hheiden/us-congress-117-bills huggingface dataset:
To provide the equivalent of a 6-month Federal income tax holiday for certain individuals.
Bill: H.R.7538 | Sponsor: Rep. Moore, Barry (R-AL)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
This bill reduces the income tax of individual taxpayers for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021, by the six-month federal income tax holiday amount. That amount is 50% of the income tax otherwise imposed and is phased out based upon taxpayer adjusted gross income.

To provide the equivalent of a 6-month Federal income tax holiday for 
                          certain individuals.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. 6-MONTH FEDERAL INCOME TAX HOLIDAY FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

    (a) In General.--In the case of any individual (other than an 
estate or trust), the amount of tax otherwise imposed under section 1 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for such taxpayer's first taxable 
year beginning after December 31, 2021, shall be reduced by the 6-month 
Federal income tax holiday amount.
    (b) 6-Month Federal Income Tax Holiday Amount.--For purposes of 
this section, the term ``6-month Federal income tax holiday amount'' 
means, with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year, 50 percent of 
the tax imposed under section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
with respect to such taxpayer for such taxable year (determined without 
regard to this section).
    (c) Phaseout of Benefit Based on Adjusted Gross Income.--
            (1) In general.--If the adjusted gross income of any 
        taxpayer for the taxpayer's first taxable year beginning after 
        December 31, 2021, exceeds the applicable phaseout threshold, 
        the 6-month Federal income tax holiday amount with respect to 
        such taxpayer for such taxable year shall be reduced (but not 
        below zero) by an amount which bears the same ratio to such 
        amount as the applicable phaseout range bears to such excess.
            (2) Applicable phaseout threshold.--For purposes of this 
        subsection, the term ``applicable phaseout threshold'' means--
                    (A) in the case of a joint return or surviving 
                spouse, $83,550,
                    (B) in the case of a head of household, $55,000, 
                and
                    (C) in any other case, $41,775.
            (3) Applicable phaseout range.--For purposes of this 
        subsection, the term ``applicable phaseout range'' means--
                    (A) in the case of a joint return or surviving 
                spouse, $20,000,
                    (B) in the case of a head of household, $13,380, 
                and
                    (C) in any other case, $10,000.
    (d) Certain Terms.--Any term used in this section which is also 
used in section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall have the 
same meaning when used in this section as when used in such section 1.
                                 <all>
Trailer Safety Improvement Act
Bill: H.R.6915 | Sponsor: Rep. Burchett, Tim (R-TN)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Trailer Safety Improvement Act
This bill requires that state highway safety programs address safety equipment, preventive maintenance, and other aspects of the proper and safe usage of light- and medium-duty trailers.

To amend title 23, United States Code, to include education on trailer 
                safety in State highway safety programs.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Trailer Safety Improvement Act''.

SEC. 2. TRAILER SAFETY PROGRAMS.

    Section 402(a)(2)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in clause (xiii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in clause (xiv) by striking the semicolon and inserting 
        ``; and''; and
            (3) by inserting after clause (xiv) the following:
                            ``(xv) to educate the public about proper 
                        and safe usage of light- and medium-duty 
                        trailers, including required safety equipment 
                        and preventive maintenance for safety;''.
                                 <all>
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1550 State Road S-38-211 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, as the "J.I. Washington Post Office Building".
Bill: H.R.5349 | Sponsor: Rep. Clyburn, James E. (D-SC)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
This act designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1550 State Road S-38-211 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, as the J.I. Washington Post Office Building.

[117th Congress Public Law 278]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page 136 STAT. 4188]]

Public Law 117-278
117th Congress

                                 An Act


 
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 
 1550 State Road S-38-211 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, as the ``J.I. 
   Washington Post Office Building''. <<NOTE: Dec. 27, 2022 -  [H.R. 
                                5349]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. J.I. WASHINGTON POST OFFICE BUILDING.

    (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service 
located at 1550 State Road S-38-211 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, shall 
be known and designated as the ``J.I. Washington Post Office Building''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to 
in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``J.I. 
Washington Post Office Building''.

    Approved December 27, 2022.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 5349:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 168 (2022):
            Dec. 12, considered in House.
            Dec. 14, prior proceedings vacated; considered and passed 
                House.
            Dec. 19, considered and passed Senate.

