Bills of The Day:

Ukraine Aid Transparency Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3903
Date Introduced: March 11, 2024
Sponsor: Vance (R-OH)
Co-Sponsor(s): Lee (R-UT)

Summary: This bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 to enhance the reporting requirements on U.S. assistance to Ukraine. It mandates quarterly reports that include a detailed accounting of all U.S. government expenditures for Ukraine and affected countries since February 24, 2022. These reports need to be broken down by funding category and include details on money given through both the usual and extra funding processes, any money moved around, and the total spending power. Additionally, the reports are to detail contributions from allied partners, list all weapons and weapon systems sent to Ukraine, account for remaining funds authorized for disbursement, and outline any outstanding or anticipated costs related to U.S. assistance. The act aims to ensure transparency and accountability in providing aid to Ukraine and affected regions, offering a comprehensive overview of financial commitments and the logistical details of military support.

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

Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7619
Date Introduced: March 11, 2024
Sponsor: Neguse (D-CO)
Co-Sponsor(s): Zinke (R-MO)

Summary: This bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide guidance to states on improving education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder care providers within Medicaid and CHIP programs, specifically aiming at enhancing service capacity in rural and underserved areas. The guidance is to be issued within 12 months of the enactment of this act and will outline strategies, including the use of waivers and other authorities under Medicaid and CHIP. The focus is on bolstering the workforce dedicated to mental health and substance use disorder care, addressing critical gaps in provider availability and expertise, and ensuring more accessible and effective care for individuals in need across diverse communities.

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

Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act (SAFE Act)
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7618
Date Introduced: March 11, 2024
Sponsor: Miller (R-WV)
Co-Sponsor(s): Stansbury (D-NM)

Summary: This bill proposes an amendment to the Social Security Act to recognize physical therapists and occupational therapists as health professionals within the framework of the annual wellness visit and initial preventive physical exam under the Medicare program. Specifically, it introduces provisions for individuals determined to have fallen in the previous year to include a fall risk assessment and fall prevention services in their annual wellness visits. It details the inclusion of physical and occupational therapists in providing these services, aiming to address and mitigate the risks and impacts of falls among the elderly. The act is structured to enhance Medicare's preventive care options, emphasizing fall prevention for at-risk individuals. Furthermore, it mandates annual reports to Congress starting from January 1, 2026, on the incidence of falls among individuals aged 65 and older, aiming to track and improve outcomes over time.

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

Prohibition on Funding for Building or Rebuilding in Gaza
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7616
Date Introduced: March 11, 2024
Sponsor: Mast (R-FL)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill seeks to enforce a prohibition on allocating federal funds for any construction or reconstruction projects in the Gaza Strip. It explicitly states that no federal funds are authorized to be used for such purposes from the date of the bill's enactment. This includes any financial assistance aimed at infrastructure development, repair, or building efforts within the Gaza Strip. The legislation aims to restrict financial support from the United States for development activities in this specific geographic area, impacting how federal funding can be used in international aid and development projects.

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

Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash Act (PARC Act)
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7620
Date Introduced: March 11, 2024
Sponsor: Norman (R-SC)
Co-Sponsor(s): Peltola (R-AK), Posey (R-FL), Rose (R-TN), Rouzer (R-NC), Lamborn (R-CO), Mace (R-SC), Carter (R-GA), Zinke (R-MO), Rosendale (R-MO), Boebert (R-CO)

Summary: This legislation proposes an amendment to the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to mandate the acceptance of cash payments for entrance fees across all units of the National Park System. The amendment seeks to ensure that visitors have the option to use cash as a payment method for entrance fees, thereby safeguarding accessibility and convenience for all park visitors, regardless of their preference or ability to pay electronically. This move aims to preserve traditional payment options and ensure equitable access to national parks for individuals who may rely on or prefer cash transactions.

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