Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021 This bill modifies and implements policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving in the military. The VA must revise its regulations to update the definition of MST to include matters relating to technological abuse. In the case of any veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the VA must accept specified diagnoses and evidence as proof of service-connection. The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first (1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential sources of such evidence. The Veterans Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for disabilities relating to MST. Additionally, the bill (1) expands access to mental health care at VA facilities for survivors of MST, and (2) requires the VA and the Government Accountability Office to report on access to such care for MST survivors.

Behavioral Health Crisis Services Expansion Act This bill establishes requirements, expands health insurance coverage, and directs other activities to support the provision of behavioral health crisis services along a continuum of care. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish standards for a behavioral health crisis continuum of care that health care providers and communities may use in responding to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. This continuum of care must include 24-7 crisis hotlines, emergency treatment, stabilization services, and other specified components. In addition, the bill expands health insurance coverage for behavioral health crisis services. It also expands the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant to assist states and territories with developing the infrastructure to provide crisis response services. Furthermore, HHS, in consultation with the Department of Justice, must convene an expert panel to make recommendations concerning training for emergency services dispatchers and crisis call center personnel to respond appropriately to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives applauds the Biden administration for reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change and to our collective responsibility to globally combat climate change; encourages the Biden administration to implement measures to ensure global climate change remains a top priority for this and future administrations and to cement the United States as a global leader in the fight to mitigate its most severe consequences; voices strong commitment as legislators toward achieving the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, fulfilling the forthcoming pledges from the COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, and advancing other international efforts to keep global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius and realize global net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 using a whole-of-government approach; and recognizes the critical responsibility of the United States and other developed nations to ensure all societies have the capabilities to transition to a clean energy economy, the resources to protect against climate-induced disasters, and the necessary assistance to endure climate-related challenges to food security, regional migration, and public health.

Helicopter Data and Voice Recorder Requirement Act This bill makes it unlawful for an air carrier to operate a single or multiengine, turbine-powered helicopter with one or more passenger seats and one or more pilots without a flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should enact the Voters with Disabilities Bill of Rights to ensure that voters with disabilities have equal access to the ballot.

Maddy summaryHRES 752 is a symbolic House resolution (not a binding law) introduced on October 28, 2021, that urges U.S. House members to stand in solidarity with workers advocating for fair pay, quality retirement benefits, and safer workplaces. It references widespread strike activity in 2021 (including nurses, auto workers, and theater employees) and highlights statistics showing growing worker demands and public support for unions (68% of Americans support labor unions). The resolution does not create new policies or change existing laws - it serves solely as a statement of support for workers' efforts to secure better compensation and working conditions through collective action.

This resolution recognizes National Respiratory Care Week and expresses gratitude for the contribution of respiratory therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the celebration of Filipino American History Month as a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to renew efforts toward researching and examining the history of Filipino Americans to give all people of the United States an opportunity to learn about their contributions.

Sustainable International Financial Institutions Act of 2021 This bill directs specified international financial institutions to use the influence of the United States to advance the cause of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transition the global economy to a clean energy economy. It also prohibits the United States from providing direct or indirect assistance to any country or entity to support any fossil fuel activity.

Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act This bill directs the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to collect information from financial institutions and develop an advisory regarding the reporting of suspicious transactions related to gun violence. Specifically, FinCEN must gather information and develop an advisory related to (1) the procurement of firearms and firearm accessories for the purpose of carrying out lone-wolf acts of terror, and (2) how the U.S. firearms market facilitates gun violence.