Category: Congress at Work

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (HR 9747) – This continuing resolution was introduced on Sept. 22 as a “clean” extenuation of the federal budget to fund the government until Dec. 20. Up until this point, a handful of Republicans had attached unrelated bills pertaining to November election restrictions, which they did not have the votes to pass in the House and would never have passed in the Senate. After several weeks of threatening to shut down the government by not passing a continuing appropriations bill, the House Speaker proposed this “last-minute” tied over with the minimum appropriations necessary to keep the government up and running. While it still does not solidify the federal budget for the 2025 fiscal year (Sept. 29, 2024, through Sept. 27, 2025), this bill is expected to pass in the House on Sept. 25 and to clear the Senate and be signed by the president by Sept. 29.

Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act (HR 1076) – Introduced by Rep. Mónica De La Cruz (R-TX) on Feb. 17, 2023, this bill directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on illegal funding sources related to the trafficking of synthetic drugs such fentanyl and methamphetamine. The bill passed in the House on May 22, 2023, in the Senate on July 23, 2024, and was signed into law by the president on Sept. 13.

Launch Communications Act (S 1648) – This act will update ground-to-space rocket communications going forward. Presently, commercial missions are required to use the government-owned spectrum to communicate during launches, including special temporary authority for private companies. This bill permits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to facilitate seamless access to broadband spectrum frequencies for commercial space launches and re-entries. The bill, which was introduced on May 17, 2023, by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), passed unanimously in the Senate on Oct. 21, 2023, and in the House on Sept. 17. It is currently awaiting signature by the president for enactment.

FUTURE Networks Act (HR 1513) – The acronym stands for Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act. Introduced by Doris Matsui (D-CA) on March 9, 2023, this act would instruct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a 6G Task Force comprised of private, academic and government experts to monitor the status of sixth-generation wireless technology, including its possible uses. The House passed the bill on Sept. 18, and the bill now rests with the Senate.

Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (HR 7909) – This bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make non-U.S. nationals (aliens) convicted of or having admitted to committing sex offenses or domestic violence (including conspiracy to commit a sex offense) be ineligible for country admission and deportable. Introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), the bill passed in the House on Sept. 18 and currently lies in the Senate.

Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act (S 1871) – Introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on June 8, 2023, this bill would enable coordination among state, local, tribal and territorial jurisdictions with the federal government to mitigate national security risks related to the current U.S. critical mineral supply chains. Specifically, the intent is to make the United States less reliant on China and other countries for critical minerals and rare earth metals. Provisions of the bill allow for development, mining and strengthening of our domestic workforce and to improve partnerships with allied countries for dependable mineral supply chains. The bill passed in the Senate on Sept. 8 and is currently with the House.

SMART Leasing Act (S 211) – Introduced on Feb. 1, 2023, by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), this bill would launch a program to lease underutilized properties owned by the federal government. The net funding would then be used for capital projects and to help offset the national deficit. The act passed in the Senate on Aug. 1 and is currently under consideration in the House.

All American Flag Act (S 1973) – Introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on June 14, 2023, this bill requires that all U.S. flags used by the Federal government be manufactured domestically. This includes all raw materials. One exception to this mandate is if flags cannot be produced of acceptable quality and quantity as needed at competitive market prices. The bill passed in the Senate on Nov. 2, 2023, in the House on July 22, and was signed into law by the president on July 30.

Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (S 3696) – This bipartisan bill, also known as the DEFIANCE Act, is designed to protect victims of deepfake pornography. It defines civil action as a federal remedy for non-consensual parties who are identifiable in digital forgeries and depicted as nude or engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The bill, which was introduced on Jan. 30 by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), passed unanimously in the Senate on July 23. It goes to the House next, where a similar bill has been introduced.

 

Congress is not in session Aug. 5-30, as members return to their districts. 

Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (S 111) – This bill was introduced by Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) on March 30, 2023. This bipartisan legislation is designed to strengthen America as a leader in energy security. This bill includes measures to bolster clean nuclear power, establish strong union jobs, and achieve our nationwide net-zero emission goal by 2050. Versions of this bill passed in the Senate and House over the past year, and it was signed into law by the president on July 9.

Fire Grants and Safety Act (S 559) – This act enables communities across the United States to hire more firefighters and first responders, as well as increase safety measures. It was introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on Feb. 28, 2023. The final version of the bill passed in the House and Senate in May and June, respectively; and it was signed into law on July 9.

Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act (HR 2365) – Introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) on March 29, 2023, this bill passed in the House on Dec. 14, 2023, the Senate in May and was signed into law by the president on July 2. This bipartisan bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement a program designed to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure Parkinson’s disease, as well as improve the care of people who suffer from it.

Debbie Smith Act of 2023 (HR 1105) – Introduced on Feb. 7, 2023, by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), this bill reauthorizes funding for the government’s DNA backlog grant program through fiscal year 2029. The program provides grants to state and local governments to extend the collection and analysis of DNA evidence used in sexual assault kits and other purposes. This largely bipartisan bill passed in the House in November 2023 and the Senate on July 11. It is currently awaiting enactment by the president.

Federal Prison Oversight Act (HR 3019) – This bill establishes an inspection regime for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Provisions stipulate that prison inspections may be announced or unannounced; an ombudsman will be appointed to receive complaints and determine actions; and the BOP may not retaliate against anyone who initiates an investigation or inspection under this bill. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) on April 28, 2023. It passed in the House on May 21, the Senate on July 10, and is awaiting signature by the president.

Impeaching Clarence Thomas, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors (H Res 1353) – This resolution, which introduces articles of impeachment of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was presented by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) on July 10. The three articles are 1) Failure to disclose financial income, gifts and reimbursements, property interests, liabilities, and transactions, among other information; 2) Refusal to recuse from matters concerning his spouse’s legal interest in cases before the court; and 3) Refusal to recuse from matters involving his spouse’s financial interest in cases before the court. While the resolution was co-sponsored by 19 Democrats, it has no chance of passage in the Republican-held House.

Impeaching Samuel Alito Jr., Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors (H Res 1354) – This resolution was also introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) on July 10. It features the following two articles: 1) Refusal to recuse from cases in which he had a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party in cases before the court, and 2) Failure to disclose financial income, gifts and reimbursements, property interests, liabilities, and transactions, among other information. This resolution was co-sponsored by the same 19 Democrats with no chance of passage in this congressional session.

Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act (S 138) – This bill was introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) on Jan. 30, 2023. It establishes a statutory definition of Tibet that includes areas currently claimed by China. The legislation also expands efforts to combat Chinese government propaganda, such as disinformation about Tibet’s history and institutions. The bill passed in the Senate on May 23 and in the House on June 12. It is currently awaiting enactment by the president.

No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act of 2023 (HR 6543) – Introduced on Dec. 1, 2023, by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), 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. This largely bipartisan bill passed in the House on June 11, 2024, and currently lies in the Senate.

Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act (HR 2964) – This bill mandates that certain premoistened, nonwoven wipes (e.g., baby wipes, cleaning wipes, personal care wipes) be labeled “Do Not Flush” with an accompanying symbol. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) on April 27, 2023, with three Democrat co-sponsors. It passed in the House on June 11 and is currently under consideration in the Senate.

Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (HR 8070) – Introduced by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) on April 18, this bill passed in the House on June 14 and currently lies with the Senate. It is an annual budgetary must-pass bill to reauthorize funding for the nation’s military defenses. The current bill that passed in the House is laden with amendments that will likely sink in the Senate, such as prohibiting services for gender transition, eliminating offices focused on diversity, and prohibiting funding for the Countering Extremist Activity Working Group (focused on preventing extremism in the military). However, some form of this bill will likely pass both Houses and be sent to the president before the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30, 2024).

Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act (S 3984) – The purpose of this bill is to create a new resource center to provide threat monitoring and training to help protect the safety of judges and others who work in state courthouses nationwide. The legislation was crafted in response to a rising number of threats to the judiciary. This bipartisan bill was sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). It passed by unanimous consent in the Senate on June 12 and currently lies with the House.

Billie Jean King Congressional Gold Medal Act (S 2861) – This legislation was introduced by Rep. Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY) on Sept. 20, 2023, with more than 60 co-sponsors across both aisles. The bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to former professional tennis player Billie Jean King, in recognition to her devotion to championing equal rights for all, both in sports and in society. The bill passed in the Senate on May 8 and is now in the House.

Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (HR 537) – This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats posthumously in recognition of their brave and vital service of saving Jews during the Holocaust. It was introduced on Jan. 26, 2023, and sponsored by 295 co-sponsors (155 Democrats, 140 Republicans). It passed in the House on June 11 and currently lies with the Senate.

