This bill prevents health insurance plans from charging extra out-of-pocket costs for prenatal services when a pregnancy ends in miscarriage or stillbirth before delivery. Specifically, if a plan covers prenatal care as part of a bundled childbirth payment and a loss occurs, the plan cannot require additional deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments for those prenatal services beyond what would have been charged for a full birth. It applies to group and individual health plans covering such bundled payments, effective January 1, 2025. The law directly affects pregnant individuals experiencing pregnancy loss and their health insurance providers.
This bill reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through 2028, extending funding and updating requirements for dam safety. It defines "small disadvantaged community" (under 50,000 population with income below 80% of state median) and ensures these communities receive priority for dam rehabilitation grants. Key provisions require dam owners to commit to long-term maintenance plans and mandate floodplain management plans - either already in place or developed within two years - to reduce flood risks and protect communities. The bill also establishes a risk-based priority system for states to allocate grants for high-hazard dams.
The HOUSES Act of 2023 allows states and local governments to purchase federal public lands for housing development, requiring at least 85% of the land to be used for residential housing, open space, green space, or community amenities like schools or health clinics. It sets specific rules, including a minimum density of 4 homes per acre, limits on commercial use (capping it at 15% of land), and requirements for infrastructure like transit hubs and utilities. The bill establishes a review process where the Secretary of the Interior must prioritize housing needs, complete decisions within one year, and sell land at a price calculated using a formula based on fair market value and prior tax revenue. This applies to tracts not designated as federally protected land, with non-compliance risking loss of federal community development funds for 15 years.
S. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.
This bill blocks the EPA from implementing new vehicle emissions rules for model years 2027 and later, specifically targeting the "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards" rule. It amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future regulations from mandating specific technology (like electric components) or limiting the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill directly affects the EPA’s authority to set emissions standards and the auto industry’s ability to sell certain vehicle types. It ensures emissions rules cannot restrict consumer choices among new vehicle models.
The PACE Act creates a federal grant program to prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) - such as abuse, neglect, or household instability - and promote positive childhood experiences (PCEs), like supportive relationships and safe environments, for children under 18. It requires states, tribes, and local governments receiving grants to use data to target high-burden communities and implement evidence-based strategies through multi-sector partnerships, while funding research on ACEs and PCEs, including historical trauma’s impact. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal years 2024-2028 and mandates annual reports to Congress on program effectiveness.
S 3091, the Rural Inclusion Act, expands eligibility for Medicare rural emergency hospital designation to include specific rural clinics. It allows Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that previously participated in a 2003 frontier clinic demonstration program to qualify as Medicare rural emergency hospitals. This change directly affects qualifying rural clinics and the Medicare beneficiaries they serve in remote areas. The bill amends the Social Security Act to update the definition of eligible facilities, ensuring these clinics can access Medicare reimbursement under the rural emergency hospital program.
S. Res. 406 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Richard Clarence Clark, a former U.S. Senator from Iowa (served 1973-1979), who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that the House of Representatives and Clark’s family be informed, and directs the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, reflecting the Senate’s collective tribute to a former member.
The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act would require Medicare to cover custom breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies (surgical breast removal), an option currently excluded from Medicare coverage despite having a billing code. This change would directly affect women who choose non-surgical alternatives to reconstruction, including those denied coverage by Medicare and private insurers who follow Medicare's lead. The bill amends the Social Security Act to explicitly add "custom fabricated breast prostheses" to Medicare's covered services, including replacements, while maintaining existing coverage for surgical reconstruction. By closing this coverage gap, the bill aims to provide equitable access to a treatment option disproportionately unavailable to older and minority women.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.
This bill reinstates U.S. sanctions on Iran that were previously waived under an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, including a specific waiver related to funds from South Korea to Qatar (documented in a September 11, 2023, congressional transmission). It blocks any U.S. government action to release funds or assets to Iran under that agreement and prohibits future waivers, suspensions, or relief for these sanctions. The bill directly affects Iran's access to certain financial assets tied to the agreement. It targets concrete policy changes by reversing prior relief without altering broader sanctions frameworks.
