Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Grant Transparency Act: The Senate passed H.R. 5536, to require increased transparency in notices of funding opportunity. [12/3/24; Page S6786]

Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act: The Senate passed S. 4569, the "TAKE IT DOWN Act," to require covered platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate visual depictions, and for other purposes. [12/3/24; Pages S6788-89]

"I am all for taking on the criminals who terrorize others with nonconsensual or deep-faked images. And I do not oppose incentivizing platforms to take this slime off their platforms…For these reasons, I am not objecting to [this bill]. However, I have concerns that the bill could threaten the availability of strong encryption, which is the single best tool to protect the privacy and security of all internet users. Specifically, the notice and takedown mechanism described in the bill could be understood to place a mandate on end-to-end encrypted communications providers to delete messages they cannot technically access…I also have concerns that the takedown system could allow bad actors to take advantage of the system to remove legal, legitimate speech from the internet. These are solvable issues, and I regret that the bill’s sponsors did not address them. If the TAKE IT DOWN Act becomes law, I will do everything within my power to hold the Federal Trade Commission accountable if it strays from the important mandate this bill creates and instead unfairly targets encrypted communications providers." [Sen. Wyden (D-OR); 12/3/24; Pages S6788-89]

Amendments Adopted:

SA 3309. Mr. SCHUMER (for Mr. CRUZ (for himself and Ms. KLOBUCHAR)) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by Mr. SCHUMER to the bill S. 4569, to require covered platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate visual depictions, and for other purposes.

SEC. 3. NOTICE AND REMOVAL OF NONCONSENSUAL INTIMATE VISUAL DEPICTIONS.

* * * *

(b) ENFORCEMENT BY THE COMMISSION.—

(1) UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES.—A failure to reasonably comply with the notice and takedown obligations under subsection (a) shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or a deceptive act or practice under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).

(2) POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the Commission shall enforce this section in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this section.

(B) PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES.—Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.).

(C) AUTHORITY PRESERVED.—Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the Federal Trade Commission under any other provision of law.

(D) SCOPE OF JURISDICTION.—Notwithstanding sections 4, 5(a)(2), or 6 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 44, 45(a)(2), 46), or any jurisdictional limitation of the Commission, the Commission shall also enforce this section in the same manner provided in subparagraph (A), with respect to organizations that are not organized to carry on business for their own profit or that of their members. [12/3/24; Pages S6783-85]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 5429. A bill to require each Executive department to establish policies and collect information regarding teleworking employees of the Executive department, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Rep. Ernst (R-IA); 12/5/24]

S. 5425. A bill to require congressional approval for rules that are expected to cost not less than $50,000,000 annually, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Kennedy (R-LA); 12/4/24]

S. 5407. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a plan to identify, integrate, and deploy new, innovative, disruptive, or other emerging or advanced technologies that are safe and secure to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s capabilities to meet its mission needs along international borders and at ports of entry; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Cortez Masto (D-NV); 12/2/24]

S. 5406. A bill to establish an Office of Public Engagement and Participation within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Markey (D-MA); 12/2/24]

REPORTS FILED:

S. 4630. To establish an interagency committee to harmonize regulatory regimes in the United States relating to cybersecurity, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–254). [12/2/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Prove It Act of 2024: The House passed H.R. 7198, to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, by a yea-and-nay vote of 208 yeas to 196 nays, Roll No. 489. H.Res. 1602, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to on December 4, 2024. [12/4–12/5/24; Pages H6379–92, H6397–H6400]

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7198, the Prove It Act of 2024. This is an important bipartisan piece of legislation that will help small businesses around the country comply with the overwhelming weight of Federal regulation…When small businesses are forced to shoulder the burden of…regulations, it results in higher prices at the cash register…[and] can keep some small businesses out of the market altogether…Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, agencies…are supposed to take small businesses into account when writing the rules. All too often, however, the agencies are out of compliance with the RFA’s mandates…The Prove It Act of 2024 allows small businesses to petition the Small Business Administration to investigate a rulemaking process when a small business owner believes the agency inadequately performed its regulatory analysis as required by the RFA. It also authorizes the SBA’s chief advocacy counsel to independently investigate a rulemaking agency’s compliance with the RFA. Finally, it creates a penalty for rulemaking agencies that failed to comply with the RFA’s requirements. [Rep. Hageman (R-WY-AL); 12/5/24; Pages H6380-81]

"H.R. 7198…represents the latest effort by Republicans to dismantle the regulatory process, giving well-resourced special interests a powerful new cudgel to wield against regulations, while causing harm to the very small entities the bill purports to help…[It] would vest enormous and unreviewable authority over agency rules to the chief counsel of the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration…It authorizes the chief counsel, unilaterally and without review, to exempt large parts of the business community from proposed rules if he or she determines that an agency did not properly consider how a proposed rule would affect small entities. Not only would this broad and vaguely defined authority apply to proposed regulations, but the bill would also charge the chief counsel with tracking agencies’ completion of mandatory reviews of existing rules every 10 years. If they find that an agency failed to conduct the required review of the rule, they can simply suspend operation of the rule. I note that, while this legislation would impose significant new burdens on the SBA, it would provide no additional funding to carry out these duties, putting a further strain on the agency’s ability to assist small businesses…Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to oppose this legislation." [Rep. Nadler (D-NY12); 12/5/24; Page H6381]

Federal Agency Performance Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass S. 709, as amended, to improve performance and accountability in the Federal Government, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 389 yeas to 6 nays, Roll No. 484. [12/4–12/5/24; Pages H6313–15, H6395]

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, the Federal Agency Performance Act, which provides additional transparency, accountability, and priorities for the Federal Government…This bill requires agencies to proactively assess their progress toward achieving their strategic goals and objectives. It ensures that merely developing the goal is not enough. Agencies would be required to track their progress and develop plans to address identified risks to not achieving their stated goals. This bill also requires agencies to determine whether they need more evidence to better assess their progress. Agencies would also be required to assign senior leadership attention to completing these efforts, a commonsense reform that ensures that the work gets done, Mr. Speaker." [Rep. Burchett (R-TN2); 12/4/24; Page H6314]

"I rise in support of the Federal Agency Performance Act…I am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation. I thank Senator PETERS, the chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, for his leadership of the bill on the Senate side…This bill would promote both accountability and transparency. It would codify OMB’s practice of conducting regular strategic reviews of Federal agency performance goals, and it would also set new requirements to improve publicly available data on performance.gov, allowing the public greater transparency into agency progress toward the goals that have been set forth. The bill makes commonsense updates to ensure agencies are providing services to the people as efficiently and as effectively as possible, which is why we have a government, to serve the people. I encourage all my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time." [Rep. Raskin (D-MD8); 12/4/24; Page H6314]

Source code Harmonization And Reuse in Information Technology (SHARE IT) Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 9566, as amended, to require governmentwide source code sharing. [12/4/24; Pages H6340–42]

"This bill is a commonsense solution to a longstanding, overlooked inefficiency within our Federal Government. Each year, the government spends approximately $6 billion on software development, a portion of which funds the creation of custom code for agency-specific programs. These investments are often necessary to manage the complexity of government operations, but without a clear mandate for code sharing, agencies are left operating in silos…The SHARE IT Act addresses this problem directly. It mandates that agencies publicly list and share their custom code, allowing solutions to be reused across the government, saving both time and important taxpayer dollars. Importantly, the bill includes provisions to safeguard sensitive or classified information, ensuring national security and privacy are not compromised. It also holds agency chief information officers accountable, requiring them to ensure code is properly shared and adding much-needed transparency to the process. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in passing the SHARE IT Act." [Rep. Langworthy (R-NY23); 12/4/24; Page H6342]

"In 2016, President Obama released a Federal source code policy requiring the custom source code developed by or for the Federal Government be made available for reuse by all Federal agencies…[T]he policy required GSA to create code.gov to facilitate code sharing. As of 2019, code.gov featured more than 6,000 code bases from 26 different Federal agencies. Despite this success, many of the 24 largest agencies required to post their custom-developed code inventory…haven’t done so, and the policy lacks an effective enforcement mechanism…To improve compliance and further unlock the benefits of sharing custom-built code, [this bill] would require agencies to list the custom code the purchaser produced and to share such code, either publicly, or governmentwide…[I]t assigns agency chief information officers the responsibility of overseeing compliance with the act. Mr. Speaker, I support the purpose of this bill, which is to promote innovation, collaboration, efficiency, and better value. However, as the administration has pointed out, it will require several key improvements before it can truly live up to its full promise…[and] Federal entities will need additional funding in order to effectively meet the new requirements of the bill." [Rep. Raskin (D-MD8); 12/4/24; Page H6342]

Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1695, as amended, to improve the visibility, accountability, and oversight of agency software asset management practices. [12/4/24; Pages H6316–19]

"Federal agencies spend billions of dollars a year on software licenses without a full understanding of what they are purchasing and how it compares to what they are already paying for…This legislation will provide Congress better insight into how our Federal agencies purchase and use software and will improve government software purchasing without unduly limiting the procurement options of Federal agencies. H.R. 1695 requires an agency to better manage its software and develop a plan for addressing any costly, unnecessary licenses. This will reduce wasteful spending and improve government efficiency." [Rep. Comer (R-KY1); 12/4/24; Page H6318]

"Current software contract and asset management practices fall short of achieving enough transparency to allow the agencies to purchase software products and services that actually will meet their needs and priorities. H.R. 1695, the SAMOSA Act, would require Federal agency chief information officers to conduct comprehensive assessments of the software paid for by government or in use in government or being deployed there. These assessments would update and expand the software inventories required by the MEGABYTE Act. The bill would require agencies to submit these comprehensive assessments to GSA, OMB, GAO, and Congress to facilitate more effective oversight of Federal software contracts. Agencies would be required to use these assessments to develop a plan to better manage software procurement and management, which would be required to include remediation of deficiencies, automation of management processes, and workforce training." [Rep. Raskin (D-MD8); 12/4/24; Page H6318]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 10324. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to address telework for Federal employees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Ogles (R-TN5); 12/6/24]

H.R. 10320. A bill to amend title 51, United States Code, to establish a Commercial Space Transportation Administration, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. [Rep. Kiley (R-CA3); 12/6/24]

H.R. 10300. A bill to provide for congressional review of rules with respect to which the agency explicitly relied on Chevron deference in the notice of proposed rulemaking or a Federal court upheld the rule based on Chevron deference; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Rules, and the Budget. [Rep. Bice (R-OK5); 12/5/24]

H.R. 10286. A bill to establish the Constitutional Government Review Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on Rules. [Rep. Dunn (R-FL2); 12/4/24]De

H.R. 10275. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for a 6 month delay before a final rule may take effect; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Hageman (R-WY-AL); 12/3/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 8302. To establish a commission to review the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and make recommendations for legislative reforms, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–800, Part 1). [12/5/24]

H.R. 8692. To require that the Amtrak Board of Directors comply with the open meetings requirements of section 552b of title 5, United States Code, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–795). [12/4/24]

H.R. 3556. To amend the Federal financial laws to increase financial regulatory accountability and transparency, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–793, Part 1). [12/4/24]

H.J. Res. 120. Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Financial Stability Oversight Council related to ‘‘Guidance on Nonbank Financial Company Determinations’’ (H. Rept. 118–790). [12/3/24]

H.R. 8338. To regulate small-dollar, short-term credit products, to protect the privacy of lenders, and to improve the unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices authority of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–789). [12/3/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on H.R. 7198, the ‘‘Prove It Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, and for other purposes; and H.R. 5349, the ‘‘Crucial Communism Teaching Act,’’ to develop and disseminate a civic education curriculum and oral history resources regarding certain political ideologies, and for other purposes. The Committee granted, by a record vote of 9–2, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5349  and H.R.7198.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–6259. A letter from the Director, Office of Management and Budget, transmitting the Office’s memorandum — Advancing the Responsible Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government [M-24-18] received November 1, 2024, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Senate

The Senate met in pro forma session on Tuesday, November 26, and Friday, November 29, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 10264. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make available video conferencing for NEXUS applicants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. [Rep. Kennedy (D-NY26); 11/29/24]

H. Res. 1600. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the use of artificial intelligence in the financial services and housing industries; to the Committee on Financial Services.

H.R. 10263. A bill to require the Federal financial agencies to carry out a study and report on standardized descriptions for vendor-provided artificial intelligence systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Waters (D-CA43); 11/26/24]

H.R. 10262. A bill to require the financial regulators to carry out studies on the realized and potential benefits of artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Waters (D-CA43); 11/26/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 6241. To require certain data collection and reporting on space utilization, occupancy, and availability of office space leased by an Executive agency (H. Rept. 118–778). [11/26/24]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–6215. A letter from the Chairman, Office of Proceedings and the Office of Economics, Surface Transportation Board, transmitting the Board’s final rule — Fees for Services Performed in Connection with Licensing and Related Services--2024 Update (Docket No.: EP 542 (Sub-No. 32)) received November 25, 2024, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

EC–6213. A letter from the Agency Representative, United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce, transmitting the Department’s Major final rule — Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2025 (RIN: 0651-AD64) received November 25, 2024, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on the Judiciary

EC–6194. A letter from the Agency Representative, United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce, transmitting the Department’s Major final rule — Setting and Adjusting Trademark Fees During Fiscal Year 2025 (RIN: 0651-AD65) received November 18, 2024, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on the Judiciary. [11/26/24]

Senate

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 5385. A bill to prohibit Federal agencies from considering, in taking any action, the social cost of carbon, the social cost of methane, the social cost of nitrous oxide, or the social cost of any other greenhouse gas, unless compliant with Office of Management and Budget guidance, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 11/21/24]

S. 5384. A bill to abolish the Department of Education, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Rounds (R-SD); 11/21/24; sponsor press release]

S. 5379. A bill to create an administrative subpoena process to assist copyright owners in determining which of their copyrighted works have been used in the training of artificial intelligence models; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Welch (R-VT); 11/21/24; sponsor press release]

MEASURES REPORTED:

S. 4664. To require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the use of artificial intelligence to support the missions of the Department of Energy, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [11/21/24]

MEASURES REFERRED:

H.R. 7409. An act to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [11/18/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: The Committee convened for a business meeting to consider legislation and nominations within the Committee's jurisdiction and ordered favorably reported 33 business items, including S. 5302, the "Federal Advisory Committee Database Act," to amend title 5, United States Code, to address the responsibilities of the Administrator of General Services with respect to Federal advisory committees, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 5312, the "ORG CHART Act," to require agencies to create consistent organizational hierarchies, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; H.R. 7528, the "Comment Integrity and Management Act of 2024," to amend section 206 of the E-Government Act of 2002 to improve the integrity and management of mass comments and computer-generated comments in the regulatory review process, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; H.R. 9592, the "Federal Register Modernization Act of 2024," to amend title 44, United States Code, to modernize the Federal Register; and H.R. 6231, the "Department of Homeland Security Policy Issuance Review Act," to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require a prioritized policy issuance review process for the Department of Homeland Security. [11/20/24]

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: The Committee convened for a business meeting to consider legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction and ordered favorably reported 75 business items, including S. 4664, the "Department of Energy AI Act," to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the use of artificial intelligence to support the missions of the Department of Energy, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [11/19/24]

REMARKS:

Addressing Bias in AI and Other Algorithmic Tools

"AI holds great promise with the potential to transform the way we live, we work, and interact with the world. But as with any race, there are winners and there are losers, and I am deeply worried that we are too focused on the potential winners of this AI race and we are neglecting those who are already being left behind…To understand why, it is helpful to understand how these AI-driven algorithms actually work, because these algorithms are really just supercharged pattern recognition systems…Here is the problem: This training and the algorithm’s decision making and recommendations happen outside of public view. This lack of transparency and the failure to properly test for bias in algorithms create serious risk. What happens when the information being fed into an algorithm reflects preexisting societal biases? The same problem happens with algorithms involved in decisions around banking, healthcare, and the criminal justice system, but with much more serious results. Numerous studies and reports have revealed the consequences that biased algorithms have for marginalized communities…This is unacceptable. That is why, in September, I introduced my AI Civil Rights Act, comprehensive legislation intended to ensure that the AI age does not replicate and supercharge the bias and discrimination already prevalent today in our real world. Specifically, my legislation would impose new rules when companies use algorithms to make decisions on employment, banking, healthcare, the criminal justice system, and other important aspects of our lives." [Sen. Markey D-MA); 11/21/24; Pages S6701-02]

Utilizing the Congressional Review Act

"Mr. President, Congress writes the Nation’s laws, and the executive branch sticks to enforcing them. That idea is actually not new…But half a century of ceding legislative authority to an unelected bureaucracy has thrown this balance off-kilter. Earlier this year, of course, the Article III branch quite clearly restored the boundaries on freelance regulatory interpretation in the executive branch. But there is more work to be done to rein in Washington bureaucrats’ expansive interpretation of their powers over working Americans, and fortunately Congress has a powerful tool called the Congressional Review Act that does exactly that…To great effect, Senate Republicans used the CRA to scrap a slew of bureaucratic rules after 8 years of runaway regulation under the Obama administration…Between 2017 and 2018, Republicans used the CRA 16 times to impose an ambitious regulatory housecleaning…We did all of this with hardly any Democratic support. So it is not surprising that, under the Biden administration, Democrats have worked relentlessly to resurrect the Obama administration’s regulatory regime…So it is safe to say Congress once again has an opportunity. Two weeks ago, the American people gave Republicans a legitimate, crystal-clear mandate, and come January we ought to use it to hit the brakes on runaway regulation." [Sen. McConnell (R-KY); 11/20/24; Page S6641-42]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–6620. A communication from the Agency Representative, Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2025’’ (RIN 0651–AD64) received in the Office of the President of the Senate on November 19, 2024; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [11/20/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Grant Transparency Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5536, to require transparency in notices of funding opportunity. [11/18/24; Pages H6032-33]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 10248. A bill to create a process for the expungement of pardoned Federal offenses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Armstrong (R-ND-AL); 11/22/24]

H.R. 10212. A bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to provide an online tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify likely scams for the public, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Curtis (R-UT3); 11/21/24; sponsor press release]

H.R. 10177. A bill to prohibit the award of Federal grants to applicants submitting duplicative or fraudulent applications, to require the Director of Office of Management and Budget to establish a tracking and deconfliction system for Federal grant applications, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Bice (R-OK5); 11/20/24; sponsor press release]

H.R. 10155. A bill to amend section 7504 of title 31, United States Code, to improve the single audit requirements; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Greene (R-GA14); 11/18/24]

H.R. 10151. A bill to amend title 44, United States Code, to modernize data practices to improve government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Lee (D-PA12); 11/18/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 7198. To amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–761, Part 1). [11/22/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction and ordered favorably reported 13 business items, including H.R. 10132, the ‘‘Federal Agency Performance Act,’’ to improve performance and accountability in the Federal Government, and for other purposes; H.R. 10155, the ‘‘Financial Management Risk Reduction Act,’’ to amend section 7504 of title 31, United States Code, to improve the single audit requirements; H.R. 8690, the ‘‘Stop Secret Spending Act of 2024,’’ to amend the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to ensure that other transaction agreements are reported to USAspending.gov, and for other purposes; H.R. 9040, the ‘‘Taxpayer Exposure Risk Reduction Act,’’ to require covered agencies to issue strategy and implementation plans for the transfer of credit, guarantee, and insurance risk to the private sector, to require the implementation of such plans, and for other purposes; and H.R. 10151, the ‘‘Modernizing Data Practices to Improve Government Act,’’ to amend title 44, United States Code, to modernize data practices to improve government, and for other purposes. [11/20/24]

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 7807, the ‘‘Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act,’’ to create intergovernmental coordination between State, local, Tribal, and territorial jurisdictions, and the Federal Government to combat United States reliance on the People’s Republic of China and other covered countries for critical minerals and rare earth metals, and H.R. 10005, the ‘‘Expedited Appeals Review Act,’’ to establish a process to expedite the review of appeals of certain decisions by the Department of the Interior. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [11/19/24]

REMARKS:

Loper Bright & the Future of Regulatory Reform

"Mr. Speaker…in recent months, the Federal courts have taken decisions that are rolling back what is termed the Chevron deference…In a post-Chevron deference world, I believe balance must be restored, primacy must be restored to the Article I powers given to this body and the Senate under the Constitution and end the activist regulatory agencies that have grown too large, too out of control, and been, in this administration, weaponized against the American people…Mr. Speaker, while various interest groups must continue to bring lawsuits in this area where they believe congressional intent is not being followed, Congress must be proactive in identifying areas where we can tighten statutory language and make congressional intent crystal clear. I believe Congress needs to look at three big areas in this post-Chevron deference universe. First, we need to strengthen the role of Congress and consider changes to the Administrative Procedures Act and the Congressional Review Act to require more collaboration between Congress and even the administration about making sure that they are clear that we have the authority to approve or disapprove regulations…I believe agencies should do regular reviews of all of their regulations to ensure they are not outdated, they are necessary, and that they ensure that they are tailored to limit their compliance impact, cost, liability risk, and other burdens…We must increase the transparency of how agency rulemakings are made. We must tailor specific statutes so that it is clear that Congress, Article I power, is in charge, our intent is clear, and that we are seeing that the Cabinet agencies and the independent agencies are following that intent." [Rep. Hill (R-AR2); 11/18/24; Page H6075]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Financial Management Risk Reduction Act: Senate passed S. 4716, to amend section 7504 of title 31, United States Code, to improve the single audit requirements, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. [11/15/24; Pages S6587]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 5325. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to promote assistance from persons recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for individuals who file certain claims under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT); 11/14/24]S. 5323. A bill to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to impose time limits on the completion of certain required actions under that Act, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 11/14/24]

S. 5312. A bill to require agencies to create consistent organizational hierarchies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 11/13/24]

S. 5302. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to address the responsibilities of the Administrator of General Services with respect to Federal advisory committees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 11/12/24]

S. 5299. A bill to streamline the application process for employers seeking H–2A agricultural workers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Paul (R-KY); 11/12/24; sponsor press release]

MEASURES REFERRED:

H.R. 8790. An act to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. [11/12/24]

MEASURES REPORTED:

S. 4042. To amend title 44, United States Code, to reform the management of Federal records, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–235). [11/12/24]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–6235. A communication from the Agency Representative, Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Rules Governing Director Review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decisions’’ (RIN 0651–AD79) received during adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the President of the Senate on October 25, 2024; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [11/12/24]

EC–6215. A communication from the Director, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Memorandum, Advancing the Responsible Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government’’ (M-24-18) received during adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the President of the Senate on October 25, 2024; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [11/12/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act: The House passed H.R. 7409, to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, and to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, by a yea-and-nay vote of 225 yeas to 181 nays, Roll No. 464. [11/14/24; Pages H5994-98, H6000]

Eliminate Useless Reports Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5301, as amended, to amend title 31, United States Code, to require agencies to include a list of outdated or duplicative reporting requirements in annual budget justifications, and for other purposes. [11/12/24; Pages H5943-44]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 10141. A bill to increase transparency, accountability, and community engagement within the Department of Homeland Security, to provide independent oversight of border security activities, to improve training for agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary. [Rep. Escobar (D-TX16); 11/15/24]

H.R. 10138. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to give priority to individuals with certain professional experience in recommending such individuals to serve as members of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Brownley (D-CA26); 11/15/24]

H.R. 10134. A bill to establish a Commission on Federal Natural Disaster Resilience and Recovery to examine and recommend reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Government’s approach to natural disaster resilience and recovery, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Higgins (R-LA3); 11/15/24]

H.R. 10132. A bill to improve performance and accountability in the Federal Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Timmons (R-SC4); `11/15/24]

H.R. 10123. A bill to establish an interagency committee to harmonize regulatory regimes in the United States relating to cybersecurity, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security. [Rep. Higgins (R-LA3); 11/14/24]

H.R. 10121. A bill to establish youth advisory councils for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce with respect to environmental issues as those issues relate to youth communities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Agriculture. [Rep. Frost (D-FL10); 11/14/24; sponsor press release]

Senate

The Senate met in pro forma session on Monday, November 4, Wednesday, November 6, and Friday, November 8, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 10107. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expedite the processing of claims for disability compensation by veterans affected by major disasters; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Panetta (D-CA19); 11/8/24]

H.R. 10106. A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a contract or other agreement with a third party to review appointees in the Veterans Health Administration who had a license terminated for cause by a State licensing board for care or services rendered at a non-Veterans Health Administration facility and to provide individuals treated by such an appointee with notice if it is determined that an episode of care or services that they received was below the standard of care, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Norman (R-SC5); 11/8/24]

H.R. 10103. A bill to amend titles 17, 18, and 35, United States Code, the Plant Variety Protection Act, and the Lanham Act to require the submission of a report to Congress before the negotiation of any international agreement relating to an intellectual property right, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. [Rep. Issa (R-CA48); 11/8/24]

H.R. 10100. A bill to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act to establish a Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Security, redesignate and relocate other offices of the Department of State, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. [Rep. Moolenaar (R-MI2); 11/5/24]

Senate

The Senate met in pro forma session on Tuesday, October 29, and Friday, November 1, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 10092. A bill to require agencies that use, fund, or oversee algorithms to have an office of civil rights focused on bias, discrimination, and other harms of algorithms, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Lee (D-PA12); 11/1/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.J. Res. 100. Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to ‘‘Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance and Incident Disclosure’’ (H. Rept. 118–727). [11/1/24]

H.R. 7409. To amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 118–722). [11/1/24]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–5935. A letter from the Regulations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department’s final rule — Medicare Program: Appeal Rights for Certain Changes in Patient Status (RIN: 0938-AV16) received October 16, 2024, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); jointly to the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce. [11/1/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, October 22, and Friday, October 25, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 10053. A bill to require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to develop and implement mandatory training for covered Federal employees regarding compliance with directives from the President, Vice President, and other political appointees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Pfluger (R-TX11); 10/25/24; sponsor press release]

H.R. 10034. A bill to secure the border and reform the immigration laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, Ways and Means, Foreign Affairs, and House Administration. [Rep. Duarte (R-CA13); 10/25/24]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–5756. A letter from the Agency Representative, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce, transmitting the Department’s final rule — Expanding Opportunities To Appear Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (RIN: 0651-AD75) received October 17, 2024, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on the Judiciary. [10/25/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, October 15, and Friday, October 18, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 10006. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve transparency with respect to the suspension of Medicare payments pending an investigation into a credible allegation of fraud; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Harder (D-CA9); 10/18/24]

H.R. 10005. A bill to establish a process to expedite the review of appeals of certain decisions by the Department of the Interior; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Hageman (R-WY-AL); 10/18/24; sponsor press release]

H.R. 9992. A bill to amend title 41, United States Code, to identify individuals who commit certain Federal felonies implicating Federal programs as an excluded source on the System for Award Management Exclusions list, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Self (R-TX3); 10/15/24; sponsor press release]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, October 8, and Friday, October 11, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9973. A bill to require the public disclosure of COINTELPRO records, to establish a COINTELPRO Records Collection, and to establish the COINTELPRO Records Review Board, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Jackson (D-IL1); 10/11/24]

H.R. 9970. A bill to prohibit Federal agencies from considering, in taking any action, the social cost of carbon, the social cost of methane, the social cost of nitrous oxide, or the social cost of any other greenhouse gas, unless compliant with Office of Management and Budget guidance, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Hudson (R-NC9); 10/11/24]

H.R. 9961. A bill to permit Amtrak to bring civil actions in Federal district court to enforce the right set forth in section 24308(c) of title 49, United States Code, which gives intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation preference over freight transportation in using a rail line, junction, or crossing; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Deluzio  (D-PA17); 10/11/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, October 1, and Friday, October 4, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9938. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a time-limited conditional approval pathway, subject to specific obligations, for certain drugs and biological products, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Westerman (R-AR4); 10/4/24]

H.R. 9924. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish standard practices for a grant or pilot program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Landsman (D-OH1); 10/4/24]

H.R. 9922. A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for transparency and oversight of third-party beneficiaries in civil actions; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Issa (R-CA48); 10/4/24; sponsor press release]

H.R. 9919. A bill to amend title 39 of the United States Code to require the Postmaster General to be appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Golden (D-ME2); 10/4/24; sponsor press release]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025: By 78 yeas to 18 nays (Vote No. 255), Senate passed  H.R. 9747, making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2025, by the order of the Senate of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 60 Senators having voted in the affirmative. [9/25/24]

Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act: Senate passed H.R. 4190, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to repay the estates of deceased beneficiaries for certain benefits paid by the Secretary and misused by fiduciaries of such beneficiaries. [9/25/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 5263. A bill to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require the Council on Environmental Quality to publish an annual report on environmental reviews and causes of action based on alleged noncompliance with that Act, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Braun (R-IN); 9/25/24]

S. 5243. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the regulation of cannabis and cannabinoid products, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Wyden (D-OR);  9/25/24]

S. 5241. A bill to require the establishment and use of short form applications for rural communities applying for economic development grant programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Barrasso (R-WY); 9/25/24]

S. 5229. A bill to reorganize the Federal judiciary, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Wyden (D-OR); 9/25/24]

S. 5220. A bill to establish a process for expedited consideration of legislation relating to decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI); 9/25/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported 30 business items, including: S. 2924, to amend title 31, United States Code, to improve the management of improper payments, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 4679, to amend title XLI of the FAST Act to improve the Federal permitting process,  with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 5098, to require certain agencies to develop plans for internal control in the event of an emergency or crisis, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 5133, to establish a tracker for Senate-confirmed executive branch positions, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 5109, to amend section 3520A of title 44, United States Code, to extend the Chief Data Officer Council’s sunset and add new authorities for improving Federal agency data governance, including to enable reliable and secure adoption of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [9/25/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025:  The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 9747, making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2025, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 341 yeas to 82 nays, Roll No. 450. [9/25/24]

Stuck On Hold Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6656, amended, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Commissioner of Social Security to implement automated systems with callback functionality for each customer service telephone line of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration, respectively. [9/25/24]

Fix Our Forests Act: The House passed H.R. 8790, to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, by a yea-and-nay vote of 268 yeas to 151 nays, Roll No. 448. [9/24/24]

SEC. 113. INTRA-AGENCY STRIKE TEAMS.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary concerned shall establish intra-agency strike teams to assist the Secretary concerned with—

(1) any reviews, including analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), consultations under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), and consultations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), with the intent to accelerate and streamline interagency consultation processes;

(2) the implementation of any necessary site preparation work in advance of or as part of a fireshed management project;

(3) the implementation of fireshed management projects under such section; and

(4) any combination of purposes under paragraphs (1) through (3).

(b) MEMBERS.—The Secretary concerned may appoint not more than 10 individuals to serve on an intra-agency strike team comprised of—

(1) employees of the Department under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned;

(2) employees of a different Federal agency, with the consent of that agency’s Secretary;

(3) private contractors from any nonprofit organization, State government, Indian Tribe, local government, quasi-governmental agency, academic institution, or private organization; and

(4) volunteers from any nonprofit organization, State government, Indian Tribe, local government, quasi-governmental agency, academic institution, or private organization.

* * * *

SEC. 121. COMMONSENSE LITIGATION REFORM.

(a) IN GENERAL.—A court shall not enjoin a covered agency action if the court determines that the plaintiff is unable to demonstrate that the claim of the plaintiff is likely to succeed  on the merits.

(b) BALANCING SHORT-AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF COVERED AGENCY ACTION IN CONSIDERING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.—As part of its weighing the equities while considering any request for an injunction that applies to a covered agency action, the court reviewing such action shall balance the impact to the ecosystem likely affected by such action of—

(1) the short- and long-term effects of undertaking such action; against

(2) the short- and long-term effects of not undertaking such action.

(c) LIMITATIONS ON JUDICIAL REVIEW.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law (except this section), in the case of a claim arising under Federal law seeking judicial review of a covered agency action—

(A) a court shall not hold unlawful, set aside, or otherwise limit, delay, stay, vacate, or enjoin such agency action unless the court determines that—

(i) such action poses or will pose a risk of a proximate and substantial environmental harm; and

(ii) there is no other equitable remedy available as a matter of law; and

(B) if a court determines that subparagraph (A) does not apply to the covered agency action the only remedy the court may order with regard to such agency action is to remand the matter to the agency with instructions to, during the 180-day period beginning on the date of the order, take such additional actions as may be necessary to redress any legal wrong suffered by, or adverse effect on, the plaintiff, except such additional actions may not include the preparation of a new agency document unless the court finds the agency was required and failed to prepare such agency document.

(2) EFFECT OF REMAND.—In the case of a covered agency action to which paragraph (1)(B) applies, the agency may—

(A) continue to carry out such agency action to the extent the action does not impact the additional actions required pursuant to such paragraph; and

(B) if the agency action relates to an agency document, use any format to correct such document (including a supplemental environmental document, memorandum, or errata sheet).

