Rep. Jackie Speier

Congressional Accountability Act Enhancement Act This bill extends the liability of Members of Congress for employment discrimination settlements and awards and expands certain employment protections for congressional employees. Current law requires that a Member who commits an act of harassment in violation of employment-based civil rights protections must reimburse the Treasury for amounts paid as settlements or awards resulting from the act. This bill also requires that Members reimburse the Treasury for amounts paid resulting from any unlawful discrimination and related retaliation. Additionally, the bill grants congressional employees a 10-day period to amend a filing alleging employment discrimination if the hearing officer determines the initial filing failed to state a claim for which relief could be granted. The bill also allows the Office of Employee Advocacy to continue to assist a congressional employee with investigations and proceedings related to a claim of workplace discrimination even after the employee begins federal court proceedings.

This resolution condemns the rape and assault of women by Russian forces in the occupied area of Bucha, Ukraine. The resolution condemns the deliberate disruption of the free flow of humanitarian aid that is harming innocent civilians, particularly women. The resolution also highlights the critical importance of ensuring women meaningfully participate in the planning and execution of humanitarian actions and the negotiation of peace agreements to meet their unique needs and to protect their human rights. Finally, the resolution calls on Vladimir Putin to condemn sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in this conflict; hold all perpetrators who commit acts of sexual and gender-based violence accountable; cease all hostilities, protect human rights, and allow unencumbered humanitarian access; and remove all Russian Armed Forces, and other armed groups, from Ukraine.

Targeting Resources for Equitable Access to Treatment for Long COVID Act or the TREAT Long COVID Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to create or expand the capacity of clinics that treat patients with persistent, long-term symptoms following recovery from acute COVID-19 (i.e., Long COVID). Eligible recipients include federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, urban Indian health centers, and state and local health departments.

Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act This bill prohibits the importation of energy products from Russia. Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of Russian products that are classified under chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (which includes mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, and mineral waxes). The President may terminate this prohibition, subject to congressional disapproval, if the President certifies that Russia (1) has reached an agreement to withdraw Russian forces and cease military hostilities in Ukraine, (2) poses no immediate military threat of aggression to any North Atlantic Treaty Organization member, and (3) recognizes the right of the Ukrainian people to independently and freely choose their own government.

Burma Unified through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2022 or the BURMA Act of 2022 This bill imposes sanctions pertaining to Burma (Myanmar) and addresses related issues. The President must impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons (i.e., an individual or entity), including those that (1) knowingly operate in Burma's defense sector, (2) are responsible for or complicit in undermining Burma's democratic processes, or (3) are senior leaders in Burma's military or government. The Department of the Treasury must prohibit or impose strict conditions on certain accounts used to facilitate transactions for such sanctioned persons. The President may impose sanctions on Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise if such sanctions would support certain objectives, including reducing the Burmese military's ability to undermine democracy in Burma. Before removing certain foreign persons from a list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons (commonly known as the SDN list), the President must certify to Congress that the person in question has not knowingly engaged in certain activities, such as supporting terrorism. The bill authorizes Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development activities in Burma and the surrounding region to support democracy activists, humanitarian assistance, and reconciliation efforts. The State Department may (1) continue to assist organizations supporting political prisoners in Burma, and (2) provide assistance to entities investigating crimes against humanity. The President must direct U.S. representatives to the United Nations to vote and advocate for certain actions related to Burma, such as cutting off assistance to Burma's government.

This resolution expresses support for legislation to provide child care assistance to all working families that need it; make childcare affordable and available to meet various job schedules; guarantee that all families eligible for childcare will receive it; improve the quality of childcare; expand access to Head Start and preschool services; and provide sufficient federal, state, and local investment to ensure resources for both high-quality jobs and affordable childcare.

Increase Federal Disaster Cost Share Act of 2021 This bill increases the federal cost share from 75% to 90% for any emergency or major disaster declared by the President beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2020.

Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies and birth defects, such as reconstructive services and items. Coverage must include services and items that functionally improve, repair, or restore any body part that is medically necessary for normal bodily functions or appearance, as determined by the treating physician. Coverage limits and cost-sharing requirements for such services and items may not be more restrictive than those applicable to all medical and surgical benefits under the plan.

Gender Equity in College Sports Commission Act This bill establishes a Commission on Gender Equity in College Sports. The commission must (1) compare how the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) operates men's and women's championship tournaments with respect to the treatment of the participating men's and women's teams, and (2) report to Congress on its findings with recommendations on how the NCAA can improve gender equity.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that prior to introducing U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities, the House should also determine whether such introduction is for the purpose of a just cause, such as stopping a genocide or ethnic cleansing; whether the proposed action will be in response, and will be proportional, to the underlying just cause, and will be undertaken with the intent to reestablish peace; whether the presumed benefits of the proposed action outweigh the harm done; whether there is a reasonable probability that the proposed action will succeed; and whether all alternatives to military action have been exhausted.