H.J.Res. 66 disapproves a specific rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding small business lending under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). The resolution, if passed, would prevent this CFPB rule from taking effect by declaring it "have no force or effect." The rule in question (88 Fed. Reg. 35150) aimed to clarify how lenders must evaluate small business loan applications under existing equal credit laws. This disapproval directly affects the CFPB's regulatory authority and would block the rule's implementation for small business lenders and financial institutions.
The FISA Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends FISA surveillance authorities through 2035 while adding significant new protections for U.S. persons. It requires the FBI to implement stricter procedures for queries of communications, including mandatory training, approval processes for certain queries, and detailed annual reporting on surveillance activities. The bill also mandates accuracy certifications for FISA applications, enhances congressional oversight, and establishes a new FISA Reform Commission to review the surveillance system. These changes aim to balance national security needs with privacy protections for U.S. citizens.
The Farmland Security Act of 2023 amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act to strengthen oversight of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. It increases civil penalties for foreign-owned shell corporations (defined as entities with no real operations) to 100% of the land's fair market value and requires these entities to correct filings within 60 days to avoid penalties. The bill mandates annual audits of 10% of foreign land ownership reports and directs the Secretary to conduct annual research on foreign agricultural leasing, land purchases by shell corporations, and impacts on family farms. It also requires annual reports to Congress on these findings and authorizes $2 million yearly for implementation through fiscal year 2028.
SRES 470 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating November 16, 2023, as "National Rural Health Day." It commemorates rural communities' contributions to health care and acknowledges the unique challenges rural health providers and patients face, including access barriers and hospital closures. The resolution recognizes the efforts of rural health care workers and the millions they serve, while expressing a commitment to future policy improvements for rural health care. It does not create new laws, funding, or direct obligations - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of rural health issues.
This Senate resolution (SRES 471) expresses formal support for National Adoption Day (observed November 18, 2023) and National Adoption Month (November 2023). It promotes awareness about children in foster care awaiting adoption, celebrates adoption success stories, and encourages U.S. citizens to support efforts securing permanent, safe homes for all children. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight adoption needs. It specifically references foster care statistics (e.g., 114,000 children awaiting adoption) to underscore its purpose.
This bill (SJRES 43) is a joint resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans. It targets a specific rule (88 Fed. Reg. 43820, July 10, 2023) affecting borrowers in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. If passed, the resolution would make this rule void, preventing it from taking effect. The resolution uses a specific procedural mechanism under Title 5 of U.S. Code to achieve this disapproval. It directly impacts student loan borrowers who rely on income-driven repayment options.
The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023 modifies rules for veterans' educational benefits to streamline approval of commercial driver education programs at branch locations. It allows a branch of an educational institution to be exempt from full approval requirements if it is appropriately licensed and uses the same curriculum as an approved main location. Schools must submit an annual report to the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying curriculum consistency, and the VA may withhold this exemption if needed. The changes will take effect 180 days after the VA establishes reporting rules, which must be finalized within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
SRES 462 is a non-binding Senate resolution passed on November 14, 2023, expressing support for U.S. efforts to deter Iran and its proxies (like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC) from escalating violence in the Middle East following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. It urges the President to maintain military deterrence, recognizes Israel's right to self-defense, encourages the safe release of Hamas-held hostages, and supports diplomatic talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize relations. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally endorses existing U.S. actions, including military positioning and strikes against Iran-linked groups. It directly addresses U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and its proxies, emphasizing regional security concerns.
This bill directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule for the 250th anniversary of the United States (semiquincentennial). The capsule, to be buried on the Capitol's West Lawn by July 4, 2026, must contain representative materials about the Semiquincentennial, copies of key congressional milestones, a message from Congress to future lawmakers, and other appropriate items selected by congressional leadership. It will remain sealed until July 4, 2276, when the Speaker of the House will present it to the 244th Congress for their consideration. The bill authorizes funding for this effort and specifies the timeline for burial and opening. This procedural measure affects Congress directly, as it requires congressional leadership to determine contents and the 244th Congress to handle the capsule's contents upon opening.
This bill appropriates $14.3 billion in supplemental security funding to Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The funding includes $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.35 billion for the Iron Beam defense system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill requires regular reporting to Congress on security assistance provided to Israel and designates all funds as "emergency requirements" under federal budget law. It also modifies existing laws to facilitate the transfer of defense articles and services to Israel, aiming to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against rocket threats.
S 749 (NACIE Improvement Act) requires the President to add at least one Tribal College or University president to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) within 180 days of enactment. It mandates that NACIE’s annual report be shared with the Secretaries of Education and Interior by June 30 each year. Both departments must then consider this report when preparing their federal budget proposals. This directly affects Tribal Colleges through membership inclusion and influences federal education funding decisions via budget considerations.
Senate Joint Resolution 49 seeks congressional disapproval of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that would have established a new standard for determining when two or more companies are considered "joint employers" under labor law. The rule, published in October 2023, would have affected businesses with complex employment structures, such as franchisors and contractors, by altering how joint employer liability is assessed for wage, hour, and union representation matters. If passed, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving the previous standard for joint employer determinations. The bill was introduced by Senators Cassidy, Manchin, Braun, McConnell, Marshall, Cramer, Capito, and Paul and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
