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Arkansas Congressional Bills

Browse federal bills sponsored by your state's delegation.

Bill results

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Mar 29, 2023

S 1047: Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2023

S 1047, the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2023, allows state and federal correctional facilities to use jamming systems to block cell signals from contraband devices or inmates within the facility. The bill restricts jamming to housing areas only, requires states operating such systems to cover all costs, and mandates consultation with local law enforcement before implementation. It also requires facilities to notify the Bureau of Prisons about their use of jamming systems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is prohibited from blocking this specific use of jamming technology, but the law does not authorize jamming outside correctional facilities or for general security purposes.
Tom Cotton (R) · 8 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · Senate Mar 29, 2023

S 1034: Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act creates a federal grant program to fund public parking facilities for commercial trucks along highways and near freight facilities. It authorizes $175 million for fiscal year 2024, increasing to $320 million by 2026, to address parking shortages that impact driver safety and traffic flow. Eligible projects include building rest areas, expanding parking at truck stops or ports, and improving existing facilities, all requiring free public access and no fees for drivers. The program mandates stakeholder input from trucking companies and safety officials, with annual reports to Congress on project effectiveness and parking availability.
Cynthia M. Lummis (R) · 16 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · Senate Mar 29, 2023

S 1050: Protect American Power Infrastructure Act

The Protect American Power Infrastructure Act prohibits U.S. operators of defense-critical power systems (like those supporting military facilities) from using high-voltage electrical equipment - such as transformers, circuit breakers, and control systems - manufactured by companies linked to foreign adversaries (e.g., hostile governments) if the equipment poses security risks. The Secretary of Energy, with input from defense and security agencies, can block such transactions or approve them only after requiring security safeguards. The bill also mandates identifying and replacing existing high-risk equipment already in critical defense facilities and establishing a pre-approval system for safe equipment vendors. This directly affects power infrastructure owners, defense facility operators, and foreign-linked equipment suppliers.
Rick Scott (R) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · Senate Mar 29, 2023

S 1024: Access to AEDs Act

The Access to AEDs Act (S 1024) provides $25 million in federal funding over five years (2024-2028) to help public elementary and secondary schools improve access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training. It authorizes grants for schools to purchase AEDs, train students and staff, develop emergency response plans, and partner with health organizations - such as local hospitals or fire departments - to implement these programs. The bill also requires the creation of a national database to track school AED access and share best practices, aiming to support immediate response during cardiac emergencies. This directly affects schools, students, and school staff by enhancing preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest, which the bill cites as a leading cause of death among young athletes and children.
Cory A. Booker (D) · 23 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · House Mar 29, 2023

HR 1139: GUARD VA Benefits Act

HR 1139, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, amends federal law to strengthen penalties for individuals or organizations charging veterans unauthorized fees when helping with VA benefit claims. It directly affects veterans seeking assistance with VA claims and the representatives (like advocates or attorneys) who might charge them fees. The bill adds a new provision making it a violation to solicit, charge, or receive any fee for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting VA claims, punishable by fines under Title 18. This change specifically targets unauthorized fee-charging while excluding fees covered under existing exceptions in sections 5904 or 1984 of the law.
Chris Pappas (D) · 221 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · Senate Mar 28, 2023

S 997: Livestock Regulatory Protection Act of 2023

This bill blocks new permits for carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, and methane emissions from livestock farming. It amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit permits specifically for emissions resulting from natural biological processes in animal production. Livestock operations and producers would be directly affected, as they can no longer seek permits for these emissions under current programs. The change prevents these emissions from being regulated through standard Clean Air Act permitting processes.
John Thune (R) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · 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.
Mike Collins (R) · 162 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · 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.
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R) · 296 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · House Mar 28, 2023

HR 1841: Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act

Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act This bill increases the monthly income limit that is used to determine whether certain Purple Heart recipients are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Specifically, when making such determinations with respect to Purple Heart recipients who are entitled to SSDI benefits based on combat-related injuries, the Social Security Administration must use the limit that applies to individuals who are blind rather than the lower limit that applies to other SSDI recipients. In addition, the bill phases out SSDI benefits for these Purple Heart recipients, with benefits reduced by $1 for every $4 of earnings in excess of the limit.
Austin Scott (R) · 32 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · House Mar 28, 2023

HR 1667: Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to restore overnight camping in the Albert Pike Recreation Area within Arkansas's Ouachita National Forest. Within 6 months, the Secretary must identify suitable areas, then establish at least 54 campsites (including 8 with electric/water hookups) by 2 years, all located outside flood zones. Existing non-flood-zone campsites must reopen within 30 days of the bill's enactment. The bill directly affects visitors to this Arkansas recreation area and the U.S. Forest Service as the implementing agency.
Bruce Westerman (R)
in committee · Arkansas · House Mar 28, 2023

HR 314: FORCE Act

HR 314, the FORCE Act, prohibits the President or Secretary of State from removing Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. It requires the President to first make a specific determination under the 1996 LIBERTAD Act before Cuba can be removed. The bill directly affects Cuba (by maintaining its current designation) and the executive branch (by restricting their authority to remove the designation). This is a procedural bill focused on preserving Cuba's current status on the terrorism list until the specified conditions are met.
Maria Elvira Salazar (R) · 25 co-sponsors
in committee · Arkansas · 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.
Bill Cassidy (R) · 47 co-sponsors
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