Bills of The Day:

Advancing Access to Telehealth Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7711
Date Introduced: March 19, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Dingell
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Bergman

Summary: This bill proposes amendments to title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permanently extend certain telehealth flexibilities within the Medicare program. Key amendments include expanding access to telehealth services by removing the expiration date on emergency provisions, broadening the range of practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services, and extending the provision of telehealth services by Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics. Additionally, the bill proposes to permanently allow the use of audio-only telecommunications technology for delivering certain services and eliminate in-person requirements for home dialysis, stroke telehealth services, and mental health services. This legislation aims to solidify the integration of telehealth into Medicare, ensuring continued access to these services beyond emergency periods.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means.

Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7730
Date Introduced: March 19, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Spanberger
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Hunt, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Mr. Crenshaw

Summary: This bill mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study on the online sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The study will explore various aspects, including the business models of online sellers, supply chains, logistics, customer acquisition and retention strategies within illicit online marketplaces, and the use of online platforms for facilitating financial transactions. It will also assess federal efforts to combat these online sales, focusing on interagency, intergovernmental, and intersectoral collaborations, as well as the efficacy of current law enforcement procedures in dealing with online drug trafficking. Additionally, the study will evaluate the techniques used by online platforms to detect and mitigate the sale of these drugs, the enforcement mechanisms against involved users, and the process of reporting to federal authorities. The analysis aims to identify patterns, gaps, or resource deficiencies in combating online drug sales and improve coordination across various sectors.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Judiciary Committee.

Establishment of an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7727
Date Introduced: March 19, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Peltola
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Baird, Mr. Amodei, Mr. Larsen of Washington

Summary: The bill introduces the creation of an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region within the Department of State, emphasizing the United States' commitment to addressing the unique and pressing challenges of the Arctic. This ambassador, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, will be responsible for representing the United States in Arctic affairs, leading the coordination of U.S. programs abroad, and overseeing all foreign policy matters related to the Arctic Region. Key areas of responsibility include national security, fostering cooperation among Arctic countries, promoting sustainable resource management and economic development, environmental protection, involvement of indigenous peoples in relevant decisions, and scientific research. This role is designed to ensure continuous observation and coordination on matters pertaining to energy, environment, trade, infrastructure, law enforcement, and political-military affairs, underlining the strategic importance of the Arctic to U.S. foreign policy.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Energy Sovereignty Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7728
Date Introduced: March 19, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Perry
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Mooney, Mr. Biggs, Mr. Good of Virginia, Mr. Ogles

Summary: This bill seeks to repeal Section 115 of the Clean Air Act, which provides the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to require states to address air pollution that may affect other countries if the United States is afforded reciprocal rights to address pollution emanating from those countries. By repealing this section, the bill aims to remove the EPA's power to enforce regulations based on the potential international impacts of air pollution, asserting national sovereignty over environmental regulations and policies. Additionally, a conforming amendment to Section 110(a)(2)(D)(ii) of the Clean Air Act is proposed to align with the repeal, specifically by removing references to Section 115 and thereby focusing solely on interstate rather than international pollution abatement.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7724
Date Introduced: March 19, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Lofgren
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill establishes the United States Immigration Courts as courts of record under Article I of the Constitution, independent of the executive branch. It creates an appellate division, a trial division, and an administrative division within these courts. The appellate division comprises 21 judges appointed by the President with the Senate's advice and consent, serving 15-year terms. The trial division will have immigration trial courts, with the number and location determined as needed. The administrative division supports the courts' operations. The bill outlines the appointment, qualifications, duties, and removal processes for immigration judges. It specifies the jurisdiction of the appellate and trial divisions, including appeals of immigration trial judge decisions and original jurisdiction over removal proceedings. Provisions for employee appointments, budget and expenditures, and annual reporting are included. Transition provisions ensure the continuity of proceedings pending before existing immigration judges at the time of the court's establishment. Technical and conforming amendments to existing laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act, are made to align with the creation of these courts.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Budget.