United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023
Russian War Crimes in Ukraine Tax Act This bill imposes a 100% excise tax on certain assets of Russia and Belarus that have been frozen in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. The bill establishes the Ukraine Reconstruction Trust Fund to hold tax revenues generated by this bill. Such revenues shall be used for the benefit of Ukraine, including reconstruction and rebuilding efforts, humanitarian assistance, and the fostering of long-term economic growth. The Department of State must direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use U.S. influence to encourage the transfer of capital gains on Russian sovereign assets to Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2023
This resolution condemns anti-Semitism in the United States and around the world and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to combat anti-Semitism in all forms. It also recognizes the need for the United States and Europe to work together to fight global anti-Semitism and supports the full implementation of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
Veterans' Sentinel Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program establishing a working group in the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to collect and analyze data regarding on-campus (i.e., on VA property) suicides and on-campus attempted suicides by veterans. The working group is authorized to implement improvements to the process by which the VA collects data related to on-campus suicides to unify the disparate sources of such data. The VA must annually brief Congress regarding the progress and findings of the working group. The bill requires the VA to (1) annually evaluate the statistical trends of suicides and attempted suicides by veterans that occur on VA property, and (2) determine recommendations for preventing such suicides and attempted suicides. Finally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to submit a report on (1) the actions the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has taken to meet the priority objective of the VA with respect to preventing veteran suicide, (2) the challenges the office has faced in making such actions, and (3) recommendations for improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
This concurrent resolution calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend that the Postmaster General issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring the Buffalo Soldiers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023
This concurrent resolution recognizes the difficult challenges Black veterans faced when returning home after serving in the Armed Forces, their heroic military sacrifices, and their patriotism in fighting for equal rights and for the dignity of a people and a nation. The concurrent resolution also recognizes the need for the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue to work to eliminate any health and benefit disparities for minority veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023
Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act of 2023 or the 911 SAVES Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget, by 30 days after the bill's enactment, to categorize public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation under the Standard Occupational Classification System.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023
Health Share Transparency Act of 2023 This bill requires a health care sharing ministry (HCSM) to disclose specific information to individuals enrolling in the HCSM and to designated government agencies. (An HCSM is a faith-based organization with members who share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs and who contribute regular payments to cover the medical expenses of other members.) The bill requires an HCSM to disclose to an enrolling individual information such as (1) the average out-of-pocket expenses an enrollee incurs, (2) how to file a complaint or appeal a coverage determination, and (3) a list of the HCSM's non-reimbursable items and services. The bill also requires that an HCSM submit annual financial disclosures and program information to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Internal Revenue Service, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. HHS is required to publicly post this information. Additionally, health insurance brokers contracting with an HCSM are required to provide an enrolling individual with information about health insurance coverage that is available through Medicare, Medicaid, or a health insurance exchange, as appropriate. HHS may apply civil monetary penalties to an HCSM that fails to comply with the bill's requirements. Further, the bill requires the Federal Trade Commission to publicly disclose information about consumer complaints regarding HCSMs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023
State-Based Universal Health Care Act of 20 23 This bill establishes the option for states, or groups of states, to apply to waive certain federal health insurance requirements and provide residents with health insurance benefits plans through a state-administered program. Such programs must cover 95% of the residents in the state within five years and plan benefits must be at least as comprehensive and affordable as the coverage under the equivalent federal program. State programs are supported with funds from the federal programs the state programs replace, which may include Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Federal Employee Health Benefits program, certain federal tax credits, and premium-assistance funds, among others. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to appoint an Independent Assessment Panel for Comprehensive Care to review and recommend whether to approve state applications. Each approved state program must be independently reviewed every five years to evaluate changes in health benefits access, quality, and coverage, including whether the state has met the 95% coverage requirement. The federal government must pay all health insurance costs for American Indians and Alaska Natives who enroll in a plan through a state insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023
See the Board Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to support nonprofit organizations in furnishing eye-care services free of charge to students in public elementary or secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023
This resolution strongly condemns any instances of antisemitism occurring at colleges and universities in the United States. The resolution also encourages higher education leaders (e.g., presidents, deans, and administrators) to publicly condemn speech that incites or celebrates violence against any people based on religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry; and encourages institutions of higher education to engage with Jewish student organizations and ensure that Jewish students, faculty, and staff can pursue their academic and personal aspirations without fear.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023