(d) LIMITATIONS ON CLAIMS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law (except this section), a claim arising under Federal law seeking judicial review of a covered agency action shall be barred unless—

(1) with respect to an agency document or the application of a categorical exclusion noticed in the Federal Register, such claim is filed not later than 120 days after the date of publication of a notice in the Federal Register of agency intent to carry out the fireshed management project relating to such agency document or application, unless a shorter period is specified in such Federal law;

(2) in the case of an agency document or the application of a categorical exclusion not described in paragraph (1), such claim is filed not later than 120 days after the date that is the earlier of—

(A) the date on which such agency document or application is published; and

(B) the date on which such agency document or application is noticed; and

(3) in the case of a covered agency action for which there was a public comment period, such claim—

(A) is filed by a party that—

(i) participated in the administrative proceedings regarding the fireshed management project relating to such action; and

(ii) submitted a comment during such public comment period and such comment was sufficiently detailed to put the applicable agency on notice of the issue upon which the party seeks judicial review; and

(B) is related to such comment. [9/24/24; Pages H5683-84]

Electronic Permitting Modernization Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5509, amended, to modernize permitting systems at the Department of the Interior. [9/24/24]

Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7370, amended, to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for processing applications related to geothermal leasing. [9/24/24]

Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass S. 1549, to provide the Congressional Budget Office with necessary authorities to expedite the sharing of data from executive branch agencies, and for other purposes. [9/23/24]

"Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Budget Office, or CBO, is the legislative branch agency responsible for helping Congress accurately analyze the budgetary impact of proposed legislation. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 authorized CBO to collect information and data directly from agencies. Timely access to agency data is necessary for CBO to produce accurate cost estimates for legislation and prepare other congressional reports. However, agencies often delay or restrict CBO’s access to data. One of the most common reasons agencies restrict CBO’s access to Federal agency data is because of perceived Privacy Act obstacles. This bill…solves this problem by granting CBO the same Privacy Act exemption afforded to the Government Accountability Office and Congress." [Rep. LaTurner (R-KS2); 9/23/24; Page H5568]

GAO Database Modernization Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass S. 679, to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to require Federal agencies to submit to the Comptroller General of the United States a report on rules that are revoked, suspended, replaced, amended, or otherwise made ineffective. [9/23/24]

SEC. 2. RULES NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 801(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(D) For any rule submitted under subparagraph (A), if the Federal agency promulgating the rule, in whole or in part, revokes, suspends, replaces, amends, or otherwise makes the rule ineffective, or the rule is made ineffective for any other reason, the Federal agency shall submit to the Comptroller General a report containing—

‘‘(i) the title of the rule;

‘‘(ii) the Federal Register citation for the rule, if any;

‘‘(iii) the date on which rule was submitted to the Comptroller General; and

‘‘(iv) a description of the provisions of the rule that are being revoked, suspended, replaced, amended, or otherwise made ineffective.’’. [9/23/24; Page H5600]

Department of Homeland Security Policy Issuance Review Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6231, to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require a prioritized policy issuance review process for the Department of Homeland Security.

SEC. 2. POLICY ISSUANCE REVIEW PROCESS.

Section 701 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 341) is amended—

* * * *

(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

‘‘(g) POLICY ISSUANCE REVIEW PROCESS.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary for Management shall require a prioritized periodic review process (in this subsection referred to as the ‘Review Process’) of Department policy issuance documents.

‘‘(2) CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection and annually thereafter, the Under Secretary for Management shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a briefing on the Review Process, including relating to the Department’s record of reviewing and updating existing policy issuance documents. [9/23/24; Page H5591]

"The Department of Homeland Security Policy Issuance Review Act will codify the Department of Homeland Security’s policy issuance and review process to ensure DHS provides up-to-date policy guidance for its more than 260,000 employees. Policies provide important clarity on what is expected of DHS employees as they carry out the critical work of the Department. These policies outline how to uphold civil liberties and civil rights while conducting criminal investigations, how to ensure grant funds are used in accordance with congressional intent, and how to incorporate new technology into the agency operations. Some DHS policies have not been reviewed or updated for many years in accordance with the Department’s requirements. H.R. 6231 will address this by providing Congress greater insight into the issuance, review, and revision of the Departmentwide policies." [Rep. Correa (D-CA46); 9/23/24; Page H5592]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9805. A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process to expand access to claims data under certain Federal health plans in order to facilitate research and quality improvement; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Bucshon (R-IN8); 9/25/24]

H.R. 9801. A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reform the interconnection queue process for the prioritization and approval of certain projects; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Balderson (R-OH12); 9/25/24]

H.R. 9797. A bill to require Federal agencies with an SBIR or STTR program to enhance their outreach to rural communities with respect to such programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. [Rep. Alford (R-MO4); 9/25/24]

Senate

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 5133. A bill to establish a tracker for Senate-confirmed executive branch positions; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 9/19/24]

S. 5109. A bill to amend section 3520A of title 44, United States Code, to extend the Chief Data Officer Council’s sunset and add new authorities for improving Federal agency data governance, including to enable reliable and secure adoption of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 9/19/24]

S. 5082. A bill to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Paul (R-KY); 9/18/24]

S. 5080. A bill to amend title 39 of the United States Code to require the Postmaster General to be appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation, and for other purposes. [Sen. Ossoff (D-GA); 9/18/24]

S. 5077. A bill to amend chapter 3 of title 5, United States Code, to improve Government service delivery, and build related capacity for the Federal Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Hassan (D-NH); 9/18/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a hearing to examine streamlining and coordinating support for rural small businesses, including S. 1411, to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, after receiving testimony from Grant Menke, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Des Moines; Cara Lank, Stone Bank, Little Rock, Arkansas, on behalf of the National Rural Lenders Association; Zach Luse, Paragon Digital Marketing, Keene, New Hampshire; and Verlin Barker, First Community Bank, Newell, Iowa. [9/18/24]

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Full committee held a markup and ordered 12 bills favorably reported, including S. 4681, to ensure a timely, fair, meaningful, and transparent process for individuals to seek redress because they were wrongly identified as a threat under the screening and inspection regimes used by the Department of Homeland Security, to require a report on the effectiveness of enhanced screening programs of the Department of Homeland Security, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;  S. 4043, to amend title 5, United States Code, to make executive agency telework policies transparent, to track executive agency use of telework, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; H.R. 7219, to ensure that Federal agencies rely on the best reasonably available scientific, technical, demographic, economic, and statistical information and evidence to develop, issue or inform the public of the nature and bases of Federal agency rules and guidance, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and H.R. 5887, to amend chapter 3 of title 5, United States Code, to improve Government service delivery, and build related capacity for the Federal Government. [9/18/24]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law concluded an oversight hearing to examine AI, focusing on insiders’ perspectives, after receiving testimony from Helen Toner, Georgetown University Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Washington, D.C.; William Saunders, OpenAI, and David Evan Harris, California Initiative for Technology and Democracy, both of San Francisco; and Margaret Mitchell, Seattle, Washington. [9/17/24]

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the national security risks of replacing nonpartisan civil servants with political appointees, focusing on ensuring a trustworthy government, after receiving testimony from Elaine C. Duke, former Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security; Peter Levine, former Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; and Jenny Mattingley, Partnership for Public Service, and Thomas Devine, Government Accountability Project, both of Washington, D.C. [9/17/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

CRA Resolution of Disapproval—EPA Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards Rule: The House passed H.J. Res. 136, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles’’, by a yea-and-nay vote of 215 yeas to 191 nays, Roll No. 438. [9/20/24]

Supporting America's Children and Families Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 9076, as amended, to  reauthorize and modernize part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to strengthen child welfare services, expand the availability of prevention services to better meet the needs of vulnerable families, and for other purposes. Consideration began on September 17, 2024. [9/18/24]

SEC. 106. MODERNIZATION; REDUCING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 431 (42 U.S.C. 629a) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(c) USE OF TECHNOLOGY.—

‘‘(1) USE OF PORTAL.—The services referred to in subsection (a) may include the means of access to and use of an electronic or digital portal to facilitate the provision of community support to care for and meet specific needs of families and children.

* * * *

(f) REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Subpart 3 of part B of title IV (42 U.S.C. 629m) is amended by redesignating section 440 as section 443 and inserting before such section the following:

‘‘SEC. 441. REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall reduce the burden of administering this part imposed on the recipients of funds under this part, by—

‘‘(1) reviewing and revising administrative data collection instruments and forms to eliminate duplication and streamline reporting requirements for the recipients while collecting all data required under this part;

‘‘(2) in coordination with activities required under the Paperwork Reduction Act, conducting an analysis of the total number of hours reported by the recipients to comply with paperwork requirements and exploring, in consultation with the recipients, how to reduce the number of hours required for the compliance by at least 15 percent;

‘‘(3) collecting input from the recipients with respect to fiscal and oversight requirements and making changes to ensure consistency with standards and guidelines for other Federal formula grant programs based on the input; and

‘‘(4) respecting the sovereignty of Indian tribes when complying with this subsection. [9/17/24; Page H5260]

Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7816, as amended, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of notice letters that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. [9/17/24]

Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4190, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to repay the estates of deceased beneficiaries for certain benefits paid by the Secretary and misused by fiduciaries of such beneficiaries. [9/17/24]

MEASURES REPORTED:

H.R. 5509. A bill to modernize permitting systems at the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–682). [9/17/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9690. A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the limitations period during which an action may be commenced for judicial review of a final rule; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Crockett (D-TX30); 9/19/24]

H.R. 9665. A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to affirmatively confirm the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to seek permanent injunctions and other equitable relief for violations of any provision of law enforced by the Commission; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL9); 9/18/24]

H.R. 9648. A bill to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Rules. [Rep. Cammack (R-FL3); 9/18/24]

H.R. 9603. A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from issuing permits for the construction or modification of electric transmission facilities in a State over the objection of the State, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Graves (R-MO6); 9/16/24]

H.R. 9593. A bill to require annual surveys of Federal employee managers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Sessions (R-TX17); 9/16/24]

H.R. 9592. A bill to amend title 44, United States Code, to modernize the Federal Register, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Higgins (R-LA3); 9/16/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a markup and ordered favorably reported bills within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 115, the ‘‘Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2023’’, as amended; and H.R. 358, the ‘‘Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act’’, as amended. [9/18/24]

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a markup and ordered favorably reported 20 postal naming bills and 14 substantive measures, including H.R. 3642, to require the Office of Government Ethics to establish and maintain a centralized database for executive branch ethics records of noncareer appointees; H.R. 9592, to amend title 44, United States Code, to modernize the Federal Register, and for other purposes; H.R. 9566, to require governmentwide source code sharing, and for other purposes; H.R. 5536, to require transparency in notices of funding opportunity, and for other purposes; H.R. 9593, to require annual surveys of Federal employee managers, and for other purposes; and H.R. 8784, to require each agency to evaluate the permitting system of the agency, to consider whether a permit by rule could replace that system, and for other purposes. [9/18/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act: The Senate passed H.R. 7032, to amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide the Congressional Budget Office with necessary authorities to expedite the sharing of data from executive branch agencies. [9/10/24]

SEC. 2. Requests by CBO of information from executive agencies.

(a) In general.—Section 201(d) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 601(d)) is amended—

(1) by striking “The Director is authorized” and inserting “(1) The Director is authorized”;

(2) by striking “(other than material the disclosure of which would be a violation of law)” and inserting “(with or without written agreement) provided that the Director maintains the level of confidentiality required by law of the department, agency, establishment, or regulatory agency or commission from which it is obtained in accordance with section 203(e)”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(2) No provision of law enacted after the date of the enactment of the Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act shall be construed to supersede, limit, or otherwise modify the authority of the Director to obtain any material under this subsection unless such provision specifically provides, by specific reference to this paragraph, that such authority is to be superseded, limited, or otherwise modified.”.

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 5035. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Moran (R-KS); 9/12/24]

MEASURES REPORTED:

S. 2866. To improve the customer experience of the Federal Government, ensure that Federal services are simple, seamless, and secure, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–217). [9/10/24]

S. 2293. To establish the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers Council, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers, and Artificial Intelligence Governance Boards, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–216). [9/10/24]

S. 3594. To require governmentwide source code sharing, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–213). [9/9/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Modernizing the Congressional Research Service’s Access to Data Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7593, to enhance the authority of the Director of the Congressional Research Service to obtain information directly from agencies of the Federal government. [9/9/24]

(a) DIRECT ACCESS TO INFORMATION.—Section 203 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 166) is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (k); and

(2) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsection:

‘‘(j)(1) In carrying out the duties and functions of the Congressional Research Service under subsection (d), the Director is authorized to secure books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents, secure information, and other data in all forms directly from the various departments, agencies, and establishments of the executive branch of the Government and the regulatory agencies and commissions of the Government as the Director determines to be necessary to carry out the request, and all such departments, agencies, establishments, and regulatory agencies and commissions shall furnish the Director with all such available material in a timely manner. [9/9/24; Pages H5047-48]

"It has been over 50 years since Congress updated CRS’ authorizing statute, and…Members are relying on CRS more than ever for supporting their legislative and representational duties. In order for CRS to meet the growing demand, it needs quick access to current and reliable data and information. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7593 fulfills this need. It updates CRS’ statute to ensure that the agency can request data and information from Federal agencies to support its work on behalf of Congress. To be clear, we are talking about information and data that Congress and its support agencies have an established right to access. This change to the statute reflects how Congress has changed over the past five decades and will greatly improve CRS’ ability to support how we work today." [Rep. Steil (R-WI1); 9/9/24, Page H5048]

"When CRS’ statute was developed in the 1970s, it stated that Federal agencies need to comply with data requests from Congress to serve congressional committees, and it mentions that CRS is responsible for otherwise assisting offices with informational requests, too…However, given the lack of explicit reference to personal offices, CRS indicated to the Modernization Subcommittee that they, at times, have struggled to access necessary information from Federal agencies to execute their mission of serving committees and individual personal offices alike…Accordingly, this bill updates the material CRS can request from Federal agencies to cover CRS’ broad mission without the existing committee-specific limitation. The bill requires CRS to maintain the broad confidentiality protections for data as required by law of the agency providing the information. It also ensures the CRS director themself would oversee the process of these Member-specific requests to ensure they align with CRS’ long-standing objective, nonpartisan mission, and that they would not create additional burdens for Federal agencies." [Rep. Kilmer (D-WA6); 9/9/24, Page H5048]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9566. A bill to require governmentwide source code sharing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Langworthy (R-NY23); 9/12/24]

H.R. 9537. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to establish the Federal Real Anti-fraud Unified Directorate, to require agencies implement anti-fraud controls for programs susceptible to significant improper payments and high-priority programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Connolly (D-VA

H.R. 9512. A bill to protect the sovereignty of the United States and strengthen Congress’s oversight of the activities of the Federal financial agencies by improving accountability and transparency with respect to the effect of membership and participation in covered international organizations on the statutes, regulations, and guidance applicable to companies in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Rules. [Rep. Barr (R-KY6); 9/10/24]

H.R. 9498. A bill to direct the use of artificial intelligence by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to adapt to extreme weather, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. [Rep. Franklin (R-FL18); 9/9/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 5870. To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the processing of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the transparency of actions of Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–659). [9/10/24]

H.R. 4190. To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to repay the estates of deceased beneficiaries for certain benefits paid by the Secretary and isused by fiduciaries of such beneficiaries, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–655). [9/9/24]

H.J. Res. 125. Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System relating to ‘‘Principles for Climate-Related Financial Risk Management for Large Financial Institutions’’ (H. Rept. 118–651). [9/9/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 8033, the ‘‘Regulatory Transparency for Small Businesses Act,’’ to require Federal agency heads to submit a report on the implementation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and for other purposes; H.R. 9031, the ‘‘Assurance for Small Business Act of 2024,’’ to require Federal agency heads to submit a report on the implementation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and for other purposes; H.R. 9032, the ‘‘Enhanced Regulatory Flexibility Assessment Act,’’ to amend the Regulatory Flexibility Act to ensure complete analysis of potential impacts on small entities of rules, and for other purposes; H.R. 9030, the ‘‘Regulatory Agenda Clarity Act,’’ to amend the Regulatory Flexibility Act to ensure complete disclosure of an agency's annual regulatory agenda; H.R. 9085, the ‘‘Regulatory Review Improvement Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 5, United States Code, to make certain modifications to how agencies conduct periodic reviews of agency rules, and for other purposes; H.R. 9033, the ‘‘Let American Businesses be On Record Act,’’ to amend title 5, United States Code, to apply regulatory flexibility analysis requirements for the Department of Labor; and H.R. 7198, the ‘‘Prove It Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, and for other purposes. H.R. 8033, H.R. 9031, H.R. 9032, H.R. 9030, H.R. 9085, H.R. 9033, and H.R. 7198 were ordered reported, without amendment. [9/10/24]

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held a hearing entitled ‘‘Where Do We Go From Here? Examining a Path Forward to Assess Agencies’ Efforts to Prevent Improper Payments and Fraud’’. Testimony was heard from Orice Williams Brown, Chief Operating Officer, Government Accountability Office; Michael E. Horowitz, Chair, Pandemic Response Accountability Office; and a public witness. [9/10/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act: By 91 yeas to 3 nays (Vote No. 221), Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment of the House of Representatives to S. 2073, to protect the safety and privacy of children on the internet, with Schumer Amendment No. 3021 (to the House amendment to the bill), in the nature of a substitute. [7/30/24]

SEC. 301. Sunsets for Agency Reports.

(a) In general.—Section 1125 of title 31, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);

(2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:

* * * *

“(b) Agency Identification of Unnecessary Reports.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The head of each agency shall include in the budget justification materials of the agency the following:

“(A) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the following:

“(i) A list of each recurring plan or report submitted by the agency.

“(ii) An identification of whether the recurring plan or report listed in clause (i) was included in the most recent report issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives concerning the reports that any agency is required by law or directed or requested by a committee report to make to Congress, any committee of Congress, or subcommittee thereof.

“(iii) If applicable, the unique alphanumeric identifier for the recurring plan or report as required by section 7243(b)(1)(C)(vii) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263).

“(iv) The identification of any recurring plan or report the head of the agency determines to be outdated or duplicative.

“(B) With respect to each recurring plan or report identified in subparagraph (A)(iv), the following:

“(i) A recommendation on whether to sunset, modify, consolidate, or reduce the frequency of the submission of the recurring plan or report.

“(ii) A citation to each provision of law or directive or request in a congressional report that requires or requests the submission of the recurring plan or report.

“(iii) A list of the relevant congressional committees for the recurring plan or report.

“(C) A justification explaining, with respect to each recommendation described in subparagraph (B)(i) relating to a recurring plan or report—

“(i) why the head of the agency made the recommendation, which may include an estimate of the resources expended by the agency to prepare and submit the recurring plan or report; and

“(ii) the understanding of the head of the agency of the purpose of the recurring plan or report.

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4987. A bill to codify Chevron deference; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Wyden (D-OR); 8/1/24]

S. 4983. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require the establishment of an Office of Public Engagement in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Markey (D-MA); 8/1/24]

S. 4976. A bill to require the Office of Information and Communication Technology Services and other Federal agencies to develop a list of artificial intelligence products and services, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Rubio (R-FL); 8/1/24]

S. 4959. A bill to prohibit Federal agencies from implementing environmental justice standards when issuing rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lummis (R-WY); 8/1/24]

S. 4951. A bill to provide for regulatory sandboxes that permit certain persons to experiment with artificial intelligence without expectation of enforcement actions; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Rounds (R-SD); 8/1/24]

S. 4840. A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to establish a rebuttable presumption that a permanent injunction should be granted in certain circumstances, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Coons (D-DE); 7/30/24]

S. 4836. A bill to require the creation of a simplified Department of Agriculture grant form for use by rural communities; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. [Sen. Lummis (R-WY); 7/30/24]

S. 4823. A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to adjust the dollar thresholds for National Labor Relations Board jurisdiction over certain labor disputes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Mullins (R-OK); 7/29/24]

S. 4821. A bill to require executive agencies to take steps to better meet the statutory deadline for processing communications use applications, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Thune (R-SD); 7/29/24]

RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED:

S. Con. Res. 40—ESTABLISHING NEW CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT TO ADDRESS REGULATORY REFORM:  Sen. Rounds (for himself, Sens. Crapo, Lummis, Manchin, Risch, Schmitt, and Daines)submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. [8/1/24]

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This resolution may be cited as the ‘‘Regulation Sensibility Through Oversight Restoration Resolution of 2024’’ or the ‘‘RESTORE Resolution of 2024’’.

SEC. 2. JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY REFORM.

There is established a joint select committee to be known as the Joint Select Committee on Regulatory Reform (hereinafter in this concurrent resolution referred to as the ‘‘Joint Select Committee’’).

SEC. 3. DUTIES OF JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE.

* * * *

(b) DUTIES.—The Joint Select Committee shall—

(1) conduct a systematic review of the process by which rules are promulgated by agencies;

(2) hold hearings on the effects of and how to reduce regulatory overreach in all sectors of the economy;

(3) conduct a review of the Code of Federal Regulations to identify rules and sets of rules that should be repealed; and

(4) submit to the Senate and the House of Representatives—

(A) recommendations for legislation—

(i) to create a process under which an agency, before promulgating a rule, shall—

(I) seek advice from Congress;

(II) publish the proposed rule;

(III) hold a public comment period on the proposed rule;

(IV) seek advice from Congress based on the public comments; and

(V) hold issuance of the rule until Congress can review the rule for a period of not more than 1 year; and

(ii) to create a process to appropriately sunset as many rules as possible;

(B) recommendations for ways to reduce the financial burden placed on the various sectors of the economy in order to comply with rules;

(C) an analysis of the feasibility of the creation of a permanent Joint Committee on Rules Review in accordance with subsection (c);

(D) an analysis of the feasibility of requiring each agency to submit each proposed rule of the agency to the appropriate committees of Congress for review in a similar manner as set forth for a permanent Joint Committee on Rules Review under subsection (c); and

(E) a list of rules and sets of rules that the Joint Select Committee recommends should be repealed.

* * * *

SEC. 4. COMPOSITION OF JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE.

(a) MEMBERSHIP.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Joint Select Committee shall be composed of 30 members, of whom—

(A) 15 shall be appointed by the majority and the minority leaders of the Senate from among Members of the Senate in a manner that reflects the ratio of the number of Members of the Senate from the majority party to the number of Members of the Senate from the minority party on the date of enactment of this Act; and

(B) 15 shall be appointed by the Speaker and the minority leader of the House of Representatives among Members of the House of Representatives in a manner that reflects the ratio of the number of members of the House of Representatives from the majority party to the number of Members of the House of Representatives from the minority party on the date of enactment of this Act. [8/1/24; Pages S5791-93]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: The Committee held a business meeting and ordered favorably reported pending postal naming measures and 13 bills, including S. 4495, to enable safe, responsible, and agile procurement, development, and use of artificial intelligence by the Federal Government, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 4630, to establish an interagency committee to harmonize regulatory regimes in the United States relating to cybersecurity, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [7/31/24]

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: The Committee held a business meeting and ordered favorably reported S. 4753, to reform leasing, permitting, and judicial review for certain energy and minerals projects, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [7/31/24]

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: The Committee convened in executive session and ordered favorably reported 32 bills, including S. 2714, to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 3162, to improve the requirement for the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish testbeds to support the development and testing of trustworthy artificial intelligence systems and to improve interagency coordination in development of such testbeds, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 3312, to provide a framework for artificial intelligence innovation and accountability, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [7/31/24]

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9277. A bill to prohibit Federal agencies from implementing environmental justice standards when issuing rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, Science, Space, and Technology, Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Oversight and Accountability, Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Armed Services. [Rep. Newhouse (R-WA4); 8/2/24]

H.R. 9249. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to require the publication of scientific data, incident data, or other pertinent data relied on by an agency to justify a rule; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Edwards (R-NC11); 8/2/24]

H.R. 9221. A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to establish a rebuttable presumption that a permanent injunction should be granted in certain circumstances, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Moran (R-TX1); 7/30/24]

H.R. 9198. A bill to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to utilize a risk-informed, performance-based licensing approach to the maximum extent practicable for the purpose of expediting the nuclear licensing process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 7/30/24]

Senate

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Eliminate Useless Reports Act: The Senate resumed consideration of the amendment of the House of Representatives to S. 2073, to amend title 31, United States Code, to require agencies to include a list of outdated or duplicative reporting requirements in annual budget justifications. By 86 yeas to 1 nay (Vote No. 219), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, the Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on Schumer motion to concur in the amendment of the House to the bill, with Schumer Amendment No. 3021 (listed above). During consideration of the measure, a unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that all post-cloture time be deemed expired; that if cloture is invoked on the nomination of Stacey D. Neumann, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maine, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, that upon disposition of the nomination, Senate vote on Schumer motion to concur in the amendment of the House to the bill, with Schumer Amendment No. 3021; and that if cloture is not invoked on the nomination, the vote on Schumer motion to concur in the amendment of the House to the bill, with Schumer Amendment No. 3021 occur at 2:15 p.m., on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. [7/23 - 7/24/24]

MEASURES PLACED ON THE CALENDAR:

S. 4727. To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions. [7/23/24; Page S5159]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4805. A bill to require each agency to evaluate the permitting system of the agency to consider whether a permit by rule could replace that system, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lummis (R-WY); 7/25/24]

S. 4769. A bill to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop voluntary guidelines and specifications for internal and external assurances of artificial intelligence systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Hickenlooper (D-CO); 7/24/24]

S. 4753. A bill to reform leasing, permitting, and judicial review for certain energy and minerals projects, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [Sen. Manchin (I-WV); 7/23/24]

S. 4751. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish and clarify the applicable statute of limitations for seeking remedy for a legal wrong due to agency action, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Coons (D-DE); 7/23/24]

S. 4749. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to require disclosure of conflicts of interest with respect to rulemaking, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Warren (D-MA); 7/23/24]

MEASURES REFERRED:

H.R. 890. An act to increase access to agency guidance documents; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [7/23/24]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–5440. A communication from the Chair of the Administrative Conference of the United States, transmitting, a report of the recommendations adopted by the Administrative Conference of the United States at its 81st Plenary Session; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [7/23/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: The House passed H.R. 8998, making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, by a yea-and-nay vote of 210 yeas to 205 nays, Roll No. 399. [7/23 - 7/24/24]

Amendments Adopted:

Cammack amendment (No. 30 printed in part B of H. Rept. 118–602) that prohibits funds from being used to finalize any rule or regulation that has resulted in or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. [7/23/24; Pages H4848–49]

Guidance Out of Darkness (GOOD) Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 890, as amended, to increase access to agency guidance documents. [7/22/24]

SEC. 3. PUBLICATION OF GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS ON THE INTERNET.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to section 5, on the date on which an agency issues a guidance document, the agency shall publish the guidance document in accordance with the requirements under section 4.

(b) PREVIOUSLY ISSUED GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS.—Subject to section 5, not later than

180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each agency shall publish, in accordance with the requirements under section 4, any guidance document issued by that agency that is in effect on that date.

SEC. 4. SINGLE LOCATION.

(a) IN GENERAL.—All guidance documents published under section 3 by an agency shall be published in a single location on an internet website designated by the Director under subsection (d).

(b) AGENCY INTERNET WEBSITES.—Each agency shall, for guidance documents published by the agency under section 3, publish a hyperlink on the internet website of the agency that provides access to the guidance documents at the location described in subsection (a). [7/22/24; Pages H4709-10]

"This bill ensures agency guidance is transparent by requiring agencies to publish legal and regulatory guidance documents online in a single location. Under current law, agencies are required to proactively disclose statements of policy and interpretations, also commonly known as guidance documents, which have been adopted by the agency and are not published in the Federal Register. These regulatory guidance documents represent agency statements intended to inform the public of how an agency interprets laws and regulations. Despite this existing publishing requirement, the law currently lacks guidelines for how agencies must publish guidance documents. Federal agencies have typically used a variety of methods to issue their guidance documents, including websites, email, social media, and newsletters…H.R. 890 solves this problem by ensuring the central publishing of all guidance documents. This will help the American public and regulated organizations, especially small entities, better understand agencies’ views of their obligations under the law." [Rep. Mace (R-SC1); 7/22/24; Page H4710]

"I rise in support of H.R. 890. I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership…Federal agencies are presently required to disclose any statement of policy and interpretations that are not otherwise published in the Federal Register, but it is true that there are not standardized requirements now for how and where to publish these guidance documents. The GOOD Act would establish such requirements, directing agencies to publish them on a dedicated website of the agency. It would also require the OMB Director to designate a single website where all such guidance could be found. This step to make agency guidance documents more organized and accessible makes good sense…I appreciate my colleagues for working to address a number of concerns raised about the bill as originally drafted. For example, the bill now includes an exception to publishing a guidance document if that document is exempt from disclosure under FOIA…However, some valid concerns remain outstanding—chiefly, that the bill’s definition of ‘‘guidance document’’ may be overly broad…I won’t oppose this bill today because I appreciate its stated goal of promoting transparency. I do ask our GOP colleagues to continue working with us in good faith to thoroughly examine and address some lingering concerns before it moves any further through the legislative process." [Rep. Raskin (D-MD8); 7/22/24; Page H4710]

Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass S. 1258, as amended, to require federal agencies to submit annual reports on projects that are over budget and behind schedule. [7/22/24]

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act: The House failed to agree to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1631, amended, to amend title 17, United States Code, to reaffirm the importance of, and include requirements for, works incorporated by reference into law, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 248 yeas to 127 nays, Roll No. 357. [7/22/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9108. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to create a right of public access to certain records relating to the courts of the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Schiff (D-CA30); 7/23/24]

H.R. 9099. A bill to establish the Federal Food Administration to protect the public health by ensuring the safety of food, preventing foodborne illness, maintaining safety reviews and reassessments of food additives, reducing the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases, enforcing pesticide residue tolerances, improving the surveillance of foodborne pathogens, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. DeLauro (D-CT3); 7/23/24

H.R. 9085. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to make certain modifications to how agencies conduct periodic reviews of agency rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Meuser (R-PA9); 7/22/24]

H.R. 9077. A bill to transfer the duties of the Office of Public Participation of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to a Public Participation Division within the Office of External Affairs of such Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Guthrie (R-KY2); 7/22/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 1631. To amend title 17, United States Code, to reaffirm the importance of, and include requirements for, works incorporated by reference into law, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–601). [7/22/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development held a hearing entitled ‘‘Reauthorizing the CFTC: Stakeholder Perspectives’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [7/25/24]

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held a hearing entitled ‘‘Enhancing Cybersecurity by Eliminating Inconsistent Regulations’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [7/25/24]

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the Department of Transportation’s Regulatory and Administrative Agenda’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [7/24/24]

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing entitled ‘‘Is the Veterans Benefits Administration Properly Processing and Deciding Veterans’ Claims?’’. Testimony was heard from Ronald S. Burke, Jr., Deputy Under Secretary, Office of Policy and Oversight, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Stephen Bracci, Director, Compensation Programs Inspection Division, Office of Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs; Elizabeth Curda, Director Education, Workforce, and Income Security, Government Accountability Office; and a public witness. [7/23/24]

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a markup on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 2971, the ‘‘Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023’’; H.R. 8874, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report on expanding the use of certain automation tools in the Department of Veterans Affairs; and H.R. 8880, the ‘‘Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act’’. The Subcommittee ordered fourteen measures favorably reported, including H.R. 2971, H.R. 8874, and H.R. 8880. [7/23/24]

Committee on House Administration: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Congress in a Post-Chevron World’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [7/23/24]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–4996. A letter from the Chair, Administrative Conference of the United States, transmitting recommendations adopted by the Assembly of the Administrative Conference of the United States at its 81st Plenary Session; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [7/24/24]

Senate

The Senate met in pro forma session on Monday, July 15, and Thursday, July 18, 2024. No legislative activity was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9046. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reform and enhance the pay of Board of Veterans’ Appeals attorneys for recruitment and retention and to increase the decision quality and claims processing speed of the Board, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. McGarvey (D-KY3); 7/15/24]

H.R. 9044. A bill to provide for citizen engagement on the development and adoption of Federal civilian agency use of artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security. [Rep. Jackson Lee (D-TX18); 7/15/24]

H.R. 9043. A bill to provide for Federal civilian agency laboratory development for testing and certification of artificial intelligence for civilian agency use, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Jackson Lee (D-TX18); 7/15/24]

H.R. 9042. A bill to provide for civilian agency artificial intelligence watermarks, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. [Rep. Jackson Lee (D-TX18); 7/15/24]

H.R. 9033. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to apply regulatory flexibility analysis requirements for the Department of Labor; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Bean (R-FL4); 7/15/24]

H.R. 9032. A bill to amend chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Regulatory Flexibility Act’’), to ensure complete analysis of potential impacts on small entities of rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Maloy (R-UT2); 7/15/24]

H.R. 9031. A bill to require Federal agency heads to submit a report on the implementation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Stauber (R-MN8); 7/15/24]

H.R. 9030. A bill to amend chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Regulatory Flexibility Act’’), to ensure complete disclosure of an agency’s annual regulatory agenda; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Alford (R-MO4); 7/15/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 890. To increase access to agency guidance documents, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–597). [7/18/24]

"Increased transparency through public involvement is a principle supported by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), a governmental entity which brings together representatives from government, academia, and the private sector to find ways to improve the regulatory system. In December 2017, the Conference recommended, ‘All written policy statements affecting the interests of regulated parties, regulatory beneficiaries, or other interested parties should be promptly made available electronically and indexed, in a manner in which they may readily be found.’ The GOOD [Guidance Out of Darkness] Act implements this recommendation." [H. Rept. 118-597 at 4]

H.J. Res. 148. Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Treasury relating to ‘‘Clean Vehicle Credits Under Sections 25E and 30D; Transfer of Credits; Critical Minerals and Battery Components; Foreign Entities of Concern’’ (H. Rept. 118–595). [7/18/24]

Senate

AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND PROPOSED:

SA 2098. Ms. ERNST submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 4638, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2025 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table. [7/9/24]

At the end of subtitle H of title X, add the following:

SEC. 10__. PLAIN LANGUAGE IN CONTRACTING.

