United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled Credit Card Penalty Fees (Regulation Z) and published on March 15, 2024. The rule lowers the safe-harbor cap on certain credit card late fees. In particular, late fees allowed under safe-harbor provisions must be capped at $8 when charged by a large credit card issuer. This cap is not subject to annual adjustment to reflect inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2024
This resolution condemns the targeting and imprisonment of individuals associated with Mountain Gateway Order, Inc., and calls upon the Nicaraguan government to take prompt action. Mountain Gateway Order, Inc., is a U.S.-based religious organization active in Nicaragua. Individuals affiliated with the group were arrested in Nicaragua in December, 2023.
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 · 12 March 2024
Laken Riley Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U. S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted for, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a decision to release a non-U. S. national from custody; failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Department of Labor titled Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act and published on January 10, 2024. The final rule addresses how to determine whether a worker is properly classified as an employee or an independent contractor for purposes of requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that address issues such as minimum wage and overtime compensation. The rights and protections provided by the FLSA apply only to employees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) titled National Performance Management Measures; Assessing Performance of the National Highway System, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measure and published on December 7, 2023. Under current law, each state must set targets for and report on the progress of performance metrics related to the U.S. surface transportation system. The rule establishes a specific measure for assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with transportation (GHG measure). The rule also requires state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to establish declining carbon dioxide (CO2) targets for the GHG measure and report to the FHWA on their progress towards achieving these targets.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule submitted by the Department of Energy titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnaces and published on December 18, 2023. The rule adopted amended energy conservation standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for consumer furnaces, specifically non-weatherized gas furnaces and mobile home gas furnaces.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2024
This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2022, titled Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 . This bulletin provides accounting and disclosure guidance for entities related to their obligations to safeguard cryptoassets held for users of its platform. A letter of opinion from the Government Accountability Office dated October 31, 2023, titled Securities and Exchange Commission—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 concluded that this bulletin is a rule for purposes of the Congressional Review Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2024
Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2024 This bill makes it a crime to intentionally convey false or misleading information in circumstances where the information may reasonably be expected to cause an emergency response and the information indicates the occurrence of criminal conduct or a threat to health or safety.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023
Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide certain relief to individuals whose promotions to a grade or rank in the Armed Forces of O-7 or higher were delayed by the Senate. Specifically, the bill applies to those individuals who were confirmed between December 5, 2023, and December 31, 2023. The bill requires DOD to provide pay and benefits associated with the appointment retroactive to the later of (1) the date that is 30 days after the date on which the nomination was placed on the Executive Calendar of the Senate, or (2) the date on which the individual would have been appointed but for the suspension of Senate confirmation of appointments.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2023
This resolution expresses the sense that the slogan from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free and its derivations are anti-Semitic and a call for genocide and destruction of the Jewish state.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2023
Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act This bill prohibits a credit reporting agency from providing a consumer's credit report to a third party in connection with a residential mortgage transaction unless (1) the third party provides documentation certifying that it has the consumer's consent; or (2) the third party has originated the mortgage, is the current loan servicer, or has a current specified banking relationship with the consumer.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2023
This resolution mourns the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter, extends sympathies to her husband and family, and honors her contributions to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2023
This resolution condemns the December 6, 2019, terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola and commemorates the service members and civilians who lost their lives or were injured in the attack. Additionally, the resolution remembers Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, Petty Officer Third Class Mohammed Sameh Haitham, and Petty Officer Third Class Cameron Scott Walters, who were killed in the attack. Finally, the resolution commends (1) the decision to give medals and awards to the law enforcement officers, uniformed service members, and civilians who responded to the attack; and (2) the efforts undertaken by the Department of Defense to enhance security at military installations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023
Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 This bill allows livestock producers and their employees to take certain actions against black vultures to protect livestock. (Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.) Specifically, livestock producers and their employees may (1) take (i.e., capture, kill, or disperse, or transport the carcass of) a black vulture that they reasonably believe will cause death, injury, or destruction to livestock; or (2) in the course of taking or attempting to take the black vulture, cause injury to the bird. However, they may not take or attempt to take a black vulture through the use of poison. Livestock producers and their employees must submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on black vultures taken under this bill. The FWS must make this reporting form available on its website. Currently, the FWS has a permit process under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the taking of black vultures.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
