reinstates the telework policies that were in place at all executive agencies on December 31, 2019, and requires each agency to submit a certified telework plan to Congress before such policies can be expanded. The bill requires each agency to conduct a study analyzing the impacts of telework policies implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study must analyze any adverse impacts on the agency, real estate and locality costs, agency failures to provide adequate network and data access to employees, and any degree to which the expansion facilitated the dispersal of personnel around the United States. Each agency must submit a certified telework plan to Congress before expanding its telework policies. A plan must include a certification by the Office of Personnel Management that the plan will have a substantial positive effect on the agency, including by increasing the dispersal of personnel throughout the country and reversing any adverse impacts detailed in the agency's study. The certification must also provide that the plan will (1) substantially lower the agency's real property and locality pay costs; and (2) ensure that teleworking employees have adequate network capacity, communications tools, and related equipment to be fully productive without substantially increasing the agency's overall costs for these.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, enacted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The act sets forth a variety of measures that focus on policing, including measures prohibiting the use of certain neck restraints by law enforcement officers, requiring additional procedures related to body-worn cameras, and expanding access to police disciplinary records.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023
Back the Blue Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer. Additionally, the bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or firefighter or other first responder; broadens the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms; and limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023
Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act This bill suspends the admission of certain individuals into the United States. Specifically, this bill suspends the admission of any person who (1) is attempting to unlawfully enter the United States from Canada or Mexico, (2) does not possess the required travel documents, and (3) is being held at a point of entry or a Border Patrol station to facilitate immigration processing. (Under current law, individuals who arrive without the required travel documents have the opportunity to seek asylum, with some exceptions.)
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023
Financial Exploitation Prevention Act of 2023 This bill addresses the redemption of securities involving the potential financial exploitation of an adult by allowing an open-end investment company to elect to comply with certain procedures. (Open-end investment management companies offer securities in pooled investment vehicles such as mutual funds.) Specifically, the bill allows for the delay of the redemption of a security issued by an open-end investment management company if the company reasonably believes the redemption involves the financial exploitation of an individual age 65 or older or an individual age 18 or older who is unable to protect his or her own interests. The company may initially delay the redemption for up to 15 days and, upon making a determination of exploitation, may delay the redemption an additional 10 days. In the event of delay, the company must hold the amounts related to the redemption in a demand deposit account. Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission must make legislative and regulatory recommendations to address the financial exploitation of these adults.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023
This resolution recognizes the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to American society and culture, and calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and combat antisemitism.