Category: Congress at Work

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (HR 4366) – On March 9, the president signed the latest appropriations bill passed in time to halt a government shutdown. While this bill does authorize funding through the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30), it only addresses six of the 12 bills necessary to fully fund the government. The recent legislation covers Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food and Drug Administration, the Commerce, Justice and Science-related departments, the Energy Department, the Department of the Interior and the Environment, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. On March 23, the president signed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (HR 2882) in the nick of time to prevent a government shutdown. This subsequent budget legislation includes the remaining spending bills to fully fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30).

Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary ControlledApplications Act (HR 7521) – Congress is currently considering a bill designed to force the sale of the social media app Tik Tok, which is currently owned by ByteDance Ltd. This Chinese firm is subject to the laws of China, which has the right to seize all data procured by the app as well as influence content for political purposes – which is considered a threat to U.S. national security.This roundly bipartisan bill was introduced by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) on March 5. It was passed by the House on March 13 and is under consideration in the Senate.

Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 (HR 7520) – The purpose of this bill is to prevent the current targeting, surveilling, and manipulation of user data from apps by brokers who sell sensitive information to foreign adversaries, such as China. Examples of data collected and sold include individual physical and mental health, as well as where and when they travel outside the country. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) on March 7. It is currently assigned to a committee for review in the House.

E-BRIDGE Act (HR 1752) – This legislation was introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) in March 2023. It would authorize the Department of Commerce to issue economic development grants for the purpose of expanding and improving high-speed broadband service in underserved and geographically diverse markets. The bill passed in the House on March 11 and currently lies with the Senate.

USE IT Act of 2023 (HR 6276) – This Act would require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA), through the use of technology sensors, to ensure federal government building utilization and federally leased spaces average at least 60 percent in each public building over each one-year period. The bill, introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) on Nov. 7, 2023, passed in the House on March 12 and is now under consideration in the Senate.

A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out certain activities to improve recycling and composting programs in the United States and for other purposes (S 1194) – This Act was introduced by Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) on April 19, 2023, and passed in the Senate on March 12. This bipartisan bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collect data and issue reports on nationwide composting and recycling efforts, including implementing a national composting strategy to help reduce contamination rates for recycling. The legislation is currently under consideration in the House.

A bill to establish a pilot grant program to improve recycling accessibility and for other purposes (S 1189) – A companion bipartisan bill to S 1194, this Act would authorize the EPA to issue grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, or public-private partnerships to fund improved recycling accessibility within communities. It was introduced by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-VA) on April 19, 2023, and passed in the Senate on March 12. It is also under consideration in the House.

Social Security Expansion Act (HR 1046) – This new bill is designed to enhance Social Security benefits and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program. It was introduced on Feb. 14 by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). The bill includes the following provisions: 1) increase benefits for low earners; 2) restore student education benefits to children of deceased or disabled parents, up to age 22; 3) revise the calculation to yield higher annual COLA benefits; 3) make active trade or business income subject to the net investment income tax; 4) make all earnings above $250,000 subject to Social Security payroll taxes. The bill has yet to be assigned to a committee and has virtually no chance of being enacted by the current Congress.

The Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR 815) – Formerly known as the RELIEVE Act, this bill was originally written to improve veteran eligibility for reimbursement for emergency treatment. However, the bill was altered to incorporate the Senate’s effort to combine new U.S. border policies with aid for wars abroad. On Feb. 13, the Senate passed this bill to provide $95.3 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. While the border policy portion of the bill was struck out, the Senate did manage to pass the foreign aid funding. The bill includes $4.83 billion to help deter China’s aggression against Taiwan, $9.15 billion in humanitarian assistance to civilians in conflict zones such as Gaza and the West Bank, $14.1 billion to support Israel’s war against Hamas, and $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. It is worth noting that about 75 percent of the Ukraine funding would be spent in the United States to refill inventories and purchase new weapons from American manufacturers. However, the House speaker has indicated he will not bring the bill to the floor for a vote until they have satisfactorily readdressed immigration policies affecting the U.S. border.

Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (HR 7024) – This bipartisan legislation was introduced on Jan. 17 by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO). The bill includes a variety of tax-related provisions, such as enhancing the low-income housing and child tax credits, as well as offering additional tax incentives to promote economic growth for small and private business owners and entrepreneurs. The bill passed in the House on Jan. 31 and has the potential to pass in the Senate before the April tax filing deadline.

