Bills of The Day:

Think Differently Transportation Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4107
Date Introduced: April 11, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Duckworth
Co-Sponsor(s): Mrs. Capito

Summary: The Think Differently Transportation Act requires Amtrak to report to Congress on its compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in relation to Amtrak trains and stations. It amends Section 24315(b) of Title 49, United States Code, adding a requirement for Amtrak to develop an action plan to bring non-compliant railcars and stations into compliance with the ADA, as mandated by a 2020 settlement agreement between Amtrak and the Department of Justice. The Act mandates status reports on Amtrak-served stations, detailing their compliance timelines, particularly for stations where Amtrak has shared or sole responsibility for compliance, as outlined by the settlement agreement. The report should identify entities responsible for compliance when Amtrak is not solely accountable, providing a timeline for compliance and a comprehensive station assessment covering the building, platform, path to train, and parking areas.

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

State Boating Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4113
Date Introduced: April 11, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Shaheen
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Crapo, Mr. Risch

Summary: The State Boating Act allows states to require payment of state fees related to boating as a condition for issuing a vessel number. The Act amends Section 12307 of Title 46, United States Code, to authorize states to impose fees for search and rescue operations, boating safety measures, and efforts to address aquatic invasive species, among others. It also enables state issuing authorities to collect such fees in conjunction with other fees associated with vessel numbering. By permitting states to integrate these fees into their vessel numbering processes, the Act aims to support state-level boating-related services and safety operations. This bill aligns with a broader strategy to bolster state autonomy in managing boating activities and environmental concerns linked to aquatic invasive species.

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

Climate Change Education Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7946
Date Introduced: April 11, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Dingell
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Brownley, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Panetta, Ms. Norton, Mr. Morelle, Mr. Huffman, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Castor of Florida, Ms. Pressley

Summary: The Climate Change Education Act mandates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a Climate Change Education Program within its Office of Education to increase climate literacy in the United States. The program aims to broaden the understanding of climate change and its impact, promote climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, and focus on climate justice and resilience. Through grants and cooperative agreements, the Act supports climate literacy initiatives for grades 4 through 12, climate-related research at institutions of higher education, professional development for educators, and community-based climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. The Act also seeks to allocate funds to address environmental justice and establish specific partnerships among educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to advance climate education. The bill emphasizes the importance of preparing students and professionals to engage with climate change challenges and pursue green economy careers. Additionally, it authorizes $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2030 to implement the Climate Change Education Program and requires NOAA to submit annual reports to Congress evaluating the program's effectiveness and broader impacts.

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

Ransomware and Financial Stability Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7965
Date Introduced: April 11, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Pettersen
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. McHenry

Summary: The Ransomware and Financial Stability Act of 2024 adds provisions related to ransomware attack deterrence to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The bill targets ransomware attacks on covered U.S. financial institutions, imposing new requirements on such institutions to combat and report ransomware incidents. Under this Act, a covered U.S. financial institution cannot make a ransomware payment exceeding $100,000 without a ransomware payment authorization from a federal law enforcement agency. The institution must also submit a notification detailing the ransomware attack to the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network before making any payment. The bill provides for a safe harbor for financial institutions that comply with these new requirements and establishes a waiver mechanism in case a ransomware payment is in the national interest. The Act restricts public disclosure of information provided to federal law enforcement agencies to ensure confidentiality. It also defines key terms like "ransomware attack," "ransomware payment," and "covered U.S. financial institution." The Act sets a sunset clause, repealing the provisions 10 years after the specified applicability date. It is designed to enhance the resilience and cybersecurity of the U.S. financial system by deterring ransomware attacks and ensuring proper reporting and regulatory compliance.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Financial Services for further consideration.

Corporate Tax Dodging Prevention Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4098
Date Introduced: April 10, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Sanders
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: The bill aims to address corporate tax avoidance by modifying the Internal Revenue Code. It proposes the restoration of progressive corporate tax rates, applying rates from 15% to 35% based on taxable income thresholds. The legislation also introduces changes to the treatment of foreign corporations, including revising definitions of subpart F income and altering foreign tax credit limitations to ensure country-by-country application based on taxable units. The bill repeals check-the-box rules for certain foreign entities and establishes limits on the deduction of interest by domestic corporations in international financial reporting groups. Further provisions address modifications to rules relating to inverted corporations, treatment of foreign corporations managed and controlled in the U.S., and acceleration of modifications to base erosion and anti-abuse tax. It also addresses modifications of foreign tax credit rules for specific industries receiving economic benefits, introduces limitations on treaty benefits for certain deductible payments, and repeals the deduction for foreign-derived intangible income. These provisions collectively aim to curb corporate tax avoidance and close loopholes in international tax regulations.

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