Bills of The Day:

ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7989
Date Introduced: April 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Molinaro
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Pappas

Summary: This bill establishes a partnership between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Council on Disability to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It focuses on aiding these individuals in becoming entrepreneurs or finding employment within small businesses. The bill mandates the creation of a memorandum of understanding to streamline these efforts, facilitating outreach, education, and support for small businesses in hiring and accommodating individuals with disabilities. It also requires a comprehensive report within two years, detailing the implementation progress, analysis of expanded technical capabilities of the SBA, and future plans to further enhance employment opportunities for this demographic.

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

Every Town A Border Town Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7875
Date Introduced: April 5, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Good
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: The legislation mandates the Secretary of State to officially designate the international gang MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation is to be in line with the existing frameworks provided by section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill further amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to specify that any member or affiliate of MS-13 is considered to have engaged in terrorist activities, impacting their immigration status and treatment under U.S. law. This move aims to facilitate tougher immigration measures and enhanced law enforcement capabilities against members of this organization.

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

Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4053
Date Introduced: March 22, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Blumenthal
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Markey, Ms. Warren

Summary: This bill enforces restrictions against the sale, lease, or loan of used motor vehicles with open recalls by auto dealers. It aims to protect consumers by ensuring that all used vehicles offered by dealers are free from any safety recalls before the transaction. The bill amends relevant sections of the United States Code to define terms, impose dealer reimbursement responsibilities for unrepaired vehicles, and outline conditions under which a dealer can proceed with transactions involving recalled vehicles. It sets forth conditions for the reimbursement rates and caps while ensuring that remedies are provided to address defects or compliance issues before a vehicle is sold, leased, or loaned.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Health Care Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4054
Date Introduced: March 22, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Warner
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill introduces amendments to Medicare payment programs to incorporate cybersecurity requirements. It mandates that healthcare providers must meet defined minimum cybersecurity standards to qualify for accelerated and advance Medicare payments in cases where these are requested due to disruptions caused by cybersecurity incidents. The legislation specifies that both the healthcare providers and their intermediaries, if impacted by a cybersecurity incident, are required to comply with these cybersecurity standards before such payments can be disbursed. This initiative aims to enhance the security protocols of healthcare entities, thereby safeguarding sensitive patient information and operational continuity.

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

Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7872
Date Introduced: April 5, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Curtis
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Neguse, Mr. Ciscomani, Ms. Stansbury, Ms. Hageman, Mr. Owens, Mr. Moore of Utah, Ms. Maloy, Ms. Leger Fernandez, Mrs. Napolitano

Summary: The bill proposes amendments to the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act, focusing on reallocating and clarifying costs associated with salinity control units. It modifies the distribution of reimbursable and nonreimbursable costs, particularly emphasizing federal responsibility due to the interstate nature of the Colorado River and international considerations with Mexico. The bill revises funding mechanisms, enhancing support for construction, operation, and maintenance of salinity control projects. This includes increased federal shares for certain projects and special provisions for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, aiming to improve water quality and manage salinity levels effectively across the Colorado River Basin.

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