Bills of The Day:

Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8065
Date Introduced: April 18, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Costa
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Kiley

Summary: This bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, to establish a program enforcing logbook requirements for sellers of highly infectious agents. Sellers must maintain electronic logbooks detailing sales, including agent names, quantities, purchaser information, intended use, and sale timestamps. Identification verification and entry in the logbook are prerequisites for sales. The Secretary is tasked with maintaining a list of highly infectious agents and setting criteria for logbook maintenance. Criminal penalties apply for false entries, and logbook information is protected but can be disclosed to relevant authorities for enforcement or public health purposes.

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

Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8075
Date Introduced: April 18, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Miller of West Virginia
Co-Sponsor(s): Mrs. Miller-Meeks, Ms. Strickland, Mr. Blumenauer

Summary: This bill proposes amendments to the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage for staff-assisted home dialysis, ensuring access to certain hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. It mandates educating all patients on dialysis modality options and facilitates resources and support for successful modality adoption. Notably, it requires an increase in Medicare payments for staff-assisted home dialysis services and establishes regulations for payment amounts. Additionally, it calls for patient education on home dialysis opportunities and training for patients and their care partners in furnishing staff-assisted home dialysis. The bill also addresses disparities in home dialysis utilization, rural access, and quality of life outcomes, aiming for equitable access and improved patient decision-making tools.

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

Contacting All Local Legislators Act (CALL Act)
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8060
Date Introduced: April 18, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Van Orden
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Mast

Summary: This bill proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act to require notification of appropriate elected officials before refugee placement in a State. It mandates that before placing refugees, the authorities must inform the Senators, House Representatives, and state legislature elected officials representing the concerned area within the State. This notification ensures elected officials are aware of refugee resettlement plans and can address any concerns or provide support as needed, enhancing transparency and accountability in the resettlement process.

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

Stop the Baseline Bloat Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8068
Date Introduced: April 18, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Grothman
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Cloud, Ms. Mace, Mr. Norman, Mr. Ogles, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Case

Summary: This bill seeks to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 by excluding resources designated as emergency requirements or provided in supplemental appropriations laws from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline projections for discretionary appropriations. By making this amendment, the bill aims to prevent the inflation of baseline projections due to emergency or supplemental spending and promote more accurate budgeting practices and fiscal responsibility.

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

Police Our Border Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8146
Date Introduced: April 29, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. D'Esposito
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: The bill requires the Attorney General to submit a report to Congress within 180 days of enactment on the impact of the border crisis on law enforcement at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels. The report should include information on resources devoted to addressing the border crisis, exposure of law enforcement officers to fentanyl, injuries connected to the crisis or fentanyl exposure, and the morale of law enforcement officers.

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