Bills of The Day:

Jobs Now Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7885
Date Introduced: April 5, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Wilson of Florida
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill proposes a two-year pilot program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to provide competitive grants to local governments and community-based organizations. The primary aim is to prevent layoffs and promote employment within public services by ensuring at least 50% of the funds are used to retain current employees at risk due to budget constraints. Remaining funds may be utilized to create new jobs or train individuals for public service roles. Specific priorities include helping veterans, those with disabilities, the unemployed, and dislocated workers. High unemployment, foreclosure, and poverty rates in applicant regions will be considered advantageous in the awarding of grants. The Secretary is also tasked with reporting on the program's effectiveness and establishing best practices for its execution.

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

Toxic Exposures Examination Improvement Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7883
Date Introduced: April 5, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Self
Co-Sponsor(s): Not specified

Summary: This legislation seeks to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to enhance the medical examination process for veterans claiming disability compensation due to toxic exposures. It modifies the criteria for when the Department of Veterans Affairs must provide a medical examination to support a claim, stipulating that an exam is necessary when existing evidence lacks sufficient medical detail to determine the claim’s validity. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the requirements for the inclusion of toxic exposure information in veterans' health tracking systems. This adjustment ensures that veterans' records accurately reflect their exposure to harmful substances, aiding in the substantiation and processing of their claims.

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

Stop Taxes Against Menstrual Products Act of 2024 (STAMP Act of 2024)
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7905
Date Introduced: April 9, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Green of Texas
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Meng, Ms. Adams, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Bowman, Mr. Carson, Mr. Casten, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ms. Chu, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Connolly, Ms. Escobar, Mrs. Foushee, Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida, Ms. Garcia of Texas, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Norton, Ms. Jackson Lee, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Nadler, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Ross, Mr. Ruiz, Ms. Salinas, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Sewell, Ms. Tlaib, Mrs. Torres of California, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Swalwell

Summary: This bill aims to eliminate state and local taxes on menstrual products across the United States, classifying such products as essential items not subject to sales tax. Defined products include sanitary napkins, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear that meet industry standards. The legislation seeks to ensure equity in taxation, recognizing the necessity of these products and aiming to reduce financial burdens associated with their purchase, particularly affecting those with lower incomes.

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

Veterans Housing Stability Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7898
Date Introduced: April 9, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Deluzio
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Moylan

Summary: This bill amends Title 38, United States Code, to improve the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs' housing loans to prevent or resolve loan defaults. Key provisions include enhancing the Secretary’s authority to impose moratoriums on foreclosures and establish periods of forbearance during national emergencies or significant crises. Additionally, it introduces a Partial Claim Program allowing the Secretary to purchase a portion of a loan's indebtedness to help veterans avoid default. This program stipulates that the loan holder acts as an agent of the Secretary, with responsibilities including loan servicing and ensuring compliance with necessary actions like document processing and recording.

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

Housing Vouchers Fairness Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7901
Date Introduced: April 9, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Gallego
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Titus

Summary: This bill proposes an allocation of $2 billion for rental vouchers specifically designated for high population growth areas. It amends Section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide additional assistance to eligible public housing agencies. These agencies are characterized by serving areas with populations over 100,000 and ranking among the top 25 U.S. areas in terms of population growth from 2012 to 2022. The funding aims to address disparities in housing affordability that have not been adequately met by existing voucher allocations, which have failed to keep pace with significant population increases.

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