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (HR 3935) – This bipartisan bill reauthorizes funding and direction for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSBB) for another five years. The legislation is designed to improve air travel safety, provide increased protections for consumers, hire more people to the aviation workforce, and modernize the U.S. national airspace system for the future. It authorizes more than $105 billion for FAA funding through fiscal year 2028. The bill passed in the Senate on May 9, in the House on the next day, and was signed by the president on May 16.

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023 (HR 4581) – introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) on July 12, 2023, this bill funds additional research and activities with the goal of preventing stillbirths. It passed in the House on May 15, 2023, and is currently in the Senate.

Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2023 (HR 6571) – Introduced on Dec. 4, 2023, by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN), the purpose of this bipartisan bill is to establish supply chain resiliency and a crisis response program within the Department of Commerce. Given the potential threat of pandemics, extreme climate events, and even war with anti-democracy adversaries, this bill would help secure American supply chains, reduce reliance on other countries, and develop our own emerging technology resources. The bill passed in the House on May 15 and currently lies in the Senate.

Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023 (HR 3033) – The purpose of this bill is to enact a permanent requirement for the president to sanction individuals or entities that aid Iran’s ability to acquire or develop certain chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons, among other provisions.

This bipartisan bill was introduced by Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) on April 28, 2023. It passed in the House on April 16 of this year and currently lies with the Senate.

Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023 (HR 6015) – This legislation was introduced by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) on Oct. 20, 2023. The bill would establish protections to ensure that humanitarian exceptions to Iranian sanctions do not inadvertently facilitate international terrorism or the sale of weapons to terrorists. The bill passed in the House on April 16 and is now in the Senate.

No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act (HR 5826) – This bill, which was introduced by Sen. Joe Wilson (R-SC) on Sept. 28, 2023, passed in the House on April 16 and is currently in the Senate. It would empower the president to deny a U.N. diplomatic representative entrance to the country if that person is sanctioned due to ties to terrorism and distribution of weapons of mass destruction. The bill also would require the president to issue reports to Congress on matters such as blocked Iranian assets, any U.S. hostages taken by Iran, and if travel to Iran by U.S. citizens would put them in imminent danger.

Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (HR 8035) – Introduced on April 17, this bill authorizes $60 billion to provide military aid to support Ukraine in its war against Russian invasion. More than a third of this allocation will fund U.S. manufacturing for the replenishment of weapons, stocks and facilities. The bill passed in the House on April 20, in the Senate on April 23, and was signed by the President on April 24. The President indicated that up to $1 billion in weapons supplies for Ukraine would begin delivery within hours.

Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (HR 8034) – Introduced on April 17, this bill authorizes $26 billion to provide military aid to Israel with $1 billion designated for humanitarian assistance for civilian victims of the war in Gaza. The bill passed in the House on April 20, in the Senate on April 23, and was signed by the President on April 24.

Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (HR 8036) – Introduced on April 17, this bill authorizes $8 billion in defense spending to counter Chinese aggression against Taiwan and other key U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill passed in the House on April 20, in the Senate on April 23, and was signed by the President on April 24.

21st Century Peace through Strength Act (HR 8038) – Also on April 24, the President signed what is referred to as the Tik Tok bill, representing the first time Congress has initiated legislation designed to ban a social media platform. In effect, the Act mandates that Chinese tech firm ByteDance has up to a year to sell the short-form video streaming app to a U.S.-owned entity or be shut down. The bill was introduced on April 17 by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), passed in the House on April 20, and in the Senate on April 23.

Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (HR 7888) – This Act reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which was scheduled to expire on April 19, 2024. This bill amends previous language (from 2008) to better represent technology updates in 2024. However, the premise of the bill remains the same. It authorizes targeting surveillance data of foreigners outside the United States. No Americans, or even foreigners located in the United States, can be targeted. This bipartisan-supported bill was introduced by Rep. Laura Lee (R-FL) on April 9, passed in the House on April 12 and in the Senate on April 19. It was signed by the President on April 20.

A bill to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to Congress an annual report on projects that are over budget and behind schedule, and for other purposes (S 1258) – This bill was introduced on April 25, 2023, by Rep. Joni Ernst (R-IA). This bill would require federal agencies to make an annual report to Congress regarding the status of federally funded projects that are either more than five years behind schedule, or whose expenses have exceeded original cost estimates by $1 billion or more. The Act passed in the Senate on March 23 and currently resides in the House.

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.