Florida Congressional Bills

passed · Florida · House Dec 12, 2023

HR 3226: PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023

This bill reauthorizes and extends federal funding for research and support services related to preterm birth through 2028, replacing the previous 2019-2023 funding period. Key provisions include adding chronic condition screening and treatment to maternal health education services, mandating an interagency working group on prematurity within 18 months, and requiring a National Academies study on preterm birth costs, risk factors, and program gaps. The study must assess neonatal care expenses, societal impacts, and effective prevention strategies, with a final report due within 24 months. These changes directly affect preterm infants, their families, healthcare providers, and federal agencies managing maternal health programs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Anna G. Eshoo (D) · 28 co-sponsors

passed · Florida · House Dec 11, 2023

HJRES 88: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program".

HJRES 88 is a resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment options for federal student loan borrowers. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2023, targeted the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. This resolution uses the Congressional Review Act process to disapprove the rule, preventing it from taking effect and preserving the current repayment structure. If enacted, it would stop the proposed changes to repayment terms without altering existing loan policies.

Topics ✗ Education

Lisa C. McClain (R) · 52 co-sponsors

passed · Florida · Senate Dec 7, 2023

SRES 492: A resolution honoring the life of the First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 492) honoring the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. It expresses the Senate's condolences for her passing and recognizes her lifetime of humanitarian work, including her advocacy for mental health care, founding of caregiver support programs, and service with The Carter Center. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative statement. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2023.

passed · Florida · House Dec 7, 2023

HR 5933: DETERRENT Act

The DETERRENT Act requires institutions of higher education to disclose foreign gifts and contracts meeting specific value thresholds ($50,000 or more) to the Department of Education, with special rules for contracts involving "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern." It creates a public database of these disclosures, mandates faculty and staff to report foreign gifts related to research, and establishes a waiver process for institutions seeking to contract with prohibited foreign entities. Institutions that fail to comply face fines ranging from 1% to 100% of their federal funding, depending on the violation and whether it's a first or repeat offense. The bill applies primarily to institutions receiving significant federal funding, particularly those with substantial research programs. It aims to increase transparency around foreign influence in higher education while maintaining academic freedom.

Michelle Steel (R) · 26 co-sponsors

passed · Florida · House Dec 7, 2023

HR 4468: Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023

HR 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023, blocks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing or enforcing a specific proposed rule setting emissions standards for 2027+ light-duty vehicles. It amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future EPA regulations from mandating specific vehicle technologies or limiting the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill directly affects EPA rulemaking authority and automakers' compliance with emissions standards, ensuring new vehicle options remain diverse without technology mandates. This is a procedural change to federal emissions regulations, not a direct consumer or industry mandate.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment ✗ Transportation

Tim Walberg (R) · 34 co-sponsors

passed · Florida · Senate Dec 6, 2023

SRES 490: A resolution remembering the December 6, 2019, terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola and commemorating those who lost their lives, and those who were injured, in the line of duty.

This Senate resolution (SRES 490) commemorates the December 6, 2019, terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola, honoring the three military personnel killed: Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, Petty Officer Third Class Mohammed Sameh Haitham, and Petty Officer Third Class Cameron Scott Walters. It formally condemns the attack, expresses gratitude for the heroic responses of military personnel, law enforcement, and civilians, and acknowledges the awards given to those who acted during the incident. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely to memorialize the event and those affected.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Florida · Senate Dec 6, 2023

SRES 445: A resolution recognizing the importance of the economic relationship between the United States and Israel and affirming that trade facilitated by the United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement is a tool to support the economy of Israel during the conflict with Hamas.

SRES 445 is a Senate resolution recognizing the U.S.-Israel economic relationship and affirming that trade under the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement (signed in 1985) can support Israel's economy during the Hamas conflict. It highlights that bilateral trade has grown significantly since 1985, with the U.S. being Israel’s largest trading partner in 2022 ($14.2 billion in U.S. exports to Israel). The resolution states the agreement has fostered robust trade, investment (e.g., $10.6 billion in Israeli U.S. investments in 2022), and job creation, and urges maintaining this economic partnership amid the conflict. It does not create new policy but formally endorses existing trade mechanisms as a support tool.

Marsha Blackburn (R) · 26 co-sponsors

passed · Florida · House Dec 6, 2023

HR 3848: Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2023

The HOME Act of 2023 increases daily payments for services provided to homeless veterans and allows temporary waivers to higher rates (up to 200% of standard rates) in rural areas or regions with high veteran homelessness or suicide rates, limited to 10% of recipients annually. It temporarily authorizes the VA to use funds for direct assistance to homeless veterans, including food, shelter, transportation, and communication devices like smartphones to maintain contact with providers. The VA must submit detailed annual reports to Congress on fund usage and expires on September 30, 2024. This bill directly affects homeless veterans and those in specific housing programs by expanding flexible support services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

passed · Florida · House Dec 6, 2023

HR 542: Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023

The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 increases the expenditure cap for home- and community-based care for veterans from 65% to 100% of costs, with exceptions for certain cases based on clinical need and geographic factors. It establishes new programs including Veteran-Directed Care, which allows veterans to select and manage their own in-home care services, and Home-Based Primary Care, which provides in-home health care overseen by VA providers. The bill requires improved coordination with existing programs like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and mandates a centralized website with information about available services. It specifically targets veterans who would otherwise require nursing home care or face increased risk of hospitalization, and includes provisions to address home health aide shortages through pilot programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Julia Brownley (D) · 76 co-sponsors

passed · Florida · House Dec 5, 2023

HRES 894: Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world.

HRES 894 is a non-binding House resolution condemning the rise in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. It specifically references a 388% surge in U.S. antisemitic incidents reported by the ADL Center on Extremism since that date. The resolution formally states that "anti-Zionism is antisemitism" and calls on leaders to combat all forms of antisemitism globally. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic expression of support for Jewish communities. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Kustoff and referred to relevant committees.

passed · Florida · House Dec 4, 2023

HR 5961: No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act

This bill requires the President to block transactions involving "covered Iranian funds" processed by foreign or international financial institutions. These funds refer specifically to money transferred from South Korea to Qatar under certain Iran sanctions waivers. The law imposes sanctions under existing U.S. authorities to block all U.S.-related transactions with institutions handling these funds. Sanctions can be lifted if Iran stops supporting terrorism and dismantles its weapons programs, as certified by the President. The bill directly affects global financial institutions processing these specific Iranian-linked transfers.

passed · Florida · House Dec 4, 2023

HR 5283: Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023

This bill prohibits federal funding for housing undocumented immigrants on public lands managed by specific federal agencies. It blocks the use of federal money to provide temporary or permanent shelter (including encampments) for "specified aliens" - defined as individuals not legally admitted to the U.S. - on lands under the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, or Forest Service. The restriction applies to all housing arrangements, including leases or contracts, and directly affects how these agencies manage public lands. The policy change prevents federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to support shelter for non-admitted immigrants on federally managed properties.

Topics ✗ Immigration

Florida Congressional Bills

Bill results