S.835, the Pro Codes Act, requires standards development organizations to make technical and safety standards publicly accessible online at no cost within a reasonable time after those standards are incorporated by reference into federal, state, or local government regulations. This applies to standards referenced in laws or regulations (like building codes or safety guidelines) but not directly copied into them. The bill balances the need for standards organizations to fund their work through copyright revenue with the public’s right to access these referenced standards, ensuring free online access without requiring payment or account creation. It specifically targets government agencies that use such standards and the organizations that develop them, without altering how standards are created or adopted.
This bill modifies U.S. tax code to boost research and development (R&D) investment by businesses. It allows companies to immediately deduct R&D costs (instead of amortizing them over 5 years) and expands refundable tax credits for small businesses, raising the annual credit cap from $250,000 to $750,000 by 2032. Small businesses with gross receipts under $15 million can now qualify for higher credit rates (up to 20% of R&D costs) and may exclude years with no R&D expenses when calculating credits. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 2022, directly benefiting R&D-focused startups and small businesses.
This bill establishes a temporary commission to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy for relations with China, requiring a "whole-of-government" approach across all federal departments and agencies. The China Grand Strategy Commission would be composed of government officials and appointed experts with China expertise, tasked with defining U.S. national security priorities, assessing economic and security ties, and making recommendations to protect U.S. interests. The commission must submit its final report by September 1, 2025, and will terminate 120 days after submission. This proposal creates a structured process for developing coordinated policy toward China without implementing immediate policy changes.
S 838, the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023, increases Medicare coverage for clinical social workers. It raises reimbursement rates for their services under Medicare Part B from 75% to 85% of the psychologist fee schedule and removes barriers preventing coverage in skilled nursing facilities. The bill specifically expands Medicare coverage to include a defined set of clinical social work services (using specific HCPCS codes) for mental health diagnosis, treatment, and behavioral interventions. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries, particularly older adults and people in skilled nursing facilities, by making it easier for providers to offer and bill for these mental health services starting January 1, 2024.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.
S 821 establishes a new U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region within the State Department, appointed by the President with Senate approval. This position coordinates U.S. foreign policy across Arctic-related issues - including security, environmental protection, indigenous affairs, resource management, and scientific research - reporting directly to the Secretary of State. The Ambassador will work with other federal agencies and coordinate with Arctic Council nations (the U.S., Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia) on matters affecting the defined Arctic region, which includes northern U.S. territories, the Arctic Ocean, and adjacent seas. The bill creates a dedicated diplomatic role to centralize U.S. engagement in Arctic affairs without altering existing agency authorities.
This bill modernizes Medicare coverage for chiropractic care by removing the outdated limit that restricted beneficiaries to one annual chiropractic clinic visit. It expands coverage to include all chiropractic services within a provider's state license, specifically manual spinal adjustments to correct subluxations, aligning Medicare with VA, military, and private insurance standards. Chiropractors must complete a brief online training verification once to bill Medicare for these services. The change directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking ongoing chiropractic treatment and chiropractors participating in Medicare.
The ACTION for National Service Act restructures national service programs by renaming the Corporation for National and Community Service as the AmeriCorps Administration and establishing a new Advisory Board with specific appointment requirements. It significantly increases educational awards for participants to twice the national average of in-state tuition at public 4-year institutions and raises living allowances by 175-210%. The bill creates a new Civilian Climate Corps with specific requirements for service projects focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation in underserved communities. It also establishes a National Service Foundation to accept private gifts and sets a goal of having 1 million national service participants per year by 2033, with a phased plan to increase approved national service positions from 250,000 in 2024.
This bill authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to mark the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service. It specifies three coin types: up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (90% gold), 400,000 $1 silver coins (90% silver), and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins, all to be issued in 2025. A surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollars) will be added to each coin's sale price, with all funds going directly to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training to support its diplomatic history preservation work. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring all design, production, and marketing expenses to be recovered through coin sales.
This bill allows physical therapists to use temporary replacement providers (locum tenens) under Medicare, aligning their coverage rules with those already available to physicians. It directly affects physical therapists and Medicare beneficiaries by enabling uninterrupted access to physical therapy services during provider shortages. The key change amends Medicare rules to treat outpatient physical therapy services the same as physician services for temporary staffing purposes. This policy shift takes effect after the bill's enactment, ensuring physical therapy care can continue without disruption during staffing gaps.
This bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the "Hello Girls" - female telephone operators who served in the Army Signal Corps during World War I. They provided critical battlefield communications in France (connecting 26 million calls), wore military uniforms, and faced combat risks, but were denied veteran benefits for 60 years due to being classified as civilian contractors. The medal recognizes their pioneering service, devotion, and the decades-long struggle to gain military recognition. The award follows similar recognition for other WWII women veterans and aims to correct the historical injustice they faced.
HRES 219 is a symbolic resolution (not a binding bill) expressing the House’s support for inclusive public schools. It urges schools to adopt historically accurate, diverse educational materials that reflect the nation’s diversity, foster parent-educator partnerships, and eliminate discrimination based on race, disability, LGBTQ+ identity, or other factors. The resolution emphasizes creating safe, well-rounded learning environments that prepare all students for success while protecting students’ civil rights. It directly affects public school districts, educators, families, and students by encouraging practices that promote equity and inclusion.
