The TRANQ Research Act of 2023 requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to coordinate research on illicit drugs containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other concerning substances. The bill mandates NIST to develop faster detection methods, create data tools for identifying these substances, and consult with agencies like the DEA, CDC, and National Institute on Drug Abuse to establish safe handling practices. NIST must also form partnerships with universities, federal labs, and the private sector to improve detection capabilities. Within one year, NIST must report to Congress on its implementation, and the Comptroller General must conduct a study on federal capabilities to respond to new psychoactive substances, reporting within two years.
This bill (HR 366, Korean American VALOR Act) changes VA healthcare eligibility rules to include Korean American veterans who served with South Korea's military in Vietnam during specific periods. It directly affects Korean American individuals who served as part of the Republic of Korea's armed forces in Vietnam between January 1962 and May 1975 (or a period the VA later determines). The key provision adds a new eligibility category under VA law, allowing these individuals to access the same healthcare benefits as U.S. veterans under the same rules and conditions. This is a concrete policy change that removes a prior barrier to VA healthcare for this group.
This bill strengthens health care and benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida. It defines "covered children" as those eligible for these benefits and "covered veterans" as Vietnam veterans with such children. The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish an advisory council to gather feedback from affected families and create care teams that must contact covered children at least once every 180 days. It also ensures health care benefits continue for the child's entire life, regardless of whether a parent dies before the child. Additionally, the Department must submit biennial reports to Congress on the number of children receiving benefits, social workers provided, and outreach efforts.
This bill approves and implements a new trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan, negotiated by the American Institute in Taiwan and Taiwan's Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office. The agreement aims to strengthen economic ties by addressing areas like supply chain security, investment screening, health, science, technology, and the digital economy. The bill establishes requirements for the President to consult with Congress before implementation, submit reports on how the agreement benefits US workers and businesses, and provide transparency about future trade negotiations. It also clarifies that the agreement doesn't override US or state laws and requires any future agreements to follow a similar approval process with congressional review.
This bill directs the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins marking the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. It authorizes three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), with surcharges of $35, $10, and $5 respectively. The surcharge proceeds will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with no net cost to taxpayers as the Treasury must recover all minting costs through the surcharges. The coins can only be issued during 2025, and the Treasury must ensure all costs are covered before distributing funds to the Heritage Foundation.
This bill terminates the national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020, under the National Emergencies Act. It ends the executive branch's authority to use emergency powers related to that specific declaration. The resolution passed both chambers in early 2023 and took effect April 10, 2023, without creating new policies or affecting specific groups.
Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research Reauthorization Act of 2022 or the Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act This act reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies pediatric cancer research and related programs, including to expand collection of and access to relevant biospecimens and to support the transition of pediatric cancer survivors to primary care.
National Heritage Area Act This act establishes a National Heritage Area System. The Department of the Interior may provide technical and financial assistance to local coordinating entities to support the establishment, development, and continuity of such areas. The National Heritage Area System shall be composed of each National Heritage Area, National Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Canalway, Cultural Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Route, and National Heritage Partnership designated by Congress before or on enactment of this act; and each National Heritage Area designated by Congress after enactment of this act. A National Heritage Area shall not be considered to be a unit of the National Park System nor subject to the authorities applicable to such units. Interior may carry out or review a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of each proposed heritage area for designation as a National Heritage Area. Interior must review and certify whether the proposed area meets specified requirements, including that it has natural, historic, and cultural resources that represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States. An area shall be designated as a National Heritage Area only by an act of Congress. Interior shall conduct studies to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating specified areas in Hawaii as the Kaena Point National Heritage Area and in Virginia and North Carolina as the Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area. The act also (1) establishes or extends specified National Heritage Areas, (2) redesignates the America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership in Iowa as the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, and (3) extends the deadline for the management plans for certain heritage areas.
Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 This act requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that rates and charges for payphone services or other calling devices, including advanced (e.g., audio or video) communications services in correctional institutions, are just and reasonable. When promulgating regulations or otherwise implementing this act, the FCC (1) may use industry-wide average costs related to providing telephone and advanced communications services, and (2) must consider costs for safety and security measures related to providing communications services in correctional facilities.
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 This act provides for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. After it is awarded, the medal shall be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Sami's Law This act addresses safety requirements for passengers and drivers of ride-sharing companies (e.g., Uber, Lyft, or taxicabs). The act requires the Government Accountability Office to submit to Congress a biennial report that includes the results of a study regarding (1) the incidence of fatal and non-fatal physical assault and sexual assault in the preceding two calendar years on drivers by passengers of ride-sharing vehicles and on passengers by drivers of such vehicles, (2) the nature and specifics of any background checks conducted on prospective drivers of ride-sharing vehicles, and (3) the safety steps taken by ride-sharing companies related to rider and driver safety.
This act directs the Joint Committee on the Library to remove the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court chamber of the Capitol and install a bust of Thurgood Marshall in a prominent location in the Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds. In determining the location for the permanent installation of the bust of Thurgood Marshall, the committee shall give priority to identifying an appropriate location near the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the Capitol.
