This bill (SJRES 32) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) on May 31, 2023. The rule, published as Regulation B under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), addressed how lenders must evaluate small business loan applications to prevent discrimination. If passed, the resolution would block this rule from taking effect, meaning lenders would not be required to follow these specific small business lending provisions. The bill directly affects the CFPB's regulatory authority and financial institutions that process small business loans under ECOA.
HRES 955 is a resolution commending Taiwan for its democratic election history and supporting Taiwan's democratic institutions. It recognizes Taiwan's transition to democracy since the late 1980s, including 7 presidential and 9 legislative elections held since then, all deemed free and fair. The resolution specifically expresses support for Taiwan's upcoming January 13, 2024, elections and condemns interference by the Chinese Communist Party. It affirms U.S. commitment to a strong partnership with Taiwan across multiple domains and supports Taiwan's self-defense and liberty. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but formally expresses congressional support for Taiwan's democratic development.
This bill requires a comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve Board and its regional banks within one year of enactment, conducted by the nonpartisan government auditor (Comptroller General). The audit findings and recommendations must be reported to Congress within 90 days, with the report shared widely among congressional leadership and members. It repeals a previous legal limitation that restricted such audits and updates related provisions in federal law to clarify what activities are subject to oversight. The law directly affects the Federal Reserve System by mandating greater financial transparency and accountability for its operations.
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.
HR 6934, the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, protects parents' fundamental right to direct their child's upbringing, education, and health care without government interference. It prohibits government actions that substantially burden these parental rights - including withholding benefits, imposing penalties, or excluding families from programs - unless the government proves a "compelling interest" and uses the "least restrictive means." The bill explicitly applies to all federal laws and requires courts to consider parental rights as a fundamental right under the Constitution, with exceptions only for actions causing serious child injury or death. It also adds parental rights to existing legal frameworks for recovering attorney fees in court cases involving these protections.
The American FIRST Act of 2023 requires U.S. banking regulators to provide Congress with detailed reports before implementing certain rules or recommendations. Regulators must submit notice, a justification report, and potential testimony 120 days before implementing rules that would cost $10 billion or more annually or align with international recommendations from organizations like the Financial Stability Board. The bill also mandates annual reporting on all interactions with international banking organizations, including details about their funding sources. It removes the "Vice Chairman for Supervision" position at the Federal Reserve. The bill directly affects five major banking regulators: the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, NCUA, and FHFA.
HR 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer whole milk as an option during lunch. It amends the school lunch law to explicitly permit schools to serve flavored and unflavored whole milk alongside reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk choices for students. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust meal regulations to account for saturated fat from whole milk, ensuring it doesn't count against meal fat limits. This change directly affects participating schools and the students who receive school lunches, expanding their milk beverage options.
This bill, titled "SAFER Voter Act" but focused on firearms, amends federal law to require federal firearms licensees to verify that buyers of handguns (not shotguns or rifles) are at least 21 years old. It directly affects gun dealers and individuals under 21 seeking to purchase handguns. The key provision removes existing exceptions allowing sales of handguns to those under 21, requiring licensees to confirm age before transferring handguns. The bill does not address voting rights or voter registration, despite its misleading title. (Note: The bill's title conflicts with its actual provisions, which relate to firearm age restrictions.)
This bill clarifies the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) authority to enforce rules against "unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices" (UDAAP) affecting consumers. It defines "abusive" acts as those intentionally interfering with consumer understanding or taking unreasonable advantage of consumer vulnerabilities, requiring the CFPB to provide a clear definition within 180 days. Financial institutions must now receive written notice and 180 days to correct potential violations before penalties are imposed, and the CFPB must conduct cost-benefit analyses for new rules. The bill also prohibits the CFPB from treating discrimination as part of UDAAP enforcement and limits penalties for past conduct to the most recent compliance rating period.
The Brittany Clardy Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Act establishes a new Office within the Department of Justice to address the disproportionate rates of missing and murdered Black women and girls in the U.S. The Office will collect and analyze data on these cases - including case resolution times, Amber Alert usage, and trafficking links - and create a public dashboard for tracking. It also creates a grant program for community organizations to provide culturally appropriate prevention services, law enforcement training, and victim support. The Office must submit biennial reports to Congress with findings and recommendations to improve the criminal justice response to these cases. This bill directly affects Black women and girls facing violence, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations providing related services.
This Senate resolution (SRES 502) authorizes former Senate employee Daniel Schwager to provide testimony in the criminal case *United States v. Antonio* (Case No. 21-497) pending in the District of Columbia federal court. It specifically permits Schwager to testify about matters related to his official Senate duties, excluding any topics where Senate privilege would apply. The resolution also directs the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Schwager and other current or former Senate employees regarding evidence requests tied to their official responsibilities. This is a procedural resolution focused on Senate privilege and employee representation, not a policy change.
SRES 501 is a Senate resolution authorizing testimony from three employees of Senator Ted Cruz's office (Amy English, Grant Murray, and Anthony Rodregous) in the federal case *United States v. Nformangum* (Cr. No. 22-367). It permits them to provide relevant testimony in the Southern District of Texas court case, excluding matters protected by Senate privileges. The resolution also directs the Senate Legal Counsel to represent these employees and any current/former staff of Senator Cruz’s office regarding evidence requests in the case. This is a procedural measure to uphold Senate privileges while complying with judicial demands.
