Bills of The Day:

End Judge Shopping Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4096
Date Introduced: April 10, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Schumer
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Wyden, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Blumenthal, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Fetterman, Mr. Markey, Mr. Reed, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Warnock, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Butler, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Merkley, Ms. Warren, Mr. Kaine, Ms. Smith, Mr. Booker, Mr. Welch, Mr. Warner, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. King, Mr. Carper, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Schatz, Ms. Rosen, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Peters, Mr. Coons, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Lujan, and Mr. Casey

Summary: The bill proposes an amendment to title 28 of the United States Code, introducing a new provision for the random assignment of certain cases in U.S. district courts. Specifically, it targets civil actions that challenge the constitutionality or lawfulness of federal or state laws and require equitable relief on a nationwide or statewide basis. The proposed legislation ensures that such cases are randomly assigned to judges within the respective district courts. It includes a definition section that clarifies what constitutes a "law," extending it to rules, regulations, policies, and orders from both executive branch and state or federal agencies. This approach aims to address issues related to judge shopping in the legal system, ensuring a fair distribution of cases among district judges.

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

Save Our Shrimpers Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7932
Date Introduced: April 10, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Nehls
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Higgins of Louisiana, Mr. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Mr. Graves of Louisiana, Mr. Ezell, Mr. Moore of Alabama, Ms. Mace, Mr. Donalds, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Babin, Mr. Fry, Mrs. Luna, Ms. Letlow, and Mr. Bilirakis

Summary: This bill prohibits the use of federal funds by international financial institutions to finance foreign shrimp farms and related activities. Specifically, it mandates that the Secretary of the Treasury condition the provision of federal funds to these institutions on the requirement that the funds are not used for any activities related to shrimp farming, shrimp processing, or the export of shrimp in foreign countries. The bill also requires the Comptroller General to conduct an annual investigation to assess compliance by United States Executive Directors at specified international financial institutions, with a written report on their compliance with opposition to assistance for the production or extraction of export commodities or minerals in surplus on world markets. The first report must be submitted within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

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

Pink Tariffs Study Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7927
Date Introduced: April 10, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Fletcher
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Pettersen, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Beyer, Ms. Kuster, and Mr. Kilmer

Summary: The bill mandates a study to investigate the potential regressive nature and gender bias of tariff rates assessed by the United States on imported goods. The study, coordinated by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with other relevant agencies, aims to understand the extent to which U.S. tariff rates on imports burden consumers disproportionately, with a focus on gender bias and income level. It seeks to determine whether tariffs on common consumer goods are higher compared to luxury items, if there's a gender-based bias (such as higher tariffs on women's clothing versus men's), and how these effects are disaggregated across various consumer categories, including gender, household type, and income level. The results of the study, which must be submitted to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment, will also cover any other relevant issues regarding the unequal impact of tariffs on different consumer groups in the United States.

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

Teen Dating Violence Prevention Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7930
Date Introduced: April 10, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Kuster
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Molinaro, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, and Mr. Fitzpatrick

Summary: The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to award grants for developing educational resources or training on preventing teen dating violence and promoting healthy relationships in schools and youth-serving organizations. The grant program will support developing and providing resources that raise awareness, offer professional development training, and conduct workshops to prevent teen dating violence. It aims to support or expand existing resources and programs that work towards the same goal. The bill defines "teen dating violence" and specifies the types of resources and training eligible for grant funding, including materials designed to improve awareness, professional development for teachers and staff, and workshops for students, parents, and teachers. It also mandates that those providing or developing resources or training be adequately trained and involve various stakeholders in the process. The bill authorizes appropriations of $10 million for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 to fund these programs.

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

Corporate Tax Dodging Prevention Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7933
Date Introduced: April 10, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Schakowsky
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: The bill seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the treatment of foreign corporations, particularly addressing issues related to corporate tax avoidance and revenue loss. It reintroduces a progressive corporate tax rate structure, with rates ranging from 15% to 35% based on taxable income levels, to ensure a fairer tax system for corporations with varying incomes. It also introduces measures to equalize tax rates on domestic and foreign income and requires country-by-country application of the foreign tax credit limitation. Additional provisions include repealing the check-the-box rules for certain foreign entities, restricting treaty benefits for corporations managed and controlled in the United States, and limiting the deduction of interest by domestic corporations that are part of international financial reporting groups. The bill modifies foreign tax credit rules for industries receiving specific economic benefits and accelerates changes to base erosion and anti-abuse tax rules. It also introduces limitations on treaty benefits for certain deductible payments and income attributable to permanent establishments in third countries. These changes aim to curb corporate tax avoidance strategies and promote tax fairness.

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