United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2022
Innovative Agricultural Technology Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Innovative Agricultural Technology Pilot Program to enable certain U.S. citizens and corporations to test agricultural technologies without complying with applicable laws or regulations, subject to market access limits. Additionally, USDA must (1) establish an online program that educates agricultural producers about using distributed ledger technology in agricultural production, and (2) conduct a study to identify potential applications for distributed ledger technology in agricultural operations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2022
Protect Drug Innovation Act This bill repeals several programs and requirements that were enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 relating to the prices of prescription drugs, including (1) the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, (2) provisions that require drug manufacturers to issue rebates for certain drugs under Medicare for which prices increase faster than inflation, and (3) provisions that cap annual out-of-pocket spending under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2022
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2022 This bill bars the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture from prohibiting or regulating the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal land or water that is under the jurisdiction of such departments and made available for hunting or fishing. The bill makes exceptions for specified existing regulations and where the applicable department determines that a decline in wildlife population at the specific unit of federal land or water is primarily caused by the use of lead in ammunition or tackle, based on the field data from such unit, and the state approves the regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2022
Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2022 This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements relating to recruitment and retention in the Indian Health Service, including provisions regarding pay, credentialing, and housing needs of workforce personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2022
This resolution designates September 15, 2022, as International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day. Myotonic dystrophy is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive muscle loss and weakness.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2022
Saving Privacy Act This bill adjusts certain amounts for inflation, including reporting thresholds applicable to financial transactions, the threshold for the criminal offense of cash smuggling, and tax return thresholds for cash receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2022
National Education Association Charter Repeal Act This bill repeals the federal charter granted to the National Education Association of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2022
This resolution remembers Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her more than 70 years of service in support of the British people and the Commonwealth of Nations. The resolution also expresses gratitude to Queen Elizabeth II for her efforts to maintain strong bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and the United States. Finally, the resolution extends condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II, to the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and to the peoples of the Commonwealth of Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2022
Orbital Sustainability Act of 2022 or the ORBITS Act of 2022 This bill directs specified agencies to take actions to remediate orbital debris (human-made space objects that are no longer in use and can harm orbiting satellites and on-orbit activities). First, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must publish and periodically update a list of orbital debris that pose the greatest immediate risk of harm to orbiting satellites and on-orbit activities, establish a demonstration program to remediate the orbital debris on the list, and carry out other research and development activities to advance technologies for remediating orbital debris. NASA (and other relevant agencies) may also contract for remediation services to support the commercial availability of such services. Second, the National Space Council must update the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices within 90 days of the enactment of the bill and update them periodically thereafter. The updates must address matters including satellite constellations and other planned space systems, collision risks, and disposal of space systems after missions. The updates must inform (1) regulations of other agencies concerning orbital debris, and (2) bilateral and multilateral discussions with other countries concerning certain space activities. Third, the Department of Commerce must facilitate the development of standard practices to coordinate on-orbit space traffic. Upon completion of the practices, Commerce and other federal departments must promote their adoption and use for space missions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2022
Simplify Timelines and Assure Regulatory Transparency Act or the START Act This bill sets forth a variety of provisions to expedite the environmental review of energy projects, such as the Mountain Valley Pipeline project.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2022
This joint resolution requires the parties to the disputes between certain railroads and labor organizations to accept the recommendations in the report of the Presidential Emergency Board Numbered 250 that was issued on August 16, 2022, with respect to any such disputes that remain unresolved by 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 16, 2022.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2022
This bill prohibits the use of additional funds appropriated to the Internal Revenue Service under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for audits of taxpayers with taxable incomes below $400,000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2022
This resolution designates November 13, 2022, as National Warrior Call Day to encourage individuals to talk with members of the Armed Forces and veterans to connect them with support.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2022
This resolution expresses that the Senate has heard the announcement of the death of the Honorable Jacqueline R. Walorski, Congresswoman for the Second Congressional District of Indiana. The resolution also honors Representative Walorski for her service to Indiana and the United States. The resolution expresses that when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Representative Walorski.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2022
