United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023
Maritime Architecture and Response to International Terrorism In the Middle East Act of 2023 or the MARITIME Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to seek to develop an integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction capability for the Middle East to protect against specified maritime threats in the region. DOD must also submit to Congress (1) a strategy for achieving this capability in cooperation with regional partners and allies; and (2) a study on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a fund to support this effort, including an assessment of contributions that could be made by allies and partner countries.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023
This resolution recognizes April 28, 2023, as National Arbor Day and encourages the people of the United States to participate in National Arbor Day activities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023
Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Act or the FEND Off Fentanyl Act This bill requires or authorizes various actions, including sanctions, targeting foreign persons (individuals and entities) engaged in trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit opioids. This bill requires that the sanctions specified in Executive Order 14059 (relating to sanctions on foreign persons involved in the global illicit drug trade), as well as any amendments to or directives issued pursuant to that executive order before the date of the enactment of this bill, shall remain in effect. The bill also requires the President to impose property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person knowingly involved in (1) significant trafficking of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, or other related opioids by a transnational criminal organization; or (2) significant activities of a transnational criminal organization relating to the trafficking of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, or other related opioids. The Department of the Treasury is authorized to take certain actions relating to classes of transactions that (1) involve a non-U.S. jurisdiction, and (2) are of primary money laundering concern in connection with illicit opioid trafficking. For such transaction classes, Treasury may require domestic financial institutions to (1) take certain special measures, (2) prohibit certain transmittals of funds, or (3) impose conditions on transmittals of funds. Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network must issue guidance to U.S. financial institutions for filing reports of suspicious transactions related to suspected fentanyl trafficking by transnational criminal organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
This resolution designates April 22-30, 2023, as National Park Week. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the treasured national parks of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023 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 · 30 March 2023
Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2023 This bill sets out a process through which certain broadcast or digital news providers may collectively negotiate with covered online platforms (e.g., social media companies) regarding use of the news providers' content by the platforms. Specifically, the bill authorizes an eligible provider (e.g., one with no more than 1,500 full-time employees and nonnetwork news broadcasters that engage in specified news practices) to jointly form an entity with other eligible providers to negotiate the pricing, terms, and conditions by which covered online platforms use the providers' content. A covered platform is generally one that (1) has at least 50 million monthly domestic users, and (2) is owned or controlled by a person with either sales or a market capitalization that exceeds a specified amount or at least one billion monthly users worldwide. The bill establishes requirements concerning the formation, governance, operation, and termination of the joint negotiation entity. It also exempts from antitrust laws certain actions by a joint negotiation entity (e.g., providers jointly denying a platform's access to the providers' content). The bill outlines requirements governing the conduct of the negotiations by, for example, requiring the parties to negotiate in good faith. Additionally, the bill provides for private rights of action if the requirements for a negotiation are not met and establishes requirements for arbitration in limited circumstances. The Government Accountability Office must study the impact of the joint negotiations, including their effects on local and regional news and the employment of journalists. In general, the bill's provisions terminate six years after its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
Small Lenders Exempt from New Data and Excessive Reporting Act or the Small LENDER Act This bill exempts certain financial institutions and transactions from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reporting requirements with respect to data about small business credit applications. Under the bill, the requirements apply only to financial institutions that originate at least 500 credit transactions to small businesses in each of the preceding two years. The bill further defines small businesses as those with annual revenue of $1 million or less. Currently, the CFPB has proposed a rule that the requirements apply only to financial institutions that originate at least 25 annual credit transactions to small businesses in each of the preceding two years. The rule further defines small businesses as those with annual revenue of $5 million or less.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2023 or the ADVANCE Act of 2023 This bill sets forth provisions to develop and deploy advanced nuclear fuel for the United States and certain allied countries, restrict the possession or ownership of enriched uranium from Russia or China, clean up hazardous land, and establish related requirements. Specifically, the bill provides incentives for developing and deploying new nuclear technologies, such as reduced licensing fees and prize awards for deploying such technologies. It also extends through 2045 the indemnification policy under the Price-Anderson Act that limits liability related to the nuclear industry. It also requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to (1) develop a process that enables timely licensing of nuclear production facilities or utilization facilities at brownfield sites, and (2) establish an initiative to enhance preparedness and coordination with respect to the qualification and licensing of advanced nuclear fuel. NRC may hire specialized staff without regard to civil service laws to address its critical licensing or regulatory oversight needs. The NRC must also coordinate certain international nuclear activities and may establish an International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation Branch within the Office of International Programs. The bill allows certain foreign entities to receive licenses under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 for nuclear utilization facilities as specified by the bill. The bill also allows the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct activities to assist in cleaning up certain abandoned mining sites on tribal lands that are hazardous.