Housing

Military Food Security Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2023

Military Food Security Act of 2023 This bill modifies how gross household income is calculated for purposes of determining a servicemember's eligibility for a basic needs allowance (i.e., a supplemental monthly payment for basic needs) from the military department concerned. Under the bill, gross household income is calculated by subtracting the basic housing allowance paid to any servicemember from their household income.

Housing Is a Human Right Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Housing is a Human Right Act of 2023 This bill establishes and expands programs to assist homeless and housing-unstable individuals and establishes new real property-related taxes to fund specified Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. HUD must establish the Community Development Block Grant Plus Program for state and local governments to assist homeless and housing-unstable individuals as well as cost-burdened households. These funds may be used only for certain activities that assist these populations, including the construction of new affordable housing. The bill also establishes other grant programs to assist these individuals, such as by facilitating access to voting and libraries. Governmental entities may not receive assistance under the bill unless they have, or are working to implement, policies that (1) do not criminally punish homeless individuals for sleeping outside or on public property, and (2) comply with constitutional protections for these individuals' property. In addition, the bill establishes additional taxes on (1) the sale or exchange of real property if the amount realized from the transaction is at least $10 million, (2) the sale or exchange of real property involving an anonymous entity, and (3) rent received by landlords that own large amounts of dwelling units. The revenue from these taxes must be credited to various HUD programs in specified percentages. The Government Accountability Office must study (1) the allocation formula for Emergency Food and Shelter Program grants, and (2) recipient compliance with various grant program guidelines.

Healthy Moms and Babies Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2023

Healthy Moms and Babies Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to support maternal health services under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For example, the bill allows state Medicaid programs to cover services that are provided by maternity health homes (designated providers or health teams that provide pregnancy and postpartum coordinated care services). It also establishes a demonstration program to expand telehealth services for pregnant and postpartum women under Medicaid. The bill also establishes an advisory group on birthing practices for health care professionals, requires a study on Medicaid coverage of doula services, and establishes other requirements relating to the maternal health care workforce. It also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop guidance on ways to address social determinants of health for pregnant and postpartum women and to reduce maternal mortality for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.

Puppy Protection Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2023

Puppy Protection Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; appropriate and nutritious food; continuous access to potable water; and meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.

Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the President to provide disaster assistance to states and Indian tribes for unmet need, including necessary expenses for activities related to disaster relief, resiliency, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, mitigation, and economic revitalization after a major disaster is declared. The bill also establishes a Natural Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund to facilitate planning and increase capacity to administer assistance.

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Protecting Family Legacies Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

Prince Jonah K&#363hi&#333 Kalaniana'ole Protecting Family Legacies Act This joint resolution consents to the Hawaii legislature's amendments to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. In 2017, the Hawaii legislature reduced the minimum Native Hawaiian blood quantum required for an individual to inherit a homestead lease under the act.

Expressing support for the designation of the third week of March 2023 as "National CACFP Week".

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2023

This resolution recognizes the role of the child and adult care food program (commonly referred to as CACFP) in improving the health of the country's most vulnerable children and adults in child care centers, adult day care homes, and after-school care by providing nutritious meals and snacks. It also supports the designation of National CACFP Week.

A bill to strengthen the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

This bill permanently reauthorizes the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, an independent federal agency within the executive branch that coordinates the federal response to prevent and end homelessness.

Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act of 2023 This bill establishes a framework to prohibit correctional institutions at the federal and state levels from housing inmates of one biological sex with inmates of the other biological sex.

Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2023

Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act of 2023 This bill establishes a framework to prohibit correctional institutions at the federal and state levels from housing inmates of one biological sex with inmates of the other biological sex.

TAX POLICY'S ROLE IN INCREASING AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUPPLY FOR WORKING FAMILIES

United States · United States Senate · 7 March 2023

Landlord Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Landlord Accountability Act of 2023 This bill prohibits housing discrimination based on income, provides protections to tenants of certain federally assisted housing, and establishes a low-income housing maintenance tax credit for eligible landlords. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination in rental housing and residential real estate transactions based on an individual's source of income and provides for penalties. Protected income sources include housing vouchers and rental assistance, rental and homeownership subsidies, Social Security and disability income assistance, and spousal and child support. Additionally, landlords are prohibited from taking or failing to take certain actions with the intent to make a unit ineligible to receive Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance. Landlords that violate this prohibition are subject to penalties and may be sued by harmed tenants. The bill further prohibits property owners of certain multifamily housing projects from intentionally leaving a unit vacant for more than 60 days. Property owners that violate this prohibition are subject to penalties. The bill also provides protections to tenants of multifamily housing projects, including by requiring HUD to increase the staffing level for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line and to create a Multifamily Housing Complaint Resolution Program. In addition, HUD may provide grants to develop, expand, and assist tenant harassment prevention programs. Finally, the bill establishes a tax credit for qualifying landlords that is equal to the landlord's annual low-income housing maintenance expenses. To qualify, a landlord must have addressed within 30 days any relevant complaints filed under the complaint resolution program.

