Bills of The Day:

Medicaid Bump Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3921
Date Introduced: March 12, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Smith (D-MN)
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Stabenow (D-MI)

Summary: This bill proposes an amendment to the Social Security Act to increase the federal matching rate to 90% for expenditures exceeding past amounts on behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use, under Medicaid. It sets forth accountability and maintenance of effort requirements for states, mandating that additional federal funding be used to enhance, not replace, existing state expenditures on behavioral health services and to improve service delivery, capacity, and quality. The bill also includes provisions for sub-regulatory guidance on defining behavioral health services and requires annual reporting on the provision, payment rates, and utilization of such services under Medicaid.

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

Right to Vote Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3916
Date Introduced: March 12, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Ossoff (D-GA)
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Klobuchar (D-MN), Mr. Warnock (D-GA), Mr. Padilla (D-CA), Mr. King (I-ME), Mr. Merkley (D-OR), Mr. Wyden (D-OR)

Summary: This legislation affirms the fundamental right of every citizen of legal voting age to vote in federal elections. It prohibits governmental actions that would diminish or substantially impair this ability, requiring that any laws or policies that affect voting rights must be the least restrictive means to achieve an important government interest. The bill sets standards for judicial review of voting rights violations, ensuring rapid court proceedings and providing for the recovery of attorney's fees by plaintiffs. It applies broadly to all U.S. states, territories, and possessions, aiming to protect and enhance access to the ballot box.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Stop Secret Spending Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3926
Date Introduced: March 12, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Ernst (R-IA)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This act amends the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to include reporting of "other transaction agreements" on USAspending.gov, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in federal spending. It mandates the creation of a unique identifier for these agreements and requires annual reports on federal spending not disclosed on the website, outlining the reasons for non-disclosure. Furthermore, it specifies the responsibilities of federal agencies and their inspector generals in ensuring reported information's completeness, accuracy, and compliance. It establishes procedures for determining which federal agencies and components must report their spending under these new guidelines.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Yes in God's Backyard Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3910
Date Introduced: March 12, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Brown (D-OH)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This act aims to support faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and local governments in removing barriers and increasing the supply of affordable rental housing. It establishes a program to provide technical assistance for developing and preserving affordable rental housing on properties owned by faith-based organizations and higher education institutions. Additionally, it creates a Challenge Grant program, awarding competitive grants to entities that demonstrate policies encouraging such housing development. The act focuses on supporting housing for low-income families, the homeless, individuals with disabilities, and other special needs populations while ensuring equitable access to well-resourced areas.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Refrigerator Freedom Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 763
Date Introduced: March 12, 2024
Sponsor: Mrs. Miller-Meeks (R-IA)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill aims to restrict the Department of Energy from setting or enforcing energy conservation standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers unless those standards are both technologically feasible and economically justified. It emphasizes that any new or amended energy conservation standards must not result in additional net costs to consumers, including costs associated with purchase, installation, maintenance, disposal, and replacement. Moreover, it stipulates that standards should not be prescribed or enforced if they do not contribute to significant energy conservation, ensuring that regulatory actions align with technological capabilities and economic considerations.

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