(a) ACCESSIBILITY AND CLARITY IN COVERED NOTICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Each covered notice shall be written—

(A) in a manner that is clear, concise, and accessible to a small business concern; and

(B) in a manner consistent, to the extent practicable, with the Federal plain language guidelines established pursuant to the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301 note).

(2) INCLUSION OF KEY WORDS IN COVERED NOTICES.—Each covered notice shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include key words in the description of the covered notice such that a small business concern seeking contract opportunities using the single governmentwide point of entry described under section 1708 of title 41, United States Code, can easily identify and understand such covered notice. [7/9/24; Page H4299]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4727. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions; read the first time. [Sen. Schmitt (R-MO); 7/11/24]

S. 4718. A bill to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to clarify the nature of public involvement for purposes of certain rulemaking, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [Sen. Barrasso (R-WY); 7/11/24]

S. 4716. A bill to amend section 7504 of title 31, United States Code, to improve the single audit requirements; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 7/11/24]

S. 4709. A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to modify the authority of the National Labor Relations Board with respect to rulemaking, issuance of complaints, and authority over unfair labor practices; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 7/11/24]

S. 4700. A bill to modify the governmentwide financial management plan, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 7/11/24]

S. 4692. A bill to require agency officials to communicate with and testify before Congress regarding certain agency actions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Cassidy (R-LA); 7/11/24]

S. 4683. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for claims of ineffective assistance of counsel in immigration matters, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Murphy (D-CT); 7/11/24]

S. 4679. A bill to amend title XLI of the FAST Act to improve the Federal permitting process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 7/11/24]

S. 4664. A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the use of artificial intelligence to support the missions of the Department of Energy, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [Sen. Manchin (I-WV); 7/10/24]

S. 4663. A bill to improve administration of the unemployment insurance program by expanding program integrity and anti-fraud activities and improving access to benefits, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. [Sen. Wyden (D-OR); 7/10/24]

S. 4662. A bill to strengthen congressional oversight of the Administrative Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2023, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Budget.

S. 4661. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to include information on improper payments under Federal programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Budget. [Sen. Braun (R-IN); 7/10/24]

S. 4641. A bill to provide for certain reforms pertaining to Chevron deference; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Cotton (R-AR); 7/9/24]

S. 4630. A bill to establish an interagency committee to harmonize regulatory regimes in the United States relating to cybersecurity, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 7/8/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the Permitting Council, focusing on improving transparency and coordination, after receiving testimony from Eric B. Beightel, Executive Director, Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. [7/10/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

CRA Joint Resolution of Disapproval—Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance: The House passed H.J. Res. 165, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ‘‘Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance’’ by a yea-and-nay vote of 210 yeas to 205 nays, Roll No. 354. [7/10 - 7/11/24]

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Presidential Veto Override—H.J. Res. 109: The House voted to sustain the President's veto of H.J. Res. 109, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to ‘‘Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121’’ by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 184 nays, Roll No. 355. [7/10 - 7/11/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 9014. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish and clarify the applicable statute of limitations for persons seeking remedy for legal wrongs because of agency action or adversely affected by agency action; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Nadler (D-NY12); 7/11/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 7816. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of notice letters that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–576). [7/8/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on legislation within the Subcommittee jurisdiction, including H.R. 2971, the ‘‘Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023’’; H.R. 8874, the ‘‘Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act’’; H.R. 8881, the ‘‘Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2024’’; legislation on the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act; and legislation on the Board of Veterans Appeals’ Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Zinke, Yakym, and Duarte; Charles K. Djou, Secretary and Chief Executive, American Battle Monuments Commission; Glenn Powers, Deputy Undersecretary, Field Programs and Cemetery Operations, National Cemetery Administration; and public witnesses. [7/10/24]

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 3283, the ‘‘Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act’’ and H.R. 3299, the ‘‘DIGITAL Applications Act’’. Testimony was heard from Representatives Miller-Meeks, D’Esposito, Waltz, and Norton; Chris French, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture; Mike Caldwell, Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands, U.S. National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. [7/9/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, July 2, and Friday, July 5, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8930. A bill to require that each agency provide any communication in alternative accessible communication formats; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Session (R-TX-17); 7/2/24]

H.R. 8928. A bill to provide for certain reforms pertaining to Chevron deference; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Pfluger (R-TX-11); 7/2/24]

H.R. 8917. A bill to amend Federal law to create an expungement mechanism and a process to petition for expungement for low-level violations of the Controlled Substances Act as it relates to marijuana, to study the impact of expungements issued, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Carter (D-LA-2); 7/2/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, June 25, and Friday, June 28, 2024. No legislative business was conducted.

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025: The House passed H.R. 8752, making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, by a yea-and-nay vote of 212 yeas to 203 nays, Roll No. 333. Consideration began Wednesday, June 26th. [6/26 –6/27/24]

Amendments Adopted:

Cammack amendment (No. 9 printed in part C of H. Rept. 118–559) to prohibit funds appropriated under the bill from being used to finalize any rule or regulation that has resulted in or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. [6/26/24; Pages H4186-87]

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025: The House passed H.R. 8771, making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, by a yea-and-nay vote of 212 yeas to 200 nays, Roll No. 335. Consideration began Wednesday, June 26th. [6/26 – 6/27/24]

Amendments Adopted:

Burchett amendment (No. 9 printed in part B of H. Rept. 118–551) that prohibits funds from being used to finalize any rule or regulation that has resulted in or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more (by a recorded vote of 210 ayes to 204 noes, Roll No. 302). [6/27/24; Pages H4304, H4337]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8889. A bill to provide for the sunset of rules upheld based on Chevron deference; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, and Rules. [Rep. Green (R-TN7); 6/28/24]

H.R. 8880. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of forms that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Duarte (R-CA13); 6/28/24]

H.R. 8874. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report on expanding the use of certain automation tools in the Department of Veterans Affairs; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Valadao (R-CA22); 6/27/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing entitled ‘‘Examining Shortcomings with VA’s National Work Queue Veterans Benefits Claims Management System’’. Testimony was heard from Willie Clark, Deputy Under Secretary, Field Operations, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. [6/26/24]

Committee on House Administration: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘The U.S. Copyright Office: Customers, Communities, and Modernization Efforts’’. Testimony was heard from Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights and Director, U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress. [6/26/24]

Senate

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4559. A bill to require benefit eligibility determinations to be made within a certain period of time; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Cruz (R-TX; 6/17/24]

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8810. A bill to amend subpart 1 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide for legal representation in certain child welfare proceedings, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Tenney (R-NY24); 6/21/24]

H.R. 8805. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide support to university law school programs that are designed to provide legal assistance to veterans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Del. Norton (D-DC); 6/21/24]

H.R. 8789. A bill to require benefit eligibility determinations to be made within a certain period of time; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Weber (R-TX14); 6/18/24]

H.R. 8784. A bill to require each agency to evaluate the permitting system of the agency, to consider whether a permit by rule could replace that system, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Maloy (R-UT2); 6/18/24]

Senate

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4527. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, with respect to the judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Schmitt (R-MO); 6/12/24]

S. 4521. A bill to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to subject the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to the regular appropriations process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Hagerty (R-TN); 6/12/24]

S. 4495. A bill to enable safe, responsible, and agile procurement, development, and use of artificial intelligence by the Federal Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 6/11/24]

S. 4492. A bill to improve the transparency of Amtrak operations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Fischer (R-NE); 6/11/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6543, to prohibit unfair and deceptive advertising of prices for hotel rooms and other places of short-term lodging, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 384 yeas to 25 nays, Roll No. 248; [4/11/24; Pages H3704–07, H3709]

SEC. 3. ENFORCEMENT.

(a) ENFORCEMENT BY FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.—

(1) UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES.—A violation of section 2(a) shall be treated as a violation of a regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

(2) POWERS OF COMMISSION.—The Commission shall enforce section 2(a) in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act…

* * * *

(b) ENFORCEMENT BY STATES.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—If the attorney general of a State, or an official or agency of a State, has reason to believe that an interest of the residents of the State has been or is being threatened or adversely affected by a practice that violates section 2(a), the State may bring a civil action on behalf of the residents of the State in an appropriate district court of the United States to obtain appropriate relief.

(2) RIGHTS OF COMMISSION.—

(A) NOTICE TO COMMISSION.—

(i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in clause (iii), an attorney general, official, or agency of a State, before initiating a civil action under paragraph (1), shall provide written notification to the Commission that the attorney general, official, or agency intends to bring such civil action.

* * * *

(B) INTERVENTION BY COMMISSION.—The Commission may—

(i) intervene in any civil action brought by an attorney general, official, or agency of a State under paragraph (1); and

(ii) upon intervening—

(I) be heard on all matters arising in the civil action; and

(II) appeal a decision in the civil action. [4/11/24; Pages H3704]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8756. A bill to establish the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers Council, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers, and Artificial Intelligence Coordination Boards, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. [Rep. Connolly (D-VA11); 6/14/24]

H.R. 8744. A bill to amend part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to review and reduce certain administrative burdens, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Smucker (R-PA11); 6/13/24]

H.R. 8692. A bill to require that the Amtrak Board of Directors comply with the open meetings requirements of section 552b of title 5, United States Code, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Nehls (R-TX22); 6/11/24]

H.R. 8690. A bill to amend the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to ensure that other transaction agreements are reported to USAspending.gov, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Moore (R-AL2); 4/11/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held a hearing entitled ‘‘What We Have Here...is a Failure to Collaborate: Review of GAO’s Annual Duplication Report’’. Testimony was heard from Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General, Government Accountability Office. [6/13/24]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet held a hearing entitled ‘‘The U.S. Intellectual Property System and the Impact of Litigation Financed by Third-Party Investors and Foreign Entities’’. Testimony was heard from former Member Bob Goodlatte, and public witnesses. [4/12/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED: 

Patriot Bill of Rights: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. 3237, to amend the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to ensure claimants are adequately informed regarding filing a Federal cause of action, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to Blumenthal (for Tillis) Amendment No. 2072, in the nature of a substitute. [6/4/24] 

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (28 U.S.C. 2671 note prec.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(k) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.—

‘‘(1) GUIDANCE AND ADVICE SERVICES.—A veteran, or the legal representative of a veteran, bringing a cause of action under subsection (b) shall sign a written acknowledgment, provided by the attorney, indicating that the veteran or legal representative bringing the action understands that the veteran or legal representative may seek guidance and advice on any disability awards, payments, or benefits, in addition to and separate from rights provided under this Act, to which the veteran may be entitled under any program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, free of charge from—

‘‘(A) organizations recognized under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code;‘‘(B) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and

‘‘(C) the congressional representatives of the individual or legal representative. [6/4/24; Page S3962] 

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4464. A bill to require the United States Postal Service to apply certain requirements when closing a processing, shipping, delivery, or other facility supporting a post office, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Rounds (R-SD); 6/5/24] 

S. 4463. A bill to abolish the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks, to repeal the Federal Reserve Act, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 6/5/24] 

S. 4460. A bill to reduce regulatory barriers to housing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Fetterman (D-PA); 6/5/24] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine streamlining the Federal cybersecurity regulatory process, focusing on the path to harmonization, after receiving testimony from Nick Leiserson, Assistant National Cyber Director for Cyber Policy and Programs, Office of the National Cyber Director, Executive Office of the President; and David B. Hinchman, Director, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Government Accountability Office. [6/5/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: The House passed H.R. 8580, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, by a yea-and-any vote of 209 yeas to 197 nays, Roll No. 247. Consideration began June 4th. [6/5/24; Pages H3661–68]

Amendments Adopted:

Schweikert amendment (No. 43 printed in part B of H. Rept. 118–535) that increases and decreases funding by $1 million for the Veterans Benefits Administration to provide support for utilizing AI to expedite claims (by a recorded vote of 333 ayes to 70 noes, Roll No. 243). [6/5/24; Pages H3661, H3664–65]

Schweikert amendment (No. 44 printed in part B of H. Rept. 118–535) that increases and decreases funding by $10 million to conduct a study on the benefits of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline oversight, mitigate and reduce fraud, and improve data accuracy and financial management practices at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) (by a recorded vote of 392 ayes to 11 noes, Roll No. 244). [6/5/24; Pages H3661–62, H3665–66]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8627. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify certain requirements relating to the recovery by the Department of Veterans Affairs of overpayments made to eligible persons or veterans relating to educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Davis (D-NC1); 6/5/24]

H.R. 8618. A bill to require the Environmental Protection Agency to assess the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with forest biomass combustion for electricity when developing relevant rules and regulations and to carry out a study on the impacts of the forest biomass industry, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Thompson (D-MS2); 6/4/24]

H.R. 8609. A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to establish an Office of Ethics Counsel and an Office of Investigative Counsel within the Supreme Court of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Goldman (D-NY10); 6/4/24]

H.R. 8605. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the rules governing the State administration of self-employment assistance programs; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Carey (R-OH15); 6/4/24]

H.R. 8604. A bill to reduce regulatory barriers to housing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Blunt Rochester (D-DE-At Large); 6/4/24]

H.R. 8597. A bill to amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, the Financial Stability Act of 2010, and the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to improve access to information in the legislative and executive branches of the Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committees on House Administration, the Judiciary, Ethics, Financial Services, and Rules. [Rep. Quigley (D-IL5); 6/3/24]

PRESIDENTIAL VETO MESSAGE:

H.J. Res. 109. The Speaker read a message from the President wherein he transmitted his Memorandum of Disapproval of H.J. Res. 109, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to ‘‘Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121’’, and explained his reasons therefore—ordered printed (H. Doc. 118–145). [6/3/24; Pages H3548–49]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 3299. A bill to require the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to establish online portals to accept, process, and dispose of certain Form 299s, and for other purposes (Rept. 118–546, Pt. 1). [6/7/24]

H.R. 3283. To require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to report to Congress on any barriers to establishing online portals to accept, process, and dispose of certain Form 299s, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 118–545, Part 1). [6/7/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine artificial intelligence and its potential to fuel economic growth and improve governance, after receiving testimony from Jen Gaudioso, Director, Center for Computing Research, Sandia National Laboratories, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; Brian J. Miller, American Enterprise Institute, and Adam Thierer, R Street Institute, both of Washington, D.C.; and Ayanna Howard, The Ohio State University, Columbus. [6/4/24]

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology held a hearing entitled ‘‘Stakeholder Perspectives on OSHA’s Proposed Rule to Update the Fire Brigades Standard’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [6/4/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, May 28, and Friday, May 31, 2024. No relevant legislative activity was conducted.

House

The House convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, May 28, and Friday, May 31, 2024. No relevant legislative activity was conducted.

Senate

MEASURES PASSED: 

CRA Resolution of Disapproval – Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnaces: The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources was discharged from further consideration of S.J. Res. 58, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnaces’’, and the joint resolution was then passed in a roll call vote, 50 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 176). [5/21/24; Page S3800] 

MEASURES CONSIDERED: 

Border Act: Senate continued consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 4361, making emergency supplemental appropriations for border security and combatting fentanyl for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. [5/23/24]  

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

S. 4434. A bill to improve retrospective reviews of Federal regulations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 5/23/24] 

S. 4428. A bill to establish an interagency committee to coordinate activities of the Federal Government relating to biotechnology oversight, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sen. Young (R-IN); 5/23/24] 

S. 4401. A bill to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to ensure that the small business regulatory budget for a fiscal year is not greater than zero, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. [Sen. Marshall (R-KS); 5/23/24] 

S. 4388. A bill to improve the administration of justice by requiring written explanations by the Supreme Court of its decisions and the disclosure of votes by justices in cases within the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court that involve injunctive relief, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT); 5/22/24] 

S. 4376. A bill to increase Government accountability for administrative actions by reinvigorating administrative Pay-As-You-Go; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Braun (R-IN); 5/21/24]  

MEASURES REFERRED: 

H.R. 5887. An act to amend chapter 3 of title 5, United States Code, to improve Government service delivery, and build related capacity for the Federal Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [5/22/24] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a business meeting and ordered favorably reported four business items, including: S. 3772, to amend the Small Business Act to require that plain writing statements regarding the solicitation of subcontractors  be included in certain subcontracting plans; and H.R. 7987, to require plain language and the inclusion of key words in covered notices that are clear, concise, and accessible to small business concerns. [5/22/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED: 

Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act: The House passed H.R. 4763, to provide for a system of regulation of digital assets by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, by a recorded vote of 279 ayes to 136 noes, Roll No. 226. [5/22/24; Pages H3419–56, H3462–63] 

Rep. McHenry (R-NC10): "Last July, we passed the bipartisan Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, FIT21, out of our committees. Each step in this process has created a new highwater mark. The next step will be a broad bipartisan vote today to finally provide the robust consumer protections and clear regulatory framework established by this bill…Unfortunately, our current regulatory framework is preventing digital assets innovation from reaching its full potential. The SEC and the CFTC are currently in a food fight for control of these asset classes. They have created an impossible situation where the same firms are subject to competing and contradictory enforcement actions by the two different agencies…FIT21 fixes this by creating a regulatory framework that will provide clear rules of the road and strong guardrails for Americans engaging with the digital asset ecosystem. At its core, FIT21 applies time-tested consumer protections to ensure that the 20 percent of Americans who engage in the digital asset ecosystem can do so safely and so more Americans can engage, as well…Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support consumer protection, innovation, and American leadership by voting for FIT21." [5/22/24; Pages H3419-20] 

Rep. Waters (D-CA43): "Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4763, which I am calling the not fit for purpose act. This bill would deregulate a substantial portion of the crypto industry, taking them out of the purview of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. It would allow them to operate either under a lighter touch regulatory regime under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or in what I have called a regulatory no-man’s-land, with no primary regulator and virtually no regulations. For crypto that would remain under the SEC’s purview, this bill still provides major exemptions from critical securities laws. If this wasn’t bad enough, this bill is not just about crypto. Language was added to the bill after it was marked up by the committees of jurisdiction that would allow even some traditional securities to also exist in this regulatory no-man’s-land. Specifically, I am referring to title II of the bill that defines the term ‘‘investment contract asset.’’ Assets that fall under this definition are explicitly deemed not to be securities and, therefore, not under the SEC’s purview, but the bill doesn’t provide an alternative legal framework for these assets." [5/22/24; Page H3420] 

Government Service Delivery Improvement Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5887, amended, to amend chapter 3 of title 5, United States Code, to improve Government service delivery, and build related capacity for the Federal Government. [5/21/24; Pages H3367–69] 

Rep. Mace (R-SC1):  "Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5887. Outdated bureaucratic government processes make it challenging and costly to deliver government services. This wastes taxpayer dollars and creates opportunities for fraud and abuse. These processes do not change because Federal agencies lack a single, designated official that Congress can hold accountable for program service delivery, including agency-wide backlogs, unprocessed applications, or improperly delivered benefits. Many agency officials, program managers, policymakers, and human resource managers, are responsible for specific parts of the problem, but developing solutions to poor government service delivery will require someone to be responsible for agency-wide coordination. The Government Service Delivery Improvement Act addresses this problem by requiring the Office of Management and Budget and Federal agencies to designate a senior official accountable for improving government service delivery and facilitating process reforms. The government-wide official will develop standards, policies, and performance metrics to ensure agency progress. Also under the bill, senior agency officials designated to be responsible for improving government service delivery will also be required to coordinate with other existing agency officials…as they work to improve agency operations and implement policy reforms." [5/21/24; Pages H3368-69] 

Rep. Raskin (D-MD8): "I am really proud to declare our support for this bipartisan legislation. Federal Government services should be accessible and responsive to the American people. This means ensuring agencies have the resources and staffing they need to fulfill their missions, as well as the infrastructure and technology they need to have effective interactions with the public…[This] bill would create a Federal Government service delivery lead position in the Office of Management and Budget to coordinate government- wide efforts to improve the delivery of services. Working with lead service delivery officials designated at each Federal agency, the service delivery lead at OMB would develop and oversee the implementation of governmentwide standards, policies, and guidelines to improve government service delivery, and would evaluate agency progress, including by collecting and reporting information, data, and metrics. This bipartisan bill will help ensure the Federal government is providing the best service possible to the people and that it is acting in transparent, methodical, and accountable ways to improve our delivery of government services. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 5887." [5/21/24; Page H3369] 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

H.R. 8546. A bill to require the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to take certain actions to improve the processing of claims and appeals for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Neguse (D-CO2); 5/23/24] 

H.R. 8538. A bill to establish an interagency committee to coordinate activities of the Federal Government relating to biotechnology oversight, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. [Rep. Khanna (D-CA17); 5/23/24] 

H.R. 8536. A bill to establish the Office of the Ombudsperson for Immigrant Children in Immigration Custody, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security. [Rep. Jayapal (D-WA7); 5/23/24] 

H.R. 8505. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to expand the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to assess penalties for violations of laws and regulations relating to the shipping of household goods, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Del. Norton (D-DC); 5/22/24] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 8296, the ‘‘GAO Database Modernization Act’’. Three measures, including H.R. 8296, were ordered reported, as amended. [5/22/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin: By 60 yeas to 38 nays (Vote No. 169), Senate passed H.J. Res. 109, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to ‘‘Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121’’. [5/16/24; Pages S3741–45]

Sen. Warren (D-MA): "Mr. President, we are about to hold a vote under the Congressional Review Act...[O]ur vote today is not a vote on a notice and comment rule. In fact, our vote today is on something that doesn’t even have the force of law. Our vote today is on a Staff Accounting Bulletin issued by the SEC back in the spring of 2022. Now, the SEC has issued these bulletins—they are called SABs—for nearly 50 years without anyone ever suggesting that they were subject to the CRA. The CRA has a time limit for a reason—so that settled law is settled law, something that everyone can count on—and the CRA is limited to Agency rules so that a single Member of Congress can’t tie up Agencies and Congress with expedited procedures under the CRA by raking over the details of every Agency action. Today’s vote—coming more than 2 years after the SEC wrote the bulletin and applying to a staff bulletin rather than a rule—is far outside the scope of the CRA. We should not be holding this vote." [5/16/24; Pages S3743–44]

Sen. Lummis (R-WY): "Mr. President, I rise today to speak in favor of my Congressional Review Act resolution, S.J. Res. 59, and its House companion, H.J. Res. 109...Staff Accounting Bulletin 121, or SAB 121, is a rule under the Administrative Procedure Act disguised as an accounting guidance. It was published by the SEC staff without the approval of the majority of the Commission. Accounting guidance is not something that normally would catch the attention of Congress, but, in this case, a bipartisan group in the Senate and House has uncovered serious concerns with SAB 121 and the actions of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Nearly 2 years ago, I started this process by sending a request for a legal opinion on SAB 121 to the Government Accountability Office. That office found that SAB 121 is, in fact, a rule and subject to the Congressional Review Office. Shortly after this finding, I introduced the Senate resolution to overturn this guidance in the Senate...[SAB 121] puts consumers at risk. By requiring a covered institution to place consumer assets on its balance sheet, it gives creditors a way to claim those assets in the event of a bankruptcy...As much as the SEC would have you believe otherwise, the bank regulators have no discretion on this point. Banks must follow U.S. generally accepted accounting principles when calculating capital requirements. Finally, SAB 121 demonstrates how the SEC will push forward its regulatory agenda at the cost of transparency and the stakeholder input that is required by law." [5/16/24; Pages S3744–45]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4363. A bill to secure the rights of public employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively, which safeguard the public interest and promote the free and unobstructed flow of commerce, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Hirono (D-HI); 5/16/24]

S. 4348. A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from issuing permits for the construction or modification of electric transmission facilities in a State over the objection of the State, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [Sen. Hawley (R-MO); 5/15/24]

S. 4341. A bill to require plain language and the inclusion of key words in covered notices that are clear, concise, and accessible to small business concerns, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Ernst (R-IA); 5/15/24]

S. 4332. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve telephone communication by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Sullivan (R-AK); 5/14/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a business meeting on pending legislation and ordered favorably reported nine bills, including: S. 4066, to improve Federal technology procurement, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 3015, to amend title 5, United States Code, to address telework for Federal employees, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 2492, to amend title II of the Social Security Act to improve coordination between the Do Not Pay working system and Federal and State agencies authorized to use the system, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [5/15/24]

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight concluded a hearing to examine the findings and recommendations of GAO’s 2024 Report on Opportunities to Reduce Fragmentation, Overlap, and Duplication and Achieve Financial Benefits, after receiving testimony from Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, Government Accountability Office. [5/15/24]

Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded a business meeting and ordered favorably reported the following business items: S. 2770, to prohibit the distribution of materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media relating to candidates for Federal office, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 3875, to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide further transparency for the use of content that is substantially generated by artificial intelligence in political advertisements by requiring such advertisements to include a statement within the contents of the advertisements if generative AI was used to generate any image, audio, or video footage in the advertisements, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 3897, to require the Election Assistance Commission to develop voluntary guidelines for the administration of elections that address the use and risks of artificial intelligence technologies, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [5/15/24]

REMARKS:

Bipartisan Roadmap for AI Policy in the U.S. Senate

Sen. Schumer (D-NY): "Today, after months of discussion, after hundreds of meetings, and after nine first-of-their-kind AI Insight Forums, our bipartisan Senate working group released the first ever roadmap for AI policy in the Senate. Our policy roadmap for AI is the first, most comprehensive, most bipartisan, and most forward-thinking report on AI regulation produced by Congress. Our roadmap lays out a panoply of policy priorities and guardrails that our group believes merit bipartisan consideration in this Congress and beyond...Now, where do we go from here? Our policy roadmap is intended to be used by our committee chairs and ranking members as a foundation to move on good, bipartisan AI legislation. It is the committees that do the legislating. That is what has always happened around here. We need our committees to continue the bipartisan momentum of the AI gang to achieve the hope of passing legislation by the end of the year. We don’t expect every piece of AI to be addressed, every problem that is in our roadmap to be addressed. Some will lend themselves to move more quickly than others, and we are not going to hold back on some that are ready because others are not yet ready. This is a very, as I said, difficult process that we have to approach with humility. Let me just say this: Our AI committee chairs and ranking members are ready and eager to engage in AI. Our roadmap includes many areas of bipartisan agreement that the committees can use, and, already, we are making progress in the Rules Committee, which is marking up legislation today. The Commerce Committee is looking at legislation regarding AI innovation. The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is considering how to leverage AI in the Federal workforce. The Armed Services Committee is leading the way on AI in the military. And the list goes on. So our committees are getting actively involved, which is what we want." [5/15/24; Pages S3691–92]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4510, as amended, to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and to update the mission and functions of the agency. [5/14–5/15/24; Pages H3014–27]

Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 3935, to amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation Administration and other civil aviation programs. [5/14–5/15/24; Pages H3050–H3170]

SEC. 202. ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR RULEMAKING AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENT.

(a) ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR RULEMAKING AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENT.—Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the following:

‘‘(c) ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR RULEMAKING AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENT.—

There is an Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement who shall be appointed by the Administrator and shall—

‘‘(1) be responsible for developing and managing the execution of a regulatory agenda for the Administration that meets statutory and Administration deadlines, including by—

‘‘(A) prioritizing rulemaking projects that are necessary to improve safety;

‘‘(B) establishing the regulatory agenda of the Administration; and

‘‘(C) coordinating with offices of the Administration, the Department, and other Federal entities as appropriate to improve timely feedback generation and approvals when required by law;

‘‘(2) not delegate overall responsibility for meeting internal timelines and final completion of the regulatory activities of the Administration outside the Office of the Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement;

‘‘(3) on an ongoing basis, review the regulations of the Administration in effect to—

‘‘(A) improve safety;

‘‘(B) reduce undue regulatory burden;

‘‘(C) replace prescriptive regulations with performance-based regulations, as appropriate;

‘‘(D) prevent duplicative regulations; and

‘‘(E) increase regulatory clarity and transparency whenever possible;

‘‘(4) make recommendations for the review of the Administrator under subsection (f)(3)(C)(ii);

‘‘(5) receive, coordinate, and respond to petitions for rulemaking and for exemption as provided for in subpart A of part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and provide an initial response to a petitioner not later than 30 days after the receipt of such a petition—

‘‘(A) acknowledging receipt of such petition;

‘‘(B) confirming completeness of such petition;

‘‘(C) providing an initial indication of the complexity of the request and how such complexity may impact the timeline for adjudication; and

‘‘(D) requesting any additional information, as appropriate, that would assist in the consideration of the petition;

‘‘(6) track the issuance of exemptions and waivers by the Administration to sections of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and establish a methodology by which to determine if it would be more efficient and in the interest of the public to amend a rule to reduce the future need of waivers and exemptions

* * * *

SEC. 204. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 106(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

* * * *

(3) in paragraph (3)—

* * * *

(B) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the following:

‘‘(B) APPROVAL OF SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may not issue, unless the Secretary of Transportation approves the issuance of the regulation in advance, a proposed regulation or final regulation that—

‘‘(I) is likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation beginning with the year following the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024) in any year; or

‘‘(II) is significant.

* * * *

‘‘(C) PERIODIC REVIEW.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—For any significant regulation issued after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, in addition to the review requirements established under section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall review any significant regulation 3 years after the effective date of such regulation.

‘‘(ii) DISCRETIONARY REVIEW.—The Administrator may review any regulation that has been in effect for more than 3 years.

‘‘(iii) SUBSTANCE OF REVIEW.—In performing a review under clause (i) or (ii), the Administrator shall determine if—

‘‘(I) the cost assumptions supporting the regulation were accurate;

‘‘(II) the intended benefit of the regulation is being realized;

‘‘(III) the need remains to continue such regulation as in effect; and

‘‘(IV) the Administrator recommends updates to such regulation based on the review criteria specified in section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. [5/14/24; Pages H3054–55]

Consumer Safety Technology Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4814, as amended, to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence in support of the mission of the Commission and to direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on the use of blockchain technology and digital tokens, respectively. [5/14/24; Pages H3032–34]

SEC. 102. PILOT PROGRAM FOR USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BY CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence by the Commission in support of the consumer product safety mission of the Commission, as described in section 2(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051(b)).

(b) REQUIREMENTS.—In conducting the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Commission shall do the following:

(1) Use artificial intelligence for at least 1 of the following purposes:

(A) Tracking trends with respect to injuries involving consumer products.

(B) Identifying consumer product hazards.

(C) Monitoring the retail marketplace (including internet websites) for the sale of recalled consumer products (including both new and used products).

(D) Identifying consumer products required by section 17(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2066(a)) to be refused admission into the customs territory of the United States. [5/14/24; Page H3032]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8381. A bill to direct the Comptroller General of the United States and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to each report on certain disparities that affect the receipt of certain benefits administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Horsford (D-NV4); 5/14/24]

H.R. 8371. A bill to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Armed Services. [Rep. Ciscomani (R-AZ6); 5/14/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

FAA Reauthorization Act: By 88 yeas to 4 nays (Vote No. 162), Senate passed H.R. 3935, to amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation Administration and other civil aviation programs, by the order of the Senate of Thursday, May 9, 2024, 60 Senators having voted in the affirmative. [5/7–5/9/24]

SEC. 204. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 106(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

* * * *

(3) in paragraph (3)—

* * * *

(B) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the following:

‘‘(B) APPROVAL OF SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may not issue, unless the Secretary of Transportation approves the issuance of the regulation in advance, a proposed regulation or final regulation that—

‘‘(I) is likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation beginning with the year following the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024) in any year; or

‘‘(II) is significant.

* * * *

‘‘(C) PERIODIC REVIEW.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—For any significant regulation issued after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, in addition to the review requirements established under section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall review any significant regulation 3 years after the effective date of such regulation.

‘‘(ii) DISCRETIONARY REVIEW.—The Administrator may review any regulation that has been in effect for more than 3 years.

