Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

Classification Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Sensible Classification Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2023

Bank Service Company Examination Coordination Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2023

Bank Service Company Examination Coordination Act of 2023 This bill requires the coordination of state banking agencies with federal banking agencies in regulating and examining the activities of bank service companies. It also allows for the sharing of information related to examinations and regulations between federal and state agencies.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of April 30, 2023, through May 6, 2023, as "National Small Business Week" to celebrate the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in every community in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2023

This resolution honors the contributions of small businesses in the United States and supports the designation of National Small Business Week.

A resolution designating May 5, 2023, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls".

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2023

This resolution designates May 5, 2023, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls.

Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2023

A resolution designating April 2023 as "Financial Literacy Month".

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

This resolution designates April 2023 as Financial Literacy Month.

HELP Copays Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act or the HELP Copays Act This bill requires health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements.

PASTEUR Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Upsurging Resistance Act of 2023 or the PASTEUR Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enter into subscription contracts for critical-need antimicrobial drugs, provides $6 billion in appropriations for activities under the bill, and contains other related provisions. A manufacturer of a Food and Drug Administration-approved antimicrobial drug may apply to HHS to have the drug designated as a critical-need antimicrobial, and HHS may enter into a subscription contract for such a critical-need antimicrobial. The bill imposes certain requirements related to such contracts, including a mechanism to lower payments under the contract in certain instances to limit the manufacturer's revenue from the drug. Furthermore, HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall award grants to support efforts to encourage the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. The CDC shall also track and assess data relating to antibacterial resistance and human antibiotic use and make such data publicly available. HHS shall also establish a Committee on Critical Need Antimicrobials. The committee shall develop a list of prioritized infections for which new antimicrobial drug development is needed, among other duties. Within six years of the bill's enactment, the Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress a study on the bill's effectiveness in developing priority antimicrobial drugs.

Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2023

Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2023 This bill excludes Indian tribes and tribal enterprises and institutions on tribal land from requirements for employers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). (Currently under the NLRA, employers may not engage in unfair labor practices and must allow employees to form unions, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action.)

TICKET Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act or the TICKET Act This bill requires ticket sellers (including sellers on the secondary market) for concerts, performances, sporting events, and similar activities to clearly and prominently disclose at the beginning of the transaction, and prior to the selection of a ticket, the total ticket price for the event and an itemized list of the base ticket price and each fee (e.g., service fee, processing fee, delivery fee, facility charge fee, tax, or other charge). The total ticket price must also be disclosed in any advertisement, marketing, or price list. Currently, ticket sellers generally disclose fees at the checkout stage. Additionally, ticket sellers that are offering to sell a ticket that the seller does not have in their actual or constructive possession must clearly and prominently disclose that the ticket is not in their possession before an individual selects a ticket to purchase. The Federal Trade Commission must enforce these requirements.

Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023 This bill modifies the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), including by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop and implement plans to improve the administration of the VCCP. Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the VCCP eligibility standards for when a veteran is eligible to elect to receive non-VA care through the VCCP. The VA must notify a covered veteran of eligibility for care or services under the VCCP within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care. If a request by a veteran for care or services under the VCCP is denied, the VA must notify the veteran within two business days of the reason for the denial and instructions on how to appeal the denial using the clinical appeals process of the Veterans Health Administration. Among other elements, the bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the VA's efforts to ensure veterans are informed about eligibility for care and services under the VCCP and the performance of the Office of Integrated Veteran Care in improving access to care for veterans in VA facilities; VCCP providers to submit a claim for payment to the VA not later than one year after the care or service was furnished (current law requires submission within 180 days); the Office of Inspector General of the VA to assess the performance of each VA medical center in implementing the VCCP.

Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act of 2023 This bill addresses the maintenance of the GI Bill Comparison Tool and administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance. The VA must maintain the tool and ensure its historical data remains easily and prominently accessible on the VA's benefits website for at least seven years from the initial publication. The VA must retain, maintain, and publish feedback from students and state approving agencies regarding the quality of instruction, recruiting practices, and post-graduation employment placement of approved institutions of higher learning for the duration that the institution is approved for VA benefit purposes. The bill provides institutions of higher learning with up to 90 days to review and respond to any feedback and address issues before the feedback is published. The bill requires that the GI Bill Comparison Tool include updated information, including descriptions of each federal student aid program. The VA must train personnel that provide education benefits counseling, vocational or transition assistance, or similar functions to properly use the comparison tool and provide appropriate education counseling services. The VA must restore entitlement to educational assistance in situations where there is a civil enforcement action or VA action against an educational institution, and an individual was unable to complete the course or program of education due to such action.

