United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2024
This bill applies the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) to the Lytton Rancheria of California. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to acquire and take land into trust for the benefit of the tribe under the IRA. Land taken into trust shall be part of the tribe's reservation. A 2009 Supreme Court case, Carcieri v. Salazar , decided that Interior could not take land into trust for a specified tribe because that tribe had not been under federal jurisdiction when the IRA was enacted in 1934. This bill (1) affirms the applicability of the IRA to the Lytton Rancheria of California, thereby deeming the tribe to be under federal jurisdiction as of June 18, 1934, for purposes of the IRA; and (2) authorizes Interior to take land into trust for the benefit of the tribe.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2024
Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 2024 or the PAST Act of 2024 This bill addresses the practice of soring horses. The soring of horses includes various actions taken on horses' limbs to produce higher gaits that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness. Specifically, the bill expands soring regulation and enforcement at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, including by establishing a new system for inspecting horses for soring. In addition, the bill increases penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2024
This resolution designates March 21, 2024, 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 · 19 March 2024
DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 This bill provides statutory authority for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research program on Down syndrome. (Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, which can affect mental and physical development.) Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the NIH's Investigation of Co-occurring Conditions Across the Lifespan to Understand Down Syndrome Project (known as the INCLUDE Project). The project was initially established in 2018 to investigate the co-occurring conditions that affect those with Down syndrome (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) and their quality-of-life needs, particularly through (1) targeted research on chromosome 21, (2) assembling a large study population of individuals with Down syndrome, and (3) conducting clinical trials that include those with Down syndrome.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2024
This resolution celebrates the successes of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and the contributions they have made in the United States. The resolution also recognizes the importance of providing for the safety and upholding the interests of these women.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2024
Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act This bill requires educational institutions to notify state approving agencies or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) within 30 days of becoming subject to certain unfavorable actions as a condition of approval for VA educational assistance purposes. For example, a reportable event would include punitive action taken against an educational institution by a state or federal agency. Institutions that are applying to have nonaccredited courses of education approved for purposes of VA educational assistance must also agree to notify the state approving agency or the VA within 30 days of the institution becoming subject to an unfavorable action. The state approving agency or the VA must take specified disciplinary action (e.g., revocation of the approval of courses and programs by an institution) if an institution does not comply with the notification requirements prescribed by this bill. The VA must establish a database within 180 days of the enactment of this bill for risk-based surveys, which deal with the oversight of educational institutions with courses and programs of education approved for purposes of VA educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2024
Right to Vote Act This bill addresses the right to vote in federal elections. Specifically, the bill declares that every citizen of legal voting age shall have the fundamental right to vote in federal elections. In addition, the bill prohibits federal, state, and local governments from substantially impairing the ability to vote in federal elections unless the government action furthers an important and particularized governmental interest. Further, the bill specifies that a government may not diminish the ability to vote in federal elections unless the action uses the least restrictive means to achieve such an interest. A violation of rights created by the bill may be challenged in district court, and a prevailing plaintiff may receive attorney fees. The bill outlines judicial review standards for challenges to voting practices.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2024
Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2024 This bill establishes a grant program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development for states and other entities to provide qualifying assistance to low-income, first-time, first-generation home buyers in purchasing their first homes. Qualifying assistance includes assistance for mortgage down payments, mortgage closing costs, reduction of mortgage interest rates, subsidies for shared equity homes, or for certain modifications to a home to accommodate persons with disabilities. The bill also establishes grant requirements regarding home buyer income, types of housing, homeowner occupancy, types of mortgages, and home buyer counseling.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2024
Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act This bill takes approximately 172.1 acres of specified lands in San Diego, California, into trust for the benefit of the Jamul Indian Village of California. Land taken into trust shall be part of the tribe's reservation. The bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2024
Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali. There is authorized to be charged against the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund such amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of the medals struck under this bill. Sums received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals authorized by this bill shall be deposited into that fund.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2024
COLAs Don't Count Act of 2024 This bill revises requirements for determining eligibility and benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to exclude income received from certain (1) cost-of-living adjustments under the Social Security Act and to railroad retirement and veterans' benefits, and (2) supplementary payments under the Social Security Act.
