Category: Congress at Work

Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 (HR 2811) – This bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) on April 26. It would authorize and increase the federal debt limit as well as specific cuts in spending, such as repealed energy tax credits, expanded work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other programs, and nullifies regulations for the cancellation of federal student loan debt. This bill passed in the House on April 26 but was not expected to pass in the Senate.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act (S 1339) – Co-sponsored by three Republicans, this bipartisan bill would provide for increased oversight of benefits managers that provide pharmacy management services on behalf of health insurers and employer health plans. The bill was introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) on April 27. A committee report was ordered and returned on May 11, where it awaits assessment by the full Senate.

Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act (S 479) – This bill is designed to ensure that pre-deployed state and local fire suppression assets are eligible for FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) in an effort to improve the federal government’s response to wildfire disasters. It would adjust the cost share for fire management assistance to no less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The bill was introduced on March 14 by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA). A committee issued its report on the bill on March 29 and it is currently under consideration in the Senate.

National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act (S 1414) – This bill is designed to improve the instant messaging service used by the National Weather Service, as well as other purposes. The bill was introduced by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) on May 3; its committee report was returned to the Senate on May 10, where it currently awaits review.

NWR Modernization Act of 2023 (S 1416) – Introduced by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) on May 3, this bill would authorize upgrading and modernizing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards Network. The Senate committee issued its report to the Senate on May 10, where it currently awaits review.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards” (SJ 11) – This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule that pertains to the control of air pollution by new motor vehicles. The current rule sets high emission standards for heavy-duty engines and vehicles in order to reduce air pollution. The bill was introduced by Sen. Deb Fisher (R-NE) on Feb. 9 and passed in the Senate on April 26. It is currently awaiting review in the House.

Identifying and Eliminating Wasteful Programs Act (S 666) – Introduced on March 7 by Sen. Margaret Hassan (D-NH), this bill would require the Chief Operating Officer of each federal agency to compile a list of unnecessary programs. The assigned committee issued its report on March 29; it is currently awaiting review in the Senate.

Federal Agency Performance Act of 2023 (S 709) – This Act also is designed to improve performance and accountability within the Federal Government. It was introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on March 8. The assigned committee issued its report for this bill on March 29; it is also awaiting review in the Senate.

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020 (HJ Res 7) – On March 13, 2020, then-President Trump declared a national emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, emergency status has continued until the passage of this resolution. The national emergency status relaxed many healthcare rules, such as training mandates for nursing home aides, easier access to certain prescribed medications (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, oxycodone, buprenorphine), and utilization of uncredentialed nurse practitioners and physician assistants for hospitalized Medicare patients. The resolution to end emergency status passed in the House on Feb. 1 and Senate on March 29. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) on Jan. 9 and enacted by President Biden on April 10.

Wounded Warrior Access Act (HR 1226) – This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to respond to online requests by claimants for records related to VA claims and benefits. The VA must notify a requester within 10 days that their request has been received and fulfill the request within 120 days. The bill was introduced by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) on Feb. 28 and passed in the House on March 7. It currently resides in the Senate.

Veterans’ COLA Act of 2023 (S 777) – Effective Dec. 1, 2023, this bipartisan bill would increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities as well as dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. The bill was introduced on March 14 by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT). It passed in the Senate on March 30 and is currently under consideration in the House.

Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act (HR 1123) – Introduced by Rep. Anna Ashoo (D-CA) on Feb. 21, this bill would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to report on the cybersecurity vulnerability of mobile service networks and mobile devices to cyberattacks and surveillance by adversaries. The bill was passed unanimously in the House on March 7; its fate currently resides in the Senate.

Lower Energy Costs Act (HR 1) – This bill is designed to reduce energy costs by increasing American energy production, exports, infrastructure, and critical minerals processing by implementing transparency, accountability, and permitting rules as well as improving water quality certification and expediting energy projects. The bill was introduced by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) on Jan. 26 and passed in the House on March 30. It is currently awaiting review in the Senate.

