H.J. Res. 157 seeks to disapprove a rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that would have updated how marine species are listed as endangered or threatened and critical habitats are designated under the Endangered Species Act. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 24300), aimed to change implementation procedures for marine species protections. If enacted, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving current listing and habitat designation practices. This is a standard congressional disapproval process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code for challenging federal agency rules.
HJRES 159 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule that would have updated regulations for protecting endangered and threatened wildlife and plants. If enacted, it would block the rule from taking effect, meaning current regulations would remain in place without the proposed changes. The rule in question was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 23919).
HJRES 158 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule published on April 5, 2024, that would have updated how endangered and threatened species are listed and critical habitats designated. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect under the Congressional Review Act, preventing changes to the agency’s regulatory approach for wildlife conservation. The rule directly affected the management of protections for at-risk species and their habitats by altering listing and habitat designation procedures. This disapproval action halts the proposed regulatory changes without altering existing conservation laws.
SRES 705 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol. It commends the service of current and past Border Patrol agents, including honoring 155 agents who died in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for improving working conditions and retention for Border Patrol agents but does not create new policies or affect any specific group through legislative action. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect on government operations or policy.
This bill requires federal agencies to make their regulations available in machine-readable formats and use technology like AI to review existing rules. It mandates a report within 180 days on progress toward machine-readable regulations, followed by OMB guidance within 18 months on using technology to identify outdated, redundant, or problematic rules. Agencies must submit implementation plans within two years detailing how they will use this technology for retrospective reviews, including training staff. The law directly affects all federal agencies responsible for creating regulations, focusing on streamlining how they assess and update existing rules.
HR 8459, the Stopping Traffickers and Their Accomplices Act of 2024, requires abortion providers to notify the National Human Trafficking Hotline within 24 hours if they reasonably suspect a patient is a trafficking victim. It mandates annual staff training on identifying trafficking victims and submitting certification of training completion. Violations carry penalties: $10,000 per failure to report or $1,000 per day for training noncompliance. The bill directly affects abortion providers and facilities, imposing new reporting obligations without creating a right to abortion or requiring victims to self-report. State attorneys general may also sue providers for violations.
Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2024 This bill prohibits federal regulation of the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk or milk products packaged for direct human consumption under specified circumstances. Specifically, the prohibition applies if such products (1) would be considered in violation of federal law solely because they are unpasteurized; (2) are allowed by the state of origin to be distributed for direct human consumption by any means; (3) are produced, packaged, and moved in compliance with the laws of such state; and (4) are moved from the state of origin with the intent to transport them to another state that allows the distribution of such products for direct human consumption.
This bill (SJRES 86) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding endangered species protections. The rule, published April 5, 2024, aimed to update regulations for interagency cooperation on endangered and threatened wildlife conservation. The resolution would block this rule from taking effect by invoking a statutory process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code that allows Congress to reject federal agency regulations. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, maintaining existing regulatory standards instead of implementing the new provisions.
This bill (SJRES 88) seeks congressional approval to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that sets emissions standards for coal- and oil-fired power plants. Specifically, it aims to disapprove the EPA's rule on "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants" for these plants, which was published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2024. If passed, the rule would have no legal effect, preventing the EPA from enforcing these specific emissions limits on affected power plants. The bill directly affects the EPA's regulatory authority and the operations of coal- and oil-fired electricity generators.
This bill directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to increase parking at federal recreational lands and waters (like national parks and forests) without harming wildlife or increasing agency maintenance costs. It authorizes agencies to partner with private entities, states, or local governments to create new parking on non-federal land, lease land for parking, or develop alternative transportation systems. The bill also requires exploring technology solutions like trailhead cameras showing real-time parking availability and data collection to plan future parking needs. These changes directly affect visitors seeking access to federal recreation areas and the agencies managing them.
The Reshape Alternatives to Detention Act of 2024 terminates two programs that allowed certain immigrants to avoid detention (Case Management Pilot and Young Adult Case Management) and prohibits similar alternatives. It mandates GPS tracking for all non-detained immigrants throughout their immigration proceedings - including appeals - and until removal, while requiring biometric data for eligibility in any alternative-to-detention program. The bill also bars participation for immigrants residing in areas that restrict sharing immigration status information with federal authorities (so-called "sanctuary jurisdictions") and mandates strict check-in requirements for the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program.
S 594, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act, requires the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a contiguous route by November 2028. The bill directs federal agencies to acquire land or easements (through purchase, donation, or agreements) to eliminate trail gaps and optimize sections on federal land, prioritizing input from local stakeholders, landowners, and New Mexico land-grant communities (including acequias, or community water systems). It mandates a joint federal team to coordinate trail completion, develop a comprehensive plan, and submit annual reports to Congress detailing land acquisitions, costs, and progress. The law specifically prohibits using eminent domain and protects existing land grant-merced and acequia rights during trail development. This affects federal agencies, landowners, New Mexico communities with historic land grants, and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition managing the trail.
