United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2024
This resolution reaffirms a full and unwavering commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The resolution also reaffirms NATO's open door policy, welcomes Finland and Sweden as full NATO members, and reaffirms the necessity for NATO allies to dedicate at least 2% of their gross domestic product to national defense.
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 · 5 March 2024
This resolution commends the leadership of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in repairing relations between their countries. The resolution also (1) welcomes greater strategic coordination among the United States, Japan, and South Korea as a stabilizing influence in the Western Pacific region and the global order; and (2) recognizes the critical importance of the U.S. treaty alliances with South Korea and Japan to U.S. interests and the peace and security of the Western Pacific.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of the coins shall be promptly paid by Treasury to FWC2026 US, Inc. (the U.S.-incorporated FIFA subsidiary operating the FIFA Men's World Cup 2026) for the purpose of aiding soccer programs and activities in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2024
Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act or the HEATS Act This bill exempts certain geothermal activities on state and private lands (except Indian lands) from drilling permit requirements as well as environmental and historic preservation review requirements. First, the bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from requiring an operator to obtain a drilling permit under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 for any geothermal exploration and production activity conducted on a nonfederal surface estate (i.e., the part of the estate that is above ground) if (1) the United States holds an ownership interest of less than 50% of the subsurface geothermal estate to be accessed by the proposed action, and (2) the operator submits to Interior a state permit to conduct the geothermal exploration and production activity on the nonfederal surface estate. Next, the bill states that such geothermal exploration and production activity is not considered a major federal action under National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Thus, such activity does not trigger NEPA's environmental review requirements. In addition, the bill exempts such activity from the consultation requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It also exempts the activity from review under the National Historic Preservation Act unless the state in which the activity occurs does not have a state law that addresses the preservation of historic properties.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2024
This resolution recognizes World Thinking Day as a celebration of international friendship between girls across the world. World Thinking Day is sponsored by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The resolution also recognizes the 2024 World Thinking Day theme, Our World, Out Thriving Future: The Environment and Global Poverty.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2024
This resolution condemns Azerbaijan for its detention of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu and for the suppression of academic freedom. It also calls for Dr. Ibadoghlu's immediate and unconditional release and for the Department of State to prioritize his well-being and release in all engagements with Azerbaijan.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024
This resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year. The resolution expresses, in observance of this Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, the deepest respect of the House of Representatives for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate this significant occasion. The resolution wishes Asian Americans and all individuals who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2024
U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act This bill requires the President to make determinations about the relationship between the United States and South Africa. No later than 30 days after this bill's enactment, the President must certify to Congress a determination whether South Africa has undermined U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. This determination must also be released publicly. The President must also report to Congress a comprehensive review of the U.S.-South Africa bilateral relationship.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2024
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 333 West Broadway in Anaheim, California, as the "Dr. William I. 'Bill' Kott Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2024
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 East Battles Road in Santa Maria, California, as the "Larry Lavagnino Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2024
SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act This bill increases from $10,000 to $20,000 the maximum amount of the tax deduction for state and local taxes for married couples whose adjusted gross income is less than $500,000 in 2023, thus eliminating the tax effect known as the marriage penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2024
Divided Families National Registry Act This bill sets policy regarding families divided between North Korea and the United States. Specifically, the Department of State shall identify Korean American families who wish to be reunited with family members who live in North Korea and establish a national registry of information on those families to (1) facilitate future reunions, and (2) provide a repository of information about such families. Additionally, the State Department shall ensure that any direct dialogue with North Korea includes progress towards holding future reunions for Korean American families and their family members who live in North Korea. The State Department shall report to Congress periodically on the registry and on North Korean actions regarding potential reunions of divided families.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2024
This resolution condemns the hostilities in Sudan since April 15, 2023, and calls on the warring parties to permanently cease hostilities, stop attacks on civilians, and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The resolution also calls on (1) the President to name a Special Envoy for Sudan to coordinate U.S. policy and diplomatic efforts while working with international partners; and (2) the Department of State to develop a comprehensive sanctions strategy for Sudan, support efforts to end hostilities and protect civilians, and support the establishment of mechanisms of accountability.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024
