Bills of The Day:

Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences Act or the PACE Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7536
Date Introduced: March 5, 2024
Sponsor: Davis (D-IL)
Co-Sponsor(s): Lawler (R-NY)

Summary: This bill aims to launch a comprehensive grant program to mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and foster positive environments for children. Under the oversight of the Secretary of