‘‘(iii) SUBSTANCE OF REVIEW.—In performing a review under clause (i) or (ii), the Administrator shall determine if—

‘‘(I) the cost assumptions supporting the regulation were accurate;

‘‘(II) the intended benefit of the regulation is being realized;

‘‘(III) the need remains to continue such regulation as in effect; and

‘‘(IV) the Administrator recommends updates to such regulation based on the review criteria specified in section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. [5/7/24; Page S3386]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4308. A bill to reform the antitrust laws to better protect competition in the American economy, to amend the Clayton Act to modify the standard for an unlawful acquisition, to deter anticompetitive exclusionary conduct that harms competition and consumers, to enhance the ability of the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the antitrust laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN); 5/9/24]

S. 4307. A bill to amend the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to modify requirements for citizen suits under those Acts, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Rubio (R-FL); 5/9/24]

S. 4288. A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide for more efficient hearings on nuclear facility construction applications, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Scott (R-SC); 5/8/24]

S. 4278. A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations to ensure due process rights for physicians before any termination, restriction, or reduction of the professional activity of such physicians or staff privileges of such physicians; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Marshall (R-KS); 5/8/24]

S. 4266. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to address telework for Federal employees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Romney (R-UT); 5/7/24]

MEASURES REFERRED:

H.R. 7528. An act to amend section 206 of the E-Government Act of 2002 to improve the integrity and management of mass comments and computer-generated comments in the regulatory review process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [5/7/24]

H.R. 7219. An act to ensure that Federal agencies rely on the best reasonably available scientific, technical, demographic, economic, and statistical information and evidence to develop, issue or inform the public of the nature and bases of Federal agency rules and guidance, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [5/7/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin: The House passed H.J. Res. 109, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to ‘‘Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121’’, by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 182 nays, Roll No. 189. [5/8/24; Pages H2950–63, H2981–82]

Eliminate Useless Reports Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass S. 2073, as amended, to amend title 31, United States Code, to require agencies to include a list of outdated or duplicative reporting requirements in annual budget justifications, by voice vote. [5/6/24; Pages H2850-52]

‘‘(b) AGENCY IDENTIFICATION OF UNNECESSARY REPORTS.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The head of each agency shall include in the budget justification materials of the agency the following:

‘‘(A) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the following:

‘‘(i) A list of each recurring plan or report submitted by the agency.

‘‘(ii) An identification of whether the recurring plan or report listed in clause (i) was included in the most recent report issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives concerning the reports that any agency is required by law or directed or requested by a committee report to make to Congress, any committee of Congress, or subcommittee thereof.

* * * *

‘‘(iv) The identification of any recurring plan or report the head of the agency determines to be outdated or duplicative.

‘‘(B) With respect to each recurring plan or report identified in subparagraph (A)(iv), the following:

‘‘(i) A recommendation on whether to sunset, modify, consolidate, or reduce the frequency of the submission of the recurring plan or report.

‘‘(ii) A citation to each provision of law or directive or request in a congressional report that requires or requests the submission of the recurring plan or report.

‘‘(iii) A list of the relevant congressional committees for the recurring plan or report.

‘‘(C) A justification explaining, with respect to each recommendation described in subparagraph (B)(i) relating to a recurring plan or report—

‘‘(i) why the head of the agency made the recommendation, which may include an estimate of the resources expended by the agency to prepare and submit the recurring plan or report; and

‘‘(ii) the understanding of the head of the agency of the purpose of the recurring plan or report. [5/6/24; Pages H2850-51]

Comment Integrity and Management Act of 2024: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7528, as amended, to amend section 206 of the E-Government Act of 2002 to improve the integrity and management of mass comments and computer-generated comments in the regulatory review process, by voice vote. [5/6/24; Pages H2844-46]

‘‘(2) IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF MASS COMMENTS.—

‘‘(A) IDENTIFICATION OF MASS COMMENTS.—With respect to each comment accepted by electronic means under subsection (c) by the head of an agency, the head of the agency shall—

‘‘(i) to the extent practicable, reasonably determine whether such comment is a mass comment; and

‘‘(ii) in the case that the agency has made a reasonable determination that the comment is a mass comment, indicate on any publicly available copy of the comment, or comment variations, (through a label or indicator, and in a machine and human readable format) that the comment is part of a mass comment submission; and

‘‘(B) HANDLING OF MASS COMMENTS.—Notwithstanding subsection (d)(2)(A), instead of making available through the electronic docket of the agency each comment identified as a mass comment under paragraph (2), the head of an agency may—

‘‘(i) make available through such docket only a single representative sample of each such mass comment; or

‘‘(ii) in the case where mass comments take the form of variations on certain standardized but not identical language the agency make available through such docket a single copy of one of the variations of the mass comment.

* * * *

‘‘(3) OMB GUIDANCE.—

‘‘(A) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 240 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Director, in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, shall issue guidance to the heads of each agency on the implementation of the requirements of this subsection.

‘‘(B) CONTENTS OF GUIDANCE.—The guidance issued pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall include recommendations for agencies on how to best manage comments accepted by electronic means, including recommendations on how to do the following:

‘‘(i) Use technology tools and procedures that verify, to the greatest extent possible, whether a comment is being submitted by a human being.

‘‘(ii) Identify mass comments, including how to leverage software tools to identify whether a comment is a mass comment.

‘‘(iii) Indicate (through a label or indicator, and in a machine- and human-readable format), that a comment is a mass comment.

* * * *

‘‘(4) POLICIES CONCERNING POSTING AND CON- SIDERATION OF COMPUTER-GENERATED COMMENTS AND MASS COMMENTS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this sub- section, the head of each agency shall establish a policy with respect to the posting and consideration of computer-generated comments and mass-comments during the rule- making process of the agency that is consistent with—

‘‘(i) the requirements of paragraph (2); and

‘‘(ii) the guidance issued under paragraph (3). [5/6/24; Pages H2844-45]

Rep. Raskin (D-MD8): "Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Comment Integrity and Management Act. Technological advances have expanded access to Federal agencies’ on- line rulemaking dockets and have made it easier for the public to comment on proposed rules. That is a very good thing from the standpoint of transparency, accountability, and deliberation. At the same time, in some recent high-profile rulemakings, agencies have received an extraordinarily high volume of completely duplicative comments, which has created some challenges for agencies in processing them and managing their online rulemaking dockets. This bill is designed to help agencies manage such mass comments and computer-generated comments submitted in response to proposed rules. It is not intended in any way to discourage mass comments...The bill would simply allow agencies to post a representative sample of mass comments. If they choose to do that...they still are required to post the number of such comments received so that the volume of public sentiment is still fairly and effectively registered. The bill would also require agencies, within 1 year, to establish policies for handling computer-generated comments, which is a growing concern to manage with the recent remarkable advances in artificial intelligence...We want to make sure that that process continues to operate effectively and is not overwhelmed and overburdened by AI and computer-duplicated comments." [5/6/24; Pages H2843-44, H2846]

Rep. Higgins (R-LA3): Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7528, the Comment Integrity and Management Act. This bill is essential in the digital age where our constituents engage with us more and more through electronic means. It seeks to safeguard citizens’ First Amendment right to participate in the Federal rulemaking process...With the advent of digital technology and the rise of artificial intelligence...the channels for such participation have expanded, providing broader access but also introducing new challenges. These challenges include computer-generated comments which can obscure genuine public input and hinder our agencies’ ability to gauge public sentiment effectively. The cornerstone of this bill is its commitment to ensuring that every comment submitted by electronic means comes from a real person, not an automated program...Furthermore, [this bill] equips our agencies with the flexibility and tools necessary to efficiently manage the comments they receive...[including] the authority to identify and process computer-generated and mass comments, ensuring that they are handled transparently and effectively. Additionally, the legislation directs [OMB] to issue guidance on best practices for managing electronic comments and mandates a report [from GAO] on the prevalence and impact of computer-generated comments. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to recognize the importance of adapting our processes to the realities of the 21st century. It is imperative that we ensure every American is heard and that genuine public input is not drowned out by the noise of automation. This bill represents a good government approach to embracing technological advancements while safeguarding the principles of public participation and transparency in the rulemaking process." [5/6/24; Page H2846]

Information Quality Assurance Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7219, as amended, to ensure that Federal agencies rely on the best reasonably available scientific, technical, demographic, economic, and statistical information and evidence to develop, issue or inform the public of the nature and bases of Federal agency rules and guidance, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 377 yeas to 4 nays, Roll No. 177. [5/6/24]

SEC. 2. INFORMATION QUALITY ASSURANCE.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter 1 of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

* * * *

‘‘§ 3522. Information Quality Assurance.

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Information Quality Assurance Act, the Director shall—

‘‘(1) with public and Federal agency involvement, update the guidelines issued under subsection (a) of the Information Quality Act—

‘‘(A) to provide policy and procedural guidance to the heads of Federal agencies for better ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of influential information or evidence—

‘‘(i) used by the heads of Federal agencies to develop or issue rules and guidance; or

‘‘(ii) disseminated to the public to inform the public about the nature and bases of such rules and guidance;

* * * *

‘‘(c) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.—

‘‘(1) AVAILABILITY.—Except as provided under paragraph (2), the head of the Federal agency shall make available in the docket for the rulemaking of any rule of the Federal agency, or in the administrative record for any guidance, in a timely manner before the promulgation of the rule or issuance of the guidance document—

‘‘(A) any model, methodology, or source of scientific, technical, demographic, economic, or statistical information or evidence upon which the head of the Federal agency—

‘‘(i) relied on in developing or issuing such rule or guidance; or

‘‘(ii) proposes to rely on in developing or issuing such rule or guidance; and

‘‘(B) an identification of whether each such model, methodology, or source constitutes, or may constitute, influential information or evidence. [5/6/24, Pages H2842-44]

PRESIDENTIAL VETO SUSTAINED:

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - Standards for Determining Joint Employer Status: The House voted to sustain the President's veto of H.J. Res. 98, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to ‘‘Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status’’, by a yea-and-nay vote of 214 yeas to 191 nays, Roll No. 185, (two-thirds of those present not voting to override). [5/7/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8343. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to include information on improper payments under Federal programs, to change the treatment of certain Federal programs with respect to susceptibility to significant improper payments, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget. [Rep. Moore (R-UT1); 5/10/24]

H.R. 8342. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to include information on improper payments under Federal programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Budget. [Rep. Yakym (R-IN2); 5/10/24]

H.R. 8302. A bill to establish a commission to review the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and make recommendations for legislative reforms, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Rules. [Rep. Davidson (R-OH8); 5/8/24]

H.R. 8296. A bill to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to require Federal agencies to submit to the Comptroller General of the United States a report on rules that are revoked, suspended, replaced, amended, or otherwise made ineffective; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Bentz (R-OR2); 5/8/24]

H.R. 8265. A bill to amend the Social Security Act to require a 120-day period between notice of an overpayment of benefits under titles II and XVI and beginning recovery of such overpayment, and to require the Commissioner of Social Security to submit a report to Congress on a strategy related to recovery of such overpayments; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Caraveo (D-CO8); 5/76/24]

H.R. 8264. A bill to amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to improve the timeliness of examination reports and other guidance and to establish panels to oversee appeals from insured depository institutions and insured credit unions of material supervisory determinations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Barr (R-KY6); 5/7/24]

H.R. 8255. A bill to establish a minimum public comment period with respect to proposed rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Lucas (R-OK3); 5/6/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 4766. To provide for the regulation of payment stablecoins, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–492). [5/7/24]

H.R. 4763. To provide for a system of regulation of digital assets by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–484, Parts 1 &2). [5/6/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Stifling Innovation: Examining the Impacts of Regulatory Burdens on Small Businesses in Healthcare’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [5/8/24]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet held a hearing entitled ‘‘Intellectual Property: Enforcement Activities by the Executive Branch’’. Testimony was heard from Josh Goldfoot, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; Michael Ball, Acting Assistant Director, Global Trade Investigations Division, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement; and Brandon Lord, Executive Director, Trade Policy and Programs, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets held a hearing entitled ‘‘SEC Enforcement: Balancing Deterrence with Due Process’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [5/7/24]

Senate

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4264. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to improve the effectiveness of major rules in accomplishing their regulatory objectives by promoting retrospective review, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Sinema (I-AZ); 5/2/24]

S. 4263. A bill to require agencies to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for major rules; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 5/2/24]

S. 4262. A bill to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to approve or deny spend plans within a certain amount of time, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Scott (R-FL); 5/2/24]

S. 4239. A bill to require the head of each agency to submit to Congress and make publicly available information relating to the implementation of Executive Order 14019; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Hagerty (R-TN); 5/2/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Superior National Forest Restoration Act: The House passed H.R. 3195, to rescind Public Land Order 7917, to reinstate mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, and to ensure timely review of Mine Plans of Operations, by a yea-and-nay vote of 212 yeas to 203 nays, Roll No. 171. [4/30/29]

SEC. 2. SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS IN MINNESOTA.

* * * *

(b) TIMELY REVIEW.—The Secretary shall complete all necessary environmental and regulatory review, including processes subject to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), for all Mine Plans of Operations within the Superior National Forest lands in the State of Minnesota—

(1) with respect to such Mine Plans of Operations submitted before the date of the enactment of this section, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section; and

(2) with respect to a Mine Plan of Operations submitted or resubmitted in the 7 year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section, not later than 18 months after the date on which such Mine Plan of Operations is submitted or resubmitted. [4/30/24, Page H2718]

Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4016, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the repayment by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of benefits misused by a fiduciary. [4/30/24]

Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7032, to amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide the Congressional Budget Office with necessary authorities to expedite the sharing of data from executive branch agencies. [4/29/24]

Plain Language in Contracting Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7987, to require plain language and the inclusion of key words in covered notices that are clear, concise, and accessible to small business concerns. [4/29/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8239. A bill to improve the consideration by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the costs and benefits of regulations and orders of the Commission; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Wagner (R-MO2); 5/2/24]

H.R. 8230. A bill to streamline the permitting process for communications infrastructure on National Forest System lands; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. [Rep. Johnson (R-SD-AL); 5/2/24]

H.R. 8228. A bill to amend the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to transfer the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Huizenga (R-MI4); 5/2/24]

H.R. 8222. A bill to amend the Securities Act of 1933 to automatically approve offering statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with certain securities issued under Regulation A tier 2, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Barr (R-KY6); 5/2/24]

H.R. 8204. A bill to amend titles 5 and 31, United States Code, to require regulatory early notice by agencies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Davis (D-NC1); 5/1/24]

H.R. 8195. A bill to strengthen congressional oversight of the Administrative Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2023, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget. [Rep. Bergman (R-MI1); 5/1/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 7219. To ensure that Federal agencies rely on the best reasonably available scientific, technical, demographic, economic, and statistical information and evidence to develop, issue or inform the public of the nature and bases of Federal agency rules and guidance, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–475, Part 1). [4/29/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Full Committee held a markup on pending legislation, including: H.R. 5794, the ‘‘VA Peer Review Neutrality Act’’; H.R. 5870, the ‘‘Veteran Appeals Transparency Act of 2024’’; H.R. 7150, the ‘‘Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2024’’; and H.R. 7816, the ‘‘Clear Communications for Veterans Claims Act’’. Twenty one measures, including H.R. 5794, H.R. 5870, H.R. 7150, and H.R. 7816, were ordered favorably reported. [5/1/24]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance held a hearing entitled ‘‘Overreach: An Examination of Federal Statutory and Regulatory Crimes’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [4/30/24]

Committee on House Administration: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 7593, the ‘‘Modernizing the Congressional Research Service’s Access to Data Act’’, to enhance the authority of the Director of the Congressional Research Service to obtain information directly from agencies of the Federal government. Five measures, including H.R. 7593, were ordered reported, without amendment. [4/30/24]

Senate

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the Senate convened to pass H.R. 815, the National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. The Senate reconvened on Friday, April 26, 2024, in pro forma session.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8136. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processes by which a veteran may appeal decisions affecting the provision of benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Peltola (D-AK-AL); 4/26/24]

H.R. 8132. A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, require a patent owner to consent to the filing of a petition for inter partes review or post-grant review, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Kaptur (D-OH9); 4/26/24]

Senate

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4200. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the publication, by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, of information relating to rule making, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 4/19/24]

S. 4178. A bill to establish artificial intelligence standards, metrics, and evaluation tools, to support artificial intelligence research, development, and capacity building activities, to promote innovation in the artificial intelligence industry by ensuring companies of all sizes can succeed and thrive, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Cantwell (D-WA); 4/18/24]

S. 4167. A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide an Inspector General for the judicial branch, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT); 4/18/24]

S. 4162. A bill to ensure that certain permit approvals by the Environmental Protection Agency have the force and effect of law, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Rubio (R-FL); 4/18/24]

S. 4155. A bill to provide for effective regulation of payment stablecoins, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Lummis (R-WY); 4/17/24]

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 8101. A bill to ensure that certain permit approvals by the Environmental Protection Agency have the force and effect of law, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Bean (R-FL4); 4/20/24]

H.R. 8098. A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide an Inspector General for the judicial branch, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Stansbury (D-NM1); 4/19/24]

H.R. 8033. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the information required to be included in a certification by an agency that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Luetkemeyer (R-MO3); 4/17/24]

H.R. 8026. A bill to modernize the formulas for allocation of Community Development Block Grant Program grants for entitlement communities to more effectively target such amounts for community development needs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Kustoff (R-TN8); 4/16/24]

H.R. 8022. A bill to amend the Natural Gas Act to establish a deadline for the review of applications for natural gas export and import orders, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Higgins (R-LA3); 4/16/24]

H.R. 8018. A bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Cammack (R-FL3); 4/16/24]

H.R. 8009. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish a Government Spending Oversight Committee within the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. (Rep. Raskin (D-MD8); 4/15/24]

H.R. 8006. A bill to establish an expedited petition process for the addition and removal of certain products from the lists of products eligible or ineligible for beneficial treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Miller (R-WV1); 4/15/24]

H.R. 7987. A bill to require plain language and the inclusion of key words in covered notices that are clear, concise, and accessible to small business concerns, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. LaLota (R-NY1); 4/15/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee concluded a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including: H.R. 1631, the ‘‘Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act,’’ to amend title 17, United States Code, to reaffirm the importance of, and include requirements for, works incorporated by reference into law, and for other purposes; and H.R. 7737, the ‘‘One Agency Act,’’ to transfer antitrust enforcement from the Federal Trade Commission to the Attorney General, and for other purposes. [4/18/24]

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a markup on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction and favorably forwarded eleven measures to the full Committee, including: H.R. 7150, the ‘‘Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve equitable access to certain benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and to improve certain outreach to individuals who served uniformed services and dependents of such individuals, and for other purposes; H.R. 7793, the ‘‘Veterans Appeals Options Expansion Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide an individual with a claim for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with more options to appeal a decision of the Secretary with respect to such claim to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and for other purposes; H.R. 7816, the ‘‘Clear Communications for Veterans Claims Act,’’ to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of notice letters that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; H.R. 7917, the ‘‘Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the efficiency of adjudications and appeals of claims for benefits under laws administered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; and H.R. 7919, the ‘‘Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for certain revisions to the manual of the Veterans Benefits Administration and to improve the quality of the adjudication of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. [4/16/24]

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy held a hearing entitled ‘‘Agency Audit: Reviewing CFPB Financial Reporting and Transparency’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [4/16/24]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–3797. A letter from the Chair, Administrative Conference of the United States, transmitting the FY 2023 Equal Access to Justice Act Awards Report, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2412(d)(5)(A); Public Law 116-9, Sec. 4201(a)(2); (133 Stat. 763); to the Committee on the Judiciary. [4/15/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - FHA National Performance Management Measures: By 53 yeas to 47 nays (Vote No. 121), Senate passed S.J. Res. 61, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Highway Administration relating to ‘‘National Performance Management Measures; Assessing Performance of the National Highway System, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measure’’. [4/10/24]

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status: By 50 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. 122), Senate passed H.J. Res. 98, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to ‘‘Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status’’. [4/10/24]

MEASURES DISCHARGED:

S.J. Res. 61. Pursuant to a discharge petition filed in accordance with chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works was discharged from further consideration of S.J. Res 61, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Department of Labor relating to "Rescission of Implementing Legal Requirements Regarding the Equal Opportunity Clause's Religious Exemption Rule". The joint resolution was subsequently placed upon the Legislative Calendar under General Orders. [4/9/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4096. A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the random assignment of certain cases in the district courts of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Schumer (D-NY); 4/10/24]

S. 4095. A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit the authority of district courts to provide injunctive relief, to modify venue requirements relating to bankruptcy proceedings, and to ensure that venue in patents cases is fair and proper, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. McConnell (R-KY); 4/10/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: The Committee ordered favorably reported fourteen measures, including: S. 4042, the "Strengthening Oversight of Federal Records Act of 2024," to amend title 44, United States Code, to reform the management of Federal records, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 4036, the "Government Spending Oversight Act of 2024," to establish a Government Spending Oversight Committee within the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 4055, the "Improving Contracting Outcomes Act of 2024," to provide for a pilot program to improve contracting outcomes, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [4/10/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Right-Of-Way Application Transparency and Accountability Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules pass H.R. 6011, as amended, to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to notify applicants of the completion status of right-of-way applications under section 501 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act. [4/10/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7971. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide timely equitable relief to an individual who suffers a loss based on an administrative error by the Secretary, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Van Orden (R-WI3); 4/12/24]

H.R. 7947. A bill to protect State and Federal courts’ primary and inherent authority to regulate and oversee the legal profession by prohibiting Federal agencies from regulating licensed attorneys and law firms engaged in litigation activities, prohibiting opposing parties in legal actions from bringing private rights of action against such attorneys and law firms for their litigation activities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Fitzgerald (R-WI5); 4/11/24]

H.R. 7937. A bill to terminate the authorities of certain entities of the Federal Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Alford (R-MO4); 4/11/24]

H.R. 7917. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the efficiency of adjudications and appeals of claims for benefits under laws administered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Bost (R-IL12); 4/10/24]

H.R. 7900. A bill to establish a regulatory review process for rules that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency plans to propose, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Finstad (R-MN1); 4/9/24]

H.R. 7895. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the restoration of entitlement of individuals entitled to educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs who use such entitlement to pursue a course or program of education at an educational institution found to have violated certain prohibitions on advertising, sales, and enrollment practices, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Bost (R-IL12); 4/9/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 4016. To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the repayment by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of benefits misused by a fiduciary (H. Rept. 118–457). [4/12/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Modernization held a markup on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 7593, the ‘‘Modernizing the Congressional Research Service’s Access to Data Act,’’ to enhance the authority of the Director of the Congressional Research Service to obtain information directly from agencies of the Federal government. H.R. 7592 and H.R. 7593 were forwarded to the full Committee, without amendment. [4/11/24]

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, including: H.R. 7100, the ‘‘Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 7150, the ‘‘Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve equitable access to certain benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and to improve certain outreach to individuals who served uniformed services and dependents of such individuals, and for other purposes; H.R. 7793, the ‘‘Veterans Appeals Options Expansion Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide an individual with a claim for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with more options to appeal a decision of the Secretary with respect to such claim to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and for other purposes; H.R. 7816, the ‘‘Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act,’’ to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of notice letters that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; H.R. 7917, the ‘‘Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the efficiency of adjudications and appeals of claims for benefits under laws administered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; and H.R. 7919, the ‘‘Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for certain revisions to the manual of the Veterans Benefits Administration and to improve the quality of the adjudication of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Testimony was heard from Representatives Self, Duarte, and Hayes; Daniel T. Shedd, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; Jaime Areizaga-Soto, Chairman Board of Veterans’ Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. [4/10/24]

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction and favorably reported 20 measures, including: H.R. 7524, the ‘‘GSA Technology Accountability Act,’’ to amend title 40, United States Code, to require the submission of reports on certain information technology services funds to Congress before expenditures may be made, and for other purposes; legislation on the Allowing Contractors to Choose Employees for Select Skills Act; H.R. 7867, the ‘‘Renewing Efficiency in Government by Budgeting Act,’’ to amend the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish a limit for the total amount of additional unfunded regulatory costs that may be imposed in a fiscal year, and for other purposes. [4/10/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Monday, April 1, and Thursday, April 4, 2024. There was no relevant legislative activity to report.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7882. A bill to amend section 1124 of title 31, United States Code, to establish an Agency Equity Advisory Team, to amend sections 3520 and 3520A of title 44, United States Code, to ensure the use of equity, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Raskin (D-MD-8); 4/5/24]

H.R. 7867. A bill to amend the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish a limit for the total amount of additional unfunded regulatory costs that may be imposed in a fiscal year, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Fallon (R-TX-4); 4/5/24]

H.R. 7859. A bill to authorize the integration and administrative streamlining of Federal funding for Indian Tribes that have reservations, other Tribal lands, or ways of life at risk due to environmental impacts and natural disasters, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Kilmer (D-WA-6); 4/2/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 3446. To impose certain limitations on consent decrees and settlement agreements by agencies that require the agencies to take regulatory action in accordance with the terms thereof, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–443). [4/5/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, March 26, and Thursday, March 28, 2024. There was no relevant legislative activity to report.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7835. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to increase the accountability of the Office of Special Counsel in enforcing certain provisions of that title vigorously, consistently, and without regard to the political affiliation, career status, or personal characteristics of individuals subject to those provisions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Garcia (D-CA42); 3/29/24]

H.R. 7816. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of notice letters that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Duarte (R-CA13); 3/26/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024: By 74 yeas to 24 nays (Vote No. 114), the Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2882, making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. [3/22/24]

Amendments Submitted & Proposed:

SA 1774. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2882, to reauthorize the Morris K. Udall and Steward L. Udall Trust Fund, and for other purposes [legislative vehicle for the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024]; which was ordered to lie on the table, as follows:

At the appropriate place, insert the following:

DIVISION ___—REINS ACT

SEC. __. SHORT TITLE.

This division may be cited as the ‘‘Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2024’’ or the ‘‘REINS Act of 2024’’.

SEC. __. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this division is to increase accountability for and transparency in the Federal regulatory process. Section 1 of article I of the United States Constitution grants all legislative powers to Congress. Over time, Congress has excessively delegated its constitutional charge while failing to conduct appropriate oversight and retain accountability for the content of the laws it passes. By requiring a vote in Congress, the REINS Act will result in more carefully drafted and detailed legislation, an improved regulatory process, and a legislative branch that is truly accountable to the American people for the laws imposed upon them.

SEC. __. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF AGENCY RULEMAKING.

Chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

‘‘CHAPTER 8—CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF AGENCY RULEMAKING

‘‘Sec. 801. Congressional review.

‘‘Sec. 802. Congressional approval procedure for major rules.

‘‘Sec. 803. Congressional disapproval procedure for nonmajor rules.

‘‘Sec. 804. Definitions.

‘‘Sec. 805. Judicial review.

‘‘Sec. 806. Exemption for monetary policy.

‘‘Sec. 807. Effective date of certain rules.

‘‘Sec. 808. Review of rules currently in effect.

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay: By 70 yeas to 25 nays (Vote No. 101), Senate passed S.J. Res. 62, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relating to ‘‘Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay’’. [3/21/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 4066. A bill to improve Federal technology procurement, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 3/22/24]

S. 4043. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to make executive agency telework policies transparent, to track executive agency use of telework, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 3/21/24]

S. 4042. A bill to amend title 44, United States Code, to reform the management of Federal records, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 3/21/24]

MEASURES REFERRED:

H.R. 7023. An act to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide regulatory and judicial certainty for regulated entities and communities, increase transparency, and promote water quality, and for other purposes, to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [3/22/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President’s proposed budget request for fiscal year 2025, after receiving testimony from Janet L. Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury. [3/21/24]

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine reforming Federal records management to improve transparency and accountability, after receiving testimony from Anne L. Weismann, George Washington University Law School, Bethesda, Maryland; and Gary Ruskin, U.S. Right to Know, Oakland, California. [3/20/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 1102, providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2882, with an amendment, with a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 286 yeas to 134 nays, Roll No. 102. [3/22/24]

Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6610, as amended, to provide for the modernization of the passport issuance process. [3/19/24]

Sec. 4. Standards for passport issuance process.

Sec. 5. Enhanced information technology solutions to improve the passport issuance process.

Sec. 6. Research on commercially available information technology solutions.

Sec. 7. GAO Report. [3/19/24, Pages H1198–H1201]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7803. A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of certain fines, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Issa (R-CA

H.R. 7793. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide an individual with a claim for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with more options to appeal a decision of the Secretary with respect to such claim to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Bost (R-IL12); 3/22/24]

H.R. 7751. A bill to require the Secretary of State to report annually on adverse security clearance adjudications, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. [Rep. Lieu (D-CA36); 3/20/24]

H.R. 7737. A bill to transfer antitrust enforcement from the Federal Trade Commission to the Attorney General, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Cline (R-VA6); 3/20/24]

H.R. 7724. A bill to establish, under article I of the Constitution of the United States, a court of record to be known as the United States Immigration Courts; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Lofgren (D-CA18); 3/19/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 6185. To require coordination among Federal agencies on regulatory actions that affect the reliable operation of the bulk-power system (H. Rept. 118–427). [3/19/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 7198, the ‘‘Prove It Act of 2024,’’ to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, and for other purposes. Four measure, including H.R. 7198, were ordered reported, as amended. [3/21/24]

Committee on the Budget: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘The President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request’’. Testimony was heard from Shalanda D. Young, Director, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President of the United States. [3/21/24]

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing entitled ‘‘President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request and Economic Outlook’’. Testimony was heard from Janet Yellen, Secretary, Department of the Treasury; Shalanda Young, Director, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President of the United States; and Jared Bernstein, Chairman, Council of Economic Advisers, Executive Office of the President of the United States. [3/21/24]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust held a hearing entitled ‘‘Reining in the Administrative State: Agency Adjudication and Other Agency Action’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [3/20/24]

Senate

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3926. A bill to amend the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to ensure that other transaction agreements are reported to USAspending.gov, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Ernst (R-IA); 3/12/24]

S. 3911. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the methods by which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs conducts oversight of certain educational institutions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Cornyn (R-TX); 3/12/24]

S. 3897. A bill to require the Election Assistance Commission to develop voluntary guidelines for the administration of elections that address the use and risks of artificial intelligence technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Rules and Administration. [Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN); 3/11/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President’s proposed budget request for fiscal year 2025, after receiving testimony from Shalanda D. Young, Director, Office of Management and Budget. [3/12/24]

House

NEW PUBLIC LAWS:

H.R. 4366. Making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. Signed on March 9, 2024 (Public Law 118–42). [3/12/24]

MEASURES PASSED:

Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies Act: The House passed H.R. 6276, to direct  the Administrator of General Services and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to identify the utilization rate of certain public buildings and federally-leased space, by a recorded vote of 217 ayes to 203 noes, Roll No. 84. [3/12/24, Pages H1106–14, H1131–33]

Amendments Adopted:

Edwards Amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 118–419). To require certain data collection and reporting on space utilization, occupancy, and availability of office space leased by an Executive agency. [3/12/24, Pages H1122–23]

Hageman Amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 118–419). To require federal agencies to report to Congress on whether occupancy and utilization rates are affected by an agency’s remote work and telework policies. [3/12/24, Page H1124]

McCormick Amendment (No. 5 printed in H. Rept. 118–419). To requires the reports on the usage of real property described in Section 4 of the bill to be made public on an accessible website run by the General Services Administration (GSA) with exceptions for national security. [3/12/24, Page H1125]

Rose Amendment (No. 7 printed in H. Rept. 118–419). To require federal agencies to report public buildings or federally-leased spaces with a capacity of 500 or more employees and a utilization rate below 20 percent to their inspector general for investigation. [3/12/24, Pages H1126–27]

FASTA Reform Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6277, to amend the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 to improve such act. [3/11/24]

"The Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act [FASTA]…was passed in 2016 to create a temporary board of experts to identify Federal properties for sale and redevelopment. Unfortunately, the process has not worked as Congress originally envisioned, and this bill seeks to remedy that. Federal agencies are reluctant to let go of property they don’t need, and it has become clear the board requires more authority to gather data it needs to develop recommendations. This bill would make a number of reforms to improve the effectiveness of the process, including extending the board’s timeline, speeding up the effective date of incentives for agencies to put properties forward, and giving the board access to the Federal Real Property Council. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation." [Rep. Perry (R-PA10); 3/11/24, Page H1066]

"FASTA established the Public Buildings Reform Board, PBRB, an independent Federal agency, to review and recommend unused properties for the government to sell…Since its establishment, however, the PBRB has faced significant challenges…[including] difficulties in doing research during the pandemic, lack of access to funding to help the agencies prepare for dispositions, delays in selling two particularly valuable properties in the high-value round, and disagreements with GSA and OMB on disposition strategies have all made the board’s work challenging. Due to these challenges and delays, I join Chairman PERRY in sponsoring the FASTA Reform Act…It requires Federal agencies to share their real property data and consolidation plans with the board. It also enables the board to submit recommendations to OMB on a rolling basis. It gives the board control over the sales proceeds in the Asset Proceeds and Space Management Fund. It reduces the quorum requirement for meetings and activities from five board members to four. It permits agencies to prepare properties for disposition, and it extends the operation of the PBRB to December 2026. As agencies’ post-pandemic space needs evolve, efficient and effective disposal of unneeded properties will become even more important…I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. [Rep. Titus (D-NV1); 3/11/24, Pages H1066-67]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7694. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to limit the use of artificial intelligence at the Internal Revenue Service and to require tax investigations and examinations of taxpayers to be initiated by staff investigators; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Higgins (R-LA3]; 3/15/24]

H.R. 7643. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the use of Department of Veterans Affairs work-study allowance to carry out casework, policy making, and oversight related to the activities of the Department at certain congressional offices; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Takano (D-CA39); 3/12/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 6011. To direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to notify applicants of the completion status of right-of-way applications under section 501 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–420, Part 1). [3/12/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations held a hearing entitled ‘‘Navigating Regulations: Alternative Pathways to Investing in Small Businesses’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [3/12/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024: By 75 yeas to 22 nays (Vote No. 84), the Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 4366, making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. [3/8/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3888. A bill to mandate the use of artificial intelligence by Federal agencies to adapt to extreme weather, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Schatz (D-HI); 3/6/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 1061, providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 4366, with an amendment, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 339 yeas to 85 nays, Roll No. 64. [3/6/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7595. A bill to amend the Tennessee Valley Authority Act to provide for further transparency of the Tennessee Valley Authority, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Cohen (D-TN9); 3/8/24]

H.R. 7593. A bill to enhance the authority of the Director of the Congressional Research Service to obtain information directly from agencies of the Federal government; to the Committee on House Administration. [Rep. Bice (R-OK5); 3/8/24]

H.R. 7591. A bill to establish the National Patient Safety Board; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Barragan (D-CA44); 3/8/24]

H.R. 7556. A bill to establish a working group to coordinate regulatory oversight of liquefied natural gas facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Weber (R-TX14); 3/5/24]

H.R. 7554. A bill to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to ensure that Federal funds provided under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families are used to supplement State spending, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Tenney (R-NY24); 3/5/24]

H.R. 7533. A bill to improve retrospective reviews of Federal regulations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. (Rep. Biggs (R-AZ5); 3/5/24]

H.R. 7532. A bill to amend chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, to establish Federal AI system governance requirements, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Comer (R-KY1); 3/5/24]

H.R. 7528. A bill to amend section 206 of the E-Government Act of 2002 to improve the integrity and management of mass comments and computer-generated comments in the regulatory review process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Higgins (R-LA3); 3/5/24]

H.R. 7523. A bill to establish the Office of Executive Councils, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Timmons (R-SC4); 3/5/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 6317. To require the Administrator of the General Services Administration to submit a report describing a process for seeking public comment about proposed changes to mandatory design standards for public buildings, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 118–409). [3/6/24]

H.R. 6278. To direct the Administrator of General Services to identify two Federal agencies to consolidate into the GSA Headquarters Building, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 118–408). [3/5/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 4552, the ‘‘Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2023’’; H.R. 7523, the ‘‘Governmentwide Executive Councils Reform Act’’; H.R. 7532, the ‘‘Federal AI Governance and Transparency Act’’; H.R. 7528, the ‘‘Comment Integrity and Management Act of 2024’’; H.R. 7533, the ‘‘Modernizing Retrospective Regulatory Review Act’’; and H.R. 5301, the ‘‘Eliminate Useless Reports Act’’. H.R. 4552, H.R. 7523, H.R. 7532, H.R. 7528, H.R. 7533, H.R. 7525, H.R. 7530, H.R. 7526, H.R. 7527, and H.R. 5301 were ordered reported, as amended. [3/7/24]

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Department of Transportation Discretionary Grants: Stakeholder Perspectives’’. Testimony was heard from Jared W. Perdue, Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. [3/7/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024: By 77 yeas to 13 nays (Vote No. 67), Senate passed H.R. 7463, making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, by the order of the Senate of Thursday, February 29, 2024, 60 Senators having voted in the affirmative. [2/29/24]

MEASURES REFERRED:

H.R. 6544. An act to advance the benefits of nuclear energy by enabling efficient, timely, and predictable licensing, regulation, and deployment of nuclear energy technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [2/29/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3844. A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the number of members of the Federal Election Commission from 6 to 5, to revise the method of selection and terms of service of members of the Commission, to distribute the powers of the Commission between the Chair and the remaining members, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Rules and Administration. [Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD); 2/29/24]

S. 3812. A bill to provide firearm licensees an opportunity to correct statutory and regulatory violations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Ernst (R-IA); 2/27/24]

S. 3811. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify the authority of immigration judges to sanction any contempt of the judge’s authority; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Kennedy (R-LA); 2/27/24]

S.J. Res. 62. A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relating to ‘‘Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay’’; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. [Sen. Tester (D-MT); 2/26/24]

House

MEASURES PASSED:

Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 7463, making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 320 yeas to 99 nays, Roll No. 58. [2/29/24]

Atomic Energy Advancement Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6544, amended, to advance the benefits of nuclear energy by enabling efficient, timely, and predictable licensing, regulation, and deployment of nuclear energy technologies, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 365 yeas to 36 nays with one answering ‘‘present’’, Roll No. 55. [2/28/24]

TITLE I—NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Subtitle A—Efficiency, Performance, and Preparation for the Future

Sec. 101. NRC mission alignment.

