Bills of The Day:

Higher Education Innovation Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4138
Date Introduced: April 17, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Bennet
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Rubio

Summary: The proposed bill introduces an alternative authorization system for innovative, high-quality higher education providers to participate in federal programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. It establishes the role of "innovation authorizers" to evaluate entities based on outcomes and performance metrics. Eligible entities may include traditional institutions and new providers offering degrees, certificates, or industry-recognized credentials. These entities must adhere to outcome-based oversight and demonstrate educational quality by surpassing minimum performance thresholds. The bill aims to encourage flexibility and innovation in post-secondary education by allowing alternative providers to contribute to educational landscapes. It includes provisions for financial accountability, ensuring authorizers share risks related to student loan defaults.

Next Action: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Flood Insurance Relief Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4143
Date Introduced: April 17, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Scott of Florida
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This legislation proposes an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to introduce an above-the-line deduction for flood insurance premiums. It allows individuals to deduct qualified flood insurance premiums paid for insuring properties they own. The deduction is subject to an adjusted gross income limitation of $200,000 for individual filers and $400,000 for joint filers. Qualified premiums include those related to the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance, along with certain surcharges and fees mandated federally. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on property owners in flood-prone areas by making flood insurance more affordable through tax incentives.

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

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4127
Date Introduced: April 16, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Scott of South Carolina
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Casey, Mr. Lankford, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Moran, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Boozman, Ms. Cortez Masto, Ms. Collins, Mr. Coons, Mr. Crapo, Ms. Sinema, Mr. Grassley, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Hawley, Mr. Hickenlooper, Mrs. Britt, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Fetterman, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Cornyn, Ms. Hassan, Mrs. Capito, Ms. Cantwell

Summary: This legislation proposes to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism for enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws in educational programs or activities. The bill acknowledges the rise of antisemitism impacting Jewish students across educational levels and emphasizes the necessity of recognizing various forms of antisemitism. It aligns with the White House's strategy to counter antisemitism, aiming to increase awareness, ensure safety, and foster community collaboration against this form of discrimination. It specifies that while investigating claims under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Department of Education should consider if antisemitic intent motivated actions based on Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics.

Next Action: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Clergy Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4126
Date Introduced: April 16, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Britt
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Hassan

Summary: The bill provides a specific period when clergy members can revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage. This revocation opportunity applies to ordained ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners who previously chose to opt out of Social Security. The proposed legislation allows these individuals to file a revocation application no later than the due date for their second tax return after December 31, 2025. Once revoked, they cannot reapply for exemption, ensuring a permanent re-entry into the Social Security system. This act aims to address the financial security of clergy members by allowing them to opt into receiving Social Security benefits, which they had initially foregone.

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

Pacific Partnership Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4148
Date Introduced: April 17, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Cortez Masto
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Ernst

Summary: This bill seeks to enhance the United States' engagement with the Pacific Islands region. It outlines a comprehensive approach to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic relationships based on mutual interests and shared challenges. The legislation emphasizes cooperation on security, economic development, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship. It aims to support democratic governance, human rights, and cultural heritage preservation in the region. The bill also proposes creating a strategic plan, the "Strategy for Pacific Partnership," to guide U.S. efforts, set to be updated every four years. Additionally, it promotes coordination with key allies such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan and supports regional organizations like the Pacific Islands Forum.

Next Action: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.