                                  <all>
A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 317 Blattner Drive in Avon, Minnesota, as the "W.O.C. Kort Miller Plantenberg Post Office".
Bill: S.3321 | Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy (D-MN)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located 
 at 317 Blattner Drive in Avon, Minnesota, as the ``W.O.C. Kort Miller 
                       Plantenberg Post Office''.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. W.O.C. KORT MILLER PLANTENBERG POST OFFICE.

    (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service 
located at 317 Blattner Drive in Avon, Minnesota, shall be known and 
designated as the ``W.O.C. Kort Miller Plantenberg Post Office''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to 
in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``W.O.C. 
Kort Miller Plantenberg Post Office''.
                                 <all>
Covered Farm Vehicle Modernization Act of 2021
Bill: S.3138 | Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger (R-KS)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Covered Farm Vehicle Modernization Act of 2021
This bill exempts farm vehicles from specified registration requirements that otherwise apply to commercial motor vehicles, such as those under the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement and the International Fuel Tax Agreement. The bill also increases the maximum permitted gross weight for farm vehicles from 26,001 pounds to 36,001 pounds.

To amend the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act to 
 exempt covered farm vehicles from certain requirements, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Covered Farm Vehicle Modernization 
Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. EXEMPTIONS FOR COVERED FARM VEHICLES.

    Section 32934 of MAP-21 (49 U.S.C. 31136 note; Public Law 112-141) 
is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) Any requirement relating to registration under 
        section 31134 of title 49, United States Code, including any 
        requirement relating to a USDOT number under that section.
            ``(7) Any requirement relating to registration under the 
        unified carrier registration agreement (as defined in section 
        14504a(a) of title 49, United States Code).'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by redesignating 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), 
                respectively, and indenting appropriately;
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Paragraph (1)'' 
                and inserting ``Subparagraph (A)'';
                    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
                appropriately;
                    (D) by inserting before subparagraph (A) (as so 
                designated) the following:
            ``(1) Federal transportation funding.--''; and
                    (E) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) IFTA requirements.--A covered farm vehicle and the 
        individual operating that covered farm vehicle shall be exempt 
        from any requirement relating to a license under the 
        International Fuel Tax Agreement (as defined in section 31701 
        of title 49, United States Code).''; and
            (3) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``26,001'' each 
        place it appears and inserting ``36,001''.
                                 <all>
Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act of 2021
Bill: S.779 | Sponsor: Sen. Warner, Mark R. (D-VA)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act of 2021
This bill nullifies specified guidance and final rule provisions pertaining to Section 1332 waivers (also known as State Innovation Waivers or State Relief and Empowerment Waivers) issued by the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Health and Human Services. The provisions allow states to forego certain requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in order to implement experimental plans for health care coverage, as long as the resulting coverage meets certain statutory criteria.
The provisions, which supersede earlier guidance from 2015, alter agency interpretation of how states may satisfy the statutory criteria for waiver approval. For example, the provisions (1) redefine acceptable coverage under such waivers to include short-term, limited-duration insurance and association health plans; (2) allow the comprehensiveness and affordability of coverage under such waivers to be assessed based on projected availability, rather than enrollment; and (3) allow the level of coverage to be assessed based on the effects over the entire course of the waiver, rather than per year.

To provide that certain rules and guidance related to waivers for State 
 innovation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shall 
                        have no force or effect.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Americans with Pre-
Existing Conditions Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. PROVIDING THAT CERTAIN RULES AND GUIDANCE RELATED TO WAIVERS 
              FOR STATE INNOVATION UNDER THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND 
              AFFORDABLE CARE ACT SHALL HAVE NO FORCE OR EFFECT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the 
Secretary of the Treasury may not take any action to implement, 
enforce, or otherwise give effect to the rules and guidance described 
in subsection (b), and no such rules and guidance shall have any force 
or effect.
    (b) Rules and Guidance.--The rules and guidance described in this 
subsection are the following:
            (1) The provisions in the final rule issued by the 
        Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the 
        Treasury on January 19, 2021, relating to ``Updates to State 
        Innovation Waiver (Section 1332 Waiver) Implementing 
        Regulations'' (86 Fed. Reg. 6138).
            (2) The guidance issued by such Secretaries entitled 
        ``State Relief and Empowerment Waivers'' (83 Fed. Reg. 53575 
        (October 24, 2018)), or any other rule promulgated to give 
        effect to such guidance.
                                 <all>
Anti-Spoofing Penalties Modernization Act of 2021
Bill: S.594 | Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. (R-ME)
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
Anti-Spoofing Penalties Modernization Act of 2021
This bill doubles the penalties for providing misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.