Sec. 102. Nuclear licensing efficiency.

Sec. 103. Strengthening the NRC workforce.

Subtitle B—Fee Reduction

Sec. 111. Advanced reactor fee reduction.

Sec. 112. Advanced nuclear reactor prize.

Subtitle C—Siting, Licensing, and Oversight Reviews

Sec. 121. Modernization of nuclear reactor environmental reviews.

Sec. 122. Nuclear for Brownfield sites.

Sec. 123. Advancement of nuclear regulatory oversight.

[Pages H703-711, 2/28/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7505. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the issuance of nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Rosendale (R-MT2); 2/29/24]

H.R. 7497. A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the number of members of the Federal Election Commission from 6 to 5, to revise the method of selection and terms of service of members of the Commission, to distribute the powers of the Commission between the Chair and the remaining members, and for other purposes; to the Committee on House Administration. [Rep. Kilmer (D-WA6); 2/29/24]

H.R. 7473. A bill to ensure continued appropriations for certain Small Business Administration programs during a Government shutdown in fiscal year 2024, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Appropriations. [Rep. Schiff (D-CA30); 2/28/24]

H.R. 7471. A bill to provide firearm licensees an opportunity to correct statutory and regulatory violations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Issa (R-CA48); 2/28/24]

H.R. 7463. A bill making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget. [Rep. Granger (R-TX12); 2/28/24]

H.R. 7455. A bill to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for Congressional oversight of agency rulemaking, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules. [Rep. Emmer (R-MN6); 2/26/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.J. Res. 109, providing for Congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to ‘‘Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121’’; H.R. 6864, the ‘‘HUD Accountability Act of 2023’’; and H.R. 7280, ‘‘HUD Transparency Act of 2024’’. H.J. Res. 109 was ordered reported, without amendment. H.R. 6864, H.R. 7280, and two other measures were ordered reported, as amended. [2/29/24]

Senate

The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, February 20, and Friday, February 23, 2024. There was no relevant legislative activity to report.

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7409. A bill to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Kim (R-CA40); 2/20/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 7103. To amend the Small Business Act to require Federal agencies to testify and report on scores received under the scorecard program for evaluating Federal agency compliance with small business contracting goals, to testify for failure to meet Governmentwide contracting goals, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 118–396). [2/23/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

National Security Act: By 70 yeas to 29 nays (Vote No. 48), Senate passed H.R. 815, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program. [2/12/24]

Amendments Adopted:

By 66 yeas to 33 nays (Vote No. 46), Schumer (for Murray) Amendment No. 1388, in the nature of a substitute.

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Security Act, 2024''.

* * * *

DIVISION A--NATIONAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
DIVISION B--FEND OFF FENTANYL ACT
Title I--Sanctions matters
Title II--Anti-money laundering matters
Title III--Exception relating to importation of goods
Title IV--Budgetary effects

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7390. A bill to make price gouging unlawful, to expand the ability of the Federal Trade Commission to seek permanent injunctions and equitable relief, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL9); 2/15/24]

H.R. 7380. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify and update the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to ensure national uniformity in the regulation of the marketing and labeling of companion animal pet food, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. LaTurner (R-KS2); 2/15/24]

H.R. 7370. A bill to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for processing applications related to geothermal leasing; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Curtis (R-UT3); 2/15/24]

H.R. 7366. A bill to require timely publication of CBP border encounters, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. [Rep. Bice (R-OK5); 2/15/24]

H.R. 7359. A bill to provide a framework for the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and the Department of Education to coordinate in providing assistance to and serving borrowers seeking to resolve complaints related to their private education or Federal student loans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and Ways and Means. [Rep. Porter (D-CA47); 2/14/24]

H.R. 7340. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the laws relating to the recognition of agents, attorneys, organizations and their representatives, and other individuals for the purposes of assisting in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Stanton (D-AZ4); 2/13/24]

H.R. 7322. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to enforcement by an attorney general of a State; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Bishop (R-NC8); 2/13/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 6544. To advance the benefits of nuclear energy by enabling efficient, timely, and predictable licensing, regulation, and deployment of nuclear energy technologies, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–391, Part 1). [2/16/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled ‘‘Artificial Intelligence at VA: Exploring its Current State and Future Possibilities’’. Testimony was heard from Charles Worthington, Chief Technology Officer/Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Office of Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs; Gil Alterovitz, Director, Veterans Affairs National Artificial Intelligence Institute, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Assistant Under Secretary for Health, Office of Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. [2/15/24]

Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 7322, the ‘‘Standing Up to the Executive branch (SUE) for Immigration Enforcement Act,’’ to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to enforcement by an attorney general of a State. The Committee favorably reported seven measures, including H.R. 7322. [2/15/24]Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Burdensome Regulations: Examining the Impact of EPA Regulations on Main Street’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [2/14/24]

Senate

MEASURES PASSED:

Federal Agency Performance Act: Senate passed S. 709, to improve performance and accountability in the Federal Government, after agreeing to the committee amendment. [2/8/24]

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF STRATEGIC REVIEWS AND REPORTING.

(a) STRATEGIC REVIEWS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1121 of title 31, United States Code, is amended—

* * * *

(B) by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(c) AGENCY REVIEWS OF PROGRESS TOWARDS STRATEGIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.—

* * * *

‘‘(2) REVIEW.—Not less frequently than annually and consistent with guidance issued by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the head and Chief Operating Officer of each agency, shall—

‘‘(A) for each covered goal, review with the appropriate agency official responsible for the covered goal—

‘‘(i) the progress achieved toward the covered goal—

‘‘(I) during the most recent fiscal year; or

‘‘(II) from recent sources of evidence available at the time of the review; and

‘‘(ii) the likelihood that the agency will achieve the covered goal;

‘‘(B) coordinate with relevant personnel within and outside the agency who contribute to the accomplishment of each covered goal;

‘‘(C) assess progress toward each covered goal by reviewing performance information and other types of evidence relating to each covered goal, such as program evaluations and statistical data;

‘‘(D) identify whether additional evidence is necessary to better assess progress toward each covered goal, and prioritize the development of the evidence described in subparagraph (C), such as through the plans required under section 312 of title 5, if applicable;

‘‘(E) assess whether relevant organizations, program activities, regulations, policies, and other activities contribute as planned to each covered goal;

‘‘(F) as appropriate, leverage the assessment performed under subparagraph (E) as part of the portfolio reviews required under section 503(c)(1)(G);

‘‘(G) identify any risks or impediments that would reduce or otherwise decrease the likelihood that the agency will achieve the covered goal; and

‘‘(H) for each covered goal at greatest risk of not being achieved, identify prospects and strategies for performance improvement, including any necessary changes to program activities, regulations, policies, or other activities of the agency. [2/8/24, Pages S487-89]

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: The Senate considered  H.R. 815, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program. [2/7 - 2/11/24]

Amendments Submitted and Proposed:

SA 1404. Mr. BARRASSO (for himself and Mr. CASSIDY) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1388 submitted by Mrs. Murray (for herself and Mr. Schumer) and intended to be proposed to the bill H.R. 815. [2/8/24] 

At the appropriate place in division A, insert the following:

SEC. llll. ACTION ON APPLICATIONS TO EXPORT LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.

Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

* * * *

‘‘(3) UNTIMELY FINAL DECISION.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—If the Commission fails to issue a final decision under paragraph (2) by the applicable date required under that paragraph, the covered application shall be considered approved, and the environmental review shall be considered sufficient to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

‘‘(B) FINAL AGENCY ACTION.—A determination under subparagraph (A) shall be considered to be a final agency action.

‘‘(4) JUDICIAL REVIEW.—

‘‘(A) JURISDICTION.—Except for review in the Supreme Court of the United States, the court of appeals of the United States for the circuit in which a covered facility is, or will be, located pursuant to a covered application shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over any civil action for the review of an order issued by the Commission with respect to the covered application.

‘‘(B) EXPEDITED REVIEW.—The applicable United States Court of Appeals shall—

‘‘(i) set any civil action brought under this subsection for expedited review; and

‘‘(ii) set the action on the docket as soon as practicable after the filing date of the initial pleading.

‘‘(C) TRANSFER OF EXISTING ACTIONS.—In the case of a covered application for which a petition for review has been filed as of the date of enactment of this subsection, the petition shall be—

‘‘(i) on a motion by the applicant, transferred to the court of appeals of the United States in which the covered facility that is the subject of the covered application is, or will be, located; and

‘‘(ii) adjudicated in accordance with this paragraph.’’. [2/8/24, Page S507]

SA 1386. Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Mr. SCHUMER) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill H.R. 815. [2/5/24]

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024’’.

* * * *

DIVISION C—BORDER ACT

* * * *

TITLE I—CAPACITY BUILDING

Subtitle A—Hiring, Training, and Systems Modernization

* * * *

CHAPTER 4—MODERNIZING NOTICES TO APPEAR

Sec. 3131. Electronic notices to appear.

Sec. 3132. Authority to prepare and issue notices to appear.

Subtitle B—Asylum Processing at the Border

Sec. 3141. Provisional noncustodial removal proceedings.

Sec. 3142. Protection merits removal proceedings.

Sec. 3143. Voluntary departure after noncustodial processing; withdrawal of application for admission.

Sec. 3144. Voluntary repatriation.

Sec. 3145. Immigration Examinations Fee Account.

Sec. 3146. Border reforms.

Sec. 3147. Protection Appellate Board.

TITLE II—ASYLUM PROCESSING ENHANCEMENTS

Sec. 3201. Combined screenings.

Sec. 3202. Credible fear standard and asylum bars at screening interview.

Sec. 3203. Internal relocation.

Sec. 3204. Asylum officer clarification.

* * * *

Sec. 3335. Improving efficiency and oversight of refugee and special immigrant processing.

* * * *

Sec. 3511. Access to counsel.

Sec. 3512. Counsel for certain unaccompanied alien children.

Sec. 3513. Counsel for certain incompetent individuals. [2/5/24; Pages S362-400]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3783. A bill to require the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to respond to the Governor of a State who requests a determination with respect to whether a transaction would trigger a review by the Committee; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Cramer (R-ND); 2/8/24]

S. 3735. A bill to prohibit the Securities and Exchange Commission from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a proposed rule with respect to conflicts of interest associated with the use of predictive data analytics by broker-dealers and investment advisers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Cruz (R-TX); 2/6/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Financial Stability Oversight Council Annual Report to Congress, including S. 3554, to amend the Financial Stability Act of 2010 to provide the Financial Stability Oversight Council with duties regarding artificial intelligence in the financial sector, after receiving testimony from Janet L. Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury. [2/8/24]

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:

EC–3481. A communication from the Chair of the Administrative Conference of the United States, transmitting, a report of the recommendations adopted by the Administrative Conference of the United States at its 80th Plenary Session; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [2/7/24]

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7284. A bill to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from using assessments generated by the Integrated Risk Information System as a tier 1 data source in rulemakings and other regulatory actions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Grothman (R-WI6); 2/7/24]

H.R. 7279. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the administrative burden on physicians and physical and occupational therapists, with respect to plan of care certification and recertification requirements; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Davis (D-NC1); 2/7/24]

H.R. 7263. A bill to authorize amounts collected in certain visa fees to be made available to reduce visa wait times, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Appropriations. [Rep. Titus (D-NV1); 2/6/24]

H.R. 7259. A bill to provide for expedited removal of certain illegal aliens; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Ogles (R-TN5); 2/6/24]

H.R. 7255. A bill to require a page on each website of an agency related to discretionary or competitive grants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Hageman (R-WY-AL); 2/6/24]

H.R. 7225. A bill to restore administrative law judges to the competitive service, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Connolly (D-VA11); 2/5/24]

H.R. 7219. A bill to ensure that Federal agencies rely on the best reasonably available scientific, technical, demographic, economic, and statistical information and evidence to develop, issue or inform the public of the nature and bases of Federal agency rules and guidance, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. McClain (R-MI9); 2/5/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction and favorably reported 17 measures, including H.R. 7219, the ‘‘Information Quality Assurance Act of 2024,’’ ; H.R. 262,the ‘‘All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2023,’’ as amended; H.R. 7184, the ‘‘Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act,’’ as amended; and H.R. 5887, the ‘‘Government Service Delivery and Improvement Act,’’ as amended. [2/6/24]

Senate

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3732. A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a study on the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to convene a consortium on such environmental impacts, and to require the Director to develop a voluntary reporting system for the reporting of the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Markey (D-MA); 2/1/24]

S. 3727. A bill to establish the Proprietary Education Interagency Oversight Committee and to facilitate the disclosure and reporting of information regarding complaints and investigations related to proprietary institutions of higher education eligible to receive Federal education assistance; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Durbin (D-IL); 2/1/24]

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROPRIETARY EDUCATION INTERAGENCY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the Proprietary Education Interagency Oversight Committee (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Committee’’) to be composed of the head (or the designee of the head who is designated under subsection (d)) of each of the following:

     (1) The Department.

     (2) The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

     (3) The Department of Justice.

     (4) The Securities and Exchange Commission.

     (5) The Department of Defense.

     (6) The Department of Veterans Affairs.

     (7) The Federal Trade Commission.

     (8) The Department of Labor.

     (9) The Internal Revenue Service.

     (10) At the discretion of the President, any other relevant Federal agency.

(b) PURPOSES.—The Committee shall have the following purposes:

     (1) To improve enforcement of applicable Federal laws and regulations.

     (2) To increase accountability of proprietary institutions of higher education to students and taxpayers.

     (3) To ensure the promotion of high-quality education programs.

     (4) To reduce and prevent fraud and abuse by proprietary institutions of higher education.

[2/1/24, Pages S344-47]

S. 3724. A bill to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from using assessments generated by the Integrated Risk Information System as a tier 1 data source in rulemakings and other regulatory actions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Kennedy (R-LA); 2/1/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine scams and fraud in the banking system and their impact on consumers, including S. 2669, to require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to issue guidance on digital assets, S. 3554, to amend the Financial Stability Act of 2010 to provide the Financial Stability Oversight Council with duties regarding artificial intelligence in the financial sector, after receiving testimony from Carla Sanchez-Adams, National Consumer Law Center, Paul Benda, American Bankers Association, and John Breyault, National Consumers League, all of Washington, D.C. [2/1/24]

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy held a hearing entitled ‘‘Rules Without Analysis: Federal Banking Proposals Under the Biden Administration’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [1/31/24]Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Full Committee held a markup of legislation within the committee's jurisdiction and favorably reported nineteen measures, including: S. 3654, to amend the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 to require the timely appointment of agency transition officials, to ensure adequate performance and oversight of required transition-related preparation, to require new guidance for agencies and possible transition teams, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 3594, to require Governmentwide source code sharing, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [1/31/24]

House

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7201. A bill to secure Federal access to scientific literature and other subscription services by requiring Federal agencies and legislative branch research arms to make recommendations on increasing agency library access to serials, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Foster (D-IL1); 2/1/24]

H.R. 7198. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Finstad (R-MN1); 2/1/24]

H.R. 7197. A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a study on the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to convene a consortium on such environmental impacts, and to require the Director to develop a voluntary reporting system for the reporting of the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Eshoo (D-CA16); 2/1/24]

H.R. 7184. A bill to provide the Congressional Budget Office with necessary authorities to expedite the sharing of data from executive branch agencies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Grothman (R-WI6); 2/1/24]

H.R. 7136. A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a comprehensive standard for timing between referrals and appointments for care from the Department of Veterans Affairs and to submit a report with respect to that standard, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Franklin (R-FL18); 1/30/24]

H.R. 7103. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to require Federal agencies to testify and report on scores received under the scorecard program for evaluating Federal agency compliance with small business contracting goals, to testify for failure to meet Governmentwide contracting goals, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Stauber (R-MN8); 1/29/24]

H.R. 7101. A bill to establish requirements for the Federal Trade Commission with respect to certain rules related to automotive retailing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Armstrong (R-ND-At Large); 1/29/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Technology Modernization held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Future of Data Privacy and Artificial Intelligence at VA’’. Testimony was heard from Charles Worthington, Chief Technology Officer, Office of Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs; and a public witness. [1/29/24]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3667. A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to strike provisions relating to the maximum civil penalties for violations of product safety standards; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Welch (D-VT); 1/25/24]

S. 3665. A bill to establish a process for waiver of coastwise endorsement requirements; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 1/25/24]

S. 3660. A bill to require electronically prepared tax returns to include scannable code when submitted on paper, and to require the use of optical character recognition technology for paper documents received by the Internal Revenue Service; to the Committee on Finance. [Sen. Carper (D-DE); 1/25/24]

S. 3653. A bill to apply user fees with respect to tobacco products deemed subject to the requirements of chapter IX of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Shaheen (D-NH); 1/24/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the use of Artificial Intelligence at the Library of Congress, Government Publishing Office, and Smithsonian Institution, after receiving testimony from Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress; Hugh Nathanial Halpern, Director, Government Publishing Office; and Meroe Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Smithsonian Institution. [1/24/24]Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism concluded a hearing to examine AI in criminal investigations and prosecutions, after receiving testimony from Karen L. Howard, Director, Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics, Government Accountability Office; Armando R. Aguilar, Miami Police Department, Miami, Florida; and Rebecca Wexler, Berkeley Center for Law and Technology, Berkeley, California. [1/24/24]

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7096. A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to strike provisions relating to the maximum civil penalties for violations of product safety standards; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL9); 1/25/24]

H.R. 7081. A bill to establish a process for waiver of coastwise endorsement requirements; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Cline (R-VA6); 1/25/24]

H.R. 7080. A bill to reinstate pre-pandemic telework policies of Executive agencies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Carl (R-AL1); 1/25/24]H.R. 7079. A bill to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing certain changes to regulations regarding meat and poultry products effluent discharges, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Burlison (R-MO7); 1/25/24]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED:

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act: By 77 yeas to 18 nays (Vote No. 12), Senate passed H.R. 2872, to amend the Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013 to allow the Secretary of the Interior to issue electronic stamps under such Act, by the order of the Senate of Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 60 Senators having voted in the affirmative. [1/18/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3630. A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to establish a pilot program for testing the use of a predictive risk-scoring algorithm to provide oversight of payments for durable  medical equipment and clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under the Medicare program; to the Committee on Finance. [Sen. Braun (R-IN); 1/18/24]

S. 3598. A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a comprehensive standard for timing between referrals and appointments for care from the Department of Veterans Affairs and to submit a report with respect to that standard, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Scott (R-FL); 1/17/24]

S. 3594. A bill to require Governmentwide source code sharing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Cruz (R-TX); 1/16/24]S. 3592. A bill to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to clarify the authority of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection with respect to persons regulated by a State insurance regulator, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Scott (R-SC); 1/16/24]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act: The House concurred in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2872, to amend the Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013 to allow the Secretary of the Interior to issue electronic stamps under such Act, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 314 yeas to 108 nays, Roll No. 15. [1/18/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 7048. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify provisions relating to assistance by States, and political subdivisions of States, in the enforcement of Federal immigration laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Pfluger (R-TX11); 1/18/24]

H.R. 7042. A bill to reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Mann (R-KS1); 1/18/24]

H.R. 7032. A bill to amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide the Congressional Budget Office with necessary authorities to expedite the sharing of data from executive branch agencies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Budget. [Rep. Boyle (D-PA2); 1/18/24]

H.R. 7030. A bill to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to periodically review final rules issued by the Commission and to amend the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to consider the cumulative effect of proposed and final rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Kim (R-CA40); 1/18/24]

H.R. 7021. A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to the procedure for the development of water quality criteria, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Owens (R-UT4); 1/17/24]

H.R. 7008. A bill to amend section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to judicial review of a permit issued under such section, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Burlison (R-MO7); 1/17/24]

H.R. 7000. A bill to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to clarify the authority of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection with respect to persons regulated by a State insurance regulator, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Steil (R-WI1); 1/16/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held a hearing entitled ‘‘Toward an AI-Ready Workforce’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [1/17/24]Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Biden Administration’s Regulatory and Policymaking Efforts to Undermine U.S. Immigration Law’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [1/17/24]

SENATE

NEW PUBLIC LAWS:

S. 2747. To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to extend the Administrative Fine Program for certain reporting violations. Signed on December 19, 2023 (Public Law 118–26). [1/8/24]

PRESIDENTIAL VETO SUSTAINED:

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act Rule: By 54 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 5), two-thirds of the Senators voting, a quorum being present, not having voted in the affirmative, S.J. Res. 32, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to ‘‘Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)’’, upon reconsideration failed of passage, and the veto of the President was sustained. [1/10/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3587. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately initiate removal proceedings for aliens whose visas are revoked on security or related grounds; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Rubio (R-FL); 1/11/24]

S. 3583. A bill to address patent thickets; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Welch (D-VT); 1/11/24]

S. 3576. A bill to authorize certain States to take certain actions on certain Federal land to secure an international border of the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [Sen. Blackburn (R-TN); 1/10/24]

S. 3567. A bill to establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans Affairs History Office, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Brown (D-OH); 1/10/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine harnessing AI to improve government services and customer service, after receiving testimony from Beth Simone Noveck, New Jersey Chief Innovation Officer, Trenton; Jennifer Pahlka, Federation of American Scientists, Oakland, California; and Beth Blauer, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. [1/10/24]

HOUSE

NEW PUBLIC LAWS:

H.R. 1226. An Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for the electronic request of certain Department of Veterans Affairs records, and for other purposes (Public Law 118-21). [1/9/23]

MEASURES PASSED:

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status Rule: The House passed H.J. Res. 98, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to ‘‘Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status’’, by a yea-and-nay vote of 206 yeas to 177 nays, Roll No. 10. [1/12/24, Pages H112-24]

Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023: The House passed H.R. 788, to limit donations made pursuant to settlement agreements to which the United States is a party, by a yea-and-nay vote of 211 yeas to 197 nays, Roll No. 7. [1/11/24, Pages H71-77]

SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON DONATIONS MADE PURSUANT TO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS TO WHICH THE UNITED STATES IS A PARTY.

(a) LIMITATION ON REQUIRED DONATIONS.—An official or agent of the Government may not enter into or enforce any settlement agreement on behalf of the United States directing or providing for a payment to any person or entity other than the United States, other than a payment that provides restitution for or otherwise directly remedies actual harm (including to the environment) directly and proximately caused by the party making the payment, or constitutes payment for services rendered in connection with the case.

* * * *

(e) REPORTS ON SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than at the end of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the head of each Federal agency shall submit electronically to the Congressional Budget Office a report on each settlement agreement entered into by that agency during that fiscal year that directs or provides for a payment to a person or entity other than the United States that is providing restitution for or otherwise directly remedies actual harm (including to the environment) directly and proximately caused by the party making the payment, or that constitutes payment for services rendered in connection with the case, which shall include the parties to each settlement agreement, the source of the settlement funds, and where and how such funds were and will be distributed.

* * * *

(f) ANNUAL AUDIT REQUIREMENT.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than at the end of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Inspector General of each Federal agency shall submit a report on any settlement agreement entered into in violation of this section by that agency to [the House & Senate's Judiciary, Budget, and Appropriations Committees]. [1/11/24, Page H71]

"Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 788, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act. This legislation seeks to repair a loophole that has been exploited by the executive branch agencies to redirect funds from Federal law enforcement settlements to outside, nongovernment entities. Under this third-party settlement policy, agencies reach a settlement and include mandatory donation terms to externally divert these funds to third parties instead of either depositing them with the Treasury or exclusively using them to provide restitution to the victims.  Instead of depositing these settlements with the Treasury or compensating the victims, which should be the only appropriate use of these funds, agencies give sizable chunks to third parties diluting the share of the victims and even cutting out the Treasury completely…It is my goal to end this policy once and for all. It is bad business for the American people, it is wrong, and it needs to be stopped no matter who the President is." [Rep. Gooden (R-TX5); 1/11/24, Page H72]

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 788…This harmful legislation would prevent the Justice Department from negotiating settlements to include payments to third parties, primarily nonprofits and community-based organizations, that are best positioned to remedy harms to society at large that were caused by a corporate wrongdoer’s violation of Federal environmental, labor, consumer, and financial protections. This bill is nothing short of a gift to large corporations that would leave victims of their misconduct out in the cold. No credible facts justify H.R. 788. This bill is based on the false premise that the Justice Department uses these types of settlements as illegitimate favors for an administration’s political allies, with the bill’s supporters describing such settlements as politically motivated slush funds…Unsurprisingly, the House Republican investigation into these settlements produced not one shred of credible evidence to support their allegations that [these settlement agreements] represent[] some sort of improper action." [Rep. Nadler (D-NY12); 1/11/24, Page H72]

CRA Resolution of Disapproval - Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers Rule: The House passed S.J. Res. 38, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Highway Administration relating to ‘‘Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers’’, by a yea-and-vote of 209 yeas to 198 nays, Roll No. 8. [1/11/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6986. A bill to address patent thickets; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Arrington (R-TX19); 1/12/24]

H.R. 6971. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately initiate removal proceedings for aliens whose visas are revoked on security or related grounds; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Hunt (R-TX38); 1/11/24]

H.R. 6962. A bill to place the Financial Stability Oversight Council and the Office of Financial Research under the regular appropriations process, to provide for certain quarterly reporting and public notice and comment requirements for the Office of Financial Research, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Emmer (R-MN6); 1/11/24]

H.R. 6947. A bill to establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans Affairs History Office, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Turner (R-OH10); 1/10/24]

H.R. 6936. A bill to require Federal agencies to use the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology with respect to the use of artificial intelligence; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. [Rep. Lieu (D-CA36); 1/10/24]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 3400. To amend the National Labor Relations Act to adjust the dollar thresholds for National Labor Relations Board jurisdiction over certain labor disputes, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–343). [1/11/24]

H.R. 788. To limit donations made pursuant to settlement agreements to which the United States is a party, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–339). [1/9/24]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Rural Access: Is VA Meeting All Veterans Where They Live?’’. Testimony was heard from Alyssa Hundrup, Director, Healthcare, Government Accountability Office; Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Joshua Jacobs, Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Marisa Schultz, Veteran, U.S. National Guard; and public witnesses. [1/11/24]

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion held a hearing entitled ‘‘Regulatory Whiplash: Examining the Impact of FSOC’s Ever-changing Designation Framework on Innovation’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [1/10/24]Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on H.R. 788, the ‘‘Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023’’; H.J. Res. 98, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to ‘‘Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status’’; and S.J. Res. 38, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Highway Administration relating to ‘‘Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers’’. The Committee granted, by record vote of 6–2, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 788, H.J. Res. 98, and S.J. Res. 38. [1/9/24]

SENATE

CONVENING THE SECOND SESSION OF THE 118th CONGRESS: The Senate convened the Second Session of the 118th Congress, in pro forma session, and adjourned at 12:00:40 p.m.. [1/3/24]

HOUSE

CONVENING THE SECOND SESSION OF THE 118th CONGRESS:

Pursuant to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, the House met at 12 noon on January 3, 2024 for the convening of the second session of the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.  [1/3/24]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:H.R. 6911. A bill to require heads of Executive agencies to, upon request, submit to relevant congressional committees information regarding the furlough or indefinite suspension without pay of employees of such Executive agencies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Tenney (R-NY24); 1/2/24]

SENATE The Senate convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, December 26, and Friday, December 29, 2023. No legislative business was conducted.

HOUSE

The House convened in pro forma session on Tuesday, December 26, and Friday, December 29, 2023.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED: EC–2809. A letter from the Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, transmitting the Office’s notice of availability — Issuance of Revised OMB Circular No. A-4, ‘‘Regulatory Analysis’’ received November 29, 2023, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); jointly to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability and the Judiciary. [12/29/23]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED:

Eliminate Useless Reports Act: Senate passed S. 2073, to amend title 31, United States Code, to require agencies to include a list of outdated or duplicative reporting requirements in annual budget justifications, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. [12/18/23]

GAO Database Modernization Act: Senate passed S. 679, to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to require Federal agencies to submit to the Comptroller General of the United States a report on rules that are revoked, suspended, replaced, amended, or otherwise made ineffective. [12/18/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3554. A bill to amend the Financial Stability Act of 2010 to provide the Financial Stability Oversight Council with duties regarding artificial intelligence in the financial sector, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Warner (D-VA); 12/18/23]

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: Transmitting the report of the veto of S.J. Res. 32, a joint resolution that would disapprove of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule titled ‘‘Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)’’; ordered to be printed in the Record, spread in full upon the Journal, and held at the desk (PM–34). [12/19/23, Pages S6056–57]

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6906. A bill to amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 and the Flood Control Act of 1968 to provide for provisions relating to collection and retention of user fees at recreation facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Westerman (R-AR4); 12/22/23]

H.R. 6890. A bill to improve the process for awarding grants under certain programs of the Department of Transportation to certain counties in which the majority of land is owned or managed by the Federal Government and to other units of local government and Tribal governments in those counties, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Maloy (R-UT2); 12/22/23]

H.R. 6891. A bill to improve the process for awarding grants under certain programs of the Department of Agriculture to certain counties in which the majority of land is owned or managed by the Federal Government and to other units of local government and Tribal governments in those counties, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services. [Rep. Maloy (R-UT2); 12/22/23]

H.R. 6886. A bill to direct agencies to be transparent when using automated and augmented systems to interact with the public or make critical decisions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Higgins (R-LA3); 12/22/23]

H.R. 6881. A bill to direct the Federal Trade Commission to establish standards for making publicly available information about the training data and algorithms used in artificial intelligence foundation models, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Beyer (D-VA8); 12/22/23]

H.R. 6874. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to implement a system or process to actively monitor the veteran self-service and data transmission functions of the main internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs for certain adverse events, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Rosendale (R-MT2); 12/19/23]

REPORTS FILED:H.R. 6231. To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require a prioritized policy issuance review process for the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 118–322). [12/19/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3529. A bill to provide procedures for appealing certain Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives rulings or determinations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Braun (R-IN); 12/14/23]

S. 3478. A bill to require agencies that use, fund, or oversee algorithms to have an office of civil rights focused on bias, discrimination, and other harms of algorithms, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Markey (D-MA); 12/12/23]

S. 3460. A bill to direct the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics to establish a database with respect to corporate offenses, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Durbin (D-IL); 12/11/23]

‘‘(4) ENFORCEMENT ACTION.—The term ‘enforcement action’ includes any concluded administrative, civil, or criminal enforcement action or any declination, settlement, deferred prosecution agreement, or non-prosecution agreement entered into by a Federal agency to enforce a law or regulation.