Raising Expectations with Child Opportunity Vouchers for Educational Recovery Act or the RECOVER Act This bill directs local educational agencies to use certain federal COVID-19 relief funds to address student learning loss by distributing direct financial assistance (i.e., Child Opportunity Scholarships) to the parent or guardian of an eligible student for certain qualified educational expenses (e.g., educational materials, tutoring, or private school tuition). Eligible student refers to a child who is a member of a household with an income that is not more than 300% of the federal poverty level.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2022
This bill excludes certain persons from being considered a broker for tax reporting purposes. Under current law, the transfer of digital assets from a broker to a nonbroker requires the broker to file a return beginning on January 1, 2024. The bill provides that a broker does not include any person solely engaged in the business of (1) validating distributed ledger transactions, or (2) selling hardware or software for which the sole function is to permit access to digital assets on a distributed ledger.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2022
Improving Cybersecurity of Credit Unions Act This bill subjects credit union organizations and third-party service providers to examination and regulation by the National Credit Union Administration to the same extent as insured credit unions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2022
Maximize Americans' Retirement Security Act This bill revises the fiduciary duties for a retirement or employee benefit plan that is regulated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The bill generally requires a fiduciary to select and maintain investments for a plan based solely on pecuniary factors. Under the bill, a pecuniary factor is a factor that is expected to have a material effect on the risk or return of an investment based on appropriate investment horizons that are consistent with the plan's investment objectives and funding policy. A fiduciary may only use nonpecuniary factors if the fiduciary is unable to distinguish between investment alternatives on the basis of pecuniary factors alone. In such a case, the fiduciary must provide specified documentation to the plan's participants and beneficiaries, including an explanation of how the chosen nonpecuniary factors are consistent with their interests.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2022
Food and Energy Security Act This bill provides requirements for specified federal financial agencies when regulating activity that could impact the extension of capital or investments to agricultural- or energy-related businesses. Specifically, an agency must analyze the economic impact of any such regulation. If the analysis estimates that the regulation would increase prices, and if the consumer price index exceeds a certain level, the agency is prohibited from implementing the regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2022
Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act This bill raises the mandatory retirement age for pilots engaged in commercial aviation operations from 65 to 67 years of age, unless the operation takes place in (1) the territorial airspace of a foreign county where such operations are prohibited by the foreign country, or (2) international airspace where such operations are not in compliance with the Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2022
Colorado River Basin Conservation Act This bill reauthorizes the Department of the Interior to fund or participate in pilot projects to increase Colorado River System water in Lake Mead and the Colorado River Storage Project reservoirs through FY2026. Interior administers these pilot projects to address the effects of drought conditions on the Colorado River Basin, which includes the Upper Basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) and Lower Basin states (Arizona, California, and Nevada). The bill also requires Interior to submit an updated report to Congress by the end of FY2027 on the effectiveness of the pilot projects and a recommendation on whether to continue the program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2022
Benjamin Berell Ferencz Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz in recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trials and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2022
Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2022 This bill prohibits specified federal entities (e.g., the Department of Energy) from considering the social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or greenhouse gas as part of any cost-benefit analysis required under any law or specified Executive Orders. In addition, such social costs must not be considered by such entities (1) in rulemaking, (2) in the issuance of guidance, (3) in taking other agency action, (4) or as a justification for any rulemaking, guidance document, or agency action.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2022
This resolution expresses that the Senate recognizes the importance of rural and agricultural programming and the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022
Improving Digital Identity Act of 2022 This bill establishes the Improving Digital Identity Task Force to establish a government-wide effort to develop secure methods for governmental agencies to protect the privacy and security of individuals and support reliable, interoperable digital identity verification in the public and private sectors. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall award grants to states, local, tribal, and territorial governments to upgrade systems that provide drivers' licenses or other types of identity credentials to support the development of highly secure, interoperable systems that enable digital identity verification. The Government Accountability Office shall submit to Congress a report on the estimated potential savings, due to the increased adoption and widespread use of digital identification, of (1) the federal government from averted benefit fraud, and (2) the U.S. economy and consumers from averted identity theft.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022
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 · 13 July 2022