To double the existing penalties for the provision of misleading or 
             inaccurate caller identification information.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Anti-Spoofing Penalties 
Modernization Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. INCREASING PENALTIES FOR SPOOFERS.

     Section 227(e)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 
227(e)(5)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A)(i)--
                    (A) by striking ``$10,000'' and inserting 
                ``$20,000''; and
                    (B) by striking ``$1,000,000'' and inserting 
                ``$2,000,000''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$10,000'' and 
        inserting ``$20,000''.
                                                       Calendar No. 210

117th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                                 S. 594

_______________________________________________________________________
BRAVE Act
Bill: H.R.5548 | Sponsor: Rep. Wittman, Robert J. (R-VA)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Be Ready to Assist Veterans in Extremis Act or the BRAVE Act
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a patient outreach system under which it must ensure that veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have experienced a traumatic or highly stressful event may elect to receive information and resources relating to mental health and available mental health care services.
The VA must coordinate the system with the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of 
  Veterans Affairs to establish a patient outreach system relating to 
              mental health care, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Be Ready to Assist Veterans in 
Extremis Act'' or the ``BRAVE Act''.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SYSTEM FOR 
              PATIENT OUTREACH RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

    (a) Establishment of System.--Chapter 17 of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting after section 1720J the following new 
section (and conforming the table of sections at the beginning of such 
chapter accordingly):
``Sec. 1720K. Mental health care: patient outreach system
    ``The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a patient 
outreach system under which the Secretary shall ensure that veterans 
who are enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established 
and operated under section 1705 of this title and have experienced a 
traumatic or other highly stressful event, may elect to receive from 
the Secretary information relating to mental health and resources 
relating to the mental health care services available to the 
veteran.''.
    (b) Administration of System.--In administering the patient 
outreach system established under section 1720K of title 38, United 
States Code (as added by subsection (a)), the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall seek to coordinate such system with the Transition 
Assistance Program of the Department of Defense.
    (c) Deadline for Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish the 
patient outreach system under such section 1720K by not later than two 
years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
IRS Reduction Act
Bill: H.R.8769 | Sponsor: Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson (R-NJ)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
IRS Reduction Act
This bill rescinds all unobligated amounts appropriated by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for the improvement of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The Department of the Treasury must report on how the IRS plans to improve the efficiency of its services, including the processing of tax returns.

To rescind the funds appropriated to the IRS under the Inflation 
                         Reduction Act of 2022.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``IRS Reduction Act''.

SEC. 2. RESCISSION OF FUNDS FOR IRS.

    The unobligated balances of all amounts appropriated by the 
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for enhancement of Internal Revenue 
Service Resources are hereby rescinded.

SEC. 3. REPORT.

    Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary's delegate) shall 
submit to Congress a report detailing how the Internal Revenue Service 
plans to improve the efficiency of the procedures and processes of its 
services, including the processing of tax returns.
                                 <all>
Military Spouses Employment Act
Bill: H.R.2966 | Sponsor: Rep. Carter, John R. (R-TX)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
Military Spouses Employment Act
This bill expands the work opportunity tax credit to include the hiring of a qualified military spouse. (The credit permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group such as qualified veterans, ex-felons, or long-term unemployment recipients to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.)
A qualified military spouse is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as being (as of the hiring date) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on a period of extended active duty (in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite period) which includes the hiring date.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make employers of spouses 
    of military personnel eligible for the work opportunity credit.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Military Spouses Employment Act''.

SEC. 2. ELIGIBILITY OF SPOUSES OF MILITARY PERSONNEL FOR THE WORK 
              OPPORTUNITY CREDIT.

