Delaware Congressional Bills

passed · Delaware · Senate Feb 8, 2024

SRES 550: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month".

SRES 550 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating February 2024 as "Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month" to recognize the value of CTE programs. It does not create new laws or funding but formally supports CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand careers through secondary and postsecondary training. The resolution encourages educators and parents to promote CTE as a respected educational pathway, aligning with the Senate's recognition of CTE's importance for workforce development and economic competitiveness. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect but expresses bipartisan support for CTE initiatives.

Topics ✓ Education

Tim Kaine (D) · 59 co-sponsors

passed · Delaware · Senate Feb 8, 2024

SRES 551: A resolution celebrating Black History Month.

SRES 551 is a symbolic Senate resolution (not a law) introduced by multiple senators on February 8, 2024, to formally celebrate Black History Month. It acknowledges the historical contributions of African Americans to U.S. society and encourages the public to reflect on their legacy during February. The resolution contains no new policies or requirements - it simply expresses the Senate's recognition of Black History Month as an opportunity to honor these contributions and learn from history. It does not affect any individuals, groups, or government programs. This is a standard annual commemorative resolution, consistent with similar resolutions passed each February.

Cory A. Booker (D) · 56 co-sponsors

in committee · Delaware · Senate Feb 7, 2024

S 3745: BRIDGE for Workers Act

This bill amends the Social Security Act to clarify who qualifies for reemployment services under unemployment programs. It updates the language to refer specifically to "claimants for regular compensation" (unemployed workers receiving regular unemployment benefits) instead of vague terms like "individuals referred to reemployment services." The change ensures that workers actively collecting unemployment benefits are clearly identified as the direct beneficiaries of these job support services. The bill makes a technical adjustment to existing law without creating new programs or changing eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Delaware · Senate Feb 7, 2024

S 3753: Improving State and Local Government Access to Performance Contracting Act of 2024

S 3753 (Improving State and Local Government Access to Performance Contracting Act of 2024) provides federal funding to help states develop or expand programs that enable state/local governments, public schools, and other public entities to use energy and water efficiency projects paid for by future savings. The bill allocates $35 million annually to states to create model contracts, prequalify contractors, and offer technical assistance, while requiring states to primarily use private financing and supplement - not replace - existing funds. It also establishes a national certification program for project facilitators to oversee these efficiency projects and ensure they meet savings targets. This directly affects state energy agencies and local governments seeking to implement cost-saving energy/water upgrades without upfront costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Delaware · Senate Feb 7, 2024

S 3756: At HOME Services Act of 2024

The At HOME Services Act of 2024 establishes a pilot program to expand Medicare's Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative, allowing hospitals to provide outpatient observation services to patients in their homes. The program, to be launched by the Health and Human Services Secretary within one year of enactment, would test this expanded service under specific federal guidelines. Participating hospitals must still comply with a key Medicare requirement (section 1866(a)(1)(Y) of the Social Security Act), meaning the Secretary cannot waive this rule for them. This bill directly affects Medicare-certified hospitals that join the pilot and beneficiaries receiving observation services at home.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Delaware · Senate Feb 6, 2024

S 3427: Overtime Pay for Protective Services Act of 2023

S. 3427, the Overtime Pay for Protective Services Act of 2023, extends the authority for U.S. Secret Service protective services staff to receive overtime pay beyond standard federal limits through 2028. It directly affects Secret Service personnel providing protective services (excluding routine administrative work), allowing them to earn overtime pay without hitting typical pay caps. Key provisions include updating the law’s expiration date to 2028, clarifying that "protective services" excludes administrative tasks, and requiring the Secret Service Director to submit annual reports on overtime usage and strategies to reduce reliance on overtime. These reports must detail staffing levels, operational demands, and quarterly projections for 2024-2027, plus annual effect assessments through 2029. The bill focuses on maintaining operational capacity for high-demand protective duties while adding oversight mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Delaware · House Feb 6, 2024

HR 793: JOBS Act of 2023

The JOBS Act of 2023 would expand Federal Pell Grant eligibility to cover certain short-term job training programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. It defines "eligible job training programs" as those offering 150-600 hours of instruction over 8-15 weeks, aligned with in-demand industry sectors, and leading to recognized credentials that help students meet hiring requirements and take licensure exams. The bill would allow students in these programs to receive Pell Grants under standard terms, with the minimum Pell Grant amount reduced from 10% to 5% of the maximum. It also requires accrediting agencies to evaluate these programs and creates data-sharing between Education and Labor departments to track program effectiveness.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill Johnson (R) · 32 co-sponsors

passed · Delaware · Senate Feb 1, 2024

SRES 529: A resolution recognizing January 2024 as "National Mentoring Month".

SRES 529 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing January 2024 as "National Mentoring Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funds, but formally acknowledges the value of mentoring relationships for youth development. The resolution highlights mentoring's benefits - including improved academic outcomes, mental health, and career readiness - while noting that one-third of U.S. youth lack a mentor. It urges support for mentoring programs but has no direct effect on individuals or policy implementation.

in committee · Delaware · Senate Jan 31, 2024

SRES 537: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should recognize the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as "the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda".

SRES 537 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging the U.S. government to formally adopt the term "genocide against the Tutsi" when referring to the 1994 Rwanda atrocities. It specifically asks the Secretary of State to use this terminology in official communications, aligning U.S. language with the UN, European nations, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The resolution also notes that other violence occurred during the 1994 period, including against Hutus and the Twa community. This resolution does not change U.S. law but seeks to standardize terminology to combat genocide denial.

in committee · Delaware · House Jan 31, 2024

HRES 990: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

HRES 990 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for fair treatment of paraprofessionals (like instructional assistants) and education support staff (such as clerical, custodial, and food service workers) in schools. It states these over 3 million frontline workers deserve livable wages, affordable health care, job security, paid leave, professional development, and safe working conditions. The resolution lists specific recommendations, including eligibility for family medical leave and protections against retaliation for reporting workplace issues. It does not create new laws but formally recognizes these staff as essential to school success and calls for policies addressing their current challenges.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Jahana Hayes (D) · 36 co-sponsors

in committee · Delaware · Senate Jan 31, 2024

S 3714: GRACE Act

The GRACE Act establishes a minimum annual refugee admission level of 125,000, requiring the U.S. to admit at least that many refugees each fiscal year unless the President sets a higher number (with 125,000 automatically applying if no determination is made). It mandates that the President consider the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' global resettlement needs when setting annual numbers and allocate refugees regionally, including an unallocated reserve for unexpected regional needs after notifying Congress. The bill also requires quarterly reports to Congress on refugee admissions, including regional breakdowns, security clearance rates, processing times, and plans to meet annual goals, enhancing transparency in the refugee admissions process.

Edward J. Markey (D) · 18 co-sponsors

in committee · Delaware · Senate Jan 31, 2024

S 3702: Credit for Caring Act of 2024

S 3702, the Credit for Caring Act of 2024, creates a tax credit for working family caregivers who provide care for a certified family member needing long-term assistance. Eligible caregivers (with over $7,500 in earned income) can claim a credit equal to 30% of qualified care expenses exceeding $2,000 annually, capped at $5,000 per year. Qualified expenses include human assistance, home modifications, respite care, counseling, lost wages for unpaid care time, and transportation - provided the care recipient (e.g., a parent or spouse) is certified by a healthcare provider as requiring long-term care for at least 180 days. The credit phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income above $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint returns).

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Delaware Congressional Bills

Bill results