Bills of The Day:

Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act
Bill Code: H.R. 7521
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Date Introduced: March 5, 2024
Sponsor: Gallagher (R-WI)
Co-Sponsor(s): Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Stefanik (R-NY), Castor (D-FL), Latta (R-OH), Carson (D-IN), Hern (R-OK), Moulton (D-MA), Roy (R-TX), Sherrill (D-NJ), Mr. Dunn (R-FL), Stevens (D-MI), Norman (R-SC), Auchincloss (D-MA), Cammack (R-FL), Torres (D-NY), Moolenaar (R-MI), Brown (D-OH), Gottheimer (D-NJ), Hinson (R-IA)

Summary: The bill aims to safeguard national security against threats posed by applications controlled by foreign adversaries, specifically targeting TikTok, its successors, and other applications developed or provided by ByteDance Ltd. or its controlled entities. This bill makes it unlawful within U.S. borders to distribute, maintain, or update such applications through app marketplaces or hosting services. It mandates that, prior to prohibitions taking effect, entities must provide users with their data in a readable format, including content and account information. The act provides exemptions for qualified divestitures, ensuring the application is no longer foreign adversary controlled and sets forth civil penalties for violations. Furthermore, it emphasizes a judicial review process for challenges against the Act, conferring exclusive jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and establishing specific time frames for filing petitions.

Next Action: It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024
Bill Code: S. 3891
House of Congress: Senate
Date Introduced: March 7, 2024
Sponsor: Carper (D-DE)
Co-Sponsors: Capito (R-WV), Kelly (D-AZ), Cramer (R-ND)

Summary: This legislation aims to amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to modernize and expand federal economic development investments across the United States. Key focus areas include enhancing community resilience and competitiveness, updating and expanding infrastructure investments, and fostering job creation and business development. The bill introduces measures for better coordination of federal economic development efforts, promotes renewable energy and workforce training, and establishes new offices for Tribal Economic Development and Disaster Recovery and Resilience. Additionally, it includes provisions for updating the criteria for area distress and supports the development of comprehensive economic development strategies.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

End Double Taxation of Successful Consumer Claims Act
Bill Code: H.R. 6699
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Date Introduced: December 11, 2023
Sponsor: Horsford (D-NV)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This proposal would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, introducing an above-the-line deduction for attorney fees and costs related to consumer claim awards. It expands eligible claims to include various consumer protection violations, such as unfair or deceptive trade practices, under various Federal laws, including the Truth in Lending Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This amendment aims to alleviate the financial burden on consumers by preventing double taxation on the recovered amounts from consumer protection violations.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act
Bill Code: S. 3860
House of Congress: Senate
Date Introduced: March 5, 2024
Sponsor: Merkley (D-OR)
Co-sponsors: Butler (D-CA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Fetterman (D-PA)

Summary: Title XVIII of the Social Security Act would be amended to protect patients by limiting mandatory overtime hours that nurses may be required to work in Medicare-participating facilities. It prohibits requiring nurses to work beyond their scheduled shifts, over 48 hours in a workweek, or more than 12 consecutive hours. Exceptions include declared emergencies or disasters, with conditions ensuring efforts to fill staffing needs through other means. The bill enforces whistleblower protections for nurses, prohibits discrimination against nurses refusing mandatory overtime, mandates a policy for documenting mandatory overtime, and sets civil penalties for violations. It establishes standards for safe working hours for nurses through a study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and reports on mandatory overtime practices in federally operated medical facilities.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Finance.

Terminate the United States-People's Republic of China Income Tax Convention if the People's Liberation Army Initiates an Armed Attack Against Taiwan
Bill Code: S. 3861
House of Congress: Senate
Date Introduced: March 5, 2024
Sponsor: Cornyn (R-TX)
Co-sponsors: Coons (D-DE), Cassidy (R-LA), Cortez Masto (D-NV)

Summary: This bill mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a notice of intent to terminate the United States-People's Republic of China Income Tax Convention, established in 1984 and enacted in 1987, within 30 days following a presidential notification that the People's Liberation Army has launched an armed attack on Taiwan. The Tax Convention is an agreement between the U.S. and China to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion on income earned in either country. It also requires the President to inform the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the Senate Committee on Finance of such termination.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.