    (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 51(d) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of 
subparagraph (I), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (J) 
and inserting ``, or'', and by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph:
                    ``(K) a qualified military spouse.''.
    (b) Qualified Military Spouse.--Subsection (d) of section 51 of 
such Code is amended by redesignating paragraphs (12) through (15) as 
paragraphs (13) through (16), respectively, and by inserting after 
paragraph (9) the following new paragraph:
            ``(11) Qualified military spouse.--The term `qualified 
        military spouse' means any individual who is certified by the 
        designated local agency as being a spouse (determined as of the 
        hiring date) of a member of the Armed Forces of the United 
        States who is serving on a period of extended active duty which 
        includes the hiring date. For purposes of the preceding 
        sentence, the term `extended active duty' means any period of 
        active duty pursuant to a call or order to such duty for a 
        period in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite period.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made this section shall apply 
to amounts paid or incurred after the date of the enactment of this Act 
to individuals who begin work for the employer after such date.
                                 <all>
Return Act
Bill: H.R.5057 | Sponsor: Rep. Crenshaw, Dan (R-TX)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
Return Act
This bill directs each federal agency to require the level of telework of employees to return to the level of telework in place on February 14, 2020.
The General Services Administration must submit to Congress a report that includes a description of how, during the period beginning on February 14, 2020, and ending on the date of this bill's enactment, agency services and response times for individuals in the United States who benefit from services of agencies were affected by the increased level of telework and the limited access to physical mail, data servers, and voice mail at agencies.

To require the level of telework of employees of agencies to return to 
the level of telework of those employees on February 14, 2020, and for 
                            other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Return Act''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 101 of title 31, United States Code.
            (2) Covered period.--The term ``covered period'' means the 
        period beginning on February 14, 2020, and ending on the date 
        of enactment of this Act.
            (3) Telework.--The term ``telework'' has the meaning given 
        the term in section 6501 of title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 3. REQUIREMENT TO RETURN.

    Not later than September 30, 2021, the head of each agency shall 
require the level of telework of employees of the agency to return to 
the level of telework of those employees on February 14, 2020.

SEC. 4. REPORT.

    Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator of General Services, in coordination with the Director of 
the Office of Personnel Management and the Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget, shall submit to Congress a report that includes 
a description of how, during the covered period, agency services and 
response times for individuals in the United States who benefit from 
services of agencies were affected by--
            (1) the increased level of telework of employees of 
        agencies; and
            (2) the limited access to physical mail, data servers, and 
        voice mail at agencies.
                                 <all>
District of Columbia National Guard Federal Employee Leave Fairness Act
Bill: H.R.3351 | Sponsor: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes (D-DC)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
District of Columbia National Guard Federal Employee Leave Fairness Act
This bill excludes payments received by federal employees or employees of the District of Columbia for their service in the District of Columbia National Guard from being credited against their civilian pay. The bill applies to payments made between January 6, 2021, and the date of the bill's enactment.

To amend title 5, United States Code, to correct a legislative drafting 
  error in such title, to eliminate the reduction in pay of a Federal 
employee or District of Columbia employee as a result of such employee 
serving as a member of the National Guard of the District of Columbia, 
                        and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``District of Columbia National Guard 
Federal Employee Leave Fairness Act''.

SEC. 2. REPEAL OF CREDITING AMOUNTS RECEIVED AGAINST PAY OF FEDERAL 
              EMPLOYEE OR DC EMPLOYEE SERVING AS A MEMBER OF THE 
              NATIONAL GUARD OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

    (a) In General.--Section 5519 of title 5, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ``or (c)''.
    (b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply 
to any amounts credited, by operation of such section 5519, against the 
pay of an employee or individual described under section 6323(c) of 
such title during the period beginning on January 6, 2021, and ending 
on the date of enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
Stop Military Selective Service Registration Act
Bill: H.R.5868 | Sponsor: Rep. Hartzler, Vicky (R-MO)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Stop Military Selective Service Registration Act
This bill repeals the Military Selective Service Act, which requires most men of ages 18 through 25 years old to register with the Selective Service System in case a draft is reinstated. The assets, contracts, property, unexpended balances and records held by the Selective Service System must be transferred to the Office of Selective Service Records (reestablished by this bill) upon the repeal.
The bill prohibits the reenactment of the Military Selective Service Act or reestablishment of the Selective Service System unless there is a vote by two-thirds of each chamber of Congress.