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Council on Environmental Quality titled National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations Revisions and published on April 20, 2022. The rule restores regulatory provisions issued under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) that were in effect before being modified in 2020 by the Update to the Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act rule.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022
This resolution remembers former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and his work to strengthen the alliance between the United States and Japan. It also extends condolences to his family and the people of Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022
Transparency in CFPB Cost-Benefit Analysis Act This bill sets forth information required to be included in a rulemaking made by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Specifically, the CFPB must publish a justification of the proposed rulemaking; a quantitative and qualitative assessment of all anticipated direct and indirect costs and benefits; alternatives to the proposed rulemaking; impacts on small businesses; and any assumptions, data, or studies used in preparing this information.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022
This joint resolution nullifies a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives rule published on April 26, 2022, concerning regulatory definitions and identification of firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022
Debt Cancellation Accountability Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the Department of Education from providing class-based loan forgiveness unless funds have been specifically requested and appropriated for this purpose. Class-based loan forgiveness refers to the cancellation, waiver, assumption, discharge, reduction, or other forgiveness of any obligation due on Federal Family Education Loans, Federal Direct Loans, or Federal Perkins Loans (1) on a class-wide basis and for a class of two or more loan borrowers, and (2) that totals more than $1 million. The prohibition does not apply to targeted loan forgiveness programs established under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and in effect before the enactment of this bill if the loan forgiveness is granted for a single borrower on a case-by-case basis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022
Protecting Americans' Data From Foreign Surveillance Act of 2022 This bill establishes certain export controls on personal data of U.S. nationals and individuals living in the United States. Among other requirements, the bill directs the Department of Commerce to identify categories of personal data that could be exploited by foreign governments and harm U.S. national security if exported, reexported, or in-country transferred in a quantity that exceeds the threshold established by Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2022
Political Bias In Algorithm Sorting Emails Act of 2022 or the Political BIAS Emails Act of 2022 This bill restricts email providers from applying filtering algorithms that label political campaign messages as spam and requires providers to publicly report on their email delivery practices.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2022
Safe Schools Act This bill allows state and local educational agencies to use certain COVID-19 emergency relief funds to carry out school security measures (e.g., trainings and security assessments).
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2022
Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2022 This bill revises provisions related to the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain aliens. DHS may detain an alien pending a removal decision for any length of time until the alien is subject to a final removal order. DHS must detain certain aliens, such as those convicted of an aggravated felony, beyond certain time limits for detaining an alien. The authority of the Department of Justice to review DHS custody decisions concerning an alien awaiting a removal decision shall be limited to whether the alien may be detained, released on bond, or released with no bond. DHS may release such an alien on bond only if the alien is not a flight risk or risk to the community. For an alien subject to a removal order, DHS may extend the 90-day removal period (generally the window in which DHS has to remove an alien after a final order of removal) in certain instances, such as when the alien's removal is stayed during an appeal. DHS may continue to detain an alien beyond the removal period and any removal period extensions. DHS shall periodically certify a justification for detaining an alien beyond the removal period. DHS shall establish a detention review process for aliens who (1) have made all reasonable efforts to comply with a removal order, and (2) are not subject to mandatory detention. DHS shall use the review process to determine whether an alien should be detained or released with conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2022
Keeping Russia's Energy and Military Liable for Invading its Neighbors Act or the KREMLIN Act This bill temporarily prohibits federal agencies from contracting with persons that have business operations with the government of Russia or with fossil fuel companies that operate there, with exceptions where necessary to provide humanitarian assistance or disaster relief or where vital to U.S. national security interests. The bill terminates the prohibition when the President submits to specified congressional committees a written certification determining that Russia has reached an agreement relating to the withdrawal of Russian forces and cessation of military hostilities that is accepted by the Ukrainian government, poses no immediate military threat of aggression to any North Atlantic Treaty Organization member, and recognizes the right of the people of Ukraine to independently and freely choose their own government.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2022
Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act This bill provides for the regulation of digital assets. The bill delineates the jurisdiction over digital assets held by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). For example, the bill provides that the SEC has jurisdiction over digital assets that provide their holders with financial interest in a business entity, while the CFTC has jurisdiction over digital assets that do not. In addition, digital asset exchanges are allowed to register with the CFTC. Under the bill, depository institutions are allowed to issue payment stablecoins. The bill sets forth requirements, including that institutions must hold in reserves 100% of the value of all outstanding stablecoins and allow stablecoins to be redeemed on a one-to-one basis. The bill also provides for the tax treatment of digital assets, including an exemption from income tax for purchases using digital assets that result in a gain or loss of $200 or less. Finally, the bill provides for various reports, studies, and consumer protection standards.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022
