United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023
Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act of 2023 or the EARN IT Act of 2023 This bill revises the federal framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children. The bill limits the liability protections of interactive computer service providers (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) with respect to claims alleging violations of child sexual exploitation laws. Additionally, the bill replaces various statutory references to child pornography and material that contains child pornography with child sexual abuse material . Finally, the bill makes changes to the reporting requirements for electronic communication service providers and remote computing service providers (providers) who report apparent instances of crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Among the changes, the bill requires providers to report facts and circumstances sufficient to identify and locate each minor and each involved individual. The bill also increases the amount of time that providers must preserve the contents of a report.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023
Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers Act or the Keep Our PACT Act This bill provides funding through FY2033 for grant programs operated by local educational agencies to provide supplementary educational and related services to low-achieving students and other students who attend elementary and secondary schools with relatively high concentrations of students from low-income families. Additionally, the bill permanently reauthorizes the grant program to assist states and outlying areas in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023
Do No Harm Act This bill prohibits the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) to specified federal laws or the implementation of such laws. Currently, RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest when using the least restrictive means. Under the bill, RFRA is inapplicable to laws or the implementation of laws that protect against discrimination or require the promotion of equal opportunity (e.g., the Civil Rights Act of 1964); require employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits, including leave; protect collective activity in the workplace; protect against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or provide for access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for any health care item or service. The bill prevents RFRA from being used to deny (1) goods or services the government has agreed to provide to a beneficiary of or participant in a program or activity funded by a government contract, grant, agreement, or other award; or (2) a person's full and equal enjoyment of a government-provided good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation. In order for a person to assert a RFRA claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, the government must be a party to the proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023
Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 20 2 3 This bill allows a small business that is awarded a construction contract by a federal agency to request an equitable adjustment if the agency's contracting officer directs a change in the contract's performance without the agreement of the small business. The agency must provide the small business with an interim partial payment to cover additional costs resulting from such a change, and the small business must pay a first tier subcontractor or supplier the portion of the partial payment that is attributable to additional costs incurred due to the change.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2023
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to review and approve drugs pursuant to its own expertise, and that recent court decisions blocking the FDA's approval of mifepristone (which is used in medication abortion) violate congressional intent with respect to the FDA's authority.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
Medicaid VBPs for Patients Act or the MVP Act This bill provides statutory authority for regulations that allow for the use of varying best price points under value-based purchasing arrangements for purposes of the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. ( Value-based purchasing arrangements refer to arrangements in which the price of a drug is linked to clinical outcomes; such arrangements are particularly used for new high-cost treatments, such as gene therapies.) The Government Accountability Office must study the impact of value-based purchasing arrangements on federal health care programs, including with respect to the bill's changes. Additionally, the bill (1) exempts sales of drugs that are made under value-based purchasing arrangements from calculations of the manufacturer average sales price for purposes of payments under Medicare medical services, if the manufacturer reports multiple best prices under Medicaid in accordance with the bill's changes; and (2) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish a program under which state Medicaid programs may cover drugs in inpatient settings via value-based purchasing arrangements. The bill's changes terminate five years after enactment; any value-based purchasing arrangements that are in effect as of the date of termination continue to apply.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide financial assistance to a local government or electric cooperative as reimbursement for interest paid on a loan used for emergency or disaster recovery activities later paid for by FEMA assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
VA Flood Preparedness Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make contributions to local authorities to mitigate the risk of flooding on local property adjacent to VA medical facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
Ending Punitive, Unfair, School-based Harm that is Overt and Unresponsive to Trauma Act of 2023 or the Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to local educational agencies and nonprofit organizations for the purpose of reducing suspension and expulsion of students (i.e., exclusionary disciplinary practices). The bill requires ED to collect data on exclusionary discipline in schools. It also establishes a joint task force to end school pushout.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act This bill authorizes activities related to medical marijuana use by veterans and provides for research on medical marijuana use by veterans. Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) a veteran to use, possess, or transport medical marijuana in accordance with applicable state or Native American tribal law; (2) a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physician to discuss with a veteran the use of medical marijuana as a treatment if the physician is in a state or on tribal land that authorizes such treatment; or (3) a VA physician to recommend, complete forms for, or register veterans for participation in a medical marijuana treatment program in accordance with applicable state or tribal law. These authorizations expire after five years. The bill also requires the VA to report on (1) the use of medical marijuana by veterans to manage pain and to treat diseases and disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder); and (2) the relationship between state-approved medical marijuana treatment programs, program access, and opioid use and misuse reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act This bill delays reductions to Medicaid disproportionate-share hospital (DSH) allotments until FY2026. (DSHs are hospitals that receive additional payments under Medicaid for treating a large share of low-income patients.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2023
Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement Act of 2023 or the HOPE Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to states and local governments to reduce the financial and administrative burden of expunging convictions for state cannabis offenses. The bill also requires DOJ to study and report on (1) the effects on an individual of a criminal record report of a conviction for a criminal offense related to cannabis, and (2) the costs incurred for incarcerating an individual for a criminal offense related to cannabis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2023
Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2023 This bill exempts a trade or business that conducts marijuana sales in compliance with state law from a provision in the Internal Revenue Code that prohibits business-related tax credits or deductions for expenditures in connection with trafficking in controlled substances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023
Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-prohibition Adult-use Regulated Environment Act of 2023 or the PREPARE Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Justice to establish the Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis to study a plausible and prompt pathway to cannabis regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023
This resolution recognizes that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2023
This resolution condemns the expulsion of state representatives Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson from the Tennessee General Assembly as an attack on American democracy and an overt act of racism. It also expresses the belief that state and federal lawmakers should address gun violence.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2023
Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2023 This bill requires hospitals to implement and submit to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a staffing plan that complies with specified minimum nurse-to-patient ratios by unit. Hospitals must post a notice regarding nurse-to-patient ratios in each unit and maintain records of actual ratios for each shift in each unit. The bill also requires hospitals to follow certain procedures regarding how ratios are determined, and other staff are prohibited from performing nurse functions unless specifically authorized within a state's scope of practice rules. HHS must adjust Medicare payments to hospitals to cover additional costs attributable to compliance with these ratios. Nurses may object to, or refuse to participate in, an assignment if it would violate minimum ratios or if they are not prepared by education or experience to fulfill the assignment without compromising the safety of a patient or jeopardizing their nurse's license. Hospitals may not (1) take adverse actions against a nurse based on the nurse's reasonable refusal to accept an assignment; or (2) discriminate against individuals for good faith complaints relating to the care, services, or conditions of the hospital or related facilities. HHS may impose civil monetary penalties on hospitals violating the ratio requirements and must publish the names of such hospitals. The bill provides stipends to the nurse workforce loan repayment and scholarship program and expands the nurse retention grant program to include nurse preceptorship and mentorship projects.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2023
Emergency Preparedness in Higher Education Act This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a grant program to support activities at institutions of higher education related to emergency management.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2023
This bill requires the National Science Foundation to award grants to certain institutions of higher education for infrastructure, materials, and equipment for research facilities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields. Institutions that are eligible for the grants include historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions; public, private, and religious institutions with endowments below specified thresholds; two-year, community, vocational-technical, and career colleges; and single-sex colleges.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act This bill allows for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and that are used to screen for cancer across many cancer types, if the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services determines such coverage is appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
This resolution expresses support for implementing a Transgender Bill of Rights that guarantees certain rights for transgender and nonbinary people with respect to public services and accommodations, employment, housing, health care, and other specified areas.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
Reentry Act of 2023 This bill allows for Medicaid payment of medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual's release. The Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission must report on specified information relating to the accessibility and quality of health care for incarcerated individuals, including the impact of the bill's changes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
Ally's Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover certain hearing devices and systems (e.g., bone-anchored auditory implants) and related items and services. The financial requirements and treatment limitations applicable to such coverage may be no more restrictive than the requirements and limitations for other medical and surgical benefits covered under the plan. Further, a plan may not deny or limit coverage based on the plan's review of the medical necessity of such items or services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