‘‘(5) FEDERAL AGENCY.—The term ‘Federal agency’ has the meaning given the term ‘agency’ in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.

‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Corporate Crime Database Act of 2023, the Director shall—

‘‘(1) collect, aggregate, and analyze information regarding enforcement actions taken with respect to corporate offenses; and

‘‘(2) publish on the internet website of the Bureau a database of the enforcement actions described in paragraph (1).

* * * *

‘‘(d) INFORMATION COLLECTION BY DIRECTOR.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Corporate Crime Database Act of 2023, the Director shall establish guidance for the collection of information from each Federal agency that carries out an enforcement action with respect to corporate offenses, including identification of each Federal agency that shall submit information to the Director and the manner in which, time at which, and frequency with which the information shall be submitted.

‘‘(2) COOPERATION BY FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Each Federal agency identified in the guidance established under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Director the information specified by the Director, in accordance with that guidance. [12/11/23, Pages S5898-99]

MEASURES REPORTED:

S. 2286. To improve the effectiveness and performance of certain Federal grant and cooperative agreement programs, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–126). [12/11/23]

S. 2260. To require transparency in notices of funding opportunity (S. Rept. No. 118–125). [12/11/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights concluded a hearing to examine the impact of algorithms on competition and consumer rights, after receiving testimony from Bill Baer, The Brookings Institution, and Damon T. Hewitt, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, both of Washington, D.C.; Robert Epstein, American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, Vista, California; Sarah Myers West, AI Now Institute, New York, New York; and Roger P. Alford, Notre Dame Law School, South Bend, Indiana. [12/13/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act: The House passed H.R. 357, to require the head of an agency to issue and sign any rule issued by that agency, by a recorded vote of 218 ayes to 203 noes, Roll No. 717. [12/12/23, Pages H6836-42]

"Under our Constitution, those who make the laws are accountable to those who elect them. Career Federal employees are not beholden to the voters of this Nation, and yet unelected bureaucrats across the Federal agencies…have been making thousands of rules that impact this country’s voters and taxpayers. According to a recent Pacific Legal Foundation study, career employees and unconfirmed officials issued over 70 percent of the rules at the Department of Health and Human Services between 2001 and 2017. These rules have economic impacts on the people of this country, just as the laws we pass in this Chamber do, yet we are accountable to the voters who elect us. Federal employees are accountable to no one…The Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act would lessen the power of career civil servants who are not accountable to the taxpayer. It would require, with exceptions, that rules be issued and signed by presidentially nominated and Senate-confirmed appointees. This upholds the Constitution by putting decisions in the hands of those who are held accountable to the American people." [Rep. Fischbach (R-MN7); 12/12/23, Page H6829]

"Today, we are also considering H.R. 357, another attempt by the Republican majority to derail the Federal rulemaking process. This is an unnecessary and vague bill designed to undermine the critical work of Federal agencies…The fact is that the regulatory process that our Republican colleagues seek to frame as a battle against some vast bureaucratic conspiracy is actually an essential part of ensuring that we all have clean air and water to breathe and drink, healthy food to eat, and safe planes, trains, and automobiles to travel in. The truth is that Congress already has a wide range of ways to exercise oversight and control over rulemaking…[B]ills like this would create a bottleneck in our government’s operations that will prevent rules that the Republican majority doesn’t like…[and] would politicize the process of confirming nominees to administrative agencies even more than it is already. Individual Senators would have even more incentive to block an administration’s nomination for partisan and corporate goals. More corporate influence would be allowed to infiltrate the Senate confirmation process. Ultimately, our agencies would be obstructed from doing important work to protect the American people’s health and safety and making government function better." [Rep. Scanlon (D-PA5); 12/12/23, Pages H6830-31]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6784. A bill to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide for protective regulations when a species is listed as an endangered species; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Stauber (R-MN8); 12/14/23]

H.R. 6758. A bill to establish a uniform and more efficient Federal process for protecting property owners’ rights guaranteed by the fifth amendment; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Langworthy (R-NY23); 12/13/23]

H.R. 6726. A bill to amend the Securities Act of 1933 to require the accounting principles standard setting body to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act and the Government in the Sunshine Act, to require the head of such body to testify annually before Congress, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Luetkemeyer (R-MO3); 12/12/23]

H.R. 6713. A bill to direct the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics to establish a database with respect to corporate offenses, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Scanlon (D-PA5); 12/11/23]

H.R. 6695. A bill to authorize private parties to compel the Securities and Exchange Commission to seek sanctions by filing civil actions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Davidson (R-OH8); 12/11/23]

H.R. 6692. A bill to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to establish the position of the Assistant Director and Student Loan Borrower Advocate of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, to establish the Office for Students and Young Consumers of the Bureau, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Bonamici (D-OR1); 12/11/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Leveraging Agency Expertise to Foster American AI Leadership and Innovation’’. Testimony was heard from Helena Fu, Director of Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the Undersecretary for Science, Department of Energy; Micky Tripathi, National Coordinator for Health Information Tech, Department of Health and Human Services; and Saif Khan, Senior Advisor to Secretary for Critical and Emerging Technologies, Department of Commerce. [12/13/23]

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled ‘‘Considering DHS’ and CISA’s Role in Securing Artificial Intelligence’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [12/12/23]

Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on H.R. 357, the ‘‘Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act’’; H.R. 1147, the ‘‘Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023’’; and H.R. 6570, the ‘‘Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act’’. The Committee granted, by a record vote of 8–4, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1147  and H.R. 357. [12/11/23]

SENATE

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

National Defense Authorization Act—Cloture: Senate began consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2670, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year. [12/7/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3442. A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make timely decisions on applications of retail food stores to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through on-line transactions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. [Sen. Booker (D-NJ); 12/7/23]

S.J. Res. 52. A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency entitled ‘‘Finding That Lead Emissions From Aircraft Engines That Operate on Leaded Fuel Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution That May Reasonably Be Anticipated To Endanger Public Health and Welfare’’; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Murkowski (R-AK); 12/6/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

CRA Joint Resolution of Disapproval - Department of Education Rule Entitled "Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program’’: The House passed H.J. Res. 88, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ‘‘Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program’’, by a yea-and-nay vote of 210 yeas to 189 nays, Roll No. 705. [12/7/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6671. A bill to authorize the court to make an advisory statement under certain circumstances, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Issa (R-CA48); 12/7/23]

H.R. 6667. A bill to provide limitations for Federal agencies entering into settlement agreements and consent decrees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Good (R-VA5); 12/7/23]

H.R. 6666. A bill to codify Executive Order 13771 (relating to reducing regulation and controlling regulatory costs); to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Gallagher (R-WI8); 12/7/23]

H.R. 6644. A bill to amend title IV of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to provide for the timely payment of black lung benefits pending liability determinations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Rogers (R-KY5); 12/6/23]

H.R. 6634. A bill to increase the capacity of the Department of Labor and labor enforcement agencies of States to address labor violations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. [Rep. McGarvey (D-KY3); 12/6/23]

H.R. 6610. A bill to provide for the modernization of the passport issuance process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. [Rep. Issa (R-CA48); 12/6/23]

H.R. 6574. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify the contempt authority of immigration judges, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Gallagher (R-WI8); 12/4/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held a hearing entitled ‘‘White House Policy on AI’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [12/6/23]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 2798. To make reforms to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–297, Part 1). [12/4/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3382. A bill to amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to protect ranchers from out-of-state regulation that interferes with interstate livestock production, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. [Sen. Hawley (R-MO); 11/30/23]

MEASURES REFERRED:

H.R. 4668. An act to amend the Small Business Act to require the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to publish guidance documents for certain rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. [11/29/23]

REMARKS:

Senate Bi-Partisan AI Insight Forums

"Mr. President, on AI and our insight forums, yesterday, the Senate held our seventh bipartisan AI Insight Forum. We had an enlightening and informative discussion, and I want to thank my Senate colleagues who stopped by to listen and learn from the experts. Our discussion focused on a few of the most critical issues we face with AI: transparency, explainability, intellectual property, and copyright. We had a consensus on a few important points: We must create and enforce protections for creators to maintain their identities in the age of AI. We must protect American companies’ IP and make sure America sets the international standard for IP. We must make sure AI systems are transparent and that the public can understand why AI systems produce the answers they do. And we must do all this while continuing to prioritize our North Star when it comes to AI: innovation." [Sen. Schumer (D-NY); 11/30/23, Page S5682]

The AI Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act

"The right way to approach AI regulation is to pursue a bipartisan, nationwide approach in Congress that will protect innovation while putting in place the necessary safeguards for the riskiest applications of this technology. To that end, shortly before Thanksgiving, I introduced bipartisan AI legislation with Senator KLOBUCHAR and several of our Commerce Committee colleagues from both parties. Our bill is intended to establish some basic rules of the road for artificial intelligence while protecting the ability of companies to innovate and advance this technology. Our bill focuses on two things: transparency for consumers and a tiered, risk-based framework for oversight of the highest impact applications of AI…On the transparency front, our bill would require any large-scale internet platform that uses generative AI to create content to clearly inform consumers of that fact…The second part of our bill deals with high-impact and critical-impact AI, that is, AI applications used to make significant applications in particularly high-risk sectors. Our bill establishes a two-tiered system for overseeing these applications. Critical-impact AI applications—for example, like those used to make significant decisions in the operation of critical infrastructure—would be required to self-certified (sic) compliance with testing evaluation, validation, and verification standards. What does all that mean? High-impact AI applications will be subject solely to transparency reporting requirements. Importantly, this part of the bill is carefully tailored to apply only to AI applications making complex decisions in high-risk sectors and is meant to respond directly and narrowly to the recent leap in capabilities of foundation models that power them." [Sen. Thune (R-SD); 11/28/23, Page S5620]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Providing Opportunities to Show Transparency via Information Technology Act of 2023: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4668, as amended, to amend the Small Business Act to require the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to publish guidance documents for certain rules. [11/28/23; Page H5913]

"This bipartisan legislation simply requires Federal agencies to post follow-up guidance on the SBA’s Office of the National Ombudsman’s website for any regulation that will have a significant impact on small businesses. While there are official guidance documents that are released when rules are initially finalized, over time, agencies often release additional materials related to compliance. This leads to updated policy statements and technical clarifications that ultimately lead to a labyrinth of regulatory confusion and oversight by enforcement. The POST IT Act ensures these updates will be housed in a centralized location so small business owners can worry less about abiding by government regulations and focus more on running their businesses, employing our neighbors, and investing in our communities." [Rep. Molinaro (R-NY19); 11/28/23, Pages H5913-14]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6558. A bill to prohibit the issuance of the rule entitled ‘‘Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles’’ or any successor rule; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Ogles (R-TN5); 12/1/23]

H.R. 6544. A bill to advance the benefits of nuclear energy by enabling efficient, timely, and predictable licensing, regulation, and deployment of nuclear energy technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Foreign Affairs. [Rep. Duncan (R-SC3); 12/1/23]

H.R. 6526. A bill to facilitate the efficient licensing and deployment of advanced civilian nuclear technologies; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Hudson (R-NC9); 11/30/23]

H.R. 6514. A bill to require agencies to notify the Archivist of the date on which a final rule is submitted to Congress and the Government Accountability Office; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Alford (R-MO4); 11/30/23]

H.R. 6493. A bill to limit the involvement of Federal agencies in voter registration activities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Oversight and Accountability, Science, Space, and Technology, and Education and the Workforce. [Rep. Hagerty (R-WY/AL); 11/29/223]

H.R. 6483. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to require greater transparency and accountability within the grantmaking process of the National Institutes of Health; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Huizenga (R-MI4]; 11/28/23]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 357. To require the head of an agency to issue and sign any rule issued by that agency, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–282). [11/29/23]

H.J. Res. 66. Disapproving the rule submitted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau relating to ‘‘Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)’’ (H. Rept. 118–279). [11/28/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of Federal Agencies’ Post-Pandemic Telework Policies: Part II’’. Testimony was heard from Bob Leavitt, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Human Resources and Chief Human Capital Officer, Department of Health and Human Services; Oren McKnelly, Executive Counselor, U.S. Social Security Administration; Jeremy Pelter, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, Department of Commerce; and Kathryn Stevens, Acting Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Agency for International Development. [11/29/23]

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the VA Appeals Process: Ensuring High Quality Decision-Making for Veterans’ Claims on Appeal’’. Testimony was heard from Elizabeth Curda, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, Government Accountability Office; Kenneth A. Arnold, Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans’ Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. [11/29/23]

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a markup on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction and forwarded ten bills to the full Committee, including: H.R. 4016, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the repayment by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of benefits misused by a fiduciary; H.R. 4190, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to repay the estates of deceased beneficiaries for certain benefits paid by the Secretary and misused by fiduciaries of such beneficiaries; H.R. 5559, to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish certain rules of evidence in certain claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 5891, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve decisions issued by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals; and H.R. 5870, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the processing of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the transparency of actions of Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and for other purposes. [11/29/23]

SENATE

The Senate met in pro forma session on Tuesday, November 21, and Friday, November 24, 2023. There were no relevant legislative actions to report.

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6477. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to reform the process for inspection of applicants for admission; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Weber (R-TX14); 11/21/23]

H.R. 6466. A bill to require disclosures for AI-generated content, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. [Rep. Kean (R-NJ7); 11/21/23]

H.R. 6461. A bill to ensure that claims for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act are processed in a fair and timely manner, to better protect miners from pneumoconiosis (commonly known as ‘‘black lung disease’’), and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. [Rep. Cartwright (D-PA8); 11/21/23]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED:

Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act: By 87 yeas to 11 nays (Vote No. 312), the Senate passed H.R. 6363, making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, by the order of the Senate of Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 60 Senators having voted in the affirmative. [11/15/23]

MEASURES REJECTED:

S.J. Res 43. By 49 yeas to 50 nays (Vote No. 310), the Senate failed to pass S.J. Res. 43, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ‘‘Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program’’. [11/15/23]

MEASURES DISCHARGED FROM COMMITTEE:

S.J. Res. 43. Joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ‘‘Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program’’. [11/14/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3320. A bill to provide that an individual may not serve as an employee in the executive branch for longer than 12 years, except for Presidential appointees, law enforcement officers, members of the military, and employees of the Department of Defense; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Marshall (R-KS); 11/15/23]

S. 3312. A bill to provide a framework for artificial intelligence innovation and accountability, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Thune (R-SD); 11/15/23]

S. 3304. A bill to ensure that claims for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act are processed in a fair and timely manner, to better protect miners from pneumoconiosis (commonly known as ‘‘black lung disease’’), and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Casey (D-PA); 11/15/23]

S. 3295. A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a portal for maintaining digital records of former members of the Armed Forces and to establish an advisory committee regarding the maintenance of those records, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 11/4/23

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6363, amended, making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 336 yeas to 95 nays, Roll No. 658. [11/14/23]

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024: The House considered H.R. 5894, making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. [11/14/23]

Amendments Adopted:

Aderholt En Bloc Amendment No. 1, consisting of amendments printed in part B of H. Rept. 118–272, including: Kiggans (No. 57) that increases and decreases Medicare Hearings and Appeals funding by $196,000,000 to direct CMS to transmit information, either on the CMS website or on the claim denial notification, to those whose Medicare or Medicaid claims are denied about how to effectively appeal their denied claims; and Gottheimer (No. 79) that increases and decreases funds by $10 million to hire more Social Security Administration employees in the Office of Hearing Operations to reduce hearings backlog and processing times for disability claims. [11/14/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6363. A bill making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget. [Rep. Granger (R-TX12); 11/13/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of the Prudential Regulators’’. Testimony was heard from Michael Barr, Vice Chairman for  Supervision, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Martin Gruenberg, Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Todd Harper, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; and Michael Hsu, Acting Comptroller, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the Treasury. [11/15/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3256. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Veterans Experience Office, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. King (I-ME); 11/8/23]

S. 3252. A bill to terminate the authorities of certain entities of the Federal Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Schmitt (R-MO); 11/8/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the philosophy of AI, focusing on learning from history and shaping our future, after receiving testimony from Daron Acemoglu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge; Margaret Hu, William and Mary Law School Digital Democracy Lab, Williamsburg, Virginia; and Shannon Valor, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. [11/8/23]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Intellectual Property concluded a hearing to examine reforming the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, focusing on S. 2220, the PREVAIL Act and proposals to promote U.S. innovation leadership, after receiving testimony from former Representative Lamar Smith; Michelle E. Armond, Armond Wilson LLP, Newport Beach, California; Joseph Matal, Clear IP, LLC, Washington, D.C.; and Joe Kiani, Masimo Corp, Irvine, California. [11/8/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024: The House considered H.R. 4664, making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. [11/7/23 - 11/9/23]

Amendments Adopted:

Womack En Bloc Amendment No. 1, consisting of the amendments printed in part B of H. Rept. 118–269, including: Schweikert (No. 6) that increases and decreases funding for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration by $1 million to provide a report to Congress on the Internal Revenue Service’s use of artificial intelligence in compliance efforts and in investigating complex tax evasion cases through information on the no-change rate of cases selected, dollar amounts recovered through this technology, human controls on the technology’s decision-making ability and processes, and privacy controls of taxpayer data; and Schweikert (No. 13) that increases and decreases funding for the Internal Revenue Service’s Taxpayer Service by $1 million to provide an update to Congress on the agency’s use of artificial intelligence and chatbot technology at the taxpayer and customer service level and to detail plans to expand the use of chatbot technology to include providing taxpayers with tools, information, and assistance needed to comply with tax filing obligations with the goal of reducing delays in email or text response and telephone wait times further, decreasing the complexity of the tax code, and improving taxpayer resolution and satisfaction. [11/8/23]

Cammack Amendment No. 43, that prohibits funds from being used to finalize any rule or regulation that has resulted in or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. [11/8/23]

Graves (LA) Amendment No. 57, that prohibits the use of funds to promulgate new major rules if OMB determines that the regulation is likely to result in a significant impact on the economy, a major increase in prices for consumers, or adverse effects on American global competition. [11/8/23] 

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024: The House considered H.R. 4820, making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. [11/6/23 - 11/7/23]

Amendments Adopted:

Cammack Amendment No. 49, that prohibits funds from being used to finalize any rule or regulation that has resulted in or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. [11/7/23]

Graves (LA) Amendment No. 53, that prohibits the use of funds to promulgate new major rules if OMB determines that the regulation is likely to result in a significant impact on the economy, a major increase in prices for consumers, or adverse effects on American global competition. [11/7/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6317. A bill to require the Administrator of the General Services Administration to submit a report describing a process for seeking public comment about proposed changes to mandatory design standards for public buildings, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Titus (D-NV1); 11/8/23]

H.R. 6265. A bill to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to update the mission statement of the Commission to ensure licensing and regulation is efficient and is in alignment with the policies stated in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Duncan (R-SC3); 11/7/23]

H.R. 6253. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Energy to make awards to cover regulatory costs relating to licensing certain first-of-a-kind advanced nuclear reactors; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Curtis (R-UT3); 11/7/23]

H.R. 6241. A bill to require certain data collection and reporting on space utilization, occupancy, and availability of office space leased by an Executive agency; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Edwards (R-NC11); 11/6/23]

H.R. 6236. A bill to streamline nuclear technology regulatory permitting and licensing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Allen (R-GA12); 11/6/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a legislative hearing on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, including: H.R. 5559, the ‘‘Protecting Veterans Claim Options Act’’; H.R. 5891, the ‘‘Veteran Appeals Decision Clarity Act’’; and H.R. 5870, the ‘‘Veteran Appeals Transparency Act of 2023’’. Testimony was heard from Chairman Bost, and Representatives Luttrell, Ciscomani, Spanberger, Self, Trone, and Issa; Beth Murphy, Executive Director, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Kevin Friel, Deputy Director, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Kenneth Arnold, Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans’ Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. [11/8/23]

Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Burdensome Regulations: Examining the Effects of Department of Energy Regulations on America’s Job Creators’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [11/8/23]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED:

Consolidated Appropriations Act: By 82 yeas to 15 nays (Vote No. 284), Senate passed H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, by the order of the Senate of Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 60 Senators having voted in the affirmative, and after taking action on the following amendments. [11/1/23]

Amendments Adopted:

Schumer (for Murray/Collins) Amendment No. 1092, in the nature of a substitute. [11/1/23]

Ernst Amendment No. 1177 (to Amendment No. 1092), to require reporting regarding telework by employees of agencies funded under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. [10/31/23]

Amendments Rejected:

Paul (for Lee) Amendment No. 1121 (to Amendment No. 1092), to require congressional review of certain agency rulemaking, by 46 yeas to 51 nays (Vote No. 283). [11/1/23]

MEASURES REPORTED:

S. 1564. To require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish, or otherwise ensure the provision of, a training program on artificial intelligence for Federal management officials and supervisors, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–109). [11/2/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3208. A bill to provide for a biennial budget process and a biennial appropriations process and to enhance oversight and the performance of the Federal Government; to the Committee on the Budget. [Sen. Shaheen (D-NH); 11/2/23]

S. 3205. A bill to require Federal agencies to use the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology with respect to the use of artificial intelligence; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Moran (R-KS); 11/2/23]

S. 3178. A bill to establish the Children’s Court to improve the adjudication of immigration cases involving unaccompanied alien children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Bennet (D-CO);  11/1/23]

S. 3170. A bill to prescribe judicial review requirements for certain projects, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Cassidy (R-LA); 10/31/23]

S. 3162. A bill to improve the requirement for the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish testbeds to support the development and testing of trustworthy artificial intelligence systems and to improve interagency coordination in development of such testbeds, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Lujan (D-NM); 10/30/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a hearing to examine small businesses and America’s outdoor recreation economy, including S. 1411, to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, after receiving testimony from public witnesses. [11/1/23]

REMARKS:

Asylum Adjudication Backlogs

"If I go back to 2010—ancient history, 2010—that year we had 21,000 people cross our southern border and ask for asylum that year—21,000 in the year 2010. We now have 21,000 asking for asylum in 3 days now…No matter how many countries they have been through to be able to get there, they can say, ‘‘I fear my original country,’’ and we allow them in and then put them in line to get to an immigration judge. That line currently in New York is 10 years long to get to a judge. So they wait 10 years to get to a judge on the first stage. Then they still have got to do the next stage. It could be up to 20 years now, with the backlog, before they get an answer to the question: Are you eligible for asylum? By the way, statistics show the vast majority are not eligible for asylum, and everyone knows the joke. But there is a gap in our law that is being exploited by cartels." [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 11/2/23, Page S5329]

Regulation of Artificial Intelligence

"Madam President, I just got back from an important event at the White House where President Biden announced a first-ever Executive order regulating AI, artificial intelligence. I applaud the President for breaking new ground with this Executive order, and I told him that the Senate will work very closely with the White House to do more on AI through legislation...While today’s AI Executive order is a massive step forward, everyone agrees there is no substitute for congressional action. Congress must act, must take the next step to build upon, augment, and expand today’s Executive order by the President, and we must do it through bipartisan legislation…On Wednesday morning, the Senate will bring some of the Nation’s leading minds in labor, business, and tech to talk about AI’s impact on America’s workforce, as part of our third AI Insight Forum. And on Wednesday afternoon, we will hold our fourth AI Insight Forum to discuss areas where AI will have an especially high impact, including healthcare, financial services, and our justice system. If the Senate’s AI Insight Forums have made anything clear so far, it is that the government must be involved in AI, must be ready to invest significantly toward AI innovation, and that we don’t have a lot of time. AI development is moving quickly. Adversaries like the Chinese Government are moving quickly. So Congress has to act quickly too." [Sen. Schumer (D-NY); 10/30/23, Page S5222]

HOUSE

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024: The House began consideration of H.R. 4821, making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes. Consideration is expected to resume tomorrow, November 3rd.

Amendments Adopted:

Graves (LA) Amendment No. 64, that prohibits the use of funds under this act to issue new major rules if OMB determines that the rule will have a significant negative effect on the economy, increase inflation, or adversely impact American international competitiveness. [11/2/23]

Cammack Amendment No. 81, that prohibits funds from being used to finalize any rule or regulation that has resulted in or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. [11/2/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6185. A bill to require coordination among Federal agencies on regulatory actions that affect the reliable operation of the bulk-power system; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Duncan (R-SC3); 11/2/23]

H.R. 6145. A bill to establish the Children’s Court to improve the adjudication of immigration cases involving unaccompanied alien children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Goldman (D-NY10); 11/1/23]

H.R. 6129. A bill to require the Council on Environmental Quality to publish an annual report on environmental reviews and causes of action based on compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Yakym (R-IN2); 11/1/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3112. A bill to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to annually review and update CBP policies and manuals to ensure uniform inspection practices along the United States border; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Ricketts (R-NE); 10/24/23]

S. 3109. A bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. [Sen. Markey (D-MA); 10/24/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine combating the networks of illicit finance and terrorism, including S. 2281, to provide for consumer protection and responsible financial innovation, to bring crypto assets within the regulatory perimeter, after receiving testimony from Matthew Levitt, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and Danielle Pletka, American Enterprise Institute, both of Washington, D.C.; and Shlomit Wagman, Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. [10/26/23]

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a business meeting to consider legislation within the committee's jurisdiction, favorably reporting nine measures, including: S. 2685, to make data and internal guidance on excess personal property publicly available, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 2866, to improve the customer experience of the Federal Government, ensure that Federal services are simple, seamless, and secure, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 1258, to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to Congress an annual report on projects that are over budget and behind schedule. [10/25/23]

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine VA accountability and transparency, focusing on quality care and benefits for veterans, after receiving testimony from Tracey Therit, Chief Human Capital Officer, Office of Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security and Preparedness, David Perry, Chief Officer, Workforce Management and Consulting, Veterans Health Administration, Aaron Robison, Senior Attorney-Advisor, Accountability, Office of General Counsel, and Ted Radway, Executive Director, Investigations, and Acting Executive Director, Compliance and Oversight, Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, all of the Department of Veterans Affairs. [10/15/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024: The House passed H.R. 4394, making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, by a yea-and-nay vote of 210 yeas to 199 nays, Roll No. 558. Consideration began October 25th. [10/26/23]

AMENDMENTS ADOPTED:

Cammack Amendment (No. 34 printed in part B of H. Rept. 118–242) that prohibits funds from being used to finalize any rule or regulation that has resulted in or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. [10/25/23; Page H5098]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 4957. To apply the requirements of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 to a vacancy in the office of the Secretary of Labor, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–254). [10/25/23]

H.R. 4510. To reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to update the mission and functions of the agency, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–249). [10/25/23]

H.R. 3369. To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a study and hold public meetings with respect to artificial intelligence systems, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–244). [10/25/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing entitled ‘‘One Million Claims and Growing: Improving Social Security’s Disability Adjudication Process’’. Testimony was heard from Linda Kerr-Davis, Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Social Security Administration; and public witnesses. [10/26/23]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED:

Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act - CRA Resolution of Disapproval: By 53 yeas to 44 nays (Vote No. 260), Senate passed S.J. Res. 32, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to ‘‘Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)’’. [10/18/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3099. A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to further develop and support the adoption of a voluntary streamlined permitting and inspection process for authorities having jurisdiction over the permitting of qualifying distributed energy systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [Sen. Heinrich (D-NM); 10/19/23]

S. 3095. A bill to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to clarify the funding of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Haggerty (R-TN); 10/19/23]

S. 3065. A bill to provide counsel for unaccompanied children, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Hirono (D-HI); 10/17/23]

S. 3050. A bill to require a report on artificial intelligence regulation in the financial services industry, to establish artificial intelligence bug bounty programs, to require a vulnerability analysis study for artificial intelligence-enabled military applications, and to require a report on data sharing and coordination, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. [Sen. Rounds (R-SD); 10/17/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety concluded a hearing to examine the nation’s immigration courts, focusing on preserving due process and the rule of law and actions needed to address workforce planning and other management challenges, after receiving testimony from Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government Accountability Office; Charles D. Stimson, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, D.C.; Jeremy L. McKinney, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Greensboro, North Carolina; and Mimi Tsankov, National Association of Immigration Judges, New York, New York. [10/18/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 6009. A bill to require the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw the proposed rule relating to fluid mineral leases and leasing process, and for other purposes. [Rep. Boebert (R-CO3); 10/20/23]

H.R. 5999. A bill to enhance the ability of the Office of the National Ombudsman to assist small businesses in meeting regulatory requirements and develop outreach initiatives to promote awareness of the services the Office of the National Ombudsman provides, and for other purposes. [Rep. Mfume (D-MD7); 10/19/23]

H.R. 5997. A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to further develop and support the adoption of a voluntary streamlined permitting and inspection process for authorities having jurisdiction over the permitting of qualifying distributed energy systems, and for other purposes. [Rep. Lee (D-NV3); 10/19/23]

H.R. 5993. A bill to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to clarify the funding of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes. [Rep. Hill (R-AR2); 10/19/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Powering America’s Energy Future’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [10/19/23]

Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Burdensome Regulations: Examining the Effects of DOL Rulemaking on America’s Job Creators’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [10/19/23]

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing entitled ‘‘Safeguarding Data and Innovation: Building the Foundation for the Use of Artificial Intelligence’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [10/18/23]

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and Subcommittee on Research and Technology held a joint hearing entitled ‘‘Balancing Knowledge and Governance: Foundations for Effective Risk Management of Artificial Intelligence’’. Testimony was heard from Elham Tabassi, Associate Director for Emerging Technologies, Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. [10/18/23]

SENATE

The Senate met in pro forma session on Tuesday, October 10, and Friday, October 13, 2023. There were no relevant legislative actions to report.