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat and published on November 30, 2022. This rule reclassifies the northern long-eared bat ( Myotis septentrionalis ) from a threatened species to an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The rule also removes the northern long-eared bat's species-specific rule, which applied only when the bat was listed as a threatened species.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023
This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program and commends the accomplishments of its graduates. Additionally, the resolution reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to support the program and its mission to help and develop the character of at-risk youth in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023
This resolution encourages (1) the people of the United States to join in a national effort to salute AmeriCorps members, alumni, and Americorps Seniors volunteers and to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service; and (2) all individuals to consider opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps and Americorps Seniors.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023
Ending the Notorious, Aggressive, and Remorseless Criminal Organizations and Syndicates Act of 2023 or the Ending the NARCOS Act of 2023 This bill designates nine specified drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. (Among other things, such a designation allows the Department of the Treasury to require financial institutions to block transactions involving the organization.) The bill also requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to establish an interagency task force on combating Mexican cartels and other transnational criminal organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023
Administrative Pay-As-You-Go Act of 202 3 This bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requirement that federal agencies must submit at least one proposal for reducing direct spending before taking a discretionary administrative action that increases direct spending (i.e., administrative pay-as-you-go procedures). The proposed reduction must be comparable to the increase in direct spending attributable to the administrative action. Further, an agency must submit to the OMB its legal basis for concluding that a proposed administrative action is nondiscretionary and, therefore, not subject to this requirement. The OMB may waive these requirements if a waiver is necessary for the delivery of essential services, effective program delivery, or the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023
National Plan to End Parkinson's Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a project to prevent and cure Parkinson's disease (a progressive brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements) and related conditions. Among other components of the project, HHS must (1) implement and periodically update a national plan to coordinate and guide efforts to prevent, slow the progression of, and cure the disease; and (2) improve diagnosis, treatment, and care of those with the disease. HHS must also annually assess the preparations for and response to the increased burden of Parkinson's disease. In addition, the bill establishes a council, comprised of federal and nonfederal stakeholders, to advise HHS on and make recommendations concerning the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease. The provisions of the bill terminate at the end of calendar year 2035.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2023
Combating Illicit Xylazine Act This bill criminalizes the illicit use of xylazine. (Xylazine, also known as Tranq , is a sedative that is approved for use in animals. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported an increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.) Specifically, the bill establishes criminal penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, xylazine for illicit use (i.e., for use in humans) in accordance with the penalties for schedule III substances (up to 10 years imprisonment or, if death or serious bodily injury occurs, up to 15 years imprisonment, as well as criminal fines). In addition, the DEA must coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration to report on the prevalence of the illicit use of xylazine, including associated supply chains. The bill also declares the illicit use of xylazine as an emerging drug threat.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2023
After Hours Child Care Act This bill establishes a pilot program for the Administration for Children & Families to award grants to increase the capacity of child care providers to deliver services to families in which a parent is working nontraditional work hours (e.g., before 9:00 a.m., after 5:00 p.m., or on a Saturday or Sunday).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
This resolution designates March 23, 2023, as National Women in Agriculture Day. It also recognizes the important role of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, mentors, and more.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
This resolution designates April 5, 2023, as Gold Star Wives Day. The resolution also recognizes the contributions of the members of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., and their dedication to the members and veterans of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies provide critical benefits to the people and communities of the United States and their work should continue to be promoted.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Energy Threat Analysis Center Establishment Act of 2023 or the ETAC Establishment Act of 2023 This bill establishes an energy threat analysis center within the Department of Energy to enhance awareness of threats to the security of the energy sector, analyze security threats, identify relevant mitigation measures, support response and restoration activities, and facilitate increased information sharing between government and industry. The bill terminates the center after 10 years.