United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2024
Promoting Access to Capital in Underbanked Communities Act This bill eliminates and reduces certain requirements applicable to new financial institutions, certain rural community banks, and federal savings associations. Under the bill, federal banking agencies must issue rules allowing new financial institutions three years to meet capital requirements. During this period, a financial institution may request to deviate from an approved business plan and the appropriate agency has 30 days to approve or deny the request. In addition, the community bank leverage ratio—a way of evaluating debt levels—is reduced for certain rural community banks. Specifically, new rural community banks must have a ratio of 8%, with a three-year phase-in of the rate. Currently, the ratio is 9%. Finally, the bill removes certain restrictions to allow federal savings associations to invest in, sell, or otherwise deal in agricultural loans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2024
Laken Riley Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U. S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted for, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a decision to release a non-U. S. national from custody; failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Department of Labor titled Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act and published on January 10, 2024. The final rule addresses how to determine whether a worker is properly classified as an employee or an independent contractor for purposes of requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that address issues such as minimum wage and overtime compensation. The rights and protections provided by the FLSA apply only to employees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2024
This resolution designates National Cholesterol Education Month and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) Awareness Day. The resolution also encourages all individuals in the United States to know their LDL-C number. High levels of LDL-C increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2024
CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act This bill prohibits a Federal Reserve bank from offering products or services directly to an individual, maintaining an account on behalf of an individual, or issuing a central bank digital currency (i.e., a digital dollar) directly or indirectly to an individual. Further, The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is prohibited from using a central bank digital currency to implement monetary policy or from issuing a central bank digital currency.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2024
This bill requires taxpayers who claim the child and earned income tax credits, and their qualifying children, to have a Social Security account number that is issued by the Social Security Administration prior to the tax return due date. This identification must indicate that the taxpayer has work authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2024
America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024 This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and modifies several wildlife and conservation programs, including the Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force, the management of invasive species under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998, and fish habitat conservation projects under the America's Conservation Enhancement Act. In addition, the bill modifies the America's Conservation Enhancement Act, including to provide statutory authority for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to carry out a black vulture livestock protection program that allows one public entity per state to hold a statewide depredation permit to protect commercial agriculture livestock from black vulture predation. It also authorizes appropriations for the FWS to complete the National Fish Habitat Assessment and the associated database. Finally, the bill extends through FY2030 a prohibition on the Environmental Protection Agency taking any action to regulate the lead content of sport fishing equipment or components under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2024
This resolution supports the designation of February 17-February 24, 2024, as National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2024
This resolution supports the designation of February 2024 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2024
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) titled National Performance Management Measures; Assessing Performance of the National Highway System, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measure and published on December 7, 2023. Under current law, each state must set targets for and report on the progress of performance metrics related to the U.S. surface transportation system. The rule establishes a specific measure for assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with transportation (GHG measure). The rule also requires state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to establish declining carbon dioxide (CO2) targets for the GHG measure and report to the FHWA on their progress towards achieving these targets.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act This bill prohibits the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing (with respect to certain pregnancy centers) a provision of a proposed rule modifying the standard for a state's reasonable use of funds under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The proposed rule provides that if ACF identifies a TANF expenditure that does not appear to reasonably accomplish a purpose of TANF then the state must show that it used the funds in a manner that a reasonable person would consider to be within one of the purposes. The bill prohibits ACF from applying this standard to state expenditures for pregnancy centers that (1) support protecting the life of the mother and the unborn child; and (2) offer resources and services to mothers, fathers, and families, including but relationship counseling, prenatal and pregnancy education, pregnancy testing, diapers, baby clothes, or material supports. Under current law, TANF funds may be used for any of four purposes, including to prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies. In the supplemental information to the proposed rule, ACF states that TANF expenditures for programs that exclusively or primarily provide pregnancy counseling to women only after they become pregnant have a tenuous or nonexistent connection to this purpose and, therefore, likely do not meet the proposed reasonableness standard.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule submitted by the Department of Energy titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnaces and published on December 18, 2023. The rule adopted amended energy conservation standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for consumer furnaces, specifically non-weatherized gas furnaces and mobile home gas furnaces.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2024
This resolution commends Blue Mountain Christian University for its 150 years of service to Mississippi and the United States. It also recognizes Blue Mountain Christian University for its academic, faith-based, and athletic excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024
Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for purposes outside the United States related to abortion. Specifically, the bill prohibits funding to certain foreign or domestic organizations that perform or promote abortions, furnish or develop items intended to procure abortions, or provide financial support for an entity that conducts such activities. Current U.S. policy prohibits the provision of federal funds to a foreign nongovernmental organization unless it agrees to not perform or actively promote abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024
Unborn Child Support Act This bill requires states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy. This requirement is applicable retroactively based on a court order at the request of the pregnant parent and a determination by a physician of the month during which the child was conceived. Existing state requirements are applicable to these obligations, such as proof of parenthood.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024
Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2024 This bill explicitly authorizes states to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to carry out programs that encourage patients to carry their pregnancies to term rather than seek abortions. Under current law, states have broad authority to use TANF funds as they see fit to accomplish any of the program’s four purposes, including to prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies. The bill also prohibits the federal government from subjecting entities receiving TANF funds to disparate treatment because they encourage patients to carry their pregnancies to term, or because they do not provide, assist, or counsel in favor of abortion. Similarly, the federal government may not subject states contracting with such entities to disparate treatment. Under the bill, disparate treatment includes presumed ineligibility for TANF funds or presumed failure to satisfy the purposes of the program. The Department of Justice, a state, or an entity adversely affected by a violation of these provisions may bring suit in civil court for appropriate relief, including money damages. Federal officials may not invoke sovereign immunity as a defense to such a suit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024
Pregnancy Center Support Act of 2024 This bill establishes a nonrefundable tax credit for contributions made to qualifying pregnancy centers. The amount of the credit is 50% of the contributions made by the taxpayer up to $10,000 per year (or $20,000 for joint filers) to a tax-exempt organization whose primary function is the operation of one or more qualified pregnancy centers. A qualifying pregnancy center is a facility that primarily provides assistance to women and families of unplanned pregnancies and encourages those women and families to carry their pregnancy to term, rather than choosing an abortion. The facility may not provide child births, perform abortions, or counsel in favor of abortions. For taxpayers that itemize their deductions on their tax return, contributions to a qualifying pregnancy center may not be counted both for this credit and the charitable contribution deduction. The amount of the tax credit that exceeds the individual’s tax liability for the tax year may be carried forward for up to five years. For businesses, the contribution amount is included in the calculation of the general business tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2024
Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act This bill prohibits payment of expenses from specified tax-exempt savings accounts, including health savings accounts and health flexible spending arrangements and reimbursement arrangements, for abortions, except for abortions to end a pregnancy due to rape or incest or to protect the life or health of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2024
Abortion Is Not Health Care Act of 2024 This bill prohibits a tax deduction for medical expenses relating to an abortion, with specified exceptions for rape or incest, or to protect the life or health of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2024
Protect Medicaid Act This bill prohibits federal payment under Medicaid for the administrative costs of providing health benefits to noncitizens who are ineligible for Medicaid based on their immigration status. The Department of Health and Human Services must report on specified information regarding states that provide health benefits to such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2024
This resolution commends Taiwan for its example of self-governance and regards Taiwan's democracy as a great strategic strength for the free world. The resolution also expresses concern about Chinese Communist Party interference in Taiwan's 2024 elections and expresses commitment to continuing a strong partnership with Taiwan regardless of the outcome of the elections. The resolution states that nothing in it shall be construed as an authorization for the use of military force.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024
American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act of 2024 This bill expands the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program. The bill expands the battlefield acquisition grant program to allow grants to be (1) awarded to Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations, and (2) awarded to acquire certain Revolutionary War or War of 1812 battlefields. The bill expands eligibility for the battlefield restoration grant program to include battlefield land that is owned by a state, tribe, local government, or nonprofit organization. Not later than 2 years after this bill's enactment and every 10 years thereafter, the American Battlefield Protection Program must report to Congress on preservation activities and the condition of battlefields.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023
Achieving Choice in Education Act or the ACE Act This bill modifies provisions of qualified tuition programs (i.e., 529 plans) and provides other tax incentives to promote education. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of qualified higher education expense to include tuition, books or instructional material, fees, and educational therapies for disabled students. It also increases to $20,000 the limitation on distributions from 529 plans for elementary and secondary school expenses. Further, the bill provides for an increased gift tax exclusion for contributions to 529 plans and limits tax-exempt bond financing to states that implement school choice laws.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023
This resolution designates National Ataxia Awareness Day to bring attention to this condition. Ataxia is a clinical manifestation that indicates degeneration or dysfunction of the brain that negatively affects coordination, precision, and accurate timing of physical movements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2023
This resolution designates National Cholesterol Education Month and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) Awareness Day. The resolution also encourages all individuals in the United States to know their LDL-C number. High levels of LDL-C increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2023
Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act This bill prohibits a credit reporting agency from providing a consumer's credit report to a third party in connection with a residential mortgage transaction unless (1) the third party provides documentation certifying that it has the consumer's consent; or (2) the third party has originated the mortgage, is the current loan servicer, or has a current specified banking relationship with the consumer.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2023
This resolution extends sympathies to the family and friends of Sandra Day O’Connor. The resolution also acknowledges her lifetime of service, including as an Arizona state senator and the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2023
Iran China Accountability Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of federal funds to enter any negotiation with Iran regarding an Iranian nuclear agreement until (1) Iran has terminated agreements involving receiving funds from China; (2) Iran has terminated all military or security partnership agreements with China; (3) China has ceased to incarcerate Uyghur individuals in concentration camps; (4) Iran has terminated all ties and transfers of cash to proxy forces, including Hamas; and (5) Iran has verified the destruction of any and all chemical weapons and related materials. Additionally, any nuclear agreement with Iran is deemed a treaty and is subject to advice and consent by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023
This resolution mourns the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter, extends sympathies to her husband and family, and honors her contributions to the United States.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h001079_200.jpg)