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 5930. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to require a clarification of the underlying authority for a rulemaking. [Rep. Posey (R-FL8); 10/11/23]

H.R. 5913. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve employment services for veterans by consolidating various programs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. [Rep. Van Orden (R-WI3); 10/10/23]

H.R. 5914. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processes to approve programs of education for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. [Rep. Van Orden (R-WI3); 10/10/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 3015. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to address telework for Federal employees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 10/4/23]

S. 3014. A bill to establish requirements for the Federal Trade Commission with respect to certain rules related to automotive retailing, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Moran (R-KS); 10/4/23]S. 3004. A bill to specify control and management of Department of Defense data and to establish the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Governing Council, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. [Sen. Manchin (D-WV); 10/3/23]

HOUSE

NEW PUBLIC LAWS:

H.R. 5860. Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024. Signed on September 30, 2023 (Public Law 118–15). [10/3/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 5891. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve decisions issued by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. [Rep. Luttrell (R-TX8); 10/3/23]

H.R. 5890. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to limit the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to deny the claim of a veteran for benefits under the laws administered by such Secretary on the sole basis that such veteran failed to appear for a medical examination associated with such claim. [Rep. Luttrell (R-TX8); 10/3/23]

H.R. 5887. A bill to amend chapter 3 of title 5, United States Code, to improve Government service delivery, and build related capacity for the Federal Government, and for other purposes. [Rep. Khana (D-CA17); 10/3/23]

H.R. 5870. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the processing of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the transparency of actions of Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Self (R-TX3); 10/2/23]

REPORTS FILED:H.R. 3557. To streamline Federal, State, and local permitting and regulatory reviews to expedite the deployment of communications facilities, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–240, Part 1). [10/2/23]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED:

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act: By 88 yeas to 9 nays (Vote No. 247), Senate passed H.R. 5860, making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, by the order of the Senate of Saturday, September 30, 2023, 60 Senators having voted in the affirmative, and after agreeing to the motion to proceed thereto. [9/30/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 2981. A bill to require review of tax regulatory actions by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 9/28/23]

S. 2980. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to eliminate the requirement for cost-benefit analyses in the establishment of minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Markey (D-MA); 9/28/23]

S. 2953. A bill to consolidate or repeal unnecessary agency major rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Scott (R-FL); 9/27/23]

S. 2930. A bill to make exclusive the authority of the Federal Government to regulate the labeling of products made in the United States and introduced in interstate or foreign commerce, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 9/26/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded a hearing to examine AI and the future of our elections, after receiving testimony from Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State, Saint Paul; Trevor Potter, former Commissioner and Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, Campaign Legal Center, Maya Wiley, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and Ari Cohn, TechFreedom, all of Washington, D.C.; and Neil Chilson, Utah State University Center for Growth and Opportunity, Logan. [9/27/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Making Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5860, as amended, making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 335 yeas to 91 nays, Roll No. 513. [9/30/23]

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024: The House failed to pass H.R. 5525, making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, by a yea-and-nay vote of 198 yeas to 232 nays, Roll No. 511. [9/29/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 5860. A bill making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, and for other purposes; to the Committees on Appropriations, the Budget, and Ways and Means considered and passed. [Rep. Granger (R-TX12]; 9/30/23]

H.R. 5838. A bill to improve immigration adjudicatory capacity, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. [Rep. Gonzalez (T-TX23); 9/29/23]

H.R. 5795. A bill to direct the heads of Federal agencies and departments to publish certain data with respect to disaster relief, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 9/28/23]

H.R. 5745. A bill to provide for the regulation of digital assets, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Ways and Means. [Rep. Beyer (D-VA8); 9/27/23]

H.R. 5700. A bill to direct the Secretary of State to develop and submit to Congress a strategy to improve the processing of passport applications; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. [Rep. Caraveo (D-CO8); 9/26/23]

H.R. 5696. A bill to provide for a period of continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in appropriations under the normal appropriations process, and establish procedures and consequences in the event of a failure to enact appropriations; to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, House Administration, the Budget, and Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Arrington (R-TX19); 9/26/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing entitled ‘‘VA’s Fiduciary Program: Ensuring Veterans’ Benefits are Properly Managed’’. Testimony was heard from Kevin Friel, Deputy Director, Pension and Fiduciary Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Lisa Van Haeren, Director, Claims and Fiduciary Division, Office of Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs. [9/28/23]

SENATE

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act: The Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. [9/18/23]

Amendments Submitted:

SA 1257. Mr. JOHNSON submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1092 proposed by Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. COLLINS) to the bill H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table. [9/19/23]

At the end, add the following:

DIVISION D—PREVENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS ACT OF 2023

SECTION 4001. SHORT TITLE.

This division may be cited as the ‘‘Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023’’.

SEC. 4002. AUTOMATIC CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS.

* * * *

SEC. 4003. TIMELY ENACTMENT OF APPROPRIATION ACTS.

SA 1232. Mr. LANKFORD submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1092 proposed by Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. COLLINS) to the bill H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table. [9/18/23]

At the end, add the following:

DIVISION D—PREVENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS

SEC. 4001. SHORT TITLE.

This division may be cited as the ‘‘Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023’’.

SEC. 4002. AUTOMATIC CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS.

* * * *

SEC. 4003. TIMELY ENACTMENT OF APPROPRIATION ACTS.

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 2910. A bill to amend section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require each Federal department or agency to have a compliance officer to ensure the department or agency is meeting the requirements of such section; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Casey (D-PA); 9/21/23]

S. 2909. A bill to provide for congressional review of rules rescheduling marijuana; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Lumis (R-WY); 9/21/23]

S. 2892. A bill to direct the Federal Trade Commission to require impact assessments of automated decision systems and augmented critical decision processes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Wyden (D-OR); 9/21/23]

S. 2871. A bill to advance Federal Government innovation through the implementation and use of multi-cloud computing software technology, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Daines (R-MT); 9/20/23]

S. 2866. A bill to improve the customer experience of the Federal Government, ensure that Federal services are simple, seamless, and secure, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 9/20/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine artificial intelligence in financial services, after receiving testimony from Melissa Koide, FinRegLab, and Daniel S. Gorfine, Gattaca Horizons LLC, both of Washington, D.C.; and Michael P. Wellman, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. [9/20/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1530, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the requirement to publish disability benefit questionnaire forms of Department of Veterans Affairs, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 423 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 401. [9/20/23]

Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act: H.R. 3981, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the methods by which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs conducts oversight of certain educational institutions, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 410 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 392. [9/18/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 5672. A bill making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Ways and Means. [Rep. Bacon (R-NE2); 9/22/23]

H.J. Res. 91. A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to the ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Consumer Water Heaters and Residential-Duty Commercial Water Heaters’’; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Ogles (R-TN5); 9/21/23]

H.R. 5666. A bill to establish an Office of Public Engagement within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Strickland (D-WA10); 9/21/23]

H.R. 5628. A bill to direct the Federal Trade Commission to require impact assessments of automated decision systems and augmented critical decision processes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Clarke (D-NY9]; 9/21/23]

H.R. 5626. A bill to require rulemaking by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to address considerations in evaluating the need for public and individual disaster assistance, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Bost (R-IL12]; 9/21/23]

H.R. 5599. A bill to establish the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a cabinet-level independent agency, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security. [Rep. Moskowitz (D-FL23); 9/20/23]

H.R. 5595. A bill to provide for the establishment of a process for the review of rules and sets of rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Hinson (R-IA2); 9/20/23]

H.R. 5586. A bill to protect national security against the threats posed by deepfake technology and to provide legal recourse to victims of harmful deepfakes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Homeland Security. [Rep. Clarke (D-NY9); 9/20/23]

H.R. 5559. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish certain rules of evidence in certain claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Bost (R-IL2); 9/19/23]

H.R. 5556. A bill to make exclusive the authority of the Federal Government to regulate the labeling of products made in the United States and introduced in interstate or foreign commerce, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Curtis (R-UT3); 9/19/23]

H.R. 5543. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for automatic continuing resolutions; to the Committee on Appropriations. [Rep. Mace (R-SC1); 9/18/23]

H.R. 5536. A bill to require transparency in notices of funding opportunity, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Fry (R-SC7); 9/18/23]

H.R. 5525. A bill making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 9/18/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 4428, the ‘‘Guidance Clarity Act of 2023’’. The committee favorably reported nine measures, including H.R. 4428, as amended. [9/20/23]

Committee on the Budget: Full Committee held a markup on legislation on the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. Legislation on the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 was ordered reported, without amendment. [9/20/23]

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy, held a hearing entitled ‘‘A Holistic Review of Regulators: Regulatory Overreach and Economic Consequences’’. [9/19/23]

SENATE

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024: The Senate considered H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. [9/12 - 9/14/23]

Amendments Submitted:

SA 1121. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1092 submitted by Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. COLLINS) and intended to be proposed to the bill H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table. [9/12/23]

At the end, add the following:

DIVISION D

CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF AGENCY RULEMAKING

SEC. 101. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW.

* * * *

SEC. 102. CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR MAJOR RULES.

* * * *

SEC. 103. CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR NONMAJOR RULES.

* * * *

SEC. 108. REVIEW OF RULES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.

SA 1126. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1092 submitted by Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. COLLINS) and intended to be proposed to the bill H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table. [9/12/23]

At the end of division A, insert the following:

TITLE IV

CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF RULEMAKING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

SEC. 401. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW.

* * * *

SEC. 402. CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR MAJOR RULES.

* * * *

SEC. 403. CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR NONMAJOR RULES.

* * * *

SEC. 408. REVIEW OF RULES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.

SA 1128. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1092 submitted by Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. COLLINS) and intended to be proposed to the bill H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table. [9/12/23]

At the end of division A, insert the following:

TITLE IV

CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF RULEMAKING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

SEC. 401. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW.

* * * *

SEC. 402. CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR MAJOR RULES.

* * * *

SEC. 403. CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR NONMAJOR RULES.

* * * *

SEC. 408. REVIEW OF RULES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.

SA 1142. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 1092 submitted by Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. COLLINS)

and intended to be proposed to the bill H.R. 4366, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table. [9/13/23]

At the end of division C, add the following:

TITLE V

CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF RULEMAKING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SEC. 501. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW.

* * * *

SEC. 502. CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR MAJOR RULES.

* * * *

SEC. 503. CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR NONMAJOR RULES.

* * * *

SEC. 507. REVIEW OF RULES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 2811. A bill to require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to withdraw proposed rules relating to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Lummis (R-WY); 9/14/23]

S. 2803. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for the electronic request of certain records, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Padilla (D-CA); 9/14/23]

S. 2770. A bill to prohibit the distribution of materially deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media relating to candidates for Federal office, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Rules and Administration. [Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN); 9/12/23]

S. 2765. A bill to require a watermark for AI-generated materials, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Ricketts (R-NE); 9/12/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine governing AI through acquisition and procurement, after receiving testimony from Rayid Ghani, Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Fei-Fei Li, Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Stanford, California; Devaki Raj, formerly of CrowdAI, Mountain View, California; Will Roberts, ASI Government, LLC, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; and Michael Shellenberger, Public, Albany, California. [9/14/23]

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security concluded a hearing to examine the need for transparency in Artificial Intelligence, after receiving testimony from Victoria Espinel, BSA The Software Alliance, and Rob Strayer, Information Technology Industry Council, both of Washington, D.C.; Ramayya Krishnan, Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Sam Gregory, WITNESS, New York, New York. [9/12/23]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law concluded an oversight hearing to examine A.I., focusing on legislating on artificial intelligence, after receiving testimony from Woodrow Hartzog, Boston University School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts; Bill Dally, NVIDIA, Santa Clara, California; and Brad Smith, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington. [9/12/23]

REMARKS:

Senate AI Insight Forum "Mr. President, on the AI Insight Forum this Wednesday, I will join with Senators ROUNDS, YOUNG, and HEINRICH in hosting one of the most important meetings Congress has held in years as we welcome the top minds in AI for the Senate’s first-ever AI Insight Forum… Wednesday’s inaugural forum can be boiled down to three words: bipartisan, diverse, and above all, balanced. We will have AI advocates and critics, CEOs and unions, leading experts and researchers all together in one room, talking about where Congress should start, what questions to ask, and how to build a consensus for SAFE innovation…Our subcommittees and committees have already held no fewer than nine hearings on AI this year on issues like national security, intellectual property, human rights, and more. This week, the Commerce Committee, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Judiciary Committee are scheduled to hold more hearings on AI transparency and oversight, which is just what our insight forums are intended to promote. I am hopeful that our AI Insight Forums will supercharge the work already happening in the Senate by bringing outside voices to give their insights, their expertise, and their perspectives on how Congress can best proceed." [Sen. Schumer (D-NY); 9/11/23, Page S4338]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions (ACRES) Act: The House passed H.R. 1567, as amended, to require that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior submit accurate reports regarding hazardous fuels reduction activities, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 406 yeas to 4 nays, Roll No. 386. Consideration of H.R. 1567 began on September 12, 2023. [9/13/23]

"Wildfire risk reduction projects are complex multistep processes requiring significant planning and investments often carried out over several years. Therefore, it is important that we receive accurate, transparent, and accessible data on how forest management projects are being planned and implemented. This legislation would require the agency to include a report in the President’s annual budget on hazardous fuel activities carried out in a given fiscal year to account for each treated acre. This ongoing reporting requirement will enhance transparency and accountability, providing critical information that can help guide investments in management of our national forests—including how we deploy our historic investments in wildfire risk reduction efforts…The ACRES Act is a simple solution to hold our Federal agencies accountable to see the actual work they are doing to reduce the enormous risk of wildfire." [Rep. Grijalva (D-AZ3); 9/12/23, Pages H4250-51]

ENROLLED MEASURES SIGNED:

S.J. Res. 24. A Joint Resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to ‘‘Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat’’. [9/13/23]

S.J. Res. 9. A Joint Resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to ‘‘Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment’’. [9/13/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 5509. A bill to modernize permitting systems at the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Porter (D-CA47); 9/14/23]

H.R. 5395. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program relating to medical necessity determinations under the Medicare program; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Harshbarger (D-TN1); 9/12/23]

H.R. 5392. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure timely review of local coverage determination requests under the Medicare program; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Dunn (R-FL2); 9/12/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of Federal Agencies’ Post-Pandemic Telework Policies’’. Testimony was heard from Karen Marrongelle, Chief Operating Officer, National Science Foundation; Robert Gibbs, Associate Administrator for the Mission Support Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Dan Dorman, Executive Director for Operation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and Randolph Alles, Deputy Under Secretary for Management and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Management, Department of Homeland Security. [9/14/23]

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held a hearing entitled ‘‘How are Federal Agencies Harnessing Artificial Intelligence?’’. Testimony was heard from Arati Prabhakar, Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Craig Martell, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, Department of Defense; and Eric Hysen, Chief Information Officer, Department of Homeland Security. [9/14/23]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 1530. To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the requirement to publish disability benefit questionnaire forms of Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–199). [9/14/23]H.R. 3784. To amend title VII of the Social Security Act to provide for a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration for individuals who are victims of identity theft, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–191). [9/12/23]

SENATE

MEASURES REPORTED:

S. 1865. To direct agencies to be transparent when using automated and augmented systems to interact with the public or make critical decisions, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–89). [8/22/23]

S. 2073. To amend title 31, United States Code, to require agencies to include a list of outdated or duplicative reporting requirements in annual budget justifications, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. No. 118–91). [8/22/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 2729. A bill to provide for a period of continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in appropriations under the normal appropriations process, and to prohibit consideration of other matters in the Senate if appropriations are not enacted; to the Committee on Appropriations. [Sen. Kaine (D-VA); 9/6/23]

"Madam President, today I want to discuss legislation I am introducing, the End Shutdown Act. When Congress is unable to come to an agreement about government funding, Federal employees, government contractors, and Americans who depend on critical government services all suffer the consequences of using government shutdowns as a negotiating tactic. This bill prevents government shutdowns by initiating an automatic continuing resolution on October 1 if no appropriations bill is passed by that date and stops Congress from considering any nonemergency legislation until it reaches a long-term spending deal." [Sen. Kaine (D-VA); 9/6/23, Page S4230]

S. 2727. A bill to preclude the Department of Labor from allowing the Deputy Secretary to serve as the Secretary of Labor indefinitely; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Cassidy (R-LA); 9/6/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine recent advances in artificial intelligence and the Department of Energy’s role in ensuring United States competitiveness and security in emerging technologies, after receiving testimony from David Turk, Deputy Secretary of Energy; Anna B. Puglisi, Georgetown University Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Washington, D.C.; Rick Stevens, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois; and Andrew Wheeler, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Fort Collins, Colorado. [9/7/23]

REMARKS:

Remote Work at Federal Agencies

"Thousands of calls to the Department of Veterans Affairs from veterans seeking mental health services are going unanswered. Desperate travelers are waiting hours on the phone or in line hoping to speak with someone at the State Department about passport delays that are causing vacation cancelations. Our seniors are calling the Social Security Administration and are increasingly being greeted with busy messages, waiting longer to speak to a representative, or having their calls go unanswered. Frustrated Americans are being put on hold while too many Federal employees are phoning it in…Taxpayers are also picking up the cost of maintaining mostly empty buildings in Washington, as 75 percent or more of the office space at the headquarters of most of our Federal Agencies is not being used. The vacant offices beg the question: Where are all of the Federal employees? Only one out of every three bureaucrats is fully back in the office—one out of every three—according to a recent Office of Personnel Management survey. Some said they never report to a physical office…That is why I have asked the inspector general of every single Federal Department and Agency to determine, first, the impact of telework on the delivery and response times of services and, second, how much taxpayer money could be saved by consolidating unused office space and adjusting government salaries for those who have relocated and chosen to remain out of the office. Most of America is back to work, and it is time for burrowed bureaucrats in Washington to answer the call of duty on behalf of taxpayers, veterans, seniors, and our great Nation." [Sen. Ernst (R-IA); 9/6/23, Page S4222]

Senate AI Insight Forum

"As we work to fund the government, there are plenty of other things we must do, too, both on and off the floor. We will, for one, continue laying a foundation for bipartisan congressional action on AI. Next Wednesday, along with Senators ROUNDS, HEINRICH, and YOUNG, I will host the Senate’s inaugural AI Insight Forum, a first-ever convening of the top minds in AI here in the Congress. Voices from business and the civil rights community, researchers, worker advocates, and many more, all in one room having an open discussion about how Congress can act on AI: where to start, what questions to ask, and how to build a foundation for safe AI innovation…Now, ultimately, of course, the real legislative work will come in committees, but the AI forums will give us the nutrient agar, the facts and the challenges, that we need to understand in order to reach this goal. Of course, next week’s forum is just the start. The Senate will continue hosting AI forums throughout the fall on a variety of topics, including finding ways to promote AI innovation, IP issues, workforce issues, privacy, security, alignment, and many more." [Sen. Schumer (D-NY); 9/6/23, Page S3870]

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 5380. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase data transparency for supplemental benefits under Medicare Advantage; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Sarbanes (D-MD3); 9/8/23]

H.R. 5353. A bill to provide for a period of continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in appropriations under the normal appropriations process, and to prohibit consideration of other matters in the House of Representatives if appropriations are not enacted; to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on Rules. [Rep. Beyer (D-VA8); 9/8/23]

H.R. 5346. A bill to establish Schedule F in the excepted service, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. James (R-MI10); 9/5/23]

SENATE

The Senate met in pro forma session on Tuesday, August 1, and Friday, August 4, 2023. There was no relevant legislative action to report.

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 5127. A bill to reduce appointment wait times for certain nonimmigrant visas known as visitor visas, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Salazar (D-FL27); 8/1/23]

H.R. 5108. A bill to abolish the United States Agency for International Development, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Gaetz (R-FL1); 8/1/23]

H.R. 5103. A bill to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to approve or deny spend plans within a certain amount of time, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 8/1/23]

SENATE

NEW PUBLIC LAWS:

S. 111. To require each agency, in providing notice of a rulemaking, to include a link to a 100-word plain language summary of the proposed rule. Signed on July 25, 2023. (Public Law 118–9) [7/26/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 2714. A bill to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Heinrich (D-NM); 7/27/23]

S. 2676. A bill to require executive agencies and Federal courts to comply with address confidentiality programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN); 7/27/23]

S. 2632. A bill to improve visa processing times, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN); 7/27/23]

S. 2607. A bill to provide for the establishment of a process for the review of rules and sets of rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Ernst (R-IA); 7/27/23]

S. 2597. A bill to amend the Clayton Act to establish a new Federal commission to regulate digital platforms, including with respect to competition, transparency, privacy, and national security; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Warren (D-MA); 7/27/23]

S. 2504. A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to streamline applications from farmers to be vendors under certain nutrition programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. [Sen. Smith (D-MN); 7/26/23]

S. 2466. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to modify False Claims Act procedures, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Grassley (R-IA); 7/25/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a hearing to examine pathways to women’s entrepreneurship, focusing on understanding opportunities and barriers, including S. 1411, to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, after receiving testimony from public witnesses. [7/26/23]

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Full Committee held a markup and ordered favorably reported the thirteen business items, including: S. 2251, to improve the cybersecurity of the Federal Government, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 2286, to improve the effectiveness and performance of certain Federal financial assistance programs, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 2293, to establish the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers Council, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers, and Artificial Intelligence Governance Boards, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 2073, to amend title 31, United States Code, to require agencies to include a list of outdated or duplicative reporting requirements in annual budget justifications, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 2260, to require transparency in notices of funding opportunity. [7/26/23]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, concluded an oversight hearing to examine artificial intelligence, focusing on principles for regulation, after receiving testimony from Stuart Russell, University of California, Berkeley; Yoshua Bengio, Mila—Quebec AI Institute, Quebec, Canada; and Dario Amodei, Anthropic, San Francisco, California. [7/25/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 5077. A bill to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. [Rep. Eschoo (D-CA16); 7/28/23]

H.R. 4957. A bill to apply the requirements of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 to a vacancy in the office of the Secretary of Labor, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. [Rep. Kiley (R-CA3); 7/27/23]

H.R. 4891. A bill to advance Federal Government innovation through the implementation and use of multi-cloud computing software technology, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Timmons (R-SC4); 7/25/23]

H.R. 4830. A bill to establish an interactive online dashboard to improve public access to information about grant funding related to mental health and substance use disorder programs; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Gonzalez (R-TX23); 7/24/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction and favorably reported six business items, including H.R. 3369, the ‘‘AI Accountability Act’’. [7/27/23]

REMARKS:

Blue Ribbon AI Advisory Commission

"I am excited about artificial intelligence. AI has moved society forward and will continue to do amazing things in the medical field and many other fields. At the same time, there are potential risks to artificial intelligence, and we need to make sure we can harness the benefits of AI and reduce these risks. That is why I have proposed a national AI commission that is a bipartisan blue ribbon commission that will make recommendations to Congress as to what kinds of AI we should regulate and how we might go about doing so. This legislation is coauthored by Republican Congressman KEN BUCK with Congresswoman ANNA ESHOO, and on the Senate side it will be carried by Senator SCHATZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Speaker to put this legislation on the floor for a vote." [Rep. Lieu (D-CA36); Pages H4038-39, 7/27/23]

Loper Bright & Chevron Deference

"Pending on the Supreme Court docket is Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, a case with the potential to overturn 40 years of bureaucratic overreach and restore the proper role of Congress, the courts, and the Presidency. Nearly 40 years of deference by lawmakers and judges to the executive has given rise to the administrative state, sometimes called the fourth branch of government. Over time, this unaccountable bureaucracy has gradually subverted the doctrine of separation of powers laid out by our Founders…[A]t the heart of Loper Bright…lies the doctrine of Chevron deference, a legal construct which would make our Founders turn in their graves…For many in this body, fighting back against the Biden administration requires confronting an uncomfortable truth. Congress creates, enables, and abides by the administrative state when it passes statutory language without clear meaning. Congress’ illegal delegation of its Article I authority and the accelerated transfer of legislative powers to unaccountable bureaucrats in the executive has been a fault of this body over decades and the fault of both parties…To fulfill the will of the people, the Court must repeal Chevron deference in Loper Bright. I pray next term that the Court reclaims and fortifies Congress’ rightful powers." [Rep. Foxx (R-NC5); Pages H3961-62, 7/26/23]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED:

Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act: Senate passed S. 70, to require the Bureau of Indian Affairs to process and complete all mortgage packages associated with residential and business mortgages on Indian land by certain deadlines. [7/18/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 2444. A bill to establish an interactive online dashboard to improve public access to information about grant funding related to mental health and substance use disorder programs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [Sen. Fischer (R-NE); 7/20/23]

S. 2411. A bill to place further congressional oversight on any quantitative easing or tightening programs or any emergency lending programs of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to require reports to Congress relating to those programs, to require congressional approval of the extension of those programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Scott (R-FL); 7/20/23]

S. 2334. A bill to require each public housing agency to establish and maintain an online portal for tenants and applicants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY); 7/18/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act of 2023: S. 111, to require each agency, in providing notice of a rulemaking, to include a link to a 100-word plain language summary of the proposed rule, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 400 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 329 [7/17/23]

"This bill is a commonsense approach to increasing agency transparency and accountability. It requires agencies to provide a link to a plain language summary of 100 words or less for proposed rules. This requirement is a simple, easy way to help the American people better understand what the rules are that agencies may impose. I urge Members to support this bill." [Rep. Van Drew (R-NJ2); 7/17/23, H3619-20]

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 111, the Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act of 2023. This simple but important legislation would require our regulatory agencies to provide a summary in no more than 100 words and in plain language of proposed rules on Regulations.gov, thus providing the American public with more transparency and easy understanding of new rules and regulations." [Rep. Nadler (D-NY12); 7/1/723, H3619]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 4814. A bill to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence in support of the mission of the Commission and to direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on the use of blockchain technology and digital tokens, respectively; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Soto (D-FL9); 7/20/23]

H.R. 4793. A bill to require executive agencies to use the latest available technology to improve website search function, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Khanna (D-CA17); 7/20/23]

H.R. 4766. A bill to provide for the regulation of payment stablecoins, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. McHenry (R-NC10); 7/20/23]

H.R. 4763. A bill to provide for a system of regulation of digital assets by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. [Rep. Thompson (R-PA15); 7/20/23]

H.R. 4718. A bill to require each public housing agency to establish and maintain an online portal for tenants and applicants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Malliotakis (R-NY11); 7/18/23]

H.R. 4711. A bill to limit the authority of the Secretary of Education to propose or issue regulations and executive actions; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. [Rep. Grothman (R-WI6); 7/18/23]

H.R. 4689. A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to facilitate more expeditious review and permitting of certain electric transmission facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Agriculture. [Rep. Peters (D-CA50); 7/17/23]

H.R. 4668. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to require the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to publish guidance documents for certain rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Molinaro (R-NY19); 7/17/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a markup on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 592, the ‘‘Department of Veterans Affairs Electronic Health Record Modernization Improvement Act’’; H.R. 608, to terminate the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 1659, the ‘‘Department of Veterans Affairs IT Modernization Improvement Act’’; H.R. 196, the ‘‘Expediting Temporary Ratings for Veterans Act’’; and H.R. 4461, the ‘‘Modernizing Department of Veteran Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act’’. The Subcommittee forwarded ten measures, including H.R. 592, H.R. 608, H.R. 1659, H.R. 196, and H.R. 4461, to the full Committee. [7/19/23]

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations held a hearing entitled ‘‘Burdensome Red Tape: Overregulation in Health Care and the Impact on Small Businesses’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [7/19/23]

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 4529, the ‘‘Public Health Guidance Transparency and Accountability Act of 2023,’’ and H.R. 4381, the ‘‘Public Health Emergency Congressional Review Act.’’ The Committee favorably reported fifteen measures, including H.R. 4529 and H.R. 4381. [7/19/23]

Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 3995, the ‘‘Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act’’ and H.R. 4668, the ‘‘POST IT Act’’. Six measures, including H.R. 3995 and H.R. 4668, were ordered reported. [7/18/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 2319. A bill to improve the environmental review process for highway projects through the use of interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Lummis (R-WY); 7/13/23]

S. 2293. A bill to establish the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers Council, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers, and Artificial Intelligence Governance Boards, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 7/13/23]

S. 2292. A bill to improve the transparency of purchases by the Federal Government of data or information that can be used to identify an individual, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 7/13/23]

S. 2286. A bill to improve the effectiveness and performance of certain Federal financial assistance programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 7/12/23]

S. 2281. A bill to provide for consumer protection and responsible financial innovation, to bring crypto assets within the regulatory perimeter, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. [Sen. Lummis (R-WY); 7/12/23]

S. 2249. A bill to improve the timeliness, resiliency, and transparency of passport processing operations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 7/11/23]

MEASURES REPORTED:

S. 884. To establish a Government-wide approach to improving digital identity, with amendments. (S. Rept. No. 118–47) [7/11/23]

MEASURES REFERRED:

H.R. 1548. An act to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [7/12/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Intellectual Property concluded a hearing to examine Artificial Intelligence and intellectual property, focusing on copyright, after receiving testimony from Jeff Harleston, Universal Music Group, Santa Monica, California; Ben Brooks, Stability AI, and Karla Ortiz, both of San Francisco, California; Matthew Sag, Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, Georgia; and Dana Rao, Adobe Inc., San Jose, California. [7/12/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Improving Access to Small Business Information Act: The House passed H.R. 1548, as amended, to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act, by a vote of 398 yeas to 11 nays, Roll No. 290. [7/11/23]

SEC. 2. EXCLUSION FROM THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT.

Section 4(j) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78d(j)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(10) EXCLUSION FROM THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Actions taken by the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation under this subsection shall not be a ‘collection of information’ for purposes of subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘Paperwork Reduction Act’). [7/11/23; Cong. Rec. Page H3186]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 4649. A bill to provide for additional requirements when Federal banking agencies undertake rulemakings that implement policies of non-governmental international organizations, to require Federal banking agencies to report on certain covered international organizations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA11); 7/14/23]

H.R. 4621. A bill to improve the environmental review process for highway projects through the use of interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Johnson (R-SD-At Large); 7/13/23]

H.R. 4529. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act regarding guidance documents of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [7/11/23]

H.R. 4503. A bill to amend the Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act to expand AI training within the executive branch of the Federal Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Mace (R-SC1); 7/10/23]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 1548. To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that actions of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–135, Part 1). [7/11/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing entitled ‘‘When the Lights Are On But No One’s Home: An Examination of Federal Office Space Utilization’’. Testimony was heard from David Marroni, Acting Director for Physical Infrastructure Issues, Government Accountability Office; and Nina Albert, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration. [7/13/23]

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 4435, the ‘‘Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act’’; H.R. 3230, the ‘‘Unfunded Mandates Accountability and Transparency Act’’; and H.R. 890, the ‘‘Guidance Out Of Darkness Act’’.  Eighteen measures, including H.R. 4435, H.R. 3230, and H.R. 890, were ordered reported. [7/12/23]

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a markup on legislation within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 3369, the ‘‘AI Accountability Act’’. Four measures, including H.R. 3369, were forwarded to the full Committee, as amended. [7/12/23]

SENATE

The Senate met in pro forma session on Monday, July 3, and Thursday, July 6, 2023. There were no relevant legislative actions to report.

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

H.R. 4482. A bill to amend titles 23 and 49, United States Code, to improve public understanding of how transportation investments are made by public agencies through establishing greater transparency and accountability processes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. DeSaulnier (D-CA10); 7/6/23]

SENATE

The Senate met in pro forma session on Monday, June 26, and Thursday, June 29, 2023. There was nothing to report.

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

H.R. 4435. A bill to establish a budgetary level reduction schedule, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Rules. [Rep. Rodgers (R-WA5); 6/30/23]

H.R. 4434. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to modify the provisions of that title relating to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Porter (D-CA47); 6/30/23]

H.R. 4428. A bill to require a guidance clarity statement on certain agency guidance, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Luetkemeyer (R-MO3); 6/30/23]

H.R. 4416. A bill to prohibit the use of Federal funds to hire armed Federal regulatory enforcement officers in certain agencies; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Agriculture. [Rep. Higgins (R-LA3); 6/30/23]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED: 

Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act: Senate passed S. 111, to require each agency, in providing notice of a rulemaking, to include a link to a 100-word plain language summary of the proposed rule. [6/22/23] 

Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act: Senate passed S. 1549, to provide the Congressional Budget Office with necessary authorities to expedite the sharing of data from executive branch agencies. [6/22/23] 

MEASURES PLACED ON THE CALENDAR: 

H.R. 277. An act to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law. [6/21/23] 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

S. 2168. A bill to rescind discretionary appropriations in the event of a debt ceiling crisis period and to honor the full faith and credit of the debts of the United States in the event of a debt ceiling crisis; to the Committee on Finance. [Sen. Braun (R-IN); 6/22/23] 

S. 2108. A bill to amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require that certain information is made publicly available, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Scott (R-FL); 6/22/23] 

S. 2095. A bill to authorize the Federal Communications Commission to enforce its own forfeiture penalties with respect to violations of restrictions on the use of telephone equipment; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Lujan (D-NM); 6/21/23] 

S. 2073. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to require agencies to include a list of outdated or duplicative reporting requirements in annual budget justifications, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Ossoff (D-GA); 6/21/23] 

REMARKS: 

AI Regulatory Framework 

"Tomorrow morning, I will speak at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on how Congress can begin acting on AI in earnest. I will share my ideas about a comprehensive framework Congress can use to supercharge AI innovation in a safe and responsible way. Because AI is moving so fast, it is so complex, and so outside Congress’s expertise, I will talk about some steps we must take to stay ahead of AI’s rapid development…Congress cannot behave like ostriches in the sand when it comes to AI. Some might think it is better to ignore this issue or hope someone else figures it out because it is so complex, but ignoring AI is untenable for Congress. In the 21st century, elected representatives must treat AI with the same level of seriousness as national security, job creation, and our civil liberties, because AI will touch on these issues and many, many more." [Sen. Schumer (D-NY); Page S2131, 6/20/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Middle Class Borrower Protection Act of 2023: The House passed H.R. 3564, to cancel recent changes made by the Federal Housing Finance Agency to the up-front loan level pricing adjustments charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for guarantee of single-family mortgages, by a yea-and-nay vote of 230 yeas to 189 nays, Roll No. 289. [6/23/23] 

SEC. 3. RESTRICTIONS ON FHFA ADJUSTMENTS TO SINGLE-FAMILY PRICING FRAMEWORK. 