Review the Expansion of Government Act of 2024 or the REG Act of 2024 This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review its final rules every five years to determine if revision is necessary or appropriate to facilitate capital formation, to maintain fair and orderly markets, and for investor protection. The SEC must periodically report to Congress on this effort. When engaged in rulemaking, the SEC must consider whether a new rule will promote efficiency, competition, and capital formation when considered cumulatively with other rules and regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2024
Restoring Our Unopened Trails for Enjoyment and Safety Act or the ROUTES Act This bill requires the reopening of certain recreation sites closed due to a natural disaster. In the case of a recreation site that is fully or partially closed due to damage caused by a natural disaster (including certain standing trees that present a visible hazard), the Department of the Interior (with respect to Interior recreational lands) or the Department of Agriculture (with respect to National Forest System lands) must reopen the site not later than two years after the date on which the disaster ends. The bill categorically excludes specified activities from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement where the primary purpose of the activity is, consistent with the applicable management plan, to repair and restore recreation sites damaged by a natural disaster, remove hazard trees for the purpose of public safety or improving access, mitigate and reduce soil erosion impacting a recreation site, restore drainage patterns to support a recreation site, or any combination of these purposes. The bill provides for emergency hazard tree removal. Interior or Agriculture must report to Congress and make the report publicly available.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2024
This resolution calls on the Taliban to immediately release Ryan Corbett (an American citizen wrongfully detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan on August 10, 2022) and all other American detainees. The resolution also (1) urges the Taliban to respect Ryan Corbett's fundamental human rights and provide full, unfettered, and consistent health and welfare visits; and (2) condemns the Taliban’s practice of hostage-taking.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2024
This resolution condemns acts of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war, including those acts committed by Hamas on and since October 7, 2023. The resolution also calls on all nations to criminalize rape and sexual assault and hold accountable all perpetrators of sexual violence, including state and non-state armed groups.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2024
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Korean American Day and honors the 121st anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2024
Financial Stability Oversight Council Reform Act This bill subjects the budgets of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and the Office of Financial Research (OFR) to the annual appropriations process and establishes requirements for reports and a public notice and comment period. The budgets of the FSOC and the OFR are funded by assessments on financial institutions which are deposited into the Financial Research Fund and, under current law, are immediately available to be spent. This bill requires the funding from the Financial Research Fund to be made available by appropriations acts. The OFR must submit quarterly reports to Congress regarding its finances; workforce; and actions taken to achieve the goals, objectives, and performance measures of the office. The OFR must provide a public notice and comment period of at least 90 days before issuing any proposed report, rule, or regulation. The bill expands the duties of the OFR to include publishing an annual work plan; consulting with other federal departments and agencies with relevant expertise prior to preparing any public report with respect to a specified entity, class of entities, or financial product or service; and developing and implementing a cybersecurity plan. The Government Accountability Office must annually audit the cybersecurity plan and its implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024
Expanding Access to Lending Options Act This bill allows the National Credit Union Administration Board to increase the federal credit union loan maturity cap from 15 to 20 years. It also removes as a requirement for a mortgage from a credit union that a property must be a credit union member's principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024
Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 This bill extends and provides FY2024 funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a monthly benefit that allows eligible low-income households to receive discounted internet service. The program also provides a one-time discount that may be used to purchase a connected device, such as a computer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024
This resolution commends Taiwan for its example of self-governance and regards Taiwan's democracy as a great strategic strength for the free world. The resolution also expresses concern about Chinese interference in Taiwan's 2024 elections and expresses commitment to continuing a strong partnership with Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the elections.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023