Poarch Band of Creek Indians Parity Act This bill applies the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Additionally, the bill reaffirms previous decisions by the Department of the Interior to take land into trust for the tribe under the IRA. 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 Poarch Band of Creek Indians, thereby deeming the tribe to be under federal jurisdiction as of June 18, 1934, for purposes of the IRA; and (2) reaffirms prior decisions by Interior to take land into trust for the benefit of the tribe.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board titled Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status and published on October 27, 2023. The rule establishes a new joint employer standard for determining whether two employers simultaneously employ a particular employee or employees. Under the rule, an entity may be considered a joint employer of another employer's employees if the two share or codetermine the employees' essential terms and conditions of employment. The rule is currently scheduled to take effect on February 26, 2024.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023 This bill requires various reports on immigration, particularly regarding individuals paroled into the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection must monthly publish details on non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) paroled into the United States at ports of entry or individuals encountered between land ports of entry and subsequently granted parole. The report must include details regarding citizenship, nationality, and demographic information. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must quarterly publish the number of humanitarian parole petitions received and the number of those granted, disaggregated by nationality. Quarterly, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must report on individuals encountered or apprehended at the southern U.S. border and within nearby patrol sectors. The report must contain information including citizenship, nationality, demographics, the number receiving fear of persecution screenings, and immigration outcomes. DHS must also annually report on individuals paroled into the United States on humanitarian grounds, including demographics, employment authorizations, and current immigration status.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023
Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for assistance to Israel. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides appropriations to DOD for Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. The funding is provided for purposes such as replacing defense articles that were provided to Israel; reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Israel; the procurement of Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems; Defense Production Act purchases; and the development of Israel's Iron Beam defense system. The bill provides appropriations to the State Department for Diplomatic Programs, including Worldwide Security Protection; Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service; and the Foreign Military Financing Program. In addition, the bill includes several provisions that expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to Israel. Finally, the bill specifies that the funds provided by this bill may not be used (1) in connection with the war in Ukraine; or (2) for assistance to any entity that is located in the territory of Gaza or is controlled or influenced by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any other organization that the State Department has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023
Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 This bill provides FY2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State for assistance to Israel. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides appropriations to DOD for Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. The funding is provided for purposes such as replacing defense articles that were provided to Israel; reimbursing DOD for defense services and training provided to Israel; the procurement of Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems; Defense Production Act purchases; and the development of Israel's Iron Beam defense system. The bill provides appropriations to the State Department for Diplomatic Programs, including Worldwide Security Protection; Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service; and the Foreign Military Financing Program. In addition, the bill includes several provisions that expand the authorities of the President to transfer defense articles and services from DOD to Israel. Finally, the bill specifies that the funds provided by this bill may not be used (1) in connection with the war in Ukraine; or (2) for assistance to any entity that is located in the territory of Gaza or is controlled or influenced by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any other organization that the State Department has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023
This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that it may not be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2023
This bill reinstates any statutory sanctions against Iran that had been waived, reduced, or otherwise relieved pursuant to any agreement between the United States and Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2023
Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for research or publications concerning gender transitions in individuals under the age of 18.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023
Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act or the Ag Disputes Act This bill establishes a joint task force to identify and address trade barriers to U.S. agricultural exports. Specifically, the bill directs the President to establish the Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force. Members of this task force include employees of the Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The bill requires the task force to (1) identify trade barriers to U.S. agricultural exports that are vulnerable to dispute settlement under the World Trade Organization (WTO) or other trade agreements to which the United States is a party, (2) develop and implement a strategy for enforcing violations of trade agreements related to those trade barriers, (3) identify like-minded trading partners that could act as complainants on disputes relating to specific trade barriers that are systemically or economically important to the United States, and (4) submit periodic reports to Congress. In its first report, the task force must include a plan for filing a request for consultations under the WTO with respect to agricultural price supports implemented by the Indian government.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023
Increasing American Ferrosilicon Production Act This bill requires certain actions related to trade with Russia and Belarus, including by requiring an increase in the rate of duty for certain types of ferrosilicon. (Ferrosilicon is an alloy of iron and silicon.) Specifically, the bill directs the President to proclaim an increase in the rate of duty applicable to ferrosilicon that is (1) classified under subheading 7202.21.50 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and (2) produced in Russia or Belarus. This rate of duty shall be 35% ad valorem. Additionally, the bill extends through January 1, 2025, the authority of the President to proclaim increased rates of duty for all products of Russia or Belarus. (Currently, this authority terminates on January 1, 2024.) The bill requires the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to carry out a public comment period regarding which products of Russia or Belarus are also produced in the United States and, for each product, the ability of U.S. producers to increase production in order to meet U.S. demand. If the USTR determines that U.S. producers have the ability to increase production to meet U.S. demand for a product, then the USTR must notify Congress and indicate whether the President will proclaim an increase in the rate of duty applicable to products of Russia or Belarus. If the President will not proclaim such an increase, then the USTR must explain the reasoning for the decision.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023
Billie Jean King Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King in recognition of her courageous and groundbreaking leadership in advancing equal rights for women in athletics, education, and society.