Bills of The Day:

Protecting Against Foreign Adversary Investments Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7678
Date Introduced: March 13, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Slotkin
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Moore of Utah

Summary: This bill amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to enhance scrutiny of real estate transactions by foreign entities of concern in the United States. It specifies the Committee on Foreign Investment's authority to review purchases or leases exceeding $1 million in value or 100 acres in size, including aggregate transactions over three years. The definition of "foreign entity of concern" aligns with the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Additionally, the bill introduces factors for assessing the national security implications of transactions, mandates declarations for certain real estate transactions, and requires reports on the national security risks of real estate ownership by foreign entities of concern. It also outlines best practices for state and local officials when dealing with foreign entities, aiming to mitigate risks to national security.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Energy and Commerce, and Intelligence.

Taxpayer-Funded Union Time Transparency Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7692
Date Introduced: March 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Scott Franklin of Florida
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This legislation mandates that the heads of federal agencies annually report to Congress and publish on their websites detailed information regarding the use of official time under Section 7131 of Title 5, United States Code. This includes the cost of official time, purposes for authorizations, and detailed data on employees using official time, such as their positions, pay rates, hours spent, and the work percentage represented by these hours. Agencies must also report on labor organization use of agency property, including the monetary value and any reimbursements collected, as well as expenses for activities related to official time. Furthermore, the bill requires an explanation for any increase in official time usage compared to the previous year, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability regarding the use of taxpayer funds for union-related activities within federal agencies.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Gifts for Officials, Legislators, and Delegate (GOLD) Standard Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7689
Date Introduced: March 15, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Craig
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Mace, Mr. Sorensen, Mr. Kim of New Jersey

Summary: This bill proposes a significant amendment to Title 18 of the United States Code, specifically redefining the term "official act" within the context of federal bribery laws. The newly defined term would encompass a broader range of activities, including any decision, action, approval, disapproval, recommendation, rendering of advice, or investigation regarding any question, matter, cause, suit, proceeding, or controversy. This definition is applicable whether these are currently pending or may be brought before any public official in their official capacity or in their place of trust or profit. The amendment aims to address and close loopholes in the current legal framework to ensure a more comprehensive and explicit prohibition against bribery, thereby upholding higher standards of integrity and accountability among public officials.

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

Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3936
Date Introduced: March 14, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Schmitt
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Duckworth

Summary: This legislation directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of State, to engage with Taiwanese authorities to expand cooperation on civilian space activities within 90 days of enactment. It aims to identify and pursue initiatives in space exploration, space applications, and science that are mutually beneficial, adhering to the Taiwan Relations Act and relevant export regulations. This includes collaboration on satellite and space exploration programs, atmospheric and weather programs, personnel exchanges with the Taiwan Space Agency, and activities related to commercial space technology and services. The bill mandates measures to safeguard sensitive information, intellectual property, and the economic interests of the United States. It also requires an annual report to Congress for five years on the implementation of these efforts, outlining cooperation activities, challenges, resource gaps, and other relevant matters.

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

No Russian Tunnel to Crimea Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7701
Date Introduced: March 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Meeks
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Wilson of South Carolina

Summary: This bill mandates the imposition of sanctions on any foreign individual or entity knowingly involved in the construction, maintenance, or repair of a tunnel or bridge linking the Russian mainland with the Crimean peninsula, an area internationally recognized as part of Ukraine but annexed by Russia in 2014. The sanctions include blocking all transactions in property and interests in property within the United States or under the control of a U.S. person. It also denies U.S. entry to involved foreign individuals by declaring them inadmissible and revoking any existing visas. The legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive information and the economic interests of the United States. Exceptions are provided for activities necessary to fulfill international obligations, humanitarian assistance, and authorized national security activities. The President can grant a waiver if it is deemed vital to the national security interests of the United States.

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