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Technology Grants to Strengthen Domestic Mining Education Act of 2023 or the Mining Schools Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program to support domestic mining education. Under the program, DOE must award up to 10 grants each year to mining schools for recruiting and educating mining engineers and other qualified professionals to meet future energy and mineral needs. In addition, the bill repeals the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Act of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission Extension Act This bill extends the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission through FY2034.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Not Just a Number Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take specified actions related to its suicide prevention services. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to annually submit a National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report and publish it on a VA website. The VA must also analyze and report on which benefits and services from the VA have the greatest impact on suicide prevention among veterans. The VA must collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a toolkit for state and local coroners and medical examiners that contains best practices for accurately identifying and reporting suicide deaths of veterans. The toolkit must be available on a publicly available website, and the VA and CDC must conduct outreach to state and local agencies to promote the availability and use of the toolkit. The VA must review the findings and recommendations of the Government Accountability Office's management review of the VA's mental health and suicide prevention services and study the feasibility and advisability of creating a suicide prevention office within the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors at certain multilateral development banks, such as the Asian Development Bank, to oppose providing a loan, financial assistance, or technical assistance to China. The executive directors must also advocate and vote to end lending and assistance to a country that has exceeded certain income thresholds.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2023
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 · 16 March 2023
Fire Grants and Safety Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 the U.S. Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program. The Government Accountability Office must conduct an audit of and issue a publicly available report on barriers that prevent fire departments from accessing federal funds, and the U.S. Fire Administration. The bill makes the government of China, and any entity or organization operating or incorporated in China, ineligible to be a recipient or subrecipient of federal assistance under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2023
America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues regarding public recreation and access to recreation on federal lands and waters, including special recreation permits for outfitting and guiding. Among other provisions, the bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to identify long-distance bike trails and opportunities to develop or complete long-distance bike trails; USDA to issue guidance relating to climbing management for National Forest System land; Interior and USDA to identify and establish target shooting ranges within national forests and Bureau of Land Management districts; and Interior and the Forest Service to enter into an agreement with the Department of Commerce to foster the installation or construction of broadband internet infrastructure at developed recreation sites on federal recreational lands and waters. Interior and the Forest Service must conduct a single inventory and assessment of recreation resources for federal recreational lands and waters and publish the inventory and assessment for public comment. Interior shall establish a Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation. Interior and the Forest Service must (1) alert the public to closure or disruption of public campsites, trails, roads, and other public areas and access points; and (2) develop and make public a national strategy to increase the number of youth recreation visits to federal land. The bill provides for online collection of recreation fees and for the establishment of a digital version of America the Beautiful--The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2023
New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2023 This bill allows meat and poultry products inspected by State Meat and Poultry Inspection programs to be sold in interstate commerce. Under the inspection programs, the Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service allows states that meet certain requirements to inspect meat and poultry. The state-inspected products are currently limited to intrastate commerce, unless a state opts into a separate Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2023
This bill establishes a commission to develop a comprehensive grand strategy and whole-of-government approach with respect to the U.S.-China relationship. The purposes of the commission include (1) defining steps to build a stable international order that includes China, (2) providing recommendations to protect U.S. national security interests, and (3) ensuring a holistic approach towards China across all federal departments and agencies. Membership on the commission includes 6 specified executive branch officials and 12 members nominated by designated congressional leaders. The commission is required to issue a final report on its findings and recommendations no later than September 1, 2025.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023
Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023 This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the female telephone operators of the Army Signal Corps, commonly known as the Hello Girls , in recognition of their military service, devotion to duty, and 60-year struggle for veterans' benefits and recognition as soldiers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023
International Nuclear Energy Act of 2023 This bill addresses U.S. cooperation with other nations on nuclear energy-related issues. For example, the bill requires the President to launch an international initiative to modernize outreach to embarking civil nuclear nations, which may include establishing cooperative financing relationships for the export of civil nuclear technology and materials; the President, in coordination with international partners, to hold a biennial conference on civil nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and sustainability; the Department of State to meet with ally or partner nations for the purpose of collaborating on research, development, licensing, and deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies for civil nuclear energy; the State Department to provide financial assistance to embarking civil nuclear nations for developing civil nuclear energy programs; and the establishment of a working group to develop a 10-year civil nuclear trade strategy with biennial targets for the export of civil nuclear technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023
Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 This bill modifies provisions regarding the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as the duck stamp , including to allow an individual to be carrying an electronic stamp, rather than a paper stamp, at the time of taking waterfowl. The bill requires states to issue electronic stamps at the time of purchase and the Department of the Interior to issue a paper stamp after March 10 each year to each individual who purchased an electronic stamp during that hunting year. The electronic stamps are valid through the first June 30 after issuance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
Paycheck Fairness Act This bill addresses wage discrimination on the basis of sex. Specifically, it (1) limits an employer's defense that a pay differential is based on a factor other than sex to only bona fide job-related factors in wage discrimination claims, (2) enhances nonretaliation prohibitions, (3) makes it unlawful to require an employee to sign a contract or waiver prohibiting the employee from disclosing information about the employee's wages, and (4) increases civil penalties for violations of equal pay provisions. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs must train EEOC employees and other affected parties on wage discrimination. The bill directs the Department of Labor to (1) establish and carry out a grant program for negotiation skills training for girls and women, (2) conduct studies to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, and (3) make available information on wage discrimination to assist the public in understanding and addressing such discrimination. The bill also establishes the Secretary of Labor's National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. Finally, the bill requires the EEOC to issue regulations for collecting from employers compensation and other employment data according to the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in enforcing laws prohibiting pay discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act of 2023 or the GUARD VA Benefits Act of 2023 This bill imposes criminal penalties on individuals for directly or indirectly soliciting, contracting for, charging, or receiving any unauthorized fee or compensation with respect to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The commission or attempted commission of such offenses is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
Reduce Russian Uranium Imports Act This bill limits the importation of uranium from Russia. Specifically, it bans low-enriched uranium that is produced in Russia from being imported into the United States. However, the Department of Energy (DOE) may waive this ban if DOE determines that (1) no alternative viable source of low-enriched uranium is available to sustain the continued operation of a nuclear reactor or a U.S. nuclear energy company, or (2) importation of the uranium is in the national interest. Any waiver issued must terminate no later than January 1, 2028. In addition, the bill establishes annual caps on the amount of low-enriched uranium that may be imported from Russia through 2027.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023
Sustainable Budget Act of 2023 This bill establishes the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform within the legislative branch to identify policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and achieve fiscal sustainability over the long term. The commission must propose recommendations that (1) are designed to balance the budget, excluding interest payments on the debt, within 10 years; and (2) meaningfully improve the long-term fiscal outlook, including changes to address the growth of entitlement spending and the gap between projected federal revenues and expenditures. Congress must consider the commission's recommendations using specified expedited legislative procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023
Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue 50,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the service that working dogs provide to society. The designs of the coins minted under this bill shall be emblematic of the contributions of working dogs to society, including in detection, military service, therapy, and assistance. Treasury may issue coins only during the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2025. All sales of coins shall include a surcharge, which shall be paid to America's VetDogs for general expenses associated with the fulfillment of its mission.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023
Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act This bill allows the use of funds in a qualified tuition program (commonly known as a 529 account) to pay for expenses associated with obtaining or maintaining recognized postsecondary credentials.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023
Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget and the Council of Economic Advisers to provide an inflation estimate for each executive order that is projected to cause an annual gross budgetary or economic effect of at least $1 million. The estimate must determine whether the executive order will have no significant impact on inflation, a quantifiable inflationary impact on the Consumer Price Index or the Producer Price Index, or a significant impact on inflation that cannot be quantified at the time the estimate is prepared. The estimate must also (1) incorporate the inflationary impact of the debt servicing costs associated with the executive order; and (2) take into account the spending patterns of military personnel and of residents of non-metropolitan areas, including rural areas and farm households. The requirements do not apply to executive orders that (1) provide for emergency assistance or relief at the request of any state or local government or an official of the government, or (2) are necessary for national security or the ratification or implementation of international treaty obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023
Small Business Child Care Investment Act This bill deems certain nonprofit child care providers to be small business concerns so that they may participate in specified loan programs administered by the Small Business Administration (e.g., the 7(a) loan program).