DASH Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for all Act or the DASH Act This bill provides grants, loans, tax credits, and other assistance to promote the building, maintenance, and affordability of housing. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to (1) provide housing vouchers to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, (2) provide grants for the modular construction of affordable housing, (3) propose a new formula for distribution of Housing Trust Fund amounts, and (4) encourage zoning and community planning methods that promote multi-family housing. The bill also makes permanent certain homeless assistance programs. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must provide additional grants and loans to construct or preserve affordable housing for farm laborers and may provide rural housing vouchers for low-income households residing in certain properties financed with a loan made or insured by USDA. The bill also provides statutory authority for a program to preserve and revitalize USDA-backed housing projects, including by restructuring existing housing loans. The bill expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), including by increasing the credit for projects serving extremely low-income households. Further, the bill creates a refundable tax credit for participating owners of rental buildings who lower rents for their low-income tenants. The bill also creates a tax credit similar to the LIHTC for the development of housing for middle-income households and provides a tax credit of up to $15,000 for first-time homebuyers.

Neighborhood Homes Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2023

Neighborhood Homes Investment Act This bill allows a business-related tax credit for certain development costs for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or remediation of qualified real property (i.e., real property affixed on a permanent foundation and comprised of four or fewer residential units, a condominium unit, or a house or apartment owned by a cooperative housing corporation). The bill also provides for the exclusion from gross income, for income tax purposes, of the value of any subsidy provided to a taxpayer by any state energy office for purposes of improvements made to a qualified residence.

Keep Children and Families Safe from Lead Hazards Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Keep Children and Families Safe from Lead Hazards Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs to conduct a risk assessment of properties that receive low-income housing assistance to identify properties with the greatest risk of exposing children under six years old to lead hazards (e.g., lead-based paint and lead service lines). The office must develop an action plan for remediation and control of lead hazards in identified properties and submit a report on low-income housing properties with lead hazards, including the number of children under six living at those properties.

LODGE Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Lodging Options Developed for Government Employees Act or the LODGE Act This bill expands the authority of the Department of the Interior to enter into agreements with housing entities to provide rental housing for employees. The bill allows Interior to enter agreements with other federal agencies, state or local governments, tribal governments, or other public or private organizations to develop, construct, rehabilitate, or manage housing for rent to field employees and members of the public on public lands, including National Park System units; off public lands in the vicinity of system units; or on a combination of such lands. Interior may allow field employees and members of the public to occupy and lease project quarters. Field employees and members of the public shall be prohibited from subleasing housing established pursuant to this bill. To the maximum extent practicable, priority for occupancy in project quarters shall be given to field employees. Interior may allow partners in agreements to collect rents directly from housing occupants. Interior, upon the expiration of a term of ownership, may renew the housing partnership agreement for terms not to exceed 10 years or may take other specified actions. The bill modifies the lease-to-build program to allow Interior to lease federal land and interests in land to qualified persons for the construction of field employee quarters for any period not to exceed 60 years (under current law not to exceed 50 years).

Housing Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Housing Accountability Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that a property owner receiving low-income housing assistance payments for an existing public housing unit must maintain decent, safe, and sanitary conditions for the housing structure. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must survey tenants of these structures semiannually to identify problems with the structures or with management. A structure must be referred to HUD for remediation if consistent or persistent problems are identified. HUD may impose penalties on an owner of a structure that violates this bill.

Safe Temperature Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Safe Temperature Act of 2023 This bill allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development to require units in public housing, supportive housing for the elderly, and dwellings receiving low-income housing choice voucher assistance to maintain a temperature level ranging from 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

Liberty City Rising Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Liberty City Rising Act This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish standards to ensure the safety and security of federally assisted housing in high-crime areas. Public housing agencies serving high-crime areas must also establish anonymous hotlines for tenants to report suspicious activity and crimes in the community. In addition, HUD must prioritize public housing projects located in high-crime areas when awarding certain public housing grants for safety and security measures. Under the bill, a high-crime area is designated by HUD based on the most recent violent crime data available.