To repeal the Military Selective Service Act and reestablish the Office 
 of Selective Service Records, and to prescribe the procedure for the 
  reenactment of such Act or reestablishment of the Selective Service 
                                System.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Military Selective Service 
Registration Act''.

SEC. 2. REPEAL OF MILITARY SELECTIVE SERVICE ACT; REESTABLISHMENT OF 
              OFFICE OF SELECTIVE SERVICE RECORDS.

    (a) Repeal.--The Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3801 et 
seq.) is repealed.
    (b) Reestablishment of Office of Selective Service Records.--
Pursuant to the proviso in section 10(a)(4) of the Military Selective 
Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3809(a)(4)) in effect on the day before the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Office of Selective Service Records 
is reestablished upon such effective date. Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the assets, contracts, 
property, and records held by the Selective Service System, and the 
unexpended balances of any appropriations available to the Selective 
Service System, shall be transferred to the Office of Selective Service 
Records.
    (c) Procedure for Reenactment of Military Selective Service Act or 
Reestablishment of Selective Service System.--
            (1) Supermajority required.--Neither the Military Selective 
        Service Act may be reenacted nor the Selective Service System 
        reestablished except by a vote of two-thirds of each House of 
        Congress.
            (2) Rules of the senate and house of representatives.--This 
        subsection is enacted by Congress as an exercise of the 
        rulemaking power of the Senate and House of Representatives, 
        respectively, and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of 
        each House, respectively, and it supersedes other rules only to 
        the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules.
                                 <all>
Constraining Human Rights Offenders in the Middle East Act
Bill: H.R.1231 | Sponsor: Rep. Gonzales, Tony (R-TX)
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
Constraining Human Rights Offenders in the Middle East Act or the CHROME Act
This bill prohibits the President from taking any action relating to the reentry of the United States into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) unless the President makes specified certifications.
The JCPOA is an agreement, signed by Iran and several other world powers (including the United States), that places restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for certain sanctions relief. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018.
The bill prohibits the President from taking action to rejoin the JCPOA unless the President certifies to Congress that no sanctions waived or suspended pursuant to that reentry will operate to the benefit of (1) a designated foreign terrorist organization or its members, or (2) any individual or entity of the Iranian government that has engaged in gross violations of human rights.

To prohibit the reentry of the United States into the Joint 
    Comprehensive Plan of Action unless the President makes certain 
        certifications relating to Iran, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Constraining Human Rights Offenders 
in the Middle East Act'' or the ``CHROME Act''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON REENTRY INTO THE JCPOA.

    The President may not take any action relating to the re-entry of 
the United States into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed at 
Vienna on July 14, 2015, by Iran and by France, Germany, the Russian 
Federation, the People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom, and the 
United States (including all implementing materials and agreements 
related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), unless the 
President certifies to Congress each of the following:
            (1) No waiver or suspension of a sanction waived or 
        suspended pursuant to such re-entry will operate to the 
        benefit, directly or indirectly, of any organization or any 
        member of an organization designated as a foreign terrorist 
        organization under section 219 of the Immigration and 
        Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
            (2) No waiver or suspension of a sanction waived or 
        suspended pursuant to such re-entry will operate to the 
        benefit, directly or indirectly, of any individual or entity of 
        the Government of Iran that has engaged in the gross violation 
        of human rights, such as the commission of torture, the killing 
        of peaceful protestors, or the persecution of homosexual 
        persons.
                                 <all>
A bill to designate the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia, as the "Rock Boucher Amphitheater".
Bill: S.3873 | Sponsor: Sen. Warner, Mark R. (D-VA)
Policy area: Arts, Culture, Religion

Summary:
This bill designates the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center, located at 700 Foothills Road in Galax, Virginia, as the Rick Boucher Amphitheater.

To designate the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center in 
         Galax, Virginia, as the ``Rick Boucher Amphitheater''.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF THE RICK BOUCHER AMPHITHEATER.

