Rep. André Carson

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act The bill increases funding for and expands the disadvantaged business enterprise supportive services program of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The program provides training, assistance, and services to minority-owned small businesses to help them achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for federal aid highway project contracts and subcontracts. Specifically, the bill (1) increases the annual funding cap for the program from $10 million to $25 million, and (2) authorizes DOT to implement the program at the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Aviation Administration so that small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals may achieve proficiency to compete for contracts and subcontracts regarding public transportation and airport projects.

Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2022 or the CROWN Act of 2022 This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style. The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws.

Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act of 2022 or the FAIR Act of 2022 This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute.

This resolution affirms the importance of the U.S. relationship with the Pacific Islands and recognizes the importance of U.S.-Pacific Island partnerships to promote peace, security, and prosperity for all countries through a rules-based regional order that respects the sovereignty and political independence of all nations. The resolution urges the Biden Administration to continue to work with the Pacific Islands to preserve the Pacific Ocean as an open and vibrant corridor for international maritime trade; promote sustainable development; and address socioeconomic challenges related to public health, education, renewable energy, and digital connectivity. The resolution reaffirms the support of the House of Representatives for (1) regional efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change; and (2) the vision, values, and objectives of existing regional multilateral institutions and frameworks, such as the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, and the Pacific Community. Finally, the resolution recognizes the importance of working closely with U.S. allies and partners with existing relationships and interests in the Pacific Islands, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan, in advancing common goals.

This resolution recognizes the important role of local nutrition programs supported through the Older Americans Act of 1965 in addressing senior hunger, malnutrition, and isolation.

Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act This bill establishes grants and requires other activities to improve mental and behavioral health among health care providers. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other health care entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among health care providers. In addition, HHS may award grants for relevant mental and behavioral health training for health care students, residents, or professionals. Additionally, HHS must conduct a campaign to (1) encourage health care providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns, and (2) disseminate best practices to prevent suicide and improve mental health and resiliency among health care providers. HHS must also study and develop policy recommendations on improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers, removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and identifying strategies to promote resiliency. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which relevant federal grant programs address the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among health care providers.

College Completion Fund Act of 2022 This bill establishes a grant program for participating public institutions of higher education to provide student support services to increase participation, retention, and completion rates of students from low-income backgrounds, historically underrepresented students, first-generation college enrollees, parenting students, students with disabilities, and student veterans.

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a feedback tool through which members of the Armed Forces and their spouses may anonymously identify, rate, and compare housing under the jurisdiction of DOD, including privatized military housing.

Cost of War Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to post on its public website information relating to the cost to U.S. taxpayers of any overseas contingency operation conducted by the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 18, 2001. DOD must update such information not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year.

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Reauthorization Act or the STOP Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and revises grants and other activities for reducing underage drinking. In particular, the bill modifies the scope of certain activities to incorporate a focus on the adoption and enforcement of state laws and policies for preventing and reducing underage drinking. This includes (1) assessing in annual reports whether states have adopted best practices related to laws, regulations, and enforcement practices; and (2) establishing a pilot program to collect uniform data from states and localities about their enforcement of underage drinking laws. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review the research literature regarding the influence of drinking on adolescent brain development.