Arkansas Congressional Bills

passed · Arkansas · Senate Oct 4, 2023

SRES 399: A resolution expressing support for the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as "National 4-H Week".

This resolution supports the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H in youth development and education.

John Boozman (R) · 33 co-sponsors

passed · Arkansas · Senate Oct 4, 2023

SRES 394: A resolution honoring the life of James L. Buckley, former Senator for the State of New York.

SRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Oct 4, 2023

S 3028: PUNISH Act of 2023

S.3028, the PUNISH Act of 2023, extends existing U.S. sanctions against Iran by preventing their modification or removal until a specified termination date. It requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress assessing whether Iran's government or affiliated entities (like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have engaged in activities such as assassinations, violence against U.S. citizens, or politically motivated detention of Iranian nationals in the U.S. The bill maintains current sanctions tied to Executive Orders 13871, 13876, 13902, and 13949, as well as sanctions on Iran's Central Bank and National Development Fund. These measures remain in effect until the President certifies compliance with specific conditions under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act.

Joni Ernst (R) · 27 co-sponsors

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Oct 4, 2023

S 2415: Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023

The Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023 reauthorizes and updates federal programs to address maternal mortality. It requires the CDC to annually share evidence-based best practices for preventing maternal deaths and complications with hospitals, state medical groups, and perinatal quality collaboratives. The bill also improves maternal mortality review committees by requiring them to include obstetricians/gynecologists and better coordinate with death certifiers to enhance death record accuracy. This reauthorization extends funding and program operations through 2028, directly affecting healthcare providers and public health agencies working on maternal health.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Oct 4, 2023

S 1573: PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023

The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends federal funding for research and care related to preterm births and low birthweight infants through fiscal years 2024-2028, replacing previous funding periods. It updates existing programs to include screening for and treatment of chronic conditions in infant care and requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to establish an interagency working group within 18 months. The bill mandates a National Academies study to assess financial costs of preterm birth (including neonatal ICU stays and long-term family expenses), factors influencing birth rates, gaps in public health support, and research strategies for prevention, with a final report due within 24 months. This legislation directly affects federal health agencies, healthcare providers, and families caring for preterm infants by advancing evidence-based improvements in care.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Arkansas · House Oct 2, 2023

HR 5872: Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act

Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act This bill postpones certain tax filing deadlines for U.S. nationals and their spouses who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or held hostage abroad. It also allows for a refund and abatement of penalties and fines paid by detained individuals.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Arkansas · House Sep 29, 2023

HRES 726: Supporting the designation of the week of September 25 through September 29, 2023, as "National Clean Energy Week".

This resolution designates the week of September 25-29, 2023, as "National Clean Energy Week" to recognize the growing role of clean energy in the U.S. economy. It expresses support for clean energy jobs and innovation, noting the sector employed about 8.1 million people in 2022. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local investment in affordable clean energy technologies and promotes "commonsense solutions" for energy needs. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal force or funding implications - it simply urges recognition of clean energy's economic and environmental contributions.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Arkansas · House Sep 29, 2023

HR 5848: To prohibit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from directly making loans under the 7(a) loan program, and for other purposes.

This bill prohibits the Small Business Administration from directly making a loan under the 7(a) Program, which authorizes loans and loan guaranties to small businesses that meet certain requirements.

vetoed · Arkansas · Senate Sep 28, 2023

SJRES 24: 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; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat".

This joint resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule that designated the Northern Long-Eared Bat as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The rule, published in November 2022 (87 Fed. Reg. 73488), would have provided federal protections for the bat and restricted activities impacting its habitat. If passed, this resolution would block those protections from taking effect, removing the bat’s endangered status. It uses a procedural mechanism under Title 5, U.S. Code, allowing Congress to reject agency regulations.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Sep 28, 2023

SRES 380: A resolution designating the week of October 1, 2023, through October 7, 2023, as "Religious Education Week" to celebrate religious education in the United States.

SRES 380 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating October 1-7, 2023, as "Religious Education Week" to recognize the role of religious education in U.S. schools. It calls on all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia to accommodate students attending religious classes during school hours through "released time" programs. The resolution affirms that religious education contributes to students' moral, ethical, and civic development, referencing existing programs where approximately 540,000 public school students participate annually. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or alter funding, focusing instead on celebrating current religious education practices.

Lindsey Graham (R) · 20 co-sponsors

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Sep 28, 2023

S 2983: Schools Not Shelters Act

This bill prohibits public elementary, secondary schools, and colleges from receiving federal funding if they use their facilities to house non-citizens under federal immigration orders (excluding those already admitted to the U.S.). It amends existing law to block federal financial assistance for schools that provide shelter for these individuals, while exempting short-term disaster shelters (under 72 hours) or facilities used during declared disasters. The policy directly affects public educational institutions receiving federal programs, requiring them to avoid hosting such non-citizens to maintain funding eligibility. It does not restrict schools from housing other groups or affect private institutions.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Immigration

in committee · Arkansas · Senate Sep 28, 2023

S 2963: Community Development Investment Tax Credit Act of 2023

This bill creates a new federal tax credit for investors who make long-term investments in qualified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), allowing them to claim 3% to 4% of their investment amount annually over a 10-year period. The credit applies to investments held for at least 10 years, with specific "credit allowance dates" marking annual eligibility, and is subject to a national annual limit of $1 billion in 2023 (rising to $2 billion yearly after 2024, adjusted for inflation). CDFIs must apply for allocation of the credit limit based on criteria like community impact, ability to attract private capital, and investment plans, with unused limits carried over to future years. The credit is integrated into the general business tax credit system and applies to investments made after the bill's enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Arkansas Congressional Bills

Bill results