Providing Realistic Opportunity To Equal and Comparable Treatment for Rare Act or the PROTECT Rare Act This bill provides for coverage under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, Medicaid, and private health insurance of certain drugs that are used to treat rare diseases or conditions (i.e., diseases or conditions that affect 200,000 or fewer individuals). Such drugs must be supported by peer-reviewed research or medical experts and must not have been reviewed unfavorably in specified compendia or used in a way that conflicts with approved labels.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023
This resolution honors the memories of the victims who were killed in the antisemitic attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2018. The resolution also condemns rising antisemitism.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023
Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), sex characteristics (including intersex traits), disability, or religion. Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023
Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act or the MOMMIES Act This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) relating to maternal health. For example, the bill expands eligibility for coverage under Medicaid and CHIP from 60 days to one year after the last day of pregnancy and requires such coverage to include oral health services. The bill also establishes a demonstration program in which states receive grants to implement or expand models for maternity care homes that provide services to Medicaid or CHIP beneficiaries. The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) gaps in coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for pregnant and postpartum women, and (2) the use of telehealth by state Medicaid programs to increase access to maternity care.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023
Federal Retirement Fairness Act This bill modifies the federal civilian service that is creditable service under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Specifically, it expands the nondeduction service that may be creditable under FERS. Nondeduction service is federal service where an employee's pay is not subject to retirement deductions (e.g., service under a temporary appointment). Currently, nondeduction service performed before January 1, 1989, is creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund to cover the period of nondeduction service. This bill allows nondeduction service performed on or after January 1, 1989, to be creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023
Medical Debt Relief Act of 2023 This bill prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt on a consumer report (i.e., credit report). In addition, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must amend regulations to prohibit creditors from obtaining or using medical debt information when considering whether to extend credit to a consumer.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023
This resolution calls on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during its October 2023 attack on Israel. The resolution (1) condemns Hamas for attacking Israel, taking hostages, and for threats made against hostages; (2) demands that Hamas immediately release hostages; (3) recognizes that hostage-taking is a violation of international humanitarian law; and (4) expresses sympathy to the hostages, wounded, deceased, and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Vitiligo Awareness Day. (Vitiligo is a chronic condition that results in the loss of pigment in patches on the skin, hair, eyes, and inside of the mouth; the condition may lead to discomfort, itching, and pain.)
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2023
Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and Intimate Care Product Safety Act of 2023 This bill requires the National Institutes of Health to conduct or support research on the extent to which components (including contaminants and substances used as fragrances, colorants, dyes, and preservatives) in menstrual products and intimate care products pose health risks to people who use the products or to the children of people who use the products during or before pregnancy.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023
This resolution (1) condemns the brutal attacks by Hamas, (2) reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and (3) urges Senator Tommy Tuberville and any others involved in the delay of critical military confirmations to stand with Israel and ensure that the United States is able to demonstrate military strength and ability to respond to this crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against 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 urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023
This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against 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 urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2023
This resolution calls for Saudi Arabia to ensure accountability for all individuals responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, release all individuals wrongly detained, lift restrictions on dissidents, and respect the rights of Saudi citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023
Medicare Advantage Consumer Protection and Transparency Act This bill generally requires Medicare Advantage organizations to report additional information to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including supplemental plan benefits, encounter data, and the number of coverage denials and prior authorization requests. Failure to comply with the bill's requirements may result in payment reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023
Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to streamline the process for individuals applying for or renewing enrollment in multiple security threat assessment (STA) programs, in particular the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) programs. Among other things, the TSA must permit an individual to enroll at a TSA-authorized enrollment center once and use the application, as well as information generated by TSA’s vetting, to enroll in any other programs; permit an individual to enroll in more than one STA program at the same time for a single fee that is less than the combined fee for applying to the same programs separately; provide for a streamlined and expeditious renewal process; and provide states the expiration dates for each individual’s STA to ensure commercial driver's licenses include an individual's current HME status. Additionally, the TSA must publish on its website information relating to the streamlining of the enrollment system. If the TSA determines it is necessary to implement these changes through rulemaking, the bill provides for an expedited rulemaking process.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023