More Homes on the Market Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

More Homes on the Market Act This bill increases the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence and requires an annual inflation adjustment to such increased amount.

College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act This bill outlines requirements for financial aid offers that must be provided to prospective and enrolled students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to publish requirements for financial aid offers that each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in federal student aid programs must provide to students. These requirements include standardized terms and definitions, certain formatting requirements, and components regarding costs. In particular, a financial aid offer must first include a component related to direct costs (i.e., tuition, fees, and other expenses required for the student to enroll in the IHE). If the student completes the component related to direct costs and confirms that the student is seeking financial assistance for indirect costs (e.g., housing and food, books and supplies, and transportation), then the offer must include components related to those indirect costs. IHEs may not refer to these offers as award letters. The bill requires ED to ensure that information published on the website of each IHE or the College Scorecard includes information on costs, earnings, and loan payments in a manner consistent with financial aid offers. The College Scorecard is a comparison tool for information on school sizes, settings, graduation rates, average costs, and salary ranges per field of study.

Housing Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Housing Accountability Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that a property owner receiving low-income housing assistance payments for an existing public housing unit must maintain decent, safe, and sanitary conditions for the housing structure. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must survey tenants of these structures semiannually to identify problems with the structures or with management. A structure must be referred to HUD for remediation if consistent or persistent problems are identified. HUD may impose penalties on an owner of a structure that violates this bill.

Safe Temperature Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Safe Temperature Act of 2023 This bill allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development to require units in public housing, supportive housing for the elderly, and dwellings receiving low-income housing choice voucher assistance to maintain a temperature level ranging from 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

Liberty City Rising Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Liberty City Rising Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish standards to ensure the safety and security of federally assisted housing in high-crime areas. Public housing agencies serving high-crime areas must also establish anonymous hotlines for tenants to report suspicious activity and crimes in the community. In addition, HUD must prioritize public housing projects located in high-crime areas when awarding certain public housing grants for safety and security measures. Under the bill, a high-crime area is designated by HUD based on the most recent violent crime data available.

Keep Children and Families Safe from Lead Hazards Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Keep Children and Families Safe from Lead Hazards Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs to conduct a risk assessment of properties that receive low-income housing assistance to identify properties with the greatest risk of exposing children under six years old to lead hazards (e.g., lead-based paint and lead service lines). The office must develop an action plan for remediation and control of lead hazards in identified properties and submit a report on low-income housing properties with lead hazards, including the number of children under six living at those properties.

Energy Efficiency for Affordable Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Energy Efficiency for Affordable Housing Act This bill increases the amount of the low-income housing tax credit for rehabilitation expenditures for buildings, including those in high cost areas, that achieve enhanced energy performance.

Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2023 This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 GI bill benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program by updating terminology related to certain Black veterans. Specifically, the bill explicitly includes the following individuals as eligible veterans under the programs: Black veterans who served on active duty during World War II and can certify they were denied a specific benefit on the basis of race; and the living surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, or other direct descendants of such veterans described above who can certify the veteran was denied a specific benefit on the basis of race. Eligible veterans must apply for educational or home loan benefits within the five-year period after the bill is enacted. The Government Accountability Office must report on the number of individuals who received VA educational or housing loan benefits due to the amendments made by the bill and the total value of such benefits. Finally, the VA must appoint a panel of independent experts to develop recommendations regarding additional benefits and assistance for female and minority members of the Armed Forces.

Building Credit Access for Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Building Credit Access for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using alternative credit scoring information or models to improve the determination of creditworthiness of certain individuals and to increase the number of such individuals who are able to obtain VA housing and small business loans. Specifically, the program is for veterans or members of the Armed Forces who are eligible for VA housing or small business loans and have insufficient credit history. Under the program, the VA must assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing criteria for acceptable commercially available credit scoring models to be used by lenders for the purpose of guaranteeing or insuring a VA housing or small business loan. Participation is voluntary on an opt-in basis for lenders, borrowers, and individuals. The VA must conduct outreach to lenders and individuals to inform them of the pilot program.

Home Advantage for American Families Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Home Advantage for American Families Act of 2023 This bill requires any foreign person involved in a transaction related to the sale of residential property located in any of the 15 largest metropolitan statistical areas by population to report to the Department of the Treasury information for identifying the person purchasing the property, the amount and source of the funds received by the seller, the date and nature of the transaction, and other information deemed necessary. The bill also increases (1) from 15% to 30% the rate of withholding on sales proceeds of certain residential real property, and (2) the low-income housing tax credit state ceiling.