* * * * 

(b) ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTION OF ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SINGLE-FAMILY PRICING FRAMEWORK.—After expiration of the period referred to in subsection (a), when proposing adjustments to the single-family pricing framework, the Director shall follow procedures that are as close as practicable to those requirements for a Federal agency issuing a rule under chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘‘Administrative Procedure Act’’). [Page S3120, 6/23/23] 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

H.R. 4324. A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to provide the Commission with notice and comment rulemaking authority respecting unfair or deceptive acts or practices and to provide for civil penalties for violations of such Act respecting unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Castor (D-FL14); 6/23/23] 

H.R. 4266. A bill to authorize the Federal Trade Commission to independently initiate civil actions to recover certain civil penalties, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL9); 6/21/23] 

H.R. 4262. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for the online administration of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Peters (D-CA50); 6/21/23] 

H.R. 4245. A bill to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide for discretionary spending limits for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Budget. [Rep. Grothman (R-WI6); 6/21/23] 

H.R. 4223. A bill to establish an artificial intelligence commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. [Rep. Lieu (D-CA36); 6/20/23] 

H.R. 4222. A bill to require executive branch agencies to prohibit conflicting financial interests through prohibited holdings regulations; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Langworthy (R-NY23); 6/20/23] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Reviewing the SBA’s Office of Advocacy Report on the Regulatory Flexibility Act’’. Testimony was heard from Major L. Clark III, Deputy Chief Counsel for Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration. [6/22/23] 

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Artificial Intelligence: Advancing Innovation Towards the National Interest’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [6/22/23] Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held a hearing entitled ‘‘Please Leave Your Message at the Tone: Addressing Post-Pandemic Backlogs and Delays at Federal Agencies’’. Testimony was heard from Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Department of State; Scott Levin, Director, National Personnel Records Center, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration; and Chad M. Poist, Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance, and Management, U.S. Social Security Administration. [6/21/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 2041. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for automatic continuing resolutions; to the Committee on Appropriations. [Sen. Braun (R-IN); 6/15/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a business meeting and ordered favorably reported twelve business items, including S. 1865, to direct agencies to be transparent when using automated and augmented systems to interact with the public or make critical decisions, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [6/14/23]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law held a hearing to examine artificial intelligence and human rights, after receiving testimony from Geoffrey Cain, Foundation for American Innovation, Chicago, Illinois; Alexandra Reeve Givens, Center for Democracy and Technology, Washington, D.C.; Aleksander Madry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge; and Jennifer DeStefano, Scottsdale, Arizona. [6/13/23]

REMARKS:

House Passage of the REINS Act

"Mr. President, it has been a long time coming, but it is with enormous pride that I stand to celebrate the passage of the REINS Act in the House of Representatives today. This landmark legislation represents a significant step forward toward reining in the ever-expanding Federal Government…By requiring congressional approval for major regulations, for enactment of a new major rule or regulation, as if it were a legislative proposal, rather than just allowing executive branch Agencies to make new laws themselves, the REINS Act brings accountability and transparency to the rulemaking process, injecting a much needed and constitutionally prescribed dose of common sense into our bureaucratic system." [Sen. Lee (R-UT); Pages S2103-04, 6/14/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2023: The House passed H.R. 288, to amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions, by a yea-and-nay vote of 220 yeas to 211 nays, Roll No. 271. [6/15/23]

AMENDMENTS ADOPTED:

Hageman amendment (No. 1 printed in part B of H. Rept. 118–108) that subjects interpretative rules, general statements of policy, and all other agency guidance to de novo judicial review.

Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023: The House passed H.R. 277, to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law, by a yea-and-nay vote of 221 yeas to 210 nays, Roll No. 265. Consideration began on June 13th. [6/14/23]

AMENDMENTS ADOPTED:

Hageman amendment (No. 5 printed in part A of H. Rept. 118–108) to clarify that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs must issue a finding for each rule determining whether the rule has a significant economic impact.

Good (VA) amendment (No. 6 printed in part A of H. Rept. 118–108) that directs the Comptroller General, in consultation with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, to make a determination on whether an agency action qualifies as a major rule under the definition of this act, if requested in writing by a member of Congress; codifies in statute existing procedures for the Comptroller General to make a determination on whether an agency action qualifies as a rule under the definition of this act, if requested in writing by a member of Congress.

Good (VA) amendment (No. 8 printed in part A of H. Rept. 118–108) that creates a process for Congress to review all rules currently in effect over a 5-year period.

Joyce (OH) amendment (No. 13 printed in part A of H. Rept. 118–108) that amends the definition of ‘rule’ to include interpretative rules, general statements of policy, and all other agency guidance documents.

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 4141. A bill to provide that certain communications projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Fulcher (R-ID1); 6/15/23]

H.R. 16. A bill to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain aliens, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. [Rep. Garcia (D-TX29]; 6/15/23]

H.R. 4114. A bill to establish procedures to reduce agency funding for failure to adhere to original congressional intent, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 6/14/23]

H.R. 4113. A bill to prohibit agencies from removing or altering public comments on their websites; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 6/14/23]

H.R. 4112. A bill to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit the Securities and Exchange Commission from issuing conflicting proposed or final rules, to require the Commission to consider industry-specific costs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 6/14/23]

H.R. 4067. A bill to rescind the executive order relating to the revocation of certain executive orders concerning Federal regulation and to codify certain executive orders; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Hinson (R-IA2); 6/13/23]

H.R. 4035. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to harmonize the effective dates of all rules required under the Corporate Transparency Act, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. McHenry (R-NC10); 6/12/23]

H.R. 4019. A bill to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to expand and restructure the leadership of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Davidson (R-OH8); 6/12/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Death by a Thousand Regulations: The Biden Administration’s Campaign to Bury America in Red Tape’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [6/14/23]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust held a hearing entitled ‘‘Where’s the Beef? Regulatory Barriers to Entry and Competition in Meat Processing’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [6/13/23]

Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Future of Digital Assets: Providing Clarity for the Digital Asset Ecosystem’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [6/13/23]

Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on H.J. Res. 44, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives relating to ‘‘Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces’ ’’; H.R. 277, the ‘‘REINS Act of 2023’’ [Rule Markup Only]; H.R. 288, the ‘‘Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2023’’ [Rule Markup Only]; H.R. 1615, the ‘‘Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act’’ [Rule Markup Only]; and H.R. 1640, the ‘‘Save Our Gas Stoves Act’’ [Rule Markup Only]. The Committee granted, by record vote of 9–4, a rule providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 44, H.R. 277, H.R. 288, H.R. 1615, and H.R. 1640. [6/12/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 1882. A bill to amend chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, to provide procedures for congressional disapproval of the issuance of additional debt; to the Committee on Finance. [Sen. Durbin (D-IL); 6/8/23; Text]

S. 1865. A bill to direct agencies to be transparent when using automated and augmented systems to interact with the public or make critical decisions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 6/7/23]

S. 1812. A bill to modify the exemption for trade secrets and commercial or financial information in the Freedom of Information Act, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Grassley (R-IA); 6/6/23]

S. 1807. A bill to require agencies to notify the Director of the Office of Management and Budget when the agency suspends or terminates a Federal award, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Ernst (R-IA); 6/6/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine FASTA implementation and optimizing the efficient use of Federal property, after receiving testimony from after receiving testimony from Nina Albert, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, General Services Administration; David Marroni, Acting Director, Physical Infrastructure, Government Accountability Office; and Nick Rahall, Board Member, Public Buildings Reform Board. [6/8/23]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Intellectual Property concluded a hearing to examine artificial intelligence and intellectual property, focusing on patents, innovation, and competition, after receiving testimony from Corey Salsberg, Novartis, and Rama G. Elluru, Special Competitive Studies Project, both of Washington, D.C.; Laura Sheridan, Google, New York, New York; and Ryan Abbott, University of California David Geffen School of Medicine, and John Villasenor, University of California Institute for Technology, Law, and Policy, both of Los Angeles. [6/7/23]

REMARKS:

All-Senate Briefings on Artificial Intelligence

"Mr. President, this morning, I released a ‘Dear Colleague,’ alongside Senators HEINRICH, ROUNDS, and YOUNG, announcing three Senators-only briefings on artificial intelligence taking place starting in the next few weeks…These all-Senate briefings are important because elected representatives in the 21st century cannot ignore AI any more than we can ignore national security, job creation, or our civil liberties. AI will permanently impact all these things and more. The first briefing in the next few weeks will focus on the state of artificial intelligence today. The second briefing will focus on where this technology is headed in the future and how America can stay at the forefront of innovation. The third, our first-ever classified briefing on AI, will focus on how our adversaries will use AI against us, while detailing how defense and intelligence agencies will use this technology to keep Americans safe. We will share more details on dates, times, and speakers in the coming days, and again, I urge every Senator, Democrat and Republican, to attend all three briefings." [Sen. Schumer (D-NY); 6/6/23, Page S1963]

HOUSE

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

H. Res. 463.  The House failed to agree to H. Res. 463, providing for consideration of H.R. 277, the "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act," H.R. 288, the "Separation of Powers Restoration Act," H.R. 1615, the "Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act," and H.R. 1640,  the "Save Our Gas Stoves Act," by a recorded vote of 206 ayes to 220 noes, Roll No. 248, after the previous question was ordered by a yea-and-nay vote of 215 yeas to 203 nays, Roll No. 247.  Subsequently, Rep. Scalise moved to reconsider the vote, and Rep. Pallone moved to table the motion to reconsider, on which further proceedings were postponed. [6/6/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 3995. A bill to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to ensure that the small business regulatory budget for a fiscal year is not greater than zero, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business. [Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX24); 6/9/23]

H.R. 3953. A bill to amend chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, to provide procedures for congressional disapproval of the issuance of additional debt; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules. [Rep. Boyle (D-PA2); 6/9/23]

H.R. 3901. A bill to establish procedures to reduce agency funding for failure to comply with lawfully issued congressional subpoenas, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 6/7/23]

H.R. 3833. A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to reform the National Labor Relations Board, the Office of the General Counsel, and the process for appellate review, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. [Rep. Walberg (R-MI5); 6/5/23]

H.R. 3831. A bill to require generative artificial intelligence to disclose that their output has been generated by artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Torres (D-NY15); 6/5/23]

H.R. 3808. A bill to amend the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 to authorize additional special immigrant visas, to require a strategy for efficient processing, and to establish designated senior special immigrant visa coordinating officials, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Crow (D-CO6); 6/5/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs; and Subcommittee on Technology Modernization held a joint hearing entitled ‘‘From Months to Hours: The Future of VA Benefits Claims Processing’’. Testimony was heard from Raymond Tellez, Acting Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs; and a public witness. [6/6/23]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government held a hearing entitled ‘‘Government Litigation and the Need for Reform’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [6/6/23]

Committee on Agriculture: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Future of Digital Assets: Providing Clarity for Digital Asset Spot Markets’’. Testimony was heard from Rostin Behnam, Chairman, Commodities Futures Trading Commission; and public witnesses. [6/6/23]

Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on H.R. 277, the ‘‘REINS Act of 2023’’; H.R. 288, the ‘‘Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2023’’; H.R. 1615, the ‘‘Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act’’; and H.R. 1640, the ‘‘Save Our Gas Stoves Act’’. The Committee granted, by record vote of 9–4, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 277, the ‘‘REINS Act of 2023’’, H.R. 288, the ‘‘Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2023’’, H.R. 1615, the ‘‘Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act’’, and H.R. 1630, the ‘‘Save Our Stoves Act’’. [6/5/23]

REMARKS:

REINS Act

"Mr. Speaker, when President Obama said that he would govern with a telephone and a pen, he was setting an example for his then-Vice President. Now, the Biden administration has attempted to enact a radical agenda through agency rulemaking. During his first year in office, President Biden finalized regulations that cost taxpayers more than $200 billion. This wasteful spending cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. It is essential that we pass the REINS Act and ensure that President Biden is forced to account for every wasteful dollar. This legislation would, once again, assert that Congress and not the far-left Biden administration has the power to create law. It is time to put a stop to the runaway spending. It is time to end the backroom rulemaking that has been a trademark of the Biden administration." [Rep. Joyce (R-PA13); 6/7/23, H2774]

SENATE

MEASURES PASSED:

Fiscal Responsibility Act: By 63 yeas to 36 nays (Vote No. 146), the Senate passed H.R. 3746, to provide for a responsible increase to the debt ceiling, by the order of the Senate of Thursday, June 1, 2023, 60 Senators having voted in the affirmative, and after agreeing to the motion to proceed, and rejecting 11 amendments proposed thereto. [6/1/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 1804. A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to facilitate more expeditious review and permitting of certain electric transmission facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [Sen. Heinrich (D-NM); 6/1/23]

S. 1789. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the review of claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Kennedy (R-LA); 6/1/23]

S. 1758. A bill to address the rising trend of venue-shopping in Federal courts; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Wyden (D-OR); 5/30/23]

MEASURES REPORTED:

S. 70. To require the Bureau of Indian Affairs to process and complete all mortgage packages associated with residential and business mortgages on Indian land by certain deadlines. (S. Rept. No. 118–33) [5/30/23]

S. 666. To amend title 31, United States Code, to require the Chief Operating Officer of each agency to compile a list of unnecessary programs. (S. Rept. No. 118–36) [5/30/23]

REMARKS:

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 & REINS Act: 

"Perhaps the cherry on top of this deal from hell is the glaring omission of an essential regulatory reform measure, called the REINS Act. The REINS Act…stands for Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny. Limit, Save, Grow, the debt ceiling bill passed by the House about a month ago, incorporated the REINS Act, which seeks to ensure that every major regulation put forth by a Federal Agency has to pass through congressional scrutiny. It has to be affirmatively enacted by Congress…This is already required by the Constitution…Executive branch Agencies have been getting around this for a long time with the assistance, sadly, of Congress. Congress has delegated, increasingly, lawmaking power to unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats—people who don’t work for the American people, who can’t be fired by them. This is a big problem…We were finally going to close that loop and say that Agencies can write laws that would be considered proposed bills—bill proposals—within Congress, but only Congress can enact them." [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 5/31/23, Pages S1821-22]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023: The House passed H.R. 3746, to provide for a responsible increase to the debt ceiling, by a recorded vote of 314 ayes to 117 noes, Roll No. 243. [5/31/23]

Division B—SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS

TITLE III—STATUTORY ADMINISTRATIVE PAY-AS-YOU-GO

Sec. 261. Short title.

Sec. 262. Definitions.

Sec. 263. Requirements for administrative actions that affect direct spending.

Sec. 264. Issuance of administrative guidance.

Sec. 265. Waiver.

Sec. 266. Exemption.

Sec. 267. Judicial review.

Sec. 268. Sunset.

Sec. 269. GAO report.

Sec. 270. Congressional Review Act compliance assessment.

* * * *

Division C—GROW THE ECONOMY

TITLE III—PERMITTING REFORM

Sec. 321. Builder Act.

Sec. 322. Interregional Transfer Capability Determination Study.

Sec. 323. Permitting streamlining for energy storage.

Sec. 324. Expediting completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.J. Res. 66. A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau relating to ‘‘Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)’’; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Williams (R-TX25); 5/31/23]

H.R. 3770. A bill to amend the definition of section 804 of title 5; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Joyce (R-OH14); 5/31/23]

H.R. 3767. A bill to require the Council on Environmental Quality to submit to Congress a report on the potential for online and digital technologies to address delays in reviews and improve public accessibility and transparency under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. [Rep. Graves (R-LA6); 5/31/23]

H.R. 3746. To provide for a responsible increase to the debt ceiling; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, Appropriations, Veterans’ Affairs, Rules, Transportation and Infrastructure, the Judiciary, Education and the Workforce, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Natural Resources, Small Business, and Homeland Security. [Rep. McHenry (R-NC10); 5/29/23]

REPORTS FILED:

H.R. 288. To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–83). [6/1/23]

H.R. 277. To amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law, with an amendment (H. Rept. 118–84, Part 1). [6/1/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on H.R. 3746, the ‘‘Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023’’. The Committee granted, by record vote of 7–6, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3746, the ‘‘Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023’’, under a closed rule. [5/30/23]

SENATE

The Senate met in pro forma session on Tuesday, May 23, Thursday, May 25, and Friday, May 26, 2023. There were no items of interest to report.

HOUSE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 3740. A bill to amend chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code, to require Senior Executive Service and schedule C employees to disclose Federal student loan debt, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Biggs (R-AZ5); 5/26/23]

H.R. 3692. A bill to require bipartisan membership in the Federal Trade Commission in order for the Commission to act following a vacancy, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Fitzgerald (R-WI5); 5/25/23]

H.R. 3652. A bill to address the rising trend of venue-shopping in Federal courts; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Ross (D-NC2); 5/24/23]

H.R. 3643. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to deliver notice of the denial of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary by certified mail, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Latta (R-OH5); 5/24/23]

H.R. 3642. A bill to require the Office of Government Ethics to establish and maintain a centralized database for executive branch ethics records of noncareer appointees; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Langworthy [R-NY23]; 5/24/23]

H.R. 3599. A bill to reform the immigration laws; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, Ways and Means, Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, the Budget, Education and the Workforce, Foreign Affairs, Oversight and Accountability, Intelligence (Permanent Select), Financial Services, and Armed Services. [Rep. Salazar (R-FL27); 5/23/23]

H.R. 3595. A bill to improve the process for awarding grants under certain programs of the Department of Agriculture to certain counties in which the majority of land is owned or managed by the Federal Government and to other units of local government and Tribal governments in those counties, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services. [Rep. Stewart (R-UT2); 5/22/23]

H.R. 3594. A bill to improve the process for awarding grants under certain programs of the Department of Transportation to certain counties in which the majority of land is owned or managed by the Federal Government and to other units of local government and Tribal governments in those counties, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Stewart (R-UT2); 5/22/23]

H.R. 3557. A bill to streamline Federal, State, and local permitting and regulatory reviews to expedite the deployment of communications facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Carter (R-GA1); 5/22/23]

H.R. 3556. A bill to amend the Federal financial laws to increase financial regulatory accountability and transparency, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, and Rules. [Rep. Barr (R-KY6); 5/22/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary:  Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 277, the ‘‘Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act’’, and H.R. 357, the ‘‘Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act’’. Seven measures including, H.R. 277 and H.R. 357, were ordered reported. [5/24/23]

Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 3556, the ‘‘Increasing Financial Regulatory Accountability and Transparency Act’’. Six measures, including H.R. 3556, were ordered reported. [5/24/23]

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 3316, to amend titles 46 and 49, United States Code, to streamline the environmental review process for major projects, and for other purposes. H.R. 3316 and seventeen other measures were ordered reported. [5/23/23]

SENATE 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

S. 1671. A bill to establish a new Federal body to provide reasonable oversight and regulation of digital platforms; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Bennet (D-CO); 5/18/23] 

S. 1645. A bill to impose certain limitations on consent decrees and settlement agreements by agencies that require the agencies to take regulatory action in accordance with the terms thereof, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Grassley (R-IA); 5/17/23] 

S. 1635. A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take certain actions to improve the processing by the Department of Veterans Affairs of claims for disability compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN); 5/17/23] 

S. 1615. A bill to improve agency rulemaking, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lankford (R-OK); 5/16/23] 

S. 1629. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to increase the accountability of the Office of Special Counsel in enforcing certain provisions of that title vigorously, consistently, and without regard to the political affiliation, career status, or personal characteristics of individuals subject to those provisions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lujan (D-NM); 5/16/23] 

MEASURES REPORTED: 

S. 111. To require each agency, in providing notice of a rulemaking, to include a link to a 100-word plain language summary of the proposed rule. (S. Rept. No. 118–28) [5/16/23] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: The Committee held a business meeting to consider legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction. The Committee ordered favorably reported thirteen measures, including: S. 285, to provide for the perpetuation, administration, and funding of Federal Executive Boards, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;  S. 1528, to streamline the sharing of information among Federal disaster assistance agencies, to expedite the delivery of life-saving assistance to disaster survivors, to speed the recovery of communities from disasters, to protect the security and privacy of information provided by disaster survivors; S. 1549, to provide the Congressional Budget Office with necessary authorities to expedite the sharing of data from executive branch agencies; and S. 1564, to require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish, or otherwise ensure the provision of, a training program on artificial intelligence for Federal management officials and supervisors, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. [5/17/23] 

Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine Federal actions to improve project reviews for a cleaner and stronger economy, after receiving testimony from Brenda Mallory, Chair, Council on Environmental Quality; Christine Harada, Executive Director, Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council; and Jason S. Miller, Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. [5/17/23] 

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine artificial intelligence in government, including key practices to help ensure accountability in Federal use of AI, after receiving testimony from Taka Ariga, Chief Data Scientist, Science, Technology Assessment and Analytics, Government Accountability Office; Ritchie Eppink, American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, Boise, Idaho; Lynne E. Parker, University of Tennessee AI for Tennessee Initiative, Knoxville; Daniel E. Ho, Stanford University, Stanford, California; and Jacob Siegel, Brooklyn, New York. [5/16/23] 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law concluded an oversight hearing to examine AI, focusing on rules for artificial intelligence, after receiving testimony from Sam Altman, OpenAI, San Francisco, California; Christina Montgomery, IBM, Cortlandt Manor, New York; and Gary Marcus, New York University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. [5/16/23] 

HOUSE 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

H.R. 3515. A bill to require agencies to notify the Director of the Office of Management and Budget when the agency suspends or terminates a Federal award, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Lesko (R-AZ8); 5/18/23] 

H.R. 3480. A bill to establish the Commission on Intergovernmental Relations of the United States to facilitate the fullest cooperation, coordination, and mutual accountability among all levels of government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Connolly (D-VA11); 5/18/23] 

H.R. 3467. A bill to bill to enhance Federal Reserve transparency; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Barr (R-KY6); 5/18/23] 

H.R. 3466. A bill to enhance Financial Stability Oversight Council transparency; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Barr (R-KY6); 5/18/23] 

H.R. 3446. A bill to impose certain limitations on consent decrees and settlement agreements by agencies that require the agencies to take regulatory action in accordance with the terms thereof, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Spartz (R-IN5); 5/17/23] 

H.R. 3407. A bill to provide for enhanced Federal enforcement of, and State and local assistance in the enforcement of, the immigration laws of the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Carter (R-GA1); 5/17/23] 

H.R. 3369. A bill to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a study and hold public meetings with respect to artificial intelligence systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [Rep. Harder (D-CA9); 5/16/23] 

H.R. 3316. A bill to amend titles 46 and 49, United States Code, to streamline the environmental review process for major projects, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. [Rep. Crawford (R-AR1); 5/15/23] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet held a hearing entitled ‘‘Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property: Part I—Interoperability of AI and Copyright Law’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [5/17/23] 

SENATE 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

S. 1580. A bill to improve the process for awarding grants under certain programs of the Department of Agriculture to certain counties in which the majority of land is owned or managed by the Federal Government and to other units of local government and Tribal governments in those counties, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. [Sen. Cortez Masto (D-NV); 5/11/23] 

S. 1577. A bill to require the appointment or designation of emerging technology leads in certain Federal agencies; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Bennet (D-CO); 5/11/23] 

S. 1565. A bill to require Executive agencies to submit to Congress a study of the impacts of expanded telework and remote work by agency employees during the COVID–19 pandemic and a plan for the agency’s future use of telework and remote work, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Blackburn (R- 

S. 1564. A bill to require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish, or otherwise ensure the provision of, a training program on artificial intelligence for Federal management officials and supervisors, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 5/11/23] 

S. 1528. A bill to streamline the sharing of information among Federal disaster assistance agencies, to expedite the delivery of life-saving assistance to disaster survivors, to speed the recovery of communities from disasters, to protect the security and privacy of information provided by disaster survivors, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Peters (D-MI); 5/10/23] 

S. 1496. A bill to provide that all Federal employees in the executive branch of the Federal Government are at-will employees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Scott (R-FL); 5/9/23] 

MEASURES REPORTED: 

S. 679. To amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to require Federal agencies to submit to the Comptroller General of the United States a report on rules that are revoked, suspended, replaced, amended, or otherwise made ineffective. (S. Rept. No. 118–25) [5/11/23] 

S. 717. To improve plain writing and public experience. (S. Rept. No. 118–26) [5/11/23] 

S. 108. To require a guidance clarity statement on certain agency guidance. (S. Rept. No. 118–19) [5/9/23] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine opportunities for Congress to reform the permitting process for energy and mineral projects, after receiving testimony from Jason Grumet, American Clean Power Association, Rich Nolan, National Mining Association, and Elizabeth H. Shuler, AFL–CIO, all of Washington, D.C.; and Paul Ulrich, Jonah Energy LLC, Pinedale, on behalf of the Wyoming Energy Authority. [5/11/23] 

HOUSE 

MEASURES PASSED: 

Secure the Border Act of 2023: The House passed H.R. 2, to secure the borders of the United States, by a yea-and-nay vote of 219 yeas to 213 nays, Roll No. 209. [5/11/23] 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

H.R. 3230. A bill to amend the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 to provide for regulatory impact analyses for certain rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, the Budget, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Foxx (R-NC5); 5/11/23] 

H.R. 3217. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to tighten asylum laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Carter (R-TX31); 5/11/23] 

H.R. 3194. A bill to provide an earned path to citizenship, to address the root causes of migration and responsibly manage the southern border, and to reform the immigrant visa system, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Armed Services, Education and the Workforce, House Administration, Financial Services, Natural Resources, Oversight and Accountability, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Sanchez (D-CA38); 5/10/23] 

H.R. 3175. A bill to require agencies to repeal existing regulations before issuing a new regulation, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Bice (R-OK5); 5/10/23] 

H.R. 3163. A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit the issuance of nationwide injunctions from single-judge divisions of U.S. District Courts; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Sherrill (D-NJ11); 5/9/23] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on Education and Workforce: Full Committee held a markup on H.J. Res. 45, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ‘‘Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans’’. H.J. Res. 45 was ordered reported, without amendment. [5/10/23] 

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion; and Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development of the House Committee on Agriculture held a joint hearing entitled ‘‘The Future of Digital Assets: Measuring the Regulatory Gaps in the Digital Assets Markets’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [5/10/23] 

Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 288, the ‘‘Separation of Powers Restoration Act.’’ H.R. 288 and additional measures were favorably reported. [5/10/23] 

SENATE 

MEASURES REPORTED: 

S. 206. To require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to regularly review and update policies and manuals related to inspections at ports of entry. (S. Rept. No. 118–16) [5/4/23] 

S. 709. To improve performance and accountability in the Federal Government. (S. Rept. No. 118–18) [5/4/23] 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

S. 1456. A bill to provide for certain energy development, permitting reforms, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [Sen. Barrasso (R-WY); 5/4/23] 

S. 1449. A bill to improve the environmental review process, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. [Sen. Capito (R-WV); 5/4/23] 

S. 1431. A bill to require agencies to publish a reference to the specific provision of law, including any relevant statutory language, under which agency rules are proposed, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Lee (R-UT); 5/3/23] 

S. 1419. A bill to require each agency to repeal 3 existing regulations before issuing a new regulation, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Schmitt (R-MO); 5/3/23] 

S. 1411. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Ernst (R-IA); 5/3/23] 

S. 1399. A bill to provide for American energy security by improving the permitting process; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. [5/2/23] 

S. 1395. A bill to temporarily suspend the debt limit through December 31, 2024; read the first time. [Sen. Schumer (D-NY); 5/1/23] 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine improving access to Federal grants for underserved communities, after receiving testimony from Jeff Arkin, Director, Strategic Issues, Government Accountability Office; Meagan Elliot, City of Detroit Office of Development and Grants, Detroit, Michigan; and Matthew Hanson, Witt O’Brien’s LLC, Houston, Texas. [5/2/23] 

Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hearing to examine H.R. 2811, to provide for a responsible increase to the debt ceiling, after receiving testimony from Mark Zandi, Moody’s Analytics, Malvern, Pennsylvania; Fred Krupp, Environmental Defense Fund, and Brian Riedl,  The Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, both of New York, New York; and Abigail Ross Hopper, Solar Energy Industries Association, and Jason J. Fichtner, Bipartisan Policy Center, both of Washington, D.C. [5/4/23] 

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS: 

EC–1119. A communication from the Chair of the Administrative Conference of the United States, transmitting a report entitled ‘‘Equal Access to Justice Act Awards - Report to Congress, Fiscal Year 2022’’; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [5/1/23] 

HOUSE 

MEASURES INTRODUCED: 

H.R. 3114. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for quarterly town hall meetings for veterans to meet with appropriate employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs at each medical center of the Department; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. [Rep. Rodgers (R-WA5); 5/4/23] 

H.R. 3115. A bill to provide that all Federal employees in the executive branch of the Federal Government are at-will employees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Roy (R-TX21); 5/4/23] 

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 1363. A bill to eliminate the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Cruz (R-TX); 4/27/23]

S. 1362. A bill to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to enhance rulemaking requirements for the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. [Sen. Kennedy (R-LA); 4/27/23]

S. 1356. A bill to establish a task force on organizational structure for artificial intelligence governance and oversight; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. [Sen. Bennet (D-CO); 4/27/23]

S.J. Res. 25. A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to ‘‘Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H–2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States’’; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Scott (R-FL); 4/25/23]

S. 1265. A bill to provide the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions with a nationwide effect; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Hirono (D-HI); 4/25/23]

S. 1258. A bill to require the Director of the Office of management and Budget to submit to Congress an annual report on projects that are over budget and behind schedule, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. [Sen. Ernst (R-IA); 4/25/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the SBA’s implementation of final rules to expand access to capital, after receiving testimony from Patrick Kelley, Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access, and Sheldon Shoemaker, Deputy Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, both of the Small Business Administration; Hilda Kennedy, AmPac Tri-State CDC, Inc., dba AmPac Business Capital, Ontario, California; and Chris Pilkerton, Accion Opportunity Fund, Tilghman, Maryland. [4/26/23]

HOUSE

MEASURES PASSED:

H.R. 2811. The House passed H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act, to provide for a responsible increase to the debt ceiling, by a yea-and-nay vote of 217 yeas to 215 nays, Roll No. 199. [4/26/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 2968. A bill to require the disclosure of information relating to the cost of programs, projects, or activities carried out using Federal funds; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. [Rep. Norman (R-SC5); 4/27/23]

H.R. 2946. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to advance meritorious asylum claims, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security. [Rep. Gonzalez (D-TX34); 4/27/23]

H.R. 2937. A bill to eliminate the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; to the Committee on Financial Services. [Rep. Donalds (R-FL19); 4/27/23]

H.R. 2809. A bill to authorize an electronic health record modernization program of the Department of Veterans Affairs and increase oversight and accountability of the program to better serve veterans, medical professionals of the Department, and taxpayers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services. [Rep. Takano (D-CA41); 4/24/23]

H.R. 2798. A bill to make reforms to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, the Judiciary, and Small Business. [Rep. Barr (R-KY6); 4/24/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet held a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’’. Testimony was heard from Kathi Vidal, Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, and Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. [4/27/23]

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Future of Digital Assets: Identifying the Regulatory Gaps in Spot Market Regulation’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [4/27/23]

Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held a markup on legislation within the Committee's jurisdiction, including H.R. 1548, the ‘‘Improving Access to Small Business Information Act,’’ and H.R. 2798, the ‘‘CFPB Transparency and Accountability Reform Act’’. Fifteen bills, including H.R. 1548 and H.R. 2798, were ordered reported, as amended. [4/26/23]

Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Government Accountability Office’s 2023 High Risk List’’. Testimony was heard from Gene L Dodaro, Comptroller General, Government Accountability Office. [4/26/23]

SENATE

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

S. 1234. A bill to apply the Freedom of Information Act to actions and decisions of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information in carrying out the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Scott (R-FL); 4/20/23]

S. 1187. A bill to establish the right to counsel, at Government expense for those who cannot afford counsel, for people facing removal; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY); 4/18/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: April 20, Full Committee, concluded a hearing to examine the Government Accountability Office’s 2023 High Risk List, focusing on recommendations for reducing waste, fraud, and abuse.

HOUSE

MEASURES CONSIDERED:

H.J. Res. 27. The House voted to sustain the President’s veto of H.J. Res. 27, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ ’’, by a yea-and-nay vote of 227 yeas to 196 nays, Roll No. 187 (two-thirds of those present not voting to override). [4/18/23]

MEASURES INTRODUCED:

H.R. 2640. A bill to provide for reform of the asylum system and protection of the border; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Homeland Security. [Rep. McClintock (R-CA5); 4/17/23]

H.R. 2689. A bill to improve the service delivery of agencies and public perception of agency interactions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, Education and the Workforce, Veterans’ Affairs, Homeland Security, Small Business, and Armed Services. [Rep. Porter (D-CA47); 4/18/23]

H.R. 2697. A bill to establish the right to counsel, at Government expense for those who cannot afford counsel, for people facing removal; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [Rep. Torres (D-CA35); 4/18/23]

H.R. 2701. A bill to provide for individual rights relating to privacy of personal information, to establish privacy and security requirements for covered entities relating to personal information, and to establish an agency to be known as the Digital Privacy Agency to enforce such rights and requirements, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Eshoo (D-CA16); 4/19/23]

H.R. 2710. A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to allow the Federal Maritime Commission to provide injunctive relief without a court order, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. [Rep. Garamendi (D-CA8); 4/19/23]

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee, concluded a markup on H.R. 2640, the Border Security Enforcement Act of 2023; and H.J. Res. 44, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to ‘‘Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces’ ’’. H.R. 2640 was ordered reported, as amended. H.J. Res 44 was ordered reported, without amendment. [4/20/23]

Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: April 19, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a markup on legislation within the Subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including H.R. 1329, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the maximum number of judges who may be appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; H.R. 1378, the ‘‘Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act’’; and H.R. 1530, the ‘‘Veterans Benefits Improvement Act’’. H.R. 1329, H.R. 1378, and H.R. 1530 were forwarded to the full Committee, as amended. [4/19/23]