Delaware Congressional Bills

in committee · Delaware · Senate Jan 18, 2024

S 3612: Access to Family Building Act

This bill establishes a federal right for patients to access fertility treatments without unreasonable restrictions, protects health care providers who offer these services, and requires insurance coverage for such treatments. It guarantees patients the right to continue ongoing treatments under written agreements and retain control over reproductive materials. States cannot impose requirements that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures or that don’t significantly advance safety. Violations can be challenged in federal court by the government, patients, or providers, while states may still enforce health/safety regulations that are necessary and least restrictive.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Tammy Duckworth (D) · 49 co-sponsors

in committee · Delaware · House Jan 18, 2024

HR 7039: Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act

The Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act establishes a new federal grant program to improve public transportation service. It provides funding to urban areas, states, and Indian tribes to cover up to 50% of public transit operating costs (up to 80% in persistent poverty areas and 100% for Indian tribes), with requirements to report on service frequency, access to jobs, and conduct community surveys. The program mandates that a majority of funds must benefit underserved communities and areas of persistent poverty, defined as census tracts with high poverty rates or minority populations. Recipients must maintain their transit funding levels and report on improvements in access to essential services. The bill authorizes $20 billion annually for fiscal years 2024-2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Delaware · House Jan 17, 2024

HR 5780: Land-Grant Research Equity and Accountability Act

HR 5780, the Land-Grant Research Equity and Accountability Act, requires states to annually match federal research funds provided to eligible land-grant universities (1862 and 1890 institutions) with state or private funds equal to non-Federal contributions. It mandates that states submit annual attestations to the USDA confirming whether they can meet this matching requirement, with these reports published by the USDA and submitted to Congress yearly. The bill directly affects land-grant universities and their state governments by creating a formal process for tracking and reporting funding commitments. Key mechanisms include the annual state attestation, USDA publication of these reports, and mandatory outreach to state legislatures about matching obligations. This focuses on transparency and accountability in funding for agricultural research and extension programs.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Delaware · Senate Jan 11, 2024

SRES 521: A resolution commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections, and expressing support of Taiwan's democratic institutions.

This Senate resolution (SRES 521) expresses the U.S. Senate's support for Taiwan's democratic institutions and its history of free elections. It commends Taiwan for holding 7 presidential and 9 legislative elections since transitioning to democracy in the late 1980s, including peaceful transfers of power between political parties. The resolution specifically highlights Taiwan's upcoming 2024 elections and reaffirms U.S. commitment to existing policy frameworks like the Taiwan Relations Act. As a symbolic resolution, it has no binding effect but formally recognizes Taiwan's democratic achievements and expresses concern over potential interference in its elections.

Dan Sullivan (R) · 48 co-sponsors

in committee · Delaware · House Jan 11, 2024

HR 6985: BOP Release Card ID Act of 2024

The BOP Release Card ID Act of 2024 requires the Bureau of Prisons to issue a photo identification card meeting federal standards to U.S. citizen prisoners released from federal custody. The card must be valid for at least 18 months and accepted by federal programs like Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP, as well as for entry into federal buildings. The bill also directs the Attorney General to provide guidance to states on issuing similar cards for state prisoners, with annual reports to Congress on progress.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

David J. Trone (D) · 23 co-sponsors

in committee · Delaware · House Jan 11, 2024

HR 5631: Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023

This bill increases loan limits for farmers under the Farm Service Agency. It raises the maximum farm ownership loan amount from $600,000 to $850,000 (and guaranteed loans from $1.75 million to $3.5 million), and operating loans from $400,000 to $750,000 (guaranteed from $1.75 million to $3 million). It also doubles the microloan cap from $50,000 to $100,000. Additionally, the bill creates a new process allowing distressed guaranteed loans to be refinanced into direct loans if borrowers can't resolve issues with lenders and the farm operation can become financially viable. These changes directly affect farmers and ranchers seeking credit through the Farm Service Agency.

Brad Finstad (R) · 19 co-sponsors

in committee · Delaware · Senate Jan 10, 2024

S 3569: Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act

S 3569, the "Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act," directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how Bayh-Dole Act regulations affect federal contractors, particularly universities and research institutions. The GAO must report on issues like patent disclosure deadlines, agency response times for extensions, and whether current reporting rules hinder competitiveness or create unnecessary administrative burdens. The study will specifically examine how these requirements impact institutions of higher education and their ability to manage inventions developed under federal funding. This bill does not change existing laws but requires a formal review to identify potential improvements to the patent reporting system.

in committee · Delaware · House Jan 10, 2024

HR 6929: Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024

The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 allocates $7 billion in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) during fiscal year 2024. The ACP provides subsidies to low-income households to help cover the cost of internet service and connected devices like laptops or tablets. This funding ensures the program can continue supporting eligible households throughout the year, with the money remaining available until fully spent. The bill extends existing program funding without changing eligibility criteria or service requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Yvette D. Clarke (D) · 232 co-sponsors

in committee · Delaware · Senate Jan 9, 2024

S 3560: Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2024

This bill allows the VA to pre-enroll eligible combat veterans in its healthcare system up to 180 days before they separate from military service. It directly affects service members transitioning from active duty who qualify for VA healthcare under existing rules. The key mechanism requires the VA and Defense to establish a joint system within one year to process these pre-enrollments, enabling immediate healthcare access upon separation. The bill also mandates annual reports to Congress tracking participation rates, denial statistics, and demographic data of pre-enrolled veterans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · Delaware · House Dec 22, 2023

HR 6585: Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act

The Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act creates a new grant program providing financial aid to students enrolled in short-term, career-focused educational programs (150-600 clock hours, 8-15 weeks) that prepare students for high-demand jobs. To qualify, programs must meet specific standards including alignment with industry needs, minimum job placement rates of 70%, and median earnings that exceed local wage benchmarks. The bill requires institutions to collect and publicly report data on program outcomes including completion rates, job placement, and student earnings through the College Scorecard website. It also establishes new accreditation standards for agencies evaluating these workforce programs, with $40 million authorized for fiscal year 2025 and $30 million for each of the next four years.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Delaware · Senate Dec 19, 2023

SRES 515: A resolution condemning attacks by Iranian military proxies on the armed forces of the United States in Iraq and Syria and emphasizing the urgency of responding to and deterring such attacks.

This Senate resolution condemns attacks by Iran-backed militia groups on U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Syria, which have injured over 60 service members and damaged infrastructure. It urges the Biden administration to increase pressure on Iran to stop supporting such attacks and to take steps to deter future incidents, including maintaining U.S. military presence in the region. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria for regional stability and counterterrorism efforts, while commending military actions taken in self-defense.

signed · Delaware · Senate Dec 19, 2023

S 788: Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023

The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 (S. 788) allows states to issue fully electronic waterfowl hunting stamps instead of physical ones under the existing Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp program. It directly affects waterfowl hunters and state wildlife agencies managing the stamp program. Key provisions include updating definitions to recognize electronic stamps as valid permits, requiring states to provide a physical stamp by March 10 each year for the previous hunting season, and clarifying that electronic stamps remain valid through June 30 following issuance. The law modernizes the program while maintaining the requirement for a physical stamp as a backup, without changing the underlying hunting permit requirement.

Delaware Congressional Bills

Bill results