HR 396, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, defines "bump stock" as any device or modification that increases the firing rate of a semi-automatic weapon to mimic a machine gun. The bill amends federal tax and firearms laws to classify bump stocks as prohibited devices under the National Firearms Act, requiring existing owners to register them within one year of enactment. It directly affects individuals who currently own bump stocks by mandating registration to avoid future possession prohibitions. The law takes effect immediately for new sales but provides a one-year grace period for existing owners to comply with registration requirements.
HRES 37 is a congressional resolution honoring Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for achieving 103 years of service since its 1920 founding. The resolution formally congratulates the sorority on its legacy of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and "finer womanhood," highlighting its founding members, global chapters, and notable members like Zora Neale Hurston and Bernette Johnson. It has no policy impact or effect on any individuals or organizations beyond this ceremonial recognition. The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 13, 2023, and referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
HJRES 17 is a congressional resolution disapproving the District of Columbia Council's approval of the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Act 24-640), which the Council enacted on October 18, 2022. If passed by Congress and signed into law, this resolution would block the local voting rights amendment from taking effect. The bill directly affects the District of Columbia government by preventing implementation of the amendment, which aimed to address voting rights for residents. This resolution follows the District of Columbia Home Rule Act's requirement for congressional disapproval of certain local laws.
Permanently Repeal the Estate Tax Act of 2023 This bill repeals the federal estate tax, effective for estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2022.
HR 308, the Rosa Parks Day Act, would designate Rosa Parks Day as a legal public holiday for federal employees and government operations. The bill amends Title 5 of the U.S. Code to add "Rosa Parks Day" to the list of federal holidays, placing it after Thanksgiving Day. This change would require federal offices to close on this designated day, affecting federal employees and standard government operations. The bill does not create new programs or alter existing laws beyond the holiday designation.
HR 311, the Cost Estimates Improvement Act, requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) to include debt servicing costs in their budget estimates where practicable and to list duplicative federal programs covered by legislation. The bill mandates that all CBO and JCT cost estimates must identify overlapping or redundant agency programs, initiatives, or activities within the proposed legislation. This change aims to improve transparency in federal budget analysis by providing clearer data on long-term debt impacts and program efficiency for lawmakers. The bill directly affects the CBO and JCT as they prepare budget estimates for Congress.
No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act This bill prohibits the United States from providing any assessed or voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization.
The GAS Act (HR 337) prohibits any federal agency from banning the sale or use of gas-burning stoves in the United States. This applies to all agencies defined under federal law, including the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission. The bill directly blocks agencies from enacting new regulations that would restrict gas stoves, preventing future regulatory actions. It does not affect existing stove sales or current agency authority but sets a clear restriction on future rulemaking.
This bill requires colleges to notify students receiving federal work-study aid about their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It mandates that institutions send electronic notifications (via email or other digital means) to these students, explaining SNAP eligibility requirements, state-specific application processes, and including a document confirming their work-study status to satisfy SNAP eligibility rules. The bill directly affects undergraduate and graduate students participating in federal work-study programs who may qualify for food assistance but lack awareness of SNAP. The key mechanism is the standardized notification developed by the Education and Agriculture Departments, designed to streamline access to nutrition benefits for students facing food insecurity.
American Workforce Empowerment Act This bill allows tax-preferred college savings plans (529 plans) to fund certain postsecondary certificate programs and apprenticeship programs.
This resolution condemns all acts of political violence, as well as attacks on health care facilities, health care personnel, and patients. The resolution also states that all people have the freedom to access reproductive health care services and medical advice without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Finally, the resolution calls on the Biden Administration to use all appropriate authorities to uphold public safety, protect health care facilities, and safeguard health care personnel and patients.
HR 297 requires the military Secretary to reinstate service members who were involuntarily separated solely for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine. It applies specifically to those separated only due to vaccine refusal, not other reasons. If a covered member chooses reinstatement, they must be returned to their previous rank and branch of service. The bill mandates this action without requiring the member to receive the vaccine.