SECURE Notarization Act of 2023 (HR 1059) – This bipartisan legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) on Feb. 17. It would permit notaries public to notarize electronic records and perform notarizations for remotely located individuals. The bill provides technical requirements, including creating and retaining video and audio recordings to conduct the transaction. Additionally, the bill would require all U.S. courts and states to recognize in-person and remoted notarizations affecting interstate commerce. The bill also allows a notary public to remotely notarize electronic records involving an individual located outside of the United States, subject to certain requirements. The bill passed in the House on Feb. 27 and is currently under consideration in the Senate.

COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 (S 619) – This bill would authorize the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declassify all information relating to the origin of COVID-19 and any correlation with the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The ODNI would be required to redact the report as necessary to protect sources and methods and then submit it to Congress. The bill was introduced on March 1 by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). It passed the Senate on the same day and the House on March 10. It is currently awaiting signature by the president.

Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 (HJ Res 26) – This resolution nullifies the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022, which had previously been enacted by the Council of the District of Columbia (DC). The bill modified DC criminal laws by altering sentencing guidelines, reducing maximum penalties, and expanding the right to a jury trial for certain misdemeanor crimes. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) on Feb. 2. It passed in the House and Senate on March 8 and was enacted by the president on March 20.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to “Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights” (HJ Res 30) – This resolution was introduced by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) on Feb. 7. In December 2022, the Department of Labor established a rule that the fiduciaries of employer-sponsored retirement and other investment benefit plans might take into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors of companies where they choose to invest shareholder funds, as well as voting on shareholder resolutions and board nominations. This joint resolution, which was passed in both the House and the Senate on March 1, would nullify that rule. The bill was vetoed by President Biden on March 20.

Settlement Agreement Information Database Act (HR 300) – Introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) on Jan. 20, this bipartisan bill would require agencies to submit information related to any settlement or consent decree associated with a violation of civil or criminal law. This includes settlements with individual employees who appeal adverse personnel actions such as firings and suspensions or federal settlement agreements negotiated behind closed doors as a result of enforcement actions. The Office of Management and Budget would be responsible for reviewing and archiving all agreements, as well as determining when confidentiality is necessary to protect the public interest of the United States. The bill was passed unanimously in the House on Jan. 25. Its fate currently resides in the Senate.

Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023 (S 645) – This bill would require the Attorney General to devise a program for making treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder available to public safety officers. The bill was introduced on March 2 by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IO). It passed in the Senate on March 2 and is currently under consideration in the House.

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act (HR 538) – The passage of this bill would require manufacturers of internet-connected devices, such as smart appliances, which include a camera or microphone, to disclose this fact to consumers. The bill does not apply to devices that a consumer would reasonably expect to include these features (e.g., mobile phones, laptops). The bill was introduced by Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) on Jan. 26 and passed in the House on Feb. 27. It is currently awaiting review in the Senate.

Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 (S 582) – This bipartisan bill would make daylight savings time permanent. It was introduced on March 1 by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) but has yet to be assigned to a committee for review.

Parents Bill of Rights Act (HR 5) – This legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Julie Letlow (R-LA) on March 1 with 122 Republican co-sponsors. It would require public schools to allow parents to review certain materials and resources (e.g., the curriculum, library books, teachers’ materials used in the classroom) and be informed/grant consent for certain school activities (e.g., school budgets, use of technology in the classroom, attendance for guest speakers in the classroom, mental health treatment, gifted and talented programs). The House Committee on Education and the Workforce have issued a report on the bill, but it has yet to be presented for a vote by House members.

Investing in Main Street Act of 2023 (HR 400) – Introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) on Jan.20, this bill would permit certain financial institutions to increase investments in small business investment companies (SBICs). The current cap is 5 percent; if passed, the amount would rise to up to 15 percent of their capital and surplus. The bill passed in the House on Jan.25 and is now under consideration in the Senate.

To terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers and for other purposes (HR 185) – This bill would nullify the standing CDC order that requires non-U.S. citizens who are not immigrants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (or otherwise prove adherence to public health measures to prevent contagion)for entry into the United States by air travel. The bill also would nullify both successor and subsequent orders that would require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of entry and prohibit the use of federal funds to enforce such a requirement. However, the bill carves out exceptions for certain individuals traveling from China to the United States. The bill was introduced on Jan. 9 by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). It passed in the House on Feb. 8 and is currently under consideration in the Senate.