Securing our Border Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2023

Securing our Border Act This bill addresses issues concerning border security and immigration, including by transferring funds from the Internal Revenue Service to certain border-related projects. Specifically, the bill transfers certain funds previously appropriated for tax enforcement activities (e.g., collecting owed taxes and conducting criminal investigations) to fund (1) nonintrusive inspection systems along the northern border and southwest border of the United States, and (2) the construction of a border wall system along the southwest border. The bill also authorizes the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to pay recruitment, retention, and relocation bonuses, subject to various requirements and limitations. For example, a relocation bonus may not exceed 15% of the agent's annual basic bay and must be conditioned on the agent agreeing to serve for at least three years at the new duty station. The bill also modifies the treatment of non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) arriving by land from a country next to the United States. Specifically, if such an individual is not clearly entitled to admission into the United States, the Department of Justice must (1) return the individual to that neighboring country or a safe third country while removal proceedings are pending, or (2) detain the individual while the individual's asylum application is under consideration. (Current law authorizes DOJ to return the individual to the neighboring country but does not require such action or detention.)

FEND Off Fentanyl Act

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.

Love Lives On Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

Love Lives On Act of 2023 This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans. First, the bill removes the expiration on a surviving spouses' entitlement to educational assistance through the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship). The bill also provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation to such spouse. Next, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries. Additionally, the bill provides commissary store and MWR retail facility (e.g., exchange store) access to surviving spouses regardless of the martial status of the spouse. Such spouses must be entitled to use such stores and facilities to the same extent and on the same basis as surviving spouses who did not remarry. The bill expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment. Finally, the bill modifies the definition of a surviving spouse for purposes of veterans benefits to include same sex marriages.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States".

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2023

This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor final rule entitled Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States and published on February 28, 2023. This rule makes changes to the methodology used to set adverse effect wage rates for H-2A workers (temporary agricultural workers), including by using Bureau of Labor Statistics wage surveys in certain instances. (Generally, the minimum wage for an H-2A worker is the highest of the adverse effect wage rate, the applicable minimum wage, the prevailing wage for that occupation in that area, or any agreed-upon collective bargaining wage.)

Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act This bill restores an exemption for certain family farms and small businesses under the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The bill applies to the net worth of (1) a family farm on which the family resides, or (2) a small business with not more than 100 full-time or full-time equivalent employees that is owned and controlled by the family. Prior to recent changes made to FAFSA, the net worth of these family farms and small businesses were excluded as assets when calculating a student's financial need to determine federal student aid eligibility. Beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year, the net worth of these farms and businesses will be treated as an asset and therefore included in the calculation. This bill restores the exemption to exclude such net worth from the calculation.

Ending Duplicative Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Ending Duplicative Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act This bill prohibits duplicative subsidies (i.e., loans, grants, or tax credits) for manufacturers of new clean electric vehicles.

Taiwan Cybersecurity Resiliency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2023

Taiwan Cybersecurity Resiliency Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense to seek to expand military cybersecurity cooperation with the government of Taiwan. Such cooperation may include (1) efforts to protect military networks, infrastructure, and installations; and (2) cybersecurity training activities and exercises.

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes the Peace Corps program through FY2028 and requires or authorizes various policies for the Peace Corps program. For example, the bill increases the minimum rate for readjustment allowances paid to Peace Corps volunteers upon their return to the United States; requires the Peace Corps to establish processes to return volunteers to service after their service has been interrupted by a mandatory evacuation, and to strive to allow evacuated volunteers to return to the country in which they had formerly been assigned (except for Peace Corps missions in China); requires the Peace Corps to provide separating volunteers with information on postservice health care options; provides statutory authority to an executive order that provides returning volunteers with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment purposes (i.e., eligibility to be noncompetitively appointed to a competitive federal position); requires the Peace Corps to implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding volunteer or trainee involvement with illegal drugs; requires the Peace Corps to take all reasonable measures to prevent and address reprisal or retaliation against a volunteer by any person with supervisory authority over the volunteer, such as a Peace Corps officer; and authorizes suspension without pay for employees engaged in serious misconduct that could impact the efficiency of the service and could lead to removal for cause.

Civilian Conservation Center Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023

Civilian Conservation Center Enhancement Act of 202 3 This bill authorizes various activities in connection with Civilian Conservation Centers, which are residential workforce development or training facilities for underserved youth that are operated by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA). For example, the bill requires USDA and Interior to offer at Civilian Conservation Centers specialized training programs focused on (1) forestry and rangeland management, (2) wildland firefighting, or (3) any other topic related to the mission of the Forest Service or Interior or the public interest. The bill authorizes USDA and Interior to directly hire qualified individuals who have successfully completed a Civilian Conservation Center training program without regard to certain civil service hiring requirements. Additionally, USDA and Interior must establish a pilot program to expand available housing for wildland firefighters, volunteers, partner crew members, interns, and other agency employees. To carry out the program, USDA and Interior must employ individuals who are enrolled in a training program at a Civilian Conservation Center. USDA also may conduct career and technical training demonstration programs related to natural resource conservation, forestry, or wildland firefighting.   