Credit Union Board Modernization Act This bill revises the frequency of meetings required to be held by a credit union's board of directors. Specifically, the bill requires monthly meetings for new credit unions during their first five years and for credit unions with a low soundness rating. All other credit unions must hold at least six meetings annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter. Currently, all credit union boards must meet at least once a month.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022
Fixing Our Regulatory Mayhem Upsetting Little Americans Act or the FORMULA Act This bill provides duty-free treatment to infant formula imported from certain countries. Specifically, the bill provides, for 180 days beginning on this bill's enactment, duty-free treatment to infant formula if the formula (1) is imported from specified countries (e.g., Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom), and (2) was approved by the government of that country regulating such formula. The bill temporarily waives certain Food and Drug Administration regulations and requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for formula imported under this bill. A person who manufactures or imports formula must notify the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if the person has knowledge that such formula may not provide required nutrients or may be unsafe for infant consumption. If HHS determines the formula is unsafe for infant consumption, then the manufacturer or importer must immediately recall shipments from all wholesale and retail establishments. The bill makes formula imported under this bill eligible for purchase using benefits received under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The Department of Agriculture must maintain and publicize a list of imported formula approved for use and marketing within the country of origin and the recommended measurements for mixing or otherwise preparing the formula.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2022
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) for purposes of federal law, an individual's sex means the individual's biological sex at birth; and (2) distinctions between the sexes are justified in certain settings, laws, and policies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2022
INvestor Democracy is EXpected Act or the INDEX Act This bill establishes guidelines for passively managed funds (e.g., index funds) that vote shares on behalf of fund investors in proxy shareholder votes. Under the bill, these funds generally must vote shares on a proportional basis according to instructions from fund investors. The bill establishes an exemption for routine matters and matters requiring approval of a majority of outstanding securities. Additionally, the bill establishes a safe harbor from these requirements for investment advisers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2022
Opportunities for the Nation and States to Harness Onshore Resources for Energy Act or the ONSHORE Act This bill makes various changes to expand and otherwise addresses onshore oil and gas resources on federal land and non-federal surface estates. Specifically, the bill requires, subject to some limits, the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to lease certain public lands and Forest System land with known or potential oil or gas deposits. (Current law authorizes but does not require leasing.) Other changes in the bill include (1) allowing Interior to delegate authority over certain federal permitting and other regulatory responsibilities for oil and gas leases to states; (2) exempting some oil and gas activities conducted on non-federal surface estates from certain permitting and environmental review requirements; and (3) requiring deference to state regulations, guidance, and permit requirements for all activities regarding hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources) on federal land.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2022
Lease Now Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of the Interior to resume sales of onshore and offshore oil and gas leases and specifies lease terms and other requirements related to those sales. The bill also prohibits the President from taking actions to cancel, delay, or otherwise impede federal processes related to energy mineral leasing without congressional approval.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2022
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should work with Congress to develop and execute a strategy to counter the rise in violent crime across the country by reinforcing strong criminal justice policies, by laying blame on the perpetrators of violent acts, and by securing the southern border.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2022
This resolution expresses that the Senate has heard of the death of the Honorable Orrin G. Hatch, former U.S. Senator for the state of Utah. The resolution also expresses that the Senate honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Hatch for his unwavering dedication to Utah as a Senator and a public servant and accomplishments in legislating with principle and dedication for the good of the people of the United States. The resolution states when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Hatch.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2022
Financial Freedom Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the Department of Labor from limiting the type or range of investments that fiduciaries may offer participants and beneficiaries in certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. The bill applies to certain defined contribution plans that permit participants or beneficiaries to exercise control over the assets in the account, such as a 401(k) plan that allows participants or beneficiaries to select additional investment options through a self-directed brokerage window.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2022
Expedited Disability Insurance Payments for Terminally Ill Individuals Act of 2022 This bill temporarily allows an individual diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less to receive Social Security disability benefits during the waiting period for such benefits (which typically lasts five months). It also establishes a phased-in payment schedule for the benefits.