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023
Sultana Steamboat Disaster Commemorative Coin Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the Sultana steamboat explosion that occured on April 27, 1865, on the Mississippi River. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid to the Sultana Historical Preservation Society for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining a museum.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023
Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology Act or the RESTRICT Act This bill requires federal actions to identify and mitigate foreign threats to information and communications technology (ICT) products and services (e.g., social media applications). It also establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations under the bill. Specifically, the Department of Commerce must identify, deter, disrupt, prevent, prohibit, investigate, and mitigate transactions involving ICT products and services (1) in which any foreign adversary (such as China) has any interest, and (2) that pose an undue or unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the safety of U.S. persons. Additionally, Commerce must identify and refer to the President any covered holding (e.g., stock or security) that poses an undue or unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons. If the President determines that the holding poses such a risk, the President may compel divestment of or otherwise mitigate the risk associated with the holding. Commerce may (1) designate any foreign government or regime as a foreign adversary upon a determination that the foreign government or regime is engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to U.S. national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons, and (2) remove such a designation. Commerce must notify Congress before making or removing a designation; these actions are subject to congressional disapproval. The bill outlines (1) enforcement mechanisms, including actions by the Department of Justice; and (2) civil and criminal penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023
Everett Alvarez, Jr., Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023 This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Everett Alvarez, Jr. in recognition of his service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023
Safe Step Act This bill requires a group health plan to establish an exception to medication step-therapy protocol in specified cases. A medication step-therapy protocol establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs are covered by a group health plan or a health insurance issuer. A request for such an exception to the protocol must be granted if (1) an otherwise required treatment has been ineffective, (2) such treatment is expected to be ineffective and delaying effective treatment would lead to irreversible consequences, (3) such treatment will cause or is likely to cause an adverse reaction to the individual, (4) such treatment is expected to prevent the individual from performing daily activities or occupational responsibilities, (5) the individual is stable based on the prescription drugs already selected, or (6) there are other circumstances as determined by the Employee Benefits Security Administration. The bill requires a group health plan to implement and make readily available a clear process for an individual to request an exception to the protocol, including required information and criteria for granting an exception. The bill further specifies timelines under which plans must respond to such requests.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Changing the Culture of the FDA Act This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to amend its mission statement to state that it is responsible for protecting the public health by considering the danger of addiction and overdose death when approving and regulating prescription opioid medications. (Opioid medications are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications.)
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Protecting Americans from Dangerous Opioids Act This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revoke approval for an opioid drug for every new opioid drug approved. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications.) In determining the drug for which to revoke approval, the FDA must prioritize revoking approval for drugs that are not abuse deterrent and consider the public health impact of drugs on the market.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act This bill establishes requirements related to long-distance bike trails. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails that make use of existing trails and roads, and not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete such trails. Interior and USDA shall coordinate with stakeholders on the feasibility of, and identifying any resources necessary for, completing the development of the trails so identified; before identifying a trail or road as a long-distance bike trail, ensure that identifying a trail or road as a long-distance bike trail would not conflict with an existing use of the trail or road; and seek geographically equitable identification, development, and completion of long-distance bike trails.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023
Ensuring the FDA Fully Examines Clinical Trial Impact and Vitalness before Endorsement Act or the EFFECTIVE Act This bill specifies that the Food and Drug Administration may deny an application for a new opioid analgesic drug (i.e., opioid medication) upon a determination that the drug does not provide a significant advantage with respect to safety or effectiveness as compared to other drugs.
![Official portrait of Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001183_200.jpg)