HUD Health and Safety Accountability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

HUD Health and Safety Accountability Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make changes to policies and procedures applicable to HUD multifamily housing programs, including Section 8 project-based rental assistance (PBRA). The bill requires management and occupancy reviews conducted by the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs to include specified graded factors, including (1) responsiveness to local code violations; and (2) remediation of health, sanitation, and structural integrity issues. Additionally, the bill establishes or changes requirements regarding local code enforcement response, HUD oversight of individual units that receive PBRA assistance, tenant surveys issued by performance-based contract administrators, and the disclosure of program contact information to tenants.

HUD Inspection Reform and Capital Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

HUD Inspection Reform and Capital Improvement Act of 2023 This bill establishes authorities and requirements for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding employee misconduct and performance, maintenance standards for properties, property inspections, and rent adjustments. Specifically, the bill authorizes HUD to remove or reduce the pay of certain HUD employees for misconduct or performance. The bill also requires an entity receiving housing assistance payments for a dwelling unit to ensure that the unit is maintained to safe and sanitary conditions. HUD is required to take enforcement actions for failure to meet certain maintenance standards. If the entity fails to fully correct all deficiencies, HUD may impose various penalties, including financial penalties, requiring the immediate replacement of the project management, the reduction of housing assistance payments, or the transfer of housing assistance payment contracts. Additionally, the bill provides for rent adjustments for certain properties receiving Section 8 project-based rental assistance, including certain properties that underwent a mortgage restructuring and were transferred to a different owner for failing to meet physical condition standards. The bill also sets forth scoring and inspection frequency guidelines for properties receiving project-based rental assistance. Finally, HUD must publish an annual report on Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) inspections of properties assisted or insured under a HUD program, and the Government Accountability Office must publish recommended reforms and improvements to REAC inspections.

Stop Taxpayer Funding of Traffickers Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

Stop Taxpayer Funding of Traffickers Act This bill prohibits an individual who is indicted for or charged with a covered trafficking offense from receiving federal benefits. Covered trafficking offense refers to a human trafficking offense or a drug trafficking offense occurring at an international border, or within the territorial waters, of the United States. Federal benefit refers to (1) the issuance of any grant, contract, loan, professional license, or commercial license provided by a U.S. agency or by appropriated U.S. funds; and (2) any retirement, welfare, Social Security, health, disability, veterans, public housing, or other similar benefit. The bill requires the federal government to provide retroactive benefits payments for an individual who has the charge dismissed or is found not guilty of the covered trafficking offense.

Fix Moldy Housing Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

Fix Moldy Housing Act This bill sets forth provisions to assess and remediate indoor mold. Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must issue nonbinding national standards that (1) identify levels of mold that should be assessed and remediated, and (2) outline standards for properly and safely assessing and remediating mold. The EPA must carry out a program to assist state and tribal governments in assessing and remediating mold. Under the program, the EPA must provide to state and tribal programs (1) grants for establishing licensing programs for persons engaged in assessing and remediating mold, and (2) technical assistance for assessing and remediating mold. The EPA must also administer training seminars on assessing and remediating mold. The EPA must also award grants to state and tribal governments for (1) assessing and remediating mold in governmental buildings and private residential properties; and (2) temporary housing for individuals who are severely impacted by mold, are without insurance coverage for mold, and do not have sufficient financial resources to obtain alternative housing. Grants may not be used to assess or remediate mold in housing occupied by households that are high-income.

DEPOSIT Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

Delivering Essential Protection, Opportunity, and Security for Tenants Act or DEPOSIT Act This bill provides access to rental security deposit and moving cost assistance for participants in certain low-income housing programs. Specifically, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must provide public housing agencies (PHAs) funding for rental security deposit assistance for families in Section 8 tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) programs (i.e., the Housing Choice Voucher Program). Upon tenancy termination, any unused security deposit amounts must be returned to a PHA to remain available for use as security deposits. HUD may also provide funding to PHAs to provide assistance with reasonable moving costs for families moving into an assisted dwelling unit. Under current law, security deposit assistance (i.e., loans or grants) is available in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for families participating in a TBRA program. This bill expands access to security deposit assistance by allowing participating jurisdictions to provide these loans or grants to very low- and low-income families regardless of participation in a TBRA program. In addition, HUD must study and report on (1) alternatives to rental housing security deposits, including requiring a tenant to pay a monthly insurance premium; and (2) the impact that such alternatives have on the rental housing market and tenants, including how such alternatives affect tenants based on tenant demographics (e.g., race, age, sex, and disability).

Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2023

Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023 This bill excludes military housing allowances from income when determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

A bill to prohibit individuals charged with or convicted of human trafficking or drug trafficking offenses committed near the border of the United States from receiving Federal benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2023

This bill prohibits an individual who is indicted for, charged with, or convicted of a covered trafficking offense from receiving federal benefits. Covered trafficking offense refers to a human trafficking offense or a drug trafficking offense occurring at an international border, or within the territorial waters, of the United States. Federal benefit refers to (1) the issuance of any grant, contract, loan, professional license, or commercial license provided by a U.S. agency or by appropriated U.S. funds; and (2) any retirement, welfare, Social Security, health, disability, veterans, public housing, or other similar benefit. The bill requires the federal government to provide retroactive benefits payments for an individual who has the charge dismissed or is found not guilty of the covered trafficking offense.

Aviation-Impacted Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Aviation-Impacted Communities Act This bill addresses noise mitigation for aviation-impacted communities. ( Aviation-impacted community is defined as a community that is located not more than one mile from any point at which a commercial or cargo jet route is 3,000 feet or less above ground level.) Specifically, the bill expands Airport Improvement Program noise mitigation program funding for aviation-impacted communities that are not currently within the 65 day-night average sound level (DNL) standard; requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study that summarizes the relevant literature and studies done on aviation impacts worldwide and focuses on large hub commercial airports and surrounding communities, including communities currently outside of the 65 DNL contour; directs the FAA to conduct outreach to aviation-impacted communities to inform them of the opportunity to be a designated community; requires the FAA to devise an action plan that alleviates or addresses the concerns of a designated community; and provides grants for necessary noise mitigation in a designated community for residences, hospitals, nursing homes, adult or child day care centers, schools, and places of worship.

Housing Supply Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Housing Supply Expansion Act This bill modifies the federal prevailing wage rates that apply to the construction of federally assisted housing and requires the Department of Labor to convene a working group to review its process for determining prevailing wage rates. Specifically, the bill allows Labor to base the prevailing wage rates on rates in other geographic groupings (e.g., metropolitan statistical areas) besides civil subdivisions (e.g., counties) where the work is to be performed. The bill applies this modified methodology to public housing projects under various statutes. Additionally, the bill requires Labor to make no more than one wage rate determination for each project. The wage rate must be based on rates for residential construction (rather than rates for building construction or other categories). In addition, Labor must establish a working group of federal agencies and industry stakeholders to review and recommend revisions to prevailing wage rates for residential construction and affordable housing projects. The working group must recommend, for example, whether units with more than four floors should be classified as residential for purposes of prevailing wage rates.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services in the Virgin Islands.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

This bill adjusts the housing allowance for uniformed service members in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifically, the Department of Defense must provide to a service member serving in the U.S. Virgin Islands the basic housing allowance, rather than the overseas housing allowance. Currently, a service member on duty in the U.S. Virgin Islands receives the overseas housing allowance, which is limited to cost reimbursement. By contrast, service members in the 50 states and the District of Columbia receive the basic housing allowance, which offers a fixed amount for each locality and grade/rank.

Resiliency Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Resiliency Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill extends the provision of disaster assistance for critical services to solid waste management, stormwater management, public housing, transportation infrastructure, and medical care. Such assistance is also extended to any major disaster in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands subsequent to Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Maria on or before September 30, 2022.

Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2023

Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to carry out activities to enhance recreational opportunities for gateway communities and provides for the establishment of a digital National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Gateway community means a community that serves as an entry point or is adjacent to a recreation destination at which there is consistently high seasonal or year-round visitation. Specifically, Interior and the Forest Service must collaborate with state and local governments, Indian tribes, and other relevant stakeholders to identify needs and economic impacts in gateway communities, including housing shortages, demands on existing municipal infrastructure, accommodation and management of sustainable visitation, and the expansion and diversification of visitor experiences by bolstering the visitation at certain nearby underutilized locations or lesser-known recreation sites. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service shall provide to businesses in gateway communities assistance to establish, operate, or expand infrastructure to accommodate and manage sustainable visitation. Interior and the Forest Service must (1) establish a single visitation data reporting system to report accurate annual visitation data, and (2) carry out a Real-time Data Pilot Program. The bill provides for the establishment, by January 1, 2024, of a digital version of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass that is able to be stored on a mobile device.

