United States Bills

signed · United States · Senate Dec 19, 2023

S 2787: 5G SALE Act

This bill, the 5G SALE Act, authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to finalize licenses for 5G spectrum that were auctioned before March 9, 2023, but not yet granted to successful bidders. It specifically applies to applicants who won licenses in the 2496-2690 MHz frequency band through FCC auctions held before the commission’s auction authority expired. The FCC must process these applications within 90 days of the law’s enactment (December 19, 2023), ensuring pending licenses from past auctions are completed. The bill does not alter auction rules or create new licenses - it only enables the FCC to finalize existing, unprocessed bids.

Topics ✓ Technology

signed · United States · Senate Dec 19, 2023

S 2747: A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to extend the Administrative Fine Program for certain reporting violations.

S. 2747 extends the Federal Election Campaign Act's Administrative Fine Program for certain campaign finance reporting violations until December 31, 2033. This bill directly affects political committees, candidates, and other entities required to file campaign finance reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The key provision amends Section 309(a)(4)(C)(v) of the Act to replace the 2023 expiration date with a 2033 deadline, ensuring fines can still be assessed for late filings of specific reports. The extension applies only to certain violations, not all campaign finance non-compliance, and maintains the existing fine structure without new requirements.

signed · United States · Senate Dec 19, 2023

S 788: Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023

The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 (S. 788) allows states to issue fully electronic waterfowl hunting stamps instead of physical ones under the existing Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp program. It directly affects waterfowl hunters and state wildlife agencies managing the stamp program. Key provisions include updating definitions to recognize electronic stamps as valid permits, requiring states to provide a physical stamp by March 10 each year for the previous hunting season, and clarifying that electronic stamps remain valid through June 30 following issuance. The law modernizes the program while maintaining the requirement for a physical stamp as a backup, without changing the underlying hunting permit requirement.

signed · United States · House Dec 19, 2023

HR 3315: National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023

HR 3315, the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023, extends an existing bankruptcy protection for qualifying military reservists and National Guard members. It amends the 2008 National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act to extend the exemption period from 15 to 19 years, allowing those activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001, to avoid automatic rejection in Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings due to income thresholds. This provision directly affects service members called to active duty or homeland defense roles, providing them additional time to manage debt without facing the "means-test presumption of abuse." The bill makes no new policy changes beyond extending this specific relief period.

Topics ✓ Veterans

signed · United States · House Dec 19, 2023

HR 1734: TRANQ Research Act of 2023

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Mike Collins (R) · 25 co-sponsors

signed · United States · House Nov 17, 2023

HR 6363: Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024

The Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 extends funding for numerous federal programs through January 19, 2024, preventing government shutdowns and funding lapses. It specifically continues critical health programs including community health centers ($690 million), National Health Service Corps ($53.5 million), and diabetes programs ($25.9 million) through the extended date. The bill also extends agricultural programs like crop support, conservation initiatives, and dairy margin coverage through fiscal year 2024, affecting farmers and rural communities. Additionally, it extends certain public health authorities and counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft system) capabilities through February 3, 2024. This continuing resolution maintains existing funding levels for essential services without creating new programs or altering policy.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

signed · United States · House Nov 13, 2023

HR 1226: Wounded Warrior Access Act

The Wounded Warrior Access Act (HR 1226) amends veterans' benefits law to allow veterans and their representatives to electronically request certain records from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill requires the VA to establish a secure online system for these requests, with a 10-day confirmation deadline and 120-day timeline for providing requested records in the format chosen by the requestor. It also mandates that VA websites display warnings about unapproved representatives and provide links to resources for finding recognized representatives, with information available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Tagalog. The law does not authorize additional funding for these changes, directly affecting veterans navigating the VA system who need to access their records or seek representation for benefits claims.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology ✓ Veterans

signed · United States · House Nov 13, 2023

HR 366: Korean American VALOR Act

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

signed · United States · Senate Oct 6, 2023

S 2795: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

This act extends the eligibility or applicability of various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits. First, the act extends from three to five years the authority for additional licensed health care professionals (i.e., physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, and psychologists) to perform medical disability examinations as part of the existing VA pilot program related to the use of contract physicians for disability examinations. Currently, when an individual transfers fewer than 12 credits from a program of education that is closed or disapproved, the individual is deemed to have not received those credits, and no charge from the individual's entitlement to education assistance may be made for that period of enrollment. Under the act, this period of relief for those affected by a closure or disapproval is extended by two years to apply to programs that close or discontinue before September 30, 2025. The act extends through FY2028 the authorization for VA emergency preparedness for public health emergencies. The act also extends the applicability of certain loan fee rates through November 15, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

signed · United States · Senate Oct 6, 2023

S 112: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes.

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

signed · United States · House Oct 6, 2023

HR 5110: Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act

HR 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to clarify that federal education funds cannot be used for certain weapons - but this restriction does not apply to archery, hunting, or other shooting sports training programs. The bill directly affects schools and educational programs seeking to use federal funds for these specific activities, such as archery clubs or hunting safety education. It adds an explicit exception to the existing prohibition, allowing funds to support "educational instruction or enrichment activities" in these sports under authorized programs. This change removes ambiguity about funding eligibility for such educational initiatives in K-12 schools.

Topics ✓ Education

Mark E. Green (R) · 71 co-sponsors

signed · United States · Senate Oct 2, 2023

S 475: A bill to designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gallup, New Mexico, as the Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura VA Clinic.

S 475 designates the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Gallup, New Mexico, as the "Hiroshi 'Hershey' Miyamura VA Clinic." The bill updates all official references to the facility to reflect this new name, effective upon enactment. This naming honors Hiroshi Miyamura, a Medal of Honor recipient who served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment during World War II and later operated a service station in Gallup. The change affects only the clinic's official designation and related documentation.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Bill results