A resolution designating the week of April 22 through April 30, 2023, as "National Park Week".

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.

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023

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.

Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023 This bill repeals the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. It also makes conforming amendments related to the gift tax.

Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act This bill addresses issues related to state and local government cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts, including by prohibiting uncooperative jurisdictions from receiving certain grants. Specifically, the bill prohibits a sanctuary jurisdiction from receiving grants under certain Economic Development Assistance Programs and the Community Development Block Grant Program. Under the bill, a sanctuary jurisdiction is a state or local government that has in effect a statute, policy, or practice that prohibits or restricts (1) information sharing with another government entity about an individual's immigration status, or (2) compliance with a lawfully issued Department of Homeland Security (DHS) detainer request or notification of release request. When complying with a DHS-issued detainer, a state or local government shall be deemed to be acting as an agent of DHS with all authority available to DHS officers and employees. The bill also limits the legal liability of a state or local government for complying with a detainer.

NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act This bill revises provisions related to the wetland certification program at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), including by prohibiting the NRCS from acquiring any permanent easement; prohibiting USDA from imposing penalties retroactively for newly determined wetlands; revising the appeals process of the NRCS for wetland certification requests; prohibiting USDA from using new rationale for a wetland determination if a person has previously successfully appealed a final wetland determination; establishing that USDA bears the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, that a person has violated certain wetland conservation provisions; requiring USDA to establish oversight committees in each state that will oversee the appeals of wetland determinations; and requiring that each individual who interacts with the NRCS have the option to participate in a customer satisfaction survey provided by an independent survey company.

A resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

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.

Financial Regulators Transparency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Financial Regulators Transparency Act of 2023 This bill makes certain disclosure and ethics requirements applicable to the Federal Reserve banks and financial regulators and changes the authority and appointment procedure of the inspector general of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The bill applies to Federal Reserve banks Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements, congressional FOIA request requirements, and federal records retention requirements. The bill also expands ethics-related congressional FOIA requests to apply to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Reserve banks, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Credit Union Administration, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Finally, the bill requires the inspector general of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The inspector general shall also have authority over the Federal Reserve banks. Under current law, this appointment is made by the chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act of 2023 This bill establishes a grant program to fund demonstration projects to provide in-home mental health and substance use services to medically underserved individuals in rural areas or in the farming, fishing, and forestry industries. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to public or nonprofit telemental health provider networks to deliver, and evaluate the impact of, home-based telemental health and substance use services for such individuals. HHS must consult with the Rural Health Liaison of the Department of Agriculture on the grants.

HALT Fentanyl Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023

Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl Act This bill places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for schedule I research that is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Veterans Affairs or that is conducted under an investigative new drug exemption from the Food and Drug Administration. The bill also makes several other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, including permitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances, waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, and allowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration.

Department of Veterans Affairs EHRM Standardization and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023

Department of Veterans Affairs EHRM Standardization and Accountability Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from commencing an Electronic Health Record Modernization Program activity at a facility of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) until the VA certifies to Congress that the electronic health record system has met specified improvement objectives. The VA is prohibited from newly implementing the electronic health record system at a VHA facility until the VHA submits written certification to Congress that the staff and infrastructure of the facility are adequately prepared for the system.

Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023

Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an advisory committee that is representative of the U.S. farming and ranching sectors to make recommendations on the impact of waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations on U.S. agriculture and environmental protection. (The Clean Water Act [CWA] protects navigable waters , which the statute defines as WOTUS. Because the CWA does not further define this term, the agencies that implement the CWA have defined WOTUS in regulations.) Specifically, USDA must establish an advisory committee to study and develop recommendations to address matters such as the impact of the prior-converted farmland exemption on agricultural operations, the impact of WOTUS regulations on secure food supply chains and rural infrastructure, and how to develop safe harbor conditions for farmers who observe certain conservation practices. Federal agencies must provide to the committee any information requested by the committee chair. The advisory committee terminates 90 days after completing reporting requirements.

Combating Illicit Xylazine Act

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.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans".

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2023

This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the Department of Education on October 12, 2022, that suspends federal student loan payments and discharges debt.

A resolution recognizing the 202nd anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023

This resolution congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 202nd anniversary of the independence of Greece. The resolution also (1) expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed, and (2) commends Greece's support for the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russian aggression.