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 · 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 reaffirms the support of the United States for the full territorial integrity of Ukraine. It also (1) expresses condolences to the people of Ukraine for the loss of life since Russia's further invasion began in February, 2022; (2) acknowledges that a sovereign Ukraine is necessary for peace and stability in Europe and around the world; (3) commends NATO and the international community for efforts to support human rights, democracy, and peace in Ukraine; and (4) encourages the United States and the transatlantic community to continue to stand up to Russia's illegal war.
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
Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act This bill excludes income earned and work performed as a candidate for an elected office when determining eligibility for, or the amount of, federally financed benefits or assistance if the candidate is entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income (a federal assistance program that provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources) due to a disability.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2024
Protect Innocent Victims Of Taxation After Fire Act This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any amount received by an individual taxpayer as a qualified wildfire relief payment. Such payments are compensation for losses, expenses, or damages (including compensation for additional living expenses, certain lost wages, personal injury, death, or emotional distress) incurred as a result of a qualified wildfire disaster. The exclusion only apples to payments received after 2019, and before January 1, 2026.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2024
This resolution supports the designation of Muslim-American Heritage Month and honors the contributions and integral role of Muslim Americans in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2024
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2024 This bill modifies the tax credit for employment-related expenses incurred for the care of a taxpayer's dependent to (1) increase to $400,000, the adjusted gross income threshold level above which the credit is incrementally reduced; (2) increase the dollar limits on the allowable amount of the credit; (3) specify rules for married couples filing separate returns; (4) allow an inflation adjustment to the adjusted gross income threshold and the maximum credit amounts, beginning after 2024; and (5) make the credit refundable for taxpayers who have a principal residence for more than half of the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024
Access to Family Building Act This bill provides a statutory right to access assisted reproductive technology (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access assisted reproductive technology, and to retain all rights with respect to the use or disposition of reproductive genetic materials (e.g., eggs or sperm), without prohibitions or unreasonable restrictions. Health care providers and insurers also have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. The bill does not affect state or local health and safety regulations that achieve their purpose in the least restrictive manner possible. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, localities, or government officials or entities that enact or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers who are affected by violations may also bring civil actions for relief.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2024
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) and expands the activities federal agencies must conduct under the program, including activities relating to secondary effects of earthquakes and post-earthquake infrastructure performance. NEHRP is a coordinated earthquake hazards reduction program of four federal agencies: the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National Science Foundation. Under NEHRP, these agencies are required to conduct various activities relating to earthquakes, including advancing warning systems, hazard reduction measures, and research to improve understanding of earthquakes and their effects. The bill expands the scope of the activities under NEHRP, including requiring the agencies to improve understanding of and develop resilience measures for secondary effects and multiple hazards associated with earthquakes, such as tsunamis and fires; increase post-earthquake functional recovery, which means maintaining or restoring the pre-earthquake functionality of buildings and lifeline infrastructure systems (e.g., infrastructure for water, electricity, and transportation); and assist public entities with developing an inventory, and conducting seismic performance evaluation, of infrastructure with high seismic risk. Additionally, the bill specifically includes tribal governments in the activities conducted under NEHRP.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2024
Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching Act or the BEST Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award renewable two-year grants to states to establish or improve, and carry out, Seal of Biliteracy programs and early language programs to recognize student proficiency in both English and a second language. Student proficiency shall be demonstrated through proficiency in speaking and writing in both languages and may also be demonstrated through reading and listening in both languages. Further, these programs must allow speakers of any official Native American language to use equivalent proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in such language in lieu of proficiency in English.
![Official portrait of Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000145_200.jpg)