Bills of The Day:

Start Applying Labor Transparency Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7784
Date Introduced: March 21, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Owens
Co-Sponsor(s): Not specified

Summary: This bill seeks to amend the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to enhance transparency in labor organization activities. It mandates detailed reporting of payments, loans, or other transactions by labor organizations intended to influence employee collective bargaining decisions, specifically those not already disclosed to affected employees. New provisions require labor organizations to report agreements to persuade employees regarding their rights to organize, including using consultants for these purposes. The bill also outlines requirements for individuals receiving payments to influence labor activities, ensuring all transactions are reported within thirty days and detailed annually, including the sources and purposes of such payments.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7791
Date Introduced: March 22, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Titus
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Stevens, Mr. Hill, Mr. Beyer, Ms. Tenney

Summary: The proposed legislation modifies the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for U.S. nationals detained or held hostage abroad by postponing tax deadlines, abating penalties, and refunding late fees paid. The bill ensures that the tax obligations and associated penalties for affected individuals are suspended during the period of their detention and extends these provisions to their spouses. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a system for the annual identification of such individuals by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General. It also specifies procedures for refunding or abating charges incurred due to non-compliance with tax deadlines during detention, aiming to alleviate financial burdens during and after such traumatic experiences.

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

Thriving Community Gardens Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7796
Date Introduced: March 22, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Brown
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Plaskett, Mr. Carey, Mr. Jackson of Illinois

Summary: The Thriving Community Gardens Act aims to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, enabling the use of Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants to establish and sustain school and community gardens. This bill integrates garden projects into the broader educational framework to promote healthy lifestyles through nutritional education and physical activities. It recognizes gardens as vital tools for learning and community engagement, and includes provisions for the Department of Education to collect data from local educational agencies. The goal is to identify and disseminate best practices for the implementation and upkeep of these gardens, thereby enhancing educational outcomes and community well-being.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Ocean Restoration Research and Development Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7797
Date Introduced: March 22, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Carter of Georgia
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: The Ocean Restoration Research and Development Act establishes a pilot program under the Department of Energy to explore and develop ocean iron fertilization and other marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR) techniques. The initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of these methods in large-scale carbon sequestration and ocean restoration. The program includes applied research, demonstration projects, and extensive environmental impact studies. It involves collaboration with various federal agencies, educational institutions, and private sector entities to enhance understanding and implementation of these technologies, which mimic natural processes to increase ocean productivity and potentially mitigate climate change impacts.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causing Harm Act (CATCH Act)
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7799
Date Introduced: March 22, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Castro of Texas

Summary: The CATCH Act mandates the Department of Justice to provide an annual report on its efforts to prosecute firearms trafficking to the Caribbean. The act highlights the significant role of illicit firearms sourced from the U.S. in escalating violence and forced migration in the Caribbean. It addresses the findings that many firearms used in Caribbean crimes originate from the U.S., notably Florida. The act aims to enhance oversight of the Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions, emphasizing coordination with various U.S. and international agencies to stem the flow of illegal firearms and bolster regional security.

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