Rep. Sara Jacobs

Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 (Sec. 2) This bill revises background check requirements applicable to proposed firearm transfers from a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a licensed gun dealer) to an unlicensed person. Specifically, it increases the amount of time, from 3 business days to a minimum of 10 business days, that a federal firearms licensee must wait to receive a completed background check prior to transferring a firearm to an unlicensed person. (This type of transaction is often referred to as a default proceed transaction.) If a submitted background check remains incomplete after 10 business days, then the prospective purchaser may submit a petition for a final firearms eligibility determination. If an additional 10 days elapse without a final determination, then the federal firearms licensee may transfer the firearm to the prospective purchaser. (Sec. 3) The Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which the changes have prevented firearms transfers to prohibited persons. (Sec. 4) The Federal Bureau of Investigation must report on the number of petitions it receives for final federal firearms determinations. (Sec. 5) The Department of Justice, in consultation with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms, must report on further amendments to the background check process that would likely reduce the risk of death or great bodily harm to victims of domestic violence, domestic abuse, dating partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives is deeply concerned for the latest years-long drought in the Horn of Africa and the ensuing food security crisis and severe socioeconomic disturbances it caused; acknowledges the role that climate change plays in increasing the frequency of extreme weather events like droughts, and pledges to take coordinated, international action to adapt to and avert further global warming; reaffirms the effectiveness and instrumentality of U.S. international food assistance for meeting humanitarian obligations, cultivating enduring self-reliance in developing nations, ensuring the stability of global financial markets, and mitigating the likelihood of conflict in accordance with our national security interests; and emphasizes the importance of funding urgently needed humanitarian assistance for hunger-stricken regions of the world, supporting the development of sustainable agricultural sectors in developing nations, and assisting with the international resettlement of refugees escaping droughts and extreme hunger.

This resolution expresses support for the designation of a National Leading Entertainment and Arts through Diversity Month to emphasize the importance of increased representation across the entertainment industry.

Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2026 programs and activities under the Violence Against Women Act that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The bill also authorizes new programs, makes changes to federal firearms laws, and establishes new protections to promote housing stability and economic security for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take certain actions to address emergencies, disasters, and supply chain disruptions (particularly the shortage of infant formula in the United States) affecting participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill directs USDA to require each infant formula cost containment contract to include remedies in the event of an infant formula recall, including how an infant formula manufacturer would protect against disruption to WIC participants in the state. USDA must, within 30 days, ensure there is a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Health and Human Services that includes procedures for coordination and information sharing regarding any supply chain disruption, including a supplemental food recall. The bill also authorizes USDA to waive or modify any WIC qualified administrative requirement during emergencies, disasters, and supply chain disruptions. Specifically, USDA may waive or modify such a requirement for one or more state agencies if (1) the requirement cannot be met by state agencies during the emergency, disaster, or disruption; and (2) the modification or waiver is necessary to provide assistance to WIC participants and does not substantially weaken the nutritional quality of supplemental foods. For example, USDA may waive the maximum monthly allowance for infant formula. The bill establishes notification requirements for USDA and state agencies related to supply chain disruptions.

This concurrent resolution declares that a state of emergency exists due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It also states that such emergency justifies a waiver of the minimum tonnage requirements for the transport of equipment, materials, or commodities related to humanitarian operations resulting from the invasion. Such requirements apply to cargoes that are transported on ocean vessels and that are procured, furnished, or financed by the United States.

Federal Employees Sustainable Investment Act This bill establishes a new fund—the Corporate Responsibility Stock Index Fund—as an investment option under the Thrift Savings Plan. The Corporate Responsibility Stock Index Fund must be invested in a stock portfolio designed to replicate the performance of a commonly recognized, passively managed index comprised of stocks that meet certain minimum criteria related to corporate responsibility.

Health Care Providers Safety Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to health care providers for security services and other expenses related to physical security and cybersecurity.

Helicopter Safety and Noise Management Act This bill establishes a commission comprised of the Federal Aviation Administration, members of local and state government, and helicopter noise and safety advocates to develop a helicopter usage management plan to substantially reduce the number of nonessential civil rotorcraft (i.e., a helicopter) that can operate in certain airspace at any given time. The plan shall not apply any limitation or requirement to the operation of a civil rotorcraft for purposes of public health and safety, including (1) law enforcement, (2) emergency response, (3) disaster response, (4) medical services, (5) scientific research, and (6) official purposes by a news organization.

Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act of 2022 or the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2022 This bill modifies the workplace rights, protections, and benefits applicable to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel. Specifically, the bill by December 31, 2022, eliminates personnel authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation governing the conditions of employment for TSA employees, thus making TSA employees subject to the personnel management system applicable to other federal employees; sets forth transition rules that protect the pay rates, leave rights, and other rights of TSA employees; and requires DHS to consult with the exclusive representative of TSA screening employees to carry out the conversion of those positions. The bill also permits the TSA to consult with organizations representing federal air marshals to address concerns, including mental health and suicide rates; directs the TSA to ensure its employees are provided proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against COVID-19; requires the TSA to provide a one-time bonus payment of $3,000 to each TSA employee carrying out duties that require substantial contact with the public during the COVID-19 national emergency; and requires the Government Accountability Office to report on implementation of the bill, TSA recruitment efforts, and specified TSA personnel policies.