A resolution designating March 23, 2023, as "National Women in Agriculture Day".

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.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies have historically provided and continue to provide critical benefits to the people and communities of the United States.

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.

Mining Schools Act of 2023

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.

Tribal Firearm Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Tribal Firearm Access Act This bill allows members of federally recognized Indian tribes to use their valid identification documents issued by tribal governments to obtain a firearm from a federally licensed dealer.

A bill to oppose the provision of assistance to the People's Republic of China by the multilateral development banks.

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.

SECURE Flights Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Strengthening Enforcement to Curtail Unlawful, Risky Entrance to Flights Act of 2023 or the SECURE Flights Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the use of certain warrants and other documents issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as proof of identification at airport security checkpoints. If an individual uses a prohibited document as proof of identification, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must inform ICE, CBP, and local law enforcement to determine whether the individual is in violation of any term of release from custody of the agency. An individual who is in violation may not be permitted to enter a sterile area (e.g., the boarding area) unless the individual (1) is being removed or deported from the United States, or (2) presents a covered valid and unexpired identification document. Examples of covered identification documents include a U.S. passport, a biometrically secure card issued by a DHS trusted or registered traveler program, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, and an employment authorization document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Further, prior to authorizing entry into a sterile area, the TSA must collect biometric information from an individual who (1) does not present a covered identification document, and (2) the TSA cannot verify is a U.S. national. The TSA must submit the information to the national Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT).

An act to authorize appropriations for the United States Fire Administration and firefighter assistance grant programs, to advance the benefits of nuclear energy, and for other purposes.

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.

CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2023

CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes for four years and otherwise revises the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Bond Guarantee Program. Specifically, the bill (1) reduces the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program minimum issuance amount from $100 million to $25 million, (2) eliminates the cap on the annual number of guarantees, and (3) revises the amount to be held in a CDFI's relending account. (CDFIs are financial institutions serving low-income communities. Designation as a CDFI allows an institution to participate in programs such as the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program. The program provides financing to CDFIs through federal credit subsidies that allow CDFIs to issue bonds.)

New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2023

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.

A bill to establish a temporary commission to develop a consensus and actionable recommendations on a comprehensive grand strategy with respect to the United States relationship with the People's Republic of China for purposes of ensuring a holistic approach toward the People's Republic of China across all Federal departments and agencies.

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.

Modification to Department of Defense Travel Authorities for Abortion-Related Expenses Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Modification to Department of Defense Travel Authorities for Abortion-Related Expenses Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from providing certain funding related to abortion services. First, the bill terminates the DOD memorandum titled Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care (October 20, 2022). Such memo sets forth DOD policies and procedures in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization . Under the bill, DOD may not obligate or expend funds to carry out the objectives of the memo or any successor memo. Next, the bill prohibits DOD from providing any actual or necessary expenses of travel or transportation related to official travel for a member of the Armed Forces or a dependent of such a member who is seeking an abortion or any abortion-related service (except in the case of rape or incest, or when the mother's life is in danger). The bill provides that limited access of a member of the Armed Forces or a dependent to an abortion or abortion-related services due to the member's duty location does not constitute an unusual, extraordinary, hardship, or emergency circumstance for which travel and transportation allowances may be provided (except in the case of rape or incest, or when the mother's life is in danger). The bill also prohibits a member of the Armed Forces from taking convalescent leave or using an administrative absence for travel related to receiving an abortion or abortion-related service (except in the case of rape or incest, or when the mother's life is in danger).

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives titled Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached "Stabilizing Braces" and published on January 31, 2023. The rule establishes criteria for determining whether a firearm equipped with an attached stabilizing brace that facilitates shoulder fire is a rifle subject to regulation (e.g., registration) under the National Firearms Act.

Expanding Local Meat Processing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Expanding Local Meat Processing Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to revise its regulations to allow certain packers to hold an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of a market agency selling livestock on a commission basis. The bill applies to packers that have a cumulative slaughter capacity of (1) less than 2,000 animal per day or 700,000 animals per year with respect to cattle or sheep, and (2) less than 10,000 animals per day or 3 million animals per year with respect to hogs.

Security to Avoid Violence in Educational Settings Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2023

Security to Avoid Violence in Educational Settings Act or the SAVES Act This bill transfers certain funds to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to carry out a grant program for school safety and security. Specifically, the bill transfers funds appropriated for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities (currently known as the Department of Energy's Renew America's Schools Program) to DOJ for the grant program. DOJ must award grants to states (and states must provide subgrants to eligible entities, such as local educational agencies and schools) for planning and designing school buildings and facilities, installing infrastructure, and implementing technology or other measures that strengthen security on school premises.