Alaska Congressional Bills

in committee · Alaska · House May 16, 2024

HR 681: READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2023

The READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends the authorization period for the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development Act (commonly known as the READ Act) from five to ten fiscal years. This change allows U.S. international education programs, administered by agencies like USAID, to operate without annual reauthorization for a longer period. The bill directly affects programs providing educational support in developing countries, such as teacher training and literacy initiatives. The key mechanism is amending Section 4(a) of the existing law to adjust the funding duration, ensuring continued program stability.

Christopher H. Smith (R) · 81 co-sponsors

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

SJRES 80: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants".

This joint resolution (SJRES 80) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on April 5, 2024. The rule established regulations under the Endangered Species Act concerning protections for endangered and threatened wildlife. If approved, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect and reversing the regulatory changes it proposed. The resolution directly affects how federal protections are applied to listed species under the Endangered Species Act.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

SJRES 81: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Interagency Cooperation".

This bill (SJRES 81) seeks congressional disapproval of a National Marine Fisheries Service rule that updated regulations for interagency cooperation on protecting endangered and threatened wildlife. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2024, aimed to streamline how federal agencies work together on species conservation efforts. By passing this resolution, Congress would block the rule from taking effect under the procedural process outlined in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. The direct effect is preventing the National Marine Fisheries Service from implementing these specific regulatory changes for endangered species protection.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

SJRES 83: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Definition of 'Engaged in the Business' as a Dealer in Firearms".

This bill (SJRES 83) seeks to block a rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that redefined who qualifies as a "dealer in firearms" under federal law. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2024, would have changed how the ATF identifies and regulates firearm sellers. If passed, the resolution would make the rule invalid, preventing it from taking effect and leaving current dealer regulations unchanged. This directly affects firearm dealers (particularly small businesses and hobbyists) and the ATF’s enforcement authority under existing law.

John Cornyn (R) · 46 co-sponsors

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

SJRES 84: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat".

This joint resolution (SJRES 84) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on April 5, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 24300). It targets the FWS rule concerning the listing of endangered/threatened species and designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. The resolution, if passed, would nullify that particular rule, preventing it from taking effect. This is a procedural measure under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, not a new law altering species protections.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

SJRES 85: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat".

This joint resolution (SJRES 85) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2024, aimed to update protections for endangered and threatened species and designate critical habitats under the Endangered Species Act. Congress is using a statutory process (under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code) to formally disapprove this rule, which would prevent it from taking effect. If approved, the rule would no longer have legal force, directly affecting how federal agencies manage species conservation programs.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

SRES 687: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) and the harmful conflation of China's "One China Principle" and the United States "One China Policy".

SRES 687 is a non-binding Senate resolution clarifying that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) only addressed which government represented China at the UN, not Taiwan's sovereignty. It explicitly states the U.S. "One China Policy" does not accept China's "One China Principle" (which claims Taiwan as part of China) and rejects China's misuse of Resolution 2758 to pressure other nations into severing ties with Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally by falsely conflating the UN resolution with its territorial claims. It reaffirms U.S. support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations where statehood is not required and urges partners to counter China's misleading narratives. This resolution does not alter U.S. policy but formally distinguishes between the UN resolution and China's political stance.

passed · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

SRES 692: A resolution supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2024, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people.

This resolution (SRES 692) designates May 7, 2024, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day to raise public attention about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills. It highlights alarming statistics, including that illicit fentanyl was involved in 81% of drug-induced deaths among youth aged 14-23 in 2023 and that only 36% of teens were aware of fentanyl in fake pills. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges increased awareness and supports law enforcement efforts against counterfeit pills. It directly aims to educate families and young people about the risks of fake pills marketed as legitimate medications.

Chuck Grassley (R) · 40 co-sponsors

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

S 4337: Israel Security Assistance Support Act

This bill mandates the immediate delivery of all previously approved U.S. military equipment and services to Israel, including items withheld since May 2024. It requires the Defense and State Departments to deliver such aid within 15 days of enactment and obligate all unobligated security funds for Israel within 30 days. The bill also prohibits withholding or delaying these transfers and requires detailed monthly reports on security assistance provided to Israel since October 7, 2023. It directly affects U.S. military agencies (DoD, State) and Israel as the recipient of the aid, ensuring existing appropriations are used as intended without further delay.

Tom Cotton (R) · 24 co-sponsors

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 15, 2024

S 3875: AI Transparency in Elections Act of 2024

This bill requires political advertisements containing AI-generated content (like images, audio, or video substantially created by AI) to include clear, visible disclaimers. It directly affects campaigns, advertisers, and digital platforms running election ads in the 120 days before a primary or general election. Disclaimers must be prominently displayed in text (for images), spoken audibly for 4+ seconds (for audio), or combined for video, with fines up to $50,000 per violation for non-compliance. The Federal Election Commission must report on enforcement and compliance biannually starting two years after enactment.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Alaska · House May 15, 2024

HR 8391: To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 with respect to cost sharing provisions for the territories and Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.

This bill removes a $200,000 spending cap on federal cost sharing for water infrastructure projects in U.S. territories and Indian Tribes under the 1986 Water Resources Development Act. It directly affects tribal nations and territories by allowing them to access full federal funding for eligible water projects without the previous limit. The key change eliminates the $200,000 maximum for cost-sharing amounts, streamlining how federal funds cover project expenses. This amendment simplifies the process for these entities to secure federal support for water resource development.

in committee · Alaska · Senate May 14, 2024

SJRES 78: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process".

This joint resolution (SJRES 78) seeks congressional disapproval of a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rule issued on April 23, 2024, regarding "Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process" (89 Fed. Reg. 30916). If passed, it would block the BLM rule from taking effect, preventing it from governing oil and gas leasing on federal lands. The bill directly affects energy companies and land users involved in federal mineral leasing by halting the implementation of this specific regulatory process. It is a procedural measure under federal law, not a new policy.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Alaska Congressional Bills

Bill results