Texas Congressional Bills

passed · Texas · Senate Oct 3, 2023

SRES 156: A resolution calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

This Senate resolution (SRES 156) urges the Russian government to immediately release U.S. citizen Paul Whelan, a Michigan Marine Corps veteran imprisoned since 2018 on unproven espionage charges. It specifically calls for Russia to grant Whelan consular access, ensure due process, and uphold human rights while he remains detained. The resolution references Whelan’s wrongful conviction after a trial described as a "mockery of justice" and Russia’s refusal to provide evidence or medical care during his imprisonment. It expresses the Senate’s support for Whelan’s family and thanks other nations for efforts to secure his release.

passed · Texas · Senate Sep 30, 2023

SRES 390: A resolution designating the week of October 1, 2023, through October 7, 2023, as "National Community Policing Week".

This Senate resolution (SRES 390) designates October 1-7, 2023, as "National Community Policing Week." It recognizes community policing as a strategy to build trust between law enforcement and communities, reduce crime, and improve public safety through collaborative problem-solving. The resolution encourages the public, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials to support community policing efforts but does not create new legal requirements or funding. As a non-binding resolution, it symbolically promotes existing community policing practices without altering policy.

passed · Texas · Senate Sep 27, 2023

SRES 377: A resolution recognizing Hispanic Restaurant Week and the contributions of Hispanic restaurant owners and employees to the restaurant industry.

SRES 377 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Restaurant Week (September 22-October 3, 2023) and honoring Hispanic restaurant owners and employees. It highlights that Hispanic individuals own 41,817 food service businesses (2020 Census) and represent 25.1% of restaurant workers, noting the industry’s role as a major economic driver and "training ground" for diverse workers. The resolution celebrates their contributions to the U.S. economy and acknowledges how the restaurant sector enables Hispanic workers to support families and pursue opportunity. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies, funding, or obligations.

passed · Texas · Senate Sep 27, 2023

SRES 376: Senate Dress Code Resolution

Senate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.

Joe Manchin, III (I) · 33 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · House Sep 26, 2023

HRES 723: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4367) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4665) making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4368) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.

HRES 723 is a procedural resolution that establishes the rules for considering four separate appropriations bills in the House of Representatives. It sets time limits for debate (one hour), specifies which amendments may be offered, waives points of order against the bills, and provides procedures for how the House will move to consider the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, State Department, and Agriculture appropriations bills for fiscal year 2024. This resolution does not make policy changes itself but sets the process for debating and voting on the underlying appropriations bills.

passed · Texas · Senate Sep 21, 2023

SRES 359: A resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week.

SRES 359 is a Senate resolution recognizing the week of September 17-23, 2023, as National Forensic Science Week. It supports the goals of this week and encourages forensic science service providers, local policymakers, the public, and media to participate in activities like community events, laboratory tours, and discussions about forensic science's role in criminal investigations. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight how forensic science contributes to justice system accuracy and public safety.

passed · Texas · Senate Sep 21, 2023

SRES 208: A resolution expressing support for the designation of November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day" and recognizing the importance of connecting warriors in the United States to support structures necessary to transition from the battlefield, especially peer-to-peer connection.

SRES 208 is a Senate resolution designating November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day." It encourages U.S. citizens, particularly those connected to military service, to reach out to veterans through peer-to-peer conversations to support their mental health and transition from military life. The resolution highlights veteran suicide statistics (6,146 deaths in 2020) and emphasizes that isolation - exacerbated by the pandemic - increases risks for conditions like PTSD. It does not create new programs but urges public engagement to connect veterans with support systems. This is a symbolic, awareness-raising measure with no binding policy changes.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Jeanne Shaheen (D) · 36 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · House Sep 21, 2023

HR 1530: Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023

The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023 makes administrative changes to improve veterans' experience with disability benefit exams. It requires the VA to publish most disability forms online (with limited exceptions for forms not meeting clinical standards), mandates contractors to notify veterans' power-of-attorney representatives about exam scheduling, and creates outreach about contractor contact information. The bill also requires two reports: one on reimbursing veterans' travel for overseas exams, and another on supporting governmental veterans service officers. These changes directly affect veterans, VA contractors, and veterans service organizations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

passed · Texas · Senate Sep 18, 2023

SRES 347: A resolution designating the week beginning on September 11, 2023, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week".

This resolution designates the week beginning September 11, 2023, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" to recognize institutions that enroll at least 25% Hispanic students. It directly affects Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which serve over 5 million students across 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The resolution calls for public observance through ceremonies and activities during that week to honor HSIs' role in advancing educational access, economic mobility, and Hispanic Heritage Month. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy impact but formally acknowledges these institutions' contributions.

Topics ✓ Education

Robert Menendez (D) · 29 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · House Sep 18, 2023

HR 1435: Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act

HR 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, amends the Clean Air Act to restrict states from implementing vehicle emissions rules that limit the sale or use of new gasoline-powered cars. It directly affects states with stricter emissions standards (like California) by adding a new definition that blocks state rules "directly or indirectly" limiting internal combustion engine vehicles as defined in federal regulations as of January 1, 2023. The bill requires the EPA to revoke existing state emissions waivers granted between January 2022 and the bill’s enactment if they don’t comply with this new definition. This creates a concrete federal standard preventing states from advancing policies that could reduce demand for conventional vehicles.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment ✗ Transportation

John Joyce (R) · 83 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · House Sep 14, 2023

HRES 681: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1435) to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engines.

This procedural resolution (HRES 681) enables the House to debate and vote on H.R. 1435, a bill that would amend the Clean Air Act to prevent federal bans on selling gasoline-powered vehicles. It sets specific debate rules (one hour equally divided) and waives objections to consider H.R. 1435 without delay. The resolution itself does not change environmental regulations but facilitates the legislative process for H.R. 1435. If passed, H.R. 1435 would directly affect vehicle manufacturers and consumers by preserving the market for internal combustion engine vehicles.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment ✓ Transportation

passed · Texas · House Sep 13, 2023

HR 3152: Fight CRIME Act

HR 3152, the "Fight CRIME Act," aims to maintain international restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities by requiring diplomatic efforts to extend these restrictions before they expire in October 2023. The bill mandates annual reports detailing U.S. diplomatic strategies, potential impacts of expiration, and measures to deter missile technology transfers to Iran. It establishes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that knowingly support Iran's missile or drone programs, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. These sanctions apply regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in effect after their expiration, directly affecting foreign entities involved in these activities.

Texas Congressional Bills

Bill results