    (a) Designation.--The outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music 
Center, located at 700 Foothills Road, Galax, Virginia, a facility 
within the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a unit of the National Park 
System, shall be known and designated as the ``Rick Boucher 
Amphitheater''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the outdoor amphitheater 
referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the 
``Rick Boucher Amphitheater''.

            Passed the Senate December 22, 2022.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
117th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                S. 3873

_______________________________________________________________________
To amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish that reconciliation directives in a budget resolution may not cause a net increase in the deficit for the period of fiscal years covered by that resolution.
Bill: H.R.4988 | Sponsor: Rep. Case, Ed (D-HI)
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance

Summary:
This bill prohibits congressional budget resolutions from including reconciliation instructions that would cause a net increase in the deficit for the period of fiscal years covered by the resolution.
(Reconciliation instructions generally direct congressional committees to report legislation to achieve certain budgetary goals by changing laws that affect spending, revenue, or the debt limit. The legislation is then considered by Congress using expedited legislative procedures, which limit debate and amendments.)

To amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish that 
 reconciliation directives in a budget resolution may not cause a net 
increase in the deficit for the period of fiscal years covered by that 
                              resolution.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. INCREASE IN DEFICIT PROHIBITED UNDER RECONCILIATION 
              DIRECTIVES.

    Section 310(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3) by striking ``or'' at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; or''; and
            (3) by adding the following new paragraph at the end:
            ``(5) not specify in paragraphs (1) and (2), when taken 
        together, amounts that would have the effect of increasing the 
        deficit for the period of fiscal years covered by such 
        resolution.''.
                                 <all>
National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act
Bill: S.1859 | Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy (D-IL)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act
This bill requires the military department concerned to pay members of the reserve components a special bonus or incentive pay in the same monthly amount that is paid to members in the regular component of the service for performing comparable work requiring comparable skills.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to require the Secretary 
concerned to pay a member in the reserve component of an Armed Force a 
 special bonus or incentive pay in the same amount as a member in the 
                 regular component of that Armed Force.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Guard and Reserve Incentive 
Pay Parity Act''.

SEC. 2. EQUAL SPECIAL BONUS AND INCENTIVE PAY FOR MEMBERS OF THE 
              RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 37, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 357. Special bonus and incentive pay authorities for members of 
              the reserve components of the armed forces
    ``The Secretary concerned shall pay a member of the reserve 
component of an armed force a special bonus or incentive pay in the 
same monthly amount as that paid to a member in the regular component 
of such armed force performing comparable work requiring comparable 
skills.''.
    (b) Technical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
356 the following:

``357. Special bonus and incentive pay authorities for members of the 
                            reserve components of the armed forces.''.
                                 <all>
No Student Loan Interest Act
Bill: H.R.4725 | Sponsor: Rep. Swalwell, Eric (D-CA)
Policy area: Education

Summary:
No Student Loan Interest Act
This bill provides for zero-interest rates on certain federal student loans.
Specifically, the bill sets the interest rate at 0% for (1) existing loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan Program or the Federal Direct Loan Program, and (2) new loans made under the Federal Direct Loan Program.

To provide for the relief of interest on certain Federal student loans.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``No Student Loan Interest Act''.

SEC. 2. ZERO-INTEREST RATES FOR BORROWERS OF FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS.

    (a) Interest Rate for FFEL Loans.--Section 427A of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1077a) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:
    ``(o) Zero-Interest Rates.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this section or this Act, with respect to any loan made, insured, or 
guaranteed under this part for which the first disbursement is made on 
or before July 1, 2010, the applicable rate of interest shall be zero 
on the unpaid principal balance of the loan.''.
    (b) Interest Rate for Direct Loans.--Section 455(b) of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(b)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
            ``(11) Zero-interest rate.--
                    ``(A) New loans.--Notwithstanding the preceding 
                paragraphs of this subsection or any other provision of 
                this Act, with respect to any loan made under this part 
                for which the first disbursement is made on or after 
                July 1, 2022, the applicable rate of interest shall be 
                zero, and shall be fixed for the period of the loan.
                    ``(B) Existing loans.--Notwithstanding the 
                preceding paragraphs of this subsection or any other 
                provision of this Act, with respect to any loan made 
                under this part for which the first disbursement is 
                made before July 1, 2022, the applicable rate of 
                interest shall be zero on the unpaid principal balance 
                of the loan.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on July 1, 2022.
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To amend Public Law 94-241 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to increase the number of permits that are available for employers in Construction and Extraction Occupations seeking Commonwealth Only Transitional Workers, and for other purposes.
Bill: H.R.6906 | Sponsor: Del. Sablan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho (D-MP)
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, by the request of the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, to increase the annual cap on nonimmigrants permitted to perform construction work associated with preparation for or recovery from a major disaster or emergency in the Northern Mariana Islands.