No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor (HR 4039) – This bill prohibits two U.S. government agencies from spending funds associated with goods procured via forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. However, if the State Department advises Congress of evidence that no forced labor was used in making particular goods, it may waive the prohibition. The act was introduced by Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) on June 12, 2023. It passed in the House on Feb. 13 and currently lies with the Senate.

A bill to improve performance and accountability in the Federal Government and for other purposes (S 709) – This bipartisan bill was introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on March 8, 2023. It is designed to improve performance and accountability within the Federal Government by re-evaluating the goals of federal agencies and authorizing a Deputy Performance Improvement Officer in addition to a Performance Improvement Officer. The act passed in the Senate on Feb. 8 and is now under consideration in the House.

Train More Nurses Act (S 2853) – This bill requires the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services to research and prepare recommendations to make grant programs that support nurses more effectively. Specifically, how to increase pathways for experienced nurses to become teachers at nursing schools, particularly in underserved areas, and how to encourage more licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses. The act, which was introduced by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) on May 3, 2023, passed by unanimous consent in the Senate on Jan. 24. It is currently under review in the House.

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, and for other purposes (HR 2872) – Passed by both branches and signed by the president on Jan. 18, this is the third temporary resolution designed to avert a government shutdown until Congress can agree on appropriations for fiscal year 2024. The bill extends the government funding deadline to March 1 for four appropriations bills and another eight until March 8.

Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II (HR 6503) – This bipartisan bill was introduced on Nov. 29, 2023, by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO). It extends certain Federal Aviation and Administration (FAA) programs and activities through March 8, namely the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) test site program and the remote detection and identification pilot program, weather reporting programs, the Remote Tower Pilot Program, and the Essential Air Service Program. The bill also extends authorization for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) that provides grants for planning, development, and noise compatibility projects at certain public-use airports and extends the FAA’s authority to collect taxes on aviation fuel and airline tickets to support the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF). The bill passed in the House on Dec. 11, in the Senate on Dec. 19, and was signed into law by President Biden on Dec. 26.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (HR 2670) – This bill incorporates provisions from a wide range of legislation introduced throughout 2023. It authorizes fiscal year 2024 appropriations and policies for: the Department of Defense (DOD); military construction; national security programs for the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Maritime Administration; the Defense Nuclear Safety Board; and the Naval Petroleum Reserves. Note that this bill does not provide appropriations but merely authorizes funding from an approved budget. The Act was introduced by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) on April 18, 2023. It passed in the House on July 14 and the Senate on July 27. A conference report of the final text was produced and approved by both houses in December, and the Act was signed into law on Dec. 22, 2023.

Testing, Rapid Analysis and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act of 2023 (HR 1734) – This bipartisan act was introduced on March 23, 2023, by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA). It initially passed in the House on May 11, passed in the Senate with changes on June 22, was finalized in the House on Dec. 4, and enacted on Dec. 11. The bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and other activities related to psychoactive substances such as fentanyl and a veterinary tranquilizer called Xylazine. Colloquially referred to as the zombie drug, this substance has proliferated in communities throughout the country and places law enforcement officers at great personal risk during confiscation.

A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to extend the Administrative Fine Program for certain reporting violations (S 2747) – This bill extends authorization to the Federal Election Commission Administration Fine Program to enforce penalties for late and/or non-filed campaign finance disclosure reports. The legislation was introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on Sept. 7, 2023, and passed in the Senate on the same day. It passed in the House on Dec. 11 and was signed into law on Dec. 19, 2023.

NWR Modernization Act of 2023 (S 1416) – This bipartisan bill instructs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to update the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) network of radio stations that broadcast 24-7 weather information, including weather warnings, watches, and forecasts. It has become imperative to beef up the coverage and reliability of radio stations – particularly in rural and underserved communities – via repairs, software upgrades, additional equipment, and alternative means of transmissions, as well as other potential improvements. The Act was introduced on May 23, 2023, by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D- WA). It passed in the Senate on Dec.18 and currently lies in the House.

National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act (S 1414) – This bill is designed to update the current in-house instant messaging service (NWSChat) that has been in use since 2008 by NWS forecasters. In the wake of increased severe weather events, wildfires, and climate-related emergencies across the country, it is necessary to use more reliable, updated state-of-the-art communications and real-time alerts in order for local communities to keep families, homes, and businesses safe and secure. This Act would require the NWS to adopt a new instant messaging service by October 2027. The bill, also introduced by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) on May 3, 2023, passed in the Senate on Dec. 18, 2023. Note that there is a similar bill in the Senate sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) as well as a bipartisan version in the House.