Rectifying Undefined Descriptions of Abusive Acts and Practices Act or the Rectifying UDAAP Act This bill restricts the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB’s) authority to deem a financial practice abusive for purposes of enforcement activities. Currently, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the CFPB may take enforcement action against a financial product or service provider in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service that is unfair, deceptive, or abusive. Specifically, the bill prohibits the CFPB from including discrimination as an abusive practice. Further, the bill revises what an abusive practice is, including by additionally requiring the act or practice to intentionally interfere with the ability of a consumer to understand a term or condition. The bill also establishes additional criteria for abusive actions. For example, conduct is considered abusive if (1) it causes or is likely to cause substantial injury to consumers which is not reasonably avoidable by consumers, (2) the substantial injury is not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition, or (3) the conduct is otherwise prohibited under federal consumer financial law. The bill also eliminates the CFPB’s ability to seek monetary relief for unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices if the provider establishes a good faith effort to comply with requirements. The bill establishes rulemaking requirements, including requiring a cost-benefit analysis for a rule relating to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. Finally, the bill establishes the right for providers to cure violations if they self-report and limits the CFPB’s use of alternative claims in court.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2023
No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act of 2023 or the No Hidden FEES Act of 2023 This bill requires providers of short-term lodging (e.g., hotels, motels, inns, and short-term rentals) to include each mandatory fee when displaying or advertising the price for a reservation. The requirement does not apply to providers that offer short-term lodging for purchase pursuant to a corporate, government, or institutional travel management program. The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023
This resolution expresses strong support for democracy in Pakistan, including free and fair elections. It calls on the President to work with Pakistan to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution also urges Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions and human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2023
Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act This bill modifies provisions relating to enrollment periods for Medicare medical services. Among other things, the bill establishes a late enrollment penalty of 15% of monthly premiums and applies the penalty for a period equal to twice the number of months in each 12-month period during which the individual was not enrolled. Currently, the late enrollment penalty is 10% of monthly premiums for each 12-month period during which the individual was not enrolled, and the penalty continues to apply for as long as the individual is enrolled in Medicare medical services. The bill also expands the special enrollment periods to individuals who have health insurance coverage other than through their employer.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2023
This resolution declares support and gratitude to food banks and community-based organizations working to end U.S. food insecurity. The resolution also confirms that food bank and community-based organization employees and volunteers, private donors, and U.S. agricultural producers serve an essential role in working to end food insecurity.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2023
This resolution reaffirms Israel's right to exist. It also (1) recognizes that denying Israel's right to exist is a form of antisemitism; (2) rejects calls for Israel's destruction; and (3) condemns the Hamas-led attack on Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2023
Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, or recall elections.
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 · 9 November 2023
Iran Counterterrorism Act of 2023 This bill modifies the authority of the President to waive restrictions on certain U.S. accounts of foreign financial institutions that have facilitated significant financial transactions on behalf of the Central Bank of Iran, certain Iranian financial institutions, or certain Iranian nationals. Current law authorizes the President to waive these restrictions for national security purposes. Under this bill, the President may also waive the restrictions if the President determines that Iran has ceased to provide support for acts of international terrorism. The bill also authorizes Congress to enact a joint resolution of disapproval to prevent the President from waiving the restrictions for national security purposes.
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 · 3 November 2023
This resolution reaffirms the U.S-Philippine alliance and condemns Chinese actions against Philippine assets in the South China Sea. The resolution celebrates the longstanding alliance and partnership between the United States and the Philippines, reaffirms support for the Philippines in the face of Chinese aggression, and affirms that the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (signed in 1951) applies to armed attacks on Philippine military or public vessels in the South China Sea. The resolution also (1) calls on China not to advance its territorial and sovereignty claims in the South China Sea; (2) condemns China's use of gray zone tactics (military provocations short of armed hostilities) and its use of lasing, water cannons, and ramming against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea; and (3) calls on China to end its aggressive behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023
This bill requires the President to submit to Congress a determination, including a detailed justification, of whether specified Hong Kong officials meet the criteria for the imposition of sanctions under certain U.S. laws or executive orders, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023
This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the goals and ideals of National Veterans Small Business Week, celebrates the millions of people in the United States—especially veterans and their spouses—who benefit from Small Business Administration programs, and expresses appreciation for the continued service to the United States by the nation's veterans through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023
Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge Act of 2023 or the SPEAK Act of 2023 This bill establishes the Improved Access to Health Care Information Technology for non-English Speakers Task Force. The task force must assess any current barriers that limit the ability of non-English speakers to access telehealth services and recommend improvements (e.g., technological enhancements). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must collect information from relevant stakeholders to inform the task force's assessments and recommendations. HHS must establish a website with best practices for connecting non-English speakers with telehealth services, based on the task force's final report.