Minorities in Aviation Education Act of 2023 This bill establishes grants for increasing the exposure and access of students to the aviation industry, with a particular focus on women and minorities. Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must establish the Bessie Coleman Aviation Education Program to award the grants to state and local governments or educational agencies for activities that increase exposure and access to aviation-related education and jobs, such as programs to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities in aviation degree programs. DOT must prioritize grant applicants that propose to use the funds to encourage the participation of women, minorities, and individuals in rural and urban areas in the aviation industry.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2023 This bill revises background check requirements applicable to proposed firearm transfers from a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a licensed gun dealer) to an unlicensed person. Specifically, it increases the amount of time, from 3 business days to a minimum of 10 business days, that a federal firearms licensee must wait to receive a completed background check prior to transferring a firearm to an unlicensed person. (This type of transaction is often referred to as a default proceed transaction.) If a submitted background check remains incomplete after 10 business days, then the prospective purchaser may submit a petition for a final firearms eligibility determination. If an additional 10 days elapse without a final determination, then the federal firearms licensee may transfer the firearm to the prospective purchaser. The Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which the changes have prevented firearms transfers to prohibited persons. The Federal Bureau of Investigation must report on the number of petitions it receives for final federal firearms determinations. The Department of Justice, in consultation with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms, must report on further amendments to the background check process that would likely reduce the risk of death or great bodily harm to victims of domestic violence, domestic abuse, dating partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
More Options to Develop and Enhance Remote Nutrition in WIC Act of 2023 or the MODERN WIC Act of 2023 This bill permanently allows individuals to remotely certify their eligibility for, and receive benefits through, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Specifically, the bill allows an individual seeking a WIC certification, recertification, or a nutritional risk evaluation to do so by phone or through video teleconference, in addition to the in-person option. The bill also allows states to provide benefits on WIC electronic benefit transfer cards through mail or remote issuance instead of requiring participants to pick up or reload benefits in person at a WIC office. The bill also reauthorizes Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) WIC funding for infrastructure, management information systems, and special nutrition education through FY2029. Specified funds must be used to establish, develop, improve, replace, or administer technology platforms that allow for secure communication between health care providers and program clinics under the program. Further, the Department of Agriculture must report to Congress about the use of remote technologies and other digital tools in the WIC program. Under current law, individuals are generally required to be physically present to certify their WIC eligibility and receive benefits, with exceptions. The FNS has temporarily waived these requirements and allowed remote certification and benefits using authorities that were originally provided by laws that were enacted to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Women's History Month and recognizes the women and organizations that continue to promote the teaching of women's history.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2023
Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits governmental restrictions on the provision of, and access to, abortion services. Before fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from using particular abortion procedures or drugs, offering abortion services via telemedicine, or immediately providing abortion services if delaying risks the patient's health. Furthermore, governments may not require providers to perform unnecessary medical procedures, provide medically inaccurate information, or comply with credentialing or other conditions that do not apply to providers who offer medically comparable services to abortions. Additionally, governments may not require patients to make medically unnecessary in-person visits before receiving abortion services or disclose their reasons for obtaining services. After fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from performing abortions when necessary to protect a patient's life and health. The same provisions that apply to abortions before viability also apply to necessary abortions after viability. Additionally, states may authorize post-viability abortions in circumstances beyond those that the bill considers necessary. Further, the bill recognizes an individual's right to interstate travel, including for abortion services. The bill also prohibits governments from implementing measures that are similar to those restricted by the bill or that otherwise single out and impede access to abortion services, unless the measure significantly advances the safety of abortion services or health of patients and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The Department of Justice, individuals, or providers may sue states or government officials to enforce this bill, regardless of certain immunity that would otherwise apply.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023
Access to AEDs Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs), including public charter schools operating as LEAs under state law, to promote student access to defibrillation in elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2023
Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, including hospitals in rural areas and health professional shortage areas. Current law provides for an increase of up to 200 positions per fiscal year beginning in FY2023, with a total increase of 1,000 positions; each hospital may receive up to 25 additional positions. Current law also provides for an additional increase of up to 200 positions for FY2026, with at least 100 of these positions for psychiatry or related specialties; each hospital may receive up to 10 additional positions. The bill provides for an additional increase of 2,000 positions per fiscal year from FY2025-FY2031; during this period, each hospital may receive up to 75 additional positions in total under the bill and current law. Additionally, one-third of the positions that are made available under the bill must be allocated to hospitals that are already operating above applicable resident limits. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on strategies to increase the diversity of the health professional workforce, including with respect to representation from rural, low-income, and minority communities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2023
Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men Act or the PSA Screening for HIM Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover preventive prostate cancer screenings that are not already covered under the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for men with a family history of prostate cancer, without imposing any cost-sharing requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2023
International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023 This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTQI+ people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTQI+ people. The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI+ people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTQI+ people. The bill also requires that specified annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2023
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.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2023
Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act This bill establishes that a foreign nongovernmental organization shall not be disqualified from receiving certain U.S. international development assistance solely because the organization provides medical services using non-U.S. government funds if the medical services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided. Such foreign organizations shall not be subject to requirements relating to their use of non-U.S. funds for advocacy or lobbying activities, other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2023
Expanding Veterans' Options for Long Term Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted living services to eligible veterans, including by assessing the satisfaction of veterans participating in the pilot program. Eligible veterans are those who (1) are eligible for assisted living services as determined by the VA; and (2) are already receiving nursing home level care paid for by the VA, are eligible for such care from the VA, or exceed the requirements for domiciliary care paid for by the VA but do not meet the requirements for nursing home level care paid for by the VA. The Inspector General of the VA must report to Congress on the pilot program, and the VA must submit a follow-up plan to address any deficiencies that are identified in the report.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act This bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices, such as electric bicycles and scooters, to protect against the risk of fires.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023
Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023 This bill makes changes in the process for seeking and providing assistance following a major disaster. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish and maintain a web-based interagency electronic information sharing system, to be known as the unified disaster application system, to facilitate the administration of a universal application for direct federal disaster assistance. The President may provide (1) assistance to respond to the disaster-related housing needs of individuals and households who are displaced from their predisaster primary residence that is damaged by a major disaster (currently, such residences must be rendered uninhabitable); and (2) direct assistance for repairs and for cost-effective hazard mitigation measures that reduce threats to life and property or future damage. FEMA may (1) provide funding to a state agency to establish, update, or operate a website to provide information relating to postdisaster recovery funding and resources; and (2) reimburse a state, tribal, or local government for certain costs relating to sheltering emergency response personnel. The bill extends FEMA's authority to implement state-managed housing assistance as a pilot program. FEMA must conduct a study and develop a plan to address the challenges and disparities associated with providing housing assistance to survivors of major disasters or emergencies. The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) assistance issues, including improper and potentially fraudulent federal disaster assistance; and (2) the effectiveness, successes, and challenges of any state-managed housing assistance pilot program and make recommendations on how to improve the provision of assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023
Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2023 This bill increases the rehabilitation tax credit and modifies certain requirements for the credit. The bill increases the rate of the credit for qualified rehabilitation expenditures in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020, and before January 1, 2028, after which the rate reverts to 20%. The bill increases the rate of the credit to 30% for certain small projects whose qualified rehabilitation expenditures do not exceed $2.5 million. The bill also expands the types of buildings eligible for rehabilitation by decreasing the rehabilitation threshold from 100% to 50% of project expenses. It also eliminates the basis adjustment requirement for the credit and modifies rules relating to tax-exempt use property eligible for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2023
United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund to conduct collaborative defense projects between the United States and Israel in areas of emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence). The purpose of the fund is to enable the Armed Forces of the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act This bill expands Medicare coverage to permanently include services provided by a pharmacist, including incidental services and supplies, related to testing, vaccines, and treatment for COVID-19, influenza, and certain other illnesses. Specifically, the bill provides for continued coverage of pharmacist services relating to evaluation and management of patients for testing and treatment for COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), as well as vaccines for pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, influenza, or hepatitis B. It also generally provides for coverage of pharmacist services during a public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
This bill establishes bonding requirements for the recipient of a water infrastructure construction loan under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. A borrower must secure the financed project with payment and performance bonds in minimum amounts set out in the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
