Alaska Congressional Bills

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 28, 2023

S 1003: FAST Fix Act of 2023

The FAST Fix Act of 2023 amends the Small Business Act to prioritize federal technology funding for small businesses in states that historically receive fewer Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I awards. It defines "underperforming States" as the 18 states with the lowest SBIR/STTR Phase I awards and requires the Small Business Administration to prioritize applications from businesses in these states. The bill also sets a $500,000 funding cap per award over two years, waives matching requirements for underperforming states, and mandates biennial reporting on program outcomes and state performance. This directly affects small businesses in 18 specific states and the Small Business Administration’s administration of the FAST program.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Alaska · House Mar 28, 2023

HR 1818: Aviation Workforce Development Act

HR 1818, the Aviation Workforce Development Act, expands tax-advantaged savings plans (529 plans) to cover costs for specific aviation training programs. It allows funds from these plans to pay for tuition, fees, and required materials at FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician schools (Part 147) or commercial pilot training programs (Part 61 or 141). This directly affects students pursuing careers as aircraft maintenance technicians or commercial pilots by making these training costs more affordable through existing tax-advantaged savings. The bill amends the tax code to include these programs under "qualified higher education expenses" for 529 plan distributions.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Mike Collins (R) · 162 co-sponsors

in committee · Alaska · House Mar 28, 2023

HR 1831: To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King, an American icon, in recognition of a remarkable life devoted to championing equal rights for all, in sports and in society.

HR 1831 would award Billie Jean King a Congressional Gold Medal to honor her lifelong advocacy for equal rights in sports and society. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal and have it presented by congressional leaders, recognizing her pivotal role in advancing women's equality through tennis (including founding the Women’s Tennis Association and securing equal prize money) and her broader impact on society through initiatives like Title IX advocacy.

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 27, 2023

SJRES 22: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans".

This bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.

Topics ✗ Education

Bill Cassidy (R) · 47 co-sponsors

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 27, 2023

S 988: Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Projects Act

This bill establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the sole lead agency for environmental reviews (NEPA) of natural gas pipeline projects, requiring other federal and state agencies to coordinate with FERC early in the process. It mandates strict deadlines (90 days after FERC completes review) for agencies to issue required permits, with public tracking of progress on FERC’s website. The bill directly affects natural gas project developers, FERC, and state/federal agencies handling permits, streamlining reviews to reduce delays. Key mechanisms include requiring agencies to join FERC’s review process or face restrictions on supplemental reviews, and mandating regular progress reports to FERC. It focuses on procedural coordination, not environmental standards, to expedite project approvals.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 27, 2023

S 989: North American Energy Act

S 989, the North American Energy Act, requires federal approval for new cross-border oil, natural gas, or electricity infrastructure projects in the U.S. It mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or Secretary of Energy issue a "certificate of crossing" within 90 days for such projects, unless they're deemed not in the U.S. public interest. The bill specifically accelerates approvals for natural gas imports/exports to Canada and Mexico (requiring approval within 30 days) and eliminates the need for Presidential permits for these projects. It does not affect existing facilities or projects with pending permits, and it repeals certain existing requirements for electricity transmission approvals. This bill directly affects energy companies seeking to build new border-crossing infrastructure.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 27, 2023

S 977: FIRE STATION Act

The FIRE STATION Act establishes a $750 million grant program to fund construction, renovation, and upgrades of fire and EMS facilities. It directly assists career, volunteer, and combination fire departments, as well as non-hospital-based EMS organizations, by allocating 25% of funds to each category (with an additional 25% for competitive use). Grants can cover building/rebuilding facilities, installing safety systems (like HVAC or backup power), and meeting current building codes focused on firefighter health and safety, with a maximum award of $7.5 million per recipient. Recipients must report annually on fund usage to FEMA, and the Administrator must submit effectiveness reports to Congress.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 23, 2023

S 964: Mothers and Newborns Success Act

The Mothers and Newborns Success Act aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the United States, with a specific focus on addressing racial disparities. It authorizes $53 million annually for state maternal health innovation grants to address inequities, establishes a program to classify birthing facilities based on care levels, and creates a Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to better track maternal health outcomes. The bill also funds a Postpartum Care Coordination Pilot Program, a Maternal Health Research Network, and a Telehealth Demonstration Program to improve access to care in rural areas. These programs are designed to be implemented by states, Indian Tribes, and healthcare entities to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and other underserved populations. The legislation requires regular reporting to Congress on program impacts and effectiveness.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 23, 2023

S 971: Due Process Continuity of Care Act

This bill expands Medicaid coverage to people in jail awaiting trial or court proceedings, allowing states to provide medical benefits during pretrial detention. It amends federal law to remove a barrier preventing Medicaid access for incarcerated individuals while their cases are pending. States receiving $50 million in planning grants must develop strategies to recruit healthcare providers, assess inmate health needs, and build infrastructure for seamless care transitions. The policy directly affects individuals in local jails awaiting court dates who qualify for Medicaid under state programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 23, 2023

S 956: Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2023

S 956, the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2023, eliminates a separate premium for young adult dependents under the TRICARE Young Adult Program. It directly affects military service members' children aged 21-26 who previously paid an additional fee to remain covered after turning 21. The bill amends Title 10, U.S. Code, to remove the separate premium requirement (by striking subsection (c) of section 1110b) and adjusts related eligibility rules, simplifying coverage continuity without additional cost for these dependents.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Alaska · House Mar 23, 2023

HR 1764: Military Food Security Act of 2023

The Military Food Security Act of 2023 amends federal law to exclude the basic allowance for housing (BAH) from the gross household income calculation for eligible military members when determining eligibility for food assistance programs. This change directly affects active-duty service members and their families who rely on programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The key provision removes BAH from income calculations, meaning housing payments will no longer reduce a military household's eligibility for food benefits. This adjustment aims to improve access to nutrition assistance for military families by ensuring their housing allowance isn't counted as income. The bill focuses solely on modifying a calculation method, with no new funding or benefits created.

Jimmy Panetta (D) · 35 co-sponsors

in committee · Alaska · House Mar 23, 2023

HR 1757: Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act

The Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act would provide full student loan forgiveness to educators who work in high-need schools or early childhood education programs. After completing 5 years of qualifying service, educators would have 100% of their outstanding student loans forgiven, with the option for monthly loan forgiveness during their service period. The bill defines "high-need schools" as those with over 30% of students in poverty or identified for improvement, and includes special provisions for educators working in Native American, Tribal, and Bureau of Indian Education schools. Educators could count service completed before the law's enactment toward their 5-year requirement, and the program would cover both FFEL and Direct Loan programs.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Alaska Congressional Bills

Bill results