Pregnant Women in Custody Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2023

Pregnant Women in Custody Act This bill establishes requirements to address the health needs of incarcerated women related to pregnancy and childbirth. The bill requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics to collect data on the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels. With respect to incarcerated women at the federal level, the bill requires the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide appropriate services and programs to address the health and safety needs related to pregnancy and childbirth, as well as appropriate health care to a woman with a high-risk pregnancy; limits the use of restrictive housing for prisoners who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery; prohibits the use of solitary confinement for an incarcerated pregnant woman in her third trimester; and requires the BOP to annually report on the number of administrative claims and appeals filed by pregnant inmates. With respect to incarcerated women at the state and local level, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study the services and protections for pregnant incarcerated women in state and local correctional settings.

THE STATE OF HOUSING 2023

United States · United States Senate · 9 February 2023

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to make specified expenditures and employ personnel for the 118th Congress.

WALL Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2023

WALL Act of 2023 This bill appropriates $25 billion for the construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and addresses other issues related to immigration. As offsets to this spending, the bill restricts the child tax credit, earned income credits, and lifetime learning credits to those with Social Security numbers and not prohibited from employment in the United States. Also, individuals who file taxes using an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number must pay a fee ($300 for each individual on the tax return using an ITIN). The bill restricts eligibility for certain federally-funded benefits, including unemployment compensation, supplemental nutrition assistance, and housing benefits, to those eligible to work in the United States. Agencies administering such benefits must use the E-Verify program to confirm the eligibility of applicants for such benefits. This bill also sets fines for non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who improperly enter the United States or overstay their visas.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

This bill establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors. Specifically, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration must administer the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs: vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, educational assistance programs, veterans' housing loan and related programs, the Transition Assistance Program, and the database of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Prior to the transfer of administrative responsibilities, the bill requires the VA to certify that (1) the transition of the provision of services will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans, and (2) such services are ready to be transferred.

Securing Guam’s Shores Reimbursement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

Securing Guam's Shores Reimbursement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to make grants to Guam for expenses related to security measures associated with non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) unlawfully entering the territory through the shores. Additionally, no grant may be used to reimburse nonprofit organizations, fund legal representation, or provide educational, housing, food, or health care resources to non-U.S. nationals who unlawfully entered the territory.

Preserving Our Commitment to Homeless Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

Preserving Our Commitment to Homeless Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide case management support to local housing authorities under the VA-supported housing program. The program assists veterans who are homeless and their families in finding and sustaining permanent housing. The VA must ensure that no case manager is concurrently assigned to more than 35 veterans in each fiscal year, but may waive the requirement for a particular case manager in a particular fiscal year if it determines such a waiver is appropriate. The VA must also ensure that each veteran to whom a case manager is assigned is located within a reasonable distance of the case manager. If a case manager position within the Veterans Health Administration is vacant for a period of 180 days or more, the VA must seek to enter a contract with a qualified local service provider to furnish case management services until the position is filled.

Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2023

Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill makes changes to the authorities and programs of regional economic and infrastructure development commissions. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and establishes and expands NBRC grant programs. The NBRC must establish a state capacity building program to provide grants to commission states (Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont) to better support business retention and expansion in eligible counties and for other specified purposes. Each commission state shall provide to the NBRC an annual work plan that includes the proposed use of the grant. Additionally, the NBRC may make grants for the planning, construction, equipment, and operation of demonstration health, nutrition, and child care projects. Such grants must give special emphasis to projects and activities to address substance use disorders, including opioid and methamphetamine use. The bill authorizes these regional commissions (as part of economic and infrastructure development grants) to (1) design, build, implement, or upgrade transportation or basic public infrastructure or workforce capacity to support the adaptation to and mitigation of climate challenges; and (2) promote the production of housing to meet economic development and workforce needs. Each commission may accept transfers of funds from other federal agencies. Discretionary grants made by a commission to implement significant regional initiatives, to take advantage of special development opportunities, or to respond to emergency economic distress may be made without regard to specified percentage limitations. The bill limits the aggregate amount of discretionary grants.

Restoring Communities Left Behind Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2023

Restoring Communities Left Behind Act This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish a competitive grant program for local partnerships to carry out neighborhood revitalization support activities in economically distressed areas. Eligible activities include weatherization and energy efficiency improvements; housing accessibility improvements for seniors and persons with disabilities; purchasing delinquent mortgages; pre-purchase counseling and down payment assistance for prospective homebuyers; purchasing and developing vacant or distressed properties to create affordable rental housing and for other purposes; and improving parks, sidewalks, and street lighting.