This resolution recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world, acknowledges the onset of Ramadan (the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims), and expresses respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
This resolution mourns the deaths of worshipers killed during shootings at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019. It also condemns the transnational threat of white supremacist ideology, deplores attacks on people of all faiths in their places of worship, and affirms the rights of religious minorities worldwide to practice their religions in peace.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
More Teaching Less Testing Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes certain programs and revises standardized testing requirements for public elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement for annual summative assessments to be administered to students every year in grades 3-8. The bill allows states to implement grade-span testing, representative sampling, or a combination of grade-span testing with either representative sampling or matrix sampling. Additionally, the bill requires states to carry out a 90-day public comment period in order to set a target limit on the aggregate amount of time devoted to the administration of and preparation for assessments for each grade. The bill establishes a task force within the National Center for Education Research to study and report on, among other things, the impact of standardized testing on student wellness, learning, and postsecondary education success. The bill extends the demonstration period for state educational agencies (SEAs) to establish innovative assessment systems. It also increases the number of SEAs that may participate in these demonstrations. Next, the bill authorizes for an additional 10 years a grant program that provides aid to local educational agencies for the education of disadvantaged children. The bill also prohibits states from using federal elementary and secondary education funds for certain purposes, such as considering summative assessments as a sole or dominant factor when implementing grade-retention policies or evaluating the performance of teachers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023
Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act This bill expands loan forgiveness for educators by revising the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. The program provides loan forgiveness (up to $17,500) for teachers who are highly qualified, teach full-time in a low-income elementary or secondary school or educational service agency, and complete five years of consecutive service. Specifically, the bill renames the program as the Educator Loan Forgiveness Programs. Additionally, the bill expands the program by making additional loan types eligible for benefits under the program (e.g., parent PLUS loans). Further, the bill expands program eligibility to early childhood educators and program directors serving in early childhood education programs and school leaders serving in public high-need schools. The bill requires the Department of Education to make monthly student loan payments on behalf of the educator during qualifying service (i.e., employment as a full-time qualifying educator in a high-need school or an early childhood education program), provide complete loan forgiveness after five years of qualifying service, and take steps to notify borrowers about changes to the program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Health Care Affordability Act of 2023 This bill revises the tax credit for health care premium assistance to expand the eligibility of low-income taxpayers for such credit and reduce the cost of health care premiums.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2023 This bill increases funding for water infrastructure, including funding for several programs related to controlling water pollution or protecting drinking water. Specifically, it establishes a Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Trust Fund. The fund may be used for specified grant programs. The bill increases the corporate income tax rate to 24.5% to provide revenues for the fund. In addition, the bill revises requirements concerning the clean water state revolving fund (SRF) and the drinking water SRF, including by prohibiting states from providing financial assistance using amounts from the clean water SRF for projects that will provide substantial direct benefits to new communities other than projects for constructing an advanced decentralized wastewater system. It also creates or reauthorizes several grant programs related to water infrastructure, such as grants for removing lead from drinking water.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act This bill establishes several environmental justice requirements, advisory bodies, and programs to address the disproportionate adverse human health or environmental effects of federal laws or programs on communities of color, low-income communities, or tribal and indigenous communities. Specifically, the bill expands Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit federally funded programs, policies, practices, or activities from causing disparate impacts on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Aggrieved persons may seek legal remedy when faced with such discrimination. In addition, the bill directs agencies to follow certain requirements concerning environmental justice, including new environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Further, it creates a variety of advisory bodies and positions, such as the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council. Among other things, the council must issue an environmental justice strategy. It also establishes requirements and programs concerning chemicals or toxic ingredients in certain products. For example, the bill (1) requires certain products (e.g., cosmetics) to include a list of ingredients or warnings; and (2) provides grants for research on designing safer alternatives to chemicals in certain consumer, cleaning, toy, or baby products that have an inherent toxicity or that are associated with chronic adverse health effects. Finally, it creates a variety of funding programs, such as a grant program to enhance access to park and recreational opportunities in an urban areas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023
Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2023 This bill authorizes using certain foreign assistance funds to provide comprehensive reproductive health care services in developing countries, including abortion services, training, and equipment. The bill also removes a statutory prohibition on using such funds in developing countries to (1) pay for abortions performed as a method of family planning, or (2) motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001125_200.jpg)