A joint resolution providing for Congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (SJ Res 32) – This resolution was introduced on June 13 by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA). It nullifies a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that requires financial institutions to collect and report credit application data for small businesses to the CFPB. The bill passed in the House and the Senate on Dec. 1, but President Biden has threatened to veto the resolution because he believes it would reduce transparency and accountability in small business lending.

Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act (HR 3581) – This bill supports various Veterans Administration initiatives: 1. Authorizes funding for the implementation, coordination, and enhancement of mental health counseling and treatment for participants (family caregivers of veterans) in the VA family caregiver program; 2. Authorizes the VA to contribute to local authorities to mitigate flooding risks on properties adjacent to VA medical facilities; 3. Requires an annual survey of police chiefs, facility emergency management leaders, facility directors, etc., for data regarding VA facility security; 4. Extends certain VA home loan fee rates through March 12, 2032. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA) on May 22. It passed in the House on Dec. 4 and is now in the Senate for review.

Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2023 (HR 3848) – This Act is designed to address issues related to homeless veterans. It increases the maximum per diem payments to authorized entities that provide transitional housing and services to homeless veterans. It also authorizes a maximum of 200 percent of the rate for veterans who live in rural areas, areas with high veteran suicide rates, and high rates of veteran homelessness. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the VA, through fiscal year 2024, to use certain funds to provide additional assistance to homeless veterans participating in the HUD-VA Supportive Housing program and to manage the use of VA land for homeless veterans to live and sleep. The legislation was introduced on June 6 by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) and passed in the House on Dec. 5. Its fate currently rests with the Senate.

Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act (HR 4531) – This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes (through the fiscal year 2028) grants, programs, and activities that address substance use. The provisions address data collection, education, and surveillance activities; support for substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment, recovery, and trauma experienced by families of SUD patients; and student loan repayment and other resources for the SUD workforce. The legislation also modifies certain drug schedules of controlled substances and permanently requires that Medicaid cover medication-assisted treatment for eligible SUD patients. This bill was introduced by Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) on July 11 and is co-sponsored by 37 Republicans and 27 Democrats. It passed in the House on Dec. 12 and is currently under consideration in the Senate.

A bill to amend Title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. (S 2795) – This bill was introduced on Sept. 13 by Sen. Don Tester (D-MT). This act extends various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits, including extending the use of contract healthcare professions for disability exams from three to five years; extending authorization for VA emergency preparedness for public health emergencies through fiscal year 2028; and extending certain fee rates under the VA’s home loan program through Nov. 15, 2031. The bill passed in the Senate on Sept. 13, the House on Sept. 26, and was signed into law by the President on Oct. 6.

Wounded Warrior Access Act (HR 1226) – This bill requires the VA to develop and maintain a secure online website that will allow claimants to request records related to their VA claims and benefits, as well as a process for reporting violations. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) on Feb. 28. It passed in the House on March 7, the Senate on Nov. 2 and was signed into law on Nov. 13.

Korean American Valor Act (HR 366) – This act amends U.S. Code Title 38 to treat certain members of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea, who served in Vietnam under the Armed Forces of the United States, as veterans for purposes of qualifying for healthcare by the VA. The legislation was introduced on Jan. 13by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), and was passed in the House on May 22 and in the Senate on Oct. 19. The bill was enacted by President Biden on Nov. 13.

A bill to amend Title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. (S 12) – Introduced by Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) on Jan. 26, this bill requires the VA to provide healthcare, job training and monetary benefits to children of Vietnam veterans who were born with spina bifida – for the duration of the child’s life. The bill also requires the VA to establish an advisory council responsible for the care, coordination and ongoing outreach to assist with any care changes over time. The bill passed in the Senate on July 13, the House on Sept. 19, and was signed into law on Oct. 6.

Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (HR 6363) – This continuing resolution (CR) was introduced by Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) on Nov. 13. It is part of a two-step process to continue funding most government programs and activities at fiscal year 2023 levels for the current fiscal year (2024). The CR expires on Jan. 19, 2024, by which time budget legislation will need to be passed in order to avoid a government shutdown. This CR passed in the House on Nov. 14, the Senate on Nov. 15, and was signed by the President on Nov. 16.