The TRANQ Research Act of 2023 requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to coordinate research on illicit drugs containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other concerning substances. The bill mandates NIST to develop faster detection methods, create data tools for identifying these substances, and consult with agencies like the DEA, CDC, and National Institute on Drug Abuse to establish safe handling practices. NIST must also form partnerships with universities, federal labs, and the private sector to improve detection capabilities. Within one year, NIST must report to Congress on its implementation, and the Comptroller General must conduct a study on federal capabilities to respond to new psychoactive substances, reporting within two years.
HR 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer whole milk as an option during lunch. It amends the school lunch law to explicitly permit schools to serve flavored and unflavored whole milk alongside reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk choices for students. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust meal regulations to account for saturated fat from whole milk, ensuring it doesn't count against meal fat limits. This change directly affects participating schools and the students who receive school lunches, expanding their milk beverage options.
This bill prohibits the U.S. Treasury from exchanging Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) - an international reserve asset managed by the IMF - held by Iran. It requires the Treasury to urge other IMF member countries to block Iran from exchanging its SDRs and directs the U.S. IMF representative to oppose any new SDR allocations to Iran. The law directly affects Iran’s ability to access and utilize these financial assets through the IMF. It implements a financial restriction targeting Iran’s international monetary holdings without altering broader IMF operations.
This bill blocks the Commerce Department from enforcing its October 2023 pause on new export licenses for specific firearm-related items (classified under Commerce Control Numbers 0A501, 0A502, 0A504, and 0A505). It directly affects U.S. gun exporters who rely on these licenses to ship certain firearms and parts internationally. The key provision prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from taking any action to maintain, restart, or implement similar pauses on these exports. The bill does not create new regulations but prevents the government from continuing a specific regulatory pause.
This bill (S 3540) creates a federal grant incentive for states that require cosmetology and barber license applicants to complete domestic violence prevention training. States implementing such training (covering recognition, response, and resource referrals) can receive up to a 10% increase in their existing federal crime prevention grants. The program authorizes $5 million annually (2024-2030) for these grant increases, with states limited to receiving the incentive for up to three years. It directly affects cosmetology and barber license seekers in participating states, while encouraging state-level adoption of domestic violence training in these professions.
SRES 497 is a Senate resolution (introduced December 13, 2023) expressing the Senate's view that the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" and similar phrases are antisemitic and constitute a call for genocide against the Jewish state. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it is solely a symbolic statement of the Senate's position. The resolution formally declares the Senate's "sense" on the meaning of the slogan, based on the signers' interpretation. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect on citizens, government actions, or future legislation.
The TORNADO Act (S 1284) establishes a new hazard risk communication office within NOAA to improve how the public receives and understands warnings for severe weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes, and flash floods. It requires simplifying warning terminology, developing communication methods based on social science research, and creating a pilot program specifically for tornado warnings. The bill also mandates improved post-storm assessments, updates to tornado rating systems, and prioritizes research funding for minority-serving institutions to study tornado forecasting and communication. These changes aim to make weather warnings clearer, more actionable, and better tailored to vulnerable populations, with the goal of saving lives and reducing property damage.
The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2023 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to disclose pricing information and prohibits them from keeping profit margins between what they charge health plans and what they pay pharmacies. It mandates annual reporting to the Federal Trade Commission about pricing differences, rebates, and formulary changes, and prohibits PBMs from arbitrarily reducing pharmacy reimbursements or increasing fees. The law affects PBMs, health plans, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers by requiring full transparency in drug pricing practices. It includes whistleblower protections for employees who report violations and establishes enforcement mechanisms through the FTC. This legislation aims to increase clarity in the prescription drug pricing system and reduce hidden costs for consumers and healthcare providers.
HR 6734 prohibits the use of federal funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) proposed rule (2022R-17) defining "engaged in the business as a dealer in firearms." This bill directly affects the ATF by blocking funding for this specific regulatory rule, which was proposed in August 2023. The legislation does not create new requirements but prevents federal resources from being used to advance this particular ATF regulation.
HR 5485, the Financial Privacy Act of 2023, requires the Treasury Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress detailing how many financial reports FinCEN collects, how many are retained, and how law enforcement and intelligence agencies access that data. It mandates an annual review of protocols governing agency access to FinCEN's data, focusing on tailoring collection to legitimate national security needs, preventing unauthorized disclosure, and protecting Americans' privacy rights. The bill applies directly to FinCEN, the Treasury Department, and federal agencies accessing financial data collected under the Bank Secrecy Act. The reporting and review requirements will sunset after seven years from the bill's enactment.
HR 5512 requires U.S. financial institutions to ensure all entities they own or control comply with U.S. sanctions against Russia and Belarus. It directly affects banks, credit card systems, insurance companies, and other financial firms operating in the U.S. or with U.S. branches. The bill mandates that these institutions enforce sanctions covering transactions, deposits, loans, foreign exchange, and securities dealing involving Russia or Belarus. Violations could result in penalties under existing sanctions laws.
S 3465 (WEST Act of 2023) imposes a 6% excise tax on the non-exempt assets of certain large private colleges and universities. It directly affects institutions with endowments exceeding $12.2 billion (non-religious) or $9 billion (state-operated colleges) as of the end of the prior year. The tax applies to the aggregate fair market value of assets not used directly for the institution’s exempt educational purpose, calculated annually. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022.