To amend Public Law 94-241 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland 
   Security to increase the number of permits that are available for 
     employers in Construction and Extraction Occupations seeking 
    Commonwealth Only Transitional Workers, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. PERMITS FOR EMPLOYERS IN CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 
              OCCUPATIONS SEEKING COMMONWEALTH ONLY TRANSITIONAL 
              WORKERS.

    Section 6(d)(3)(E)(i) of Public Law 94-241 (48 U.S.C. 
1806(d)(3)(E)(i)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end 
the following: ``, and for any succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary 
may increase the total number of such permits available by a number 
determined appropriate by the Secretary, at the request of the Governor 
of the Northern Mariana Islands''.
                                 <all>
A bill to prohibit a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for eligibility in nutrition programs.
Bill: S.2997 | Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick (R-FL)
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture and state agencies from making individuals receive a COVID-19 vaccine in order to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and school meals programs.

To prohibit a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for eligibility in 
                          nutrition programs.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. PROHIBITION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR 
              ELIGIBILITY IN NUTRITION PROGRAMS.

    (a) Definition of Nutrition Program.--In this section, the term 
``nutrition program'' means--
            (1) the special supplemental nutrition program for women, 
        infants, and children established under section 17 of the Child 
        Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786);
            (2) the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
        established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
        2011 et seq.);
            (3) the school breakfast program established under section 
        4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773); and
            (4) the school lunch program established under the Richard 
        B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.).
    (b) Prohibition.--In carrying out a nutrition program, the 
Secretary of Agriculture--
            (1) may not require a person to have received a COVID-19 
        vaccination for eligibility to participate in the nutrition 
        program; and
            (2) shall prohibit a State agency carrying out the 
        nutrition program from requiring a person to have received a 
        COVID-19 vaccination for eligibility to participate in the 
        nutrition program.
                                 <all>
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-third article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Bill: H.J.Res.19 | Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Dusty (R-SD)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment repealing the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (allowing citizens residing in the District of Columbia to vote for presidential electors, who in turn vote in the electoral college for the President and Vice President).

117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. J. RES. 19

  Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to 
repeal the twenty-third article of amendment to the Constitution of the 
                             United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 25, 2021

  Mr. Johnson of South Dakota (for himself, Mr. Pfluger, Mr. Rice of 
  South Carolina, Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Fallon, and Mr. Baird) submitted the 
following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
                               Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
  Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to 
repeal the twenty-third article of amendment to the Constitution of the 
                             United States.

    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled   (two-thirds of each House 
concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an 
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be 
valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when 
ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States 
within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

                              ``Article--

    ``Section 1. The twenty-third article of amendment to the 
Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
    ``Section 2. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article 
by appropriate legislation.''.
                                 <all>
Build a Better VA Act
Bill: H.R.913 | Sponsor: Rep. Brownley, Julia (D-CA)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Build a Better VA Act
This bill prohibits funds from being appropriated for any fiscal year for a Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility lease unless the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs adopt resolutions approving the lease.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require congressional 
   approval before the appropriation of funds for the Department of 
            Veterans Affairs major medical facility leases.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Build a Better VA Act''.

SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MAJOR 
              MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES.

    (a) In General.--Section 8104(a)(2) of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``No funds'' and inserting ``(A) No 
        funds'';
            (2) by striking ``or any major medical facility lease'';
            (3) by striking ``or lease''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
    ``(B) No funds may be appropriated for any fiscal year for any 
major medical facility lease unless the Committees on Veterans' Affairs 
of the Senate and House of Representatives adopt resolutions approving 
the lease.''.
    (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to a lease entered into after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>