Freedom for Health Care Workers Act (HR 497) – The passage of this bill would eliminate the current COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare providers working in certain federal healthcare programs. The bill was introduced by Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) on Jan. 25 and passed in the House on Jan. 31. It is currently awaiting review in the Senate.

To nullify the modifications made by the Food and Drug Administration in January 2023 to the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy for the abortion pill mifepristone and for other purposes (HR 383) – This bill would nullify the FDA’s new rule allowing a pharmacy to dispense mifepristone, as well as ban the pill from being offered by mail. Medication abortion is now the most commonly used abortion method in the United States. Under the current guidelines, pharmacies may prescribe mifepristone in person to patients, essentially permitting it to be disseminated at the same time with misoprostol. This two-pill combination is taken in sequence to induce an abortion at home. The bill to ban this access was introduced on Jan. 17 by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) but has yet to be assigned to a committee for review.

To ensure the privacy of pregnancy termination or loss information under the HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act (HR 459) – This legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) on Jan. 24. It would ban doctors from revealing a patient’s abortion information without consent, even under a court order or subpoena. Presently, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) restricts doctors, psychologists, pharmacies, hospitals, etc., from revealing a patient’s protected health information – unless compelled to do so by law. This bill would make it illegal for a medical professional to reveal a patient’s abortion information without the patient’s consent, superseding even a court order or subpoena. The bill is currently in the House awaiting a potential vote by the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2023 (S 113) – This bill would authorize the Federal Trade Commission to study the role of intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and report on anti-competitive practices and other trends that impact how prescription medications are priced. In an effort to increase transparency, the FTC also would provide recommendations to Congress for potential legislative action. The bill was introduced on Jan. 26 by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and is currently being considered in the Senate.

 

To rescind certain balances made available to the Internal Revenue Service (HR 23) – Introduced by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) on Jan. 9, this bill would rescind funds allocated to the Internal Revenue Service by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The bill is designed to “defund” specific enforcement activities, operational support, enhancement to the e-file tax return system, and allocations to the U.S. Tax Court and other Department of the Treasury tax agencies. The bill passed in the House on Jan. 9 and has moved to the Senate, 

Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act (HR 22) – This bill would prohibit the Department of Energy (DOE) from selling crude oil to any entity under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party. The bill was introduced on Jan. 9 by Rep. Cathy Anne McMorris Rogers (R-WA). It passed in the House on Jan. 12 and is currently under consideration in the Senate.

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (HR 26) – An example of one of many abortion-related bills introduced by the House in the new 118th Congressional Session, this Act would require healthcare practitioners to exercise the proper degree of care in cases where a fetus survives an attempted abortion – including ensuring the neonate is immediately admitted to a hospital. Failure to provide such care or failure of others to report the crime would be subject to a fine and/or up to five years in prison. Furthermore, anyone who intentionally kills the neonate would be subject to prosecution for murder. However, this bill would bar criminal prosecution of the birth mother in these circumstances and permit her to bring civil action for these violations if perpetrated by others. The bill was introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) on Jan. 9 and is under assignment in a House committee.

Fair Tax Act of 2023 (HR 25) – This legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) on Jan. 9. It is currently assigned to committee for consideration.  The purpose of the bill is to replace the current income tax system (including payroll, estate, and gift taxes) with a national consumption sales tax on goods and services. Instead of paying the current 10 percent to 37 percent tax rates based on income bracket, as well as eliminating all deductions and credits, U.S. residents would pay a minimum 23 percent federal tax (in addition to state and local taxes) on all purchases, regardless of income bracket. Exemptions would include property or services purchased for business, export, investment, or state government functions. The flat rate would essentially tax a higher percentage of income from low earners while high-income earners would have more assets available for savings and investment that would not be taxable. Each state would bear the responsibility for collecting and remitting this federal sales tax to the Treasury.