Transportation Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a grant program for protection and advocacy (P&A) systems to advocate for individuals with disabilities to access transportation. (Each state has a designated P&A system that protects and advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities.) The bill directs DOT to select 10 P&A systems to receive five-year grants. Grant recipients must submit an annual report documenting the work they have done to address the barriers to accessing transportation for individuals with disabilities. Further, DOT must award one grant annually to a national organization with extensive knowledge of P&A systems to provide training and technical assistance to the systems.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023
This resolution expresses support for the designation of a National Animal Rescue Day to create awareness for animal rescue programs throughout the year and address the challenge of pet overpopulation through continued spaying and neutering.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023
Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2023 This bill imposes temporary limits on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and requires various reports and actions related to the death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The President may not transfer or authorize for export certain defense articles or services to Saudi Arabia for 120 days after this bill's enactment. The prohibition shall remain in effect for up to three years unless the President periodically certifies to Congress that Saudi Arabia has not conducted (1) forced repatriation, intimidation, or killing of dissidents in other countries; (2) unjust imprisonment in Saudi Arabia of U.S. citizens or lawful aliens; or (3) torture of detainees in custody of the government of Saudi Arabia. The President shall certify to Congress that individuals with Saudi diplomatic credentials are not using such credentials to track or harass Saudi nationals in the United States. If the President does not make such a certification, the President shall close at least one Saudi diplomatic or consular facility in the United States until the certification is made. The bill requires reports to Congress on (1) whether any Saudi officials have engaged in a consistent pattern of harassment against any individual in the United States, and (2) whether the intelligence community fulfilled its duty to warn Khashoggi of the threats to his life.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023
Nationally Enhancing the Well-being of Babies through Outreach and Research Now Act or the NEWBORN Act This bill establishes a pilot program through which the Health Resources and Services Administration must award grants to territorial, tribal, state, and local health departments in areas with the highest rates of infant mortality to address birth defects, premature births, and other leading causes of infant death. Funds may be used for needs assessments, outreach, and systems to improve social, educational, and clinical services, including prenatal counseling and postpartum care.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023
Reducing Obesity in Youth Act of 2023 This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in coordination with the Administration for Children and Families, to award grants to nonprofits, institutions of higher education, or consortia of these entities to promote healthy eating and physical activity and address food insecurity among children in early care and education settings.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023
Oleksander Ivanov Act of 2023 or Oleksander's Act This bill authorizes sanctions for the displacement of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russian-controlled areas. Specifically, the bill authorizes the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons who are responsible for, engage in, or facilitate (1) the forced displacement of Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine; (2) the forced assimilation, adoption, or placement of Ukrainian children in foster homes; or (3) the trafficking of Ukrainians. The sanctions include (1) blocking of property; (2) ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole to the United States; and (3) revocation of current visas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023
Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023 This bill imposes a fee on the carbon content of fuels, including crude oil, natural gas, coal, or any other product derived from those fuels that will be used so as to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The fee is imposed on the producers or importers of the fuels and is equal to the greenhouse gas content of the fuel multiplied by the carbon fee rate. The rate begins at $15 per metric ton of CO2-e (i.e., carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2023, increases by $10 each year, and is subject to further adjustments based on the progress in meeting specified emissions reduction targets. The bill also includes exemptions for fuels used for agricultural or nonemitting purposes, exemptions for fuels used by the Armed Forces, rebates for facilities that capture and sequester carbon dioxide, and border adjustment provisions that require certain fees or refunds for carbon-intensive products that are exported or imported. The fees must be deposited into a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund and used for administrative expenses and dividend payments to U.S. citizens or lawful residents. The fees must be decommissioned when emissions levels and monthly dividend payments fall below specified levels. The bill also requires the Department of Energy to enter into agreements with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on various impacts related to the carbon fee and emissions reduction schedule established by the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023 This bill temporarily extends specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities through December 31, 2023. For example, the bill extends the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot programs (e.g., the UAS Test Site Program and the UAS remote detection and identification pilot program), weather reporting programs, Remote Tower Pilot Program, and Essential Air Service Program. The bill also extends the authorization for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). (This program provides grants for planning, development, and noise compatibility projects at or associated with certain public-use airports.) Further, the bill extends through December 31, 2023, the FAA's authority for expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) and to collect various taxes and fees to fund the AATF, including taxes on aviation fuel and airline tickets. (The AATF is the primary funding source for all major FAA accounts that fund federal aviation programs, with the remainder coming from general fund appropriations.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023 This bill addresses harassment at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires each IHE to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment on the basis of a student's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, a sex stereotype, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits), disability, or religion. In addition, the Department of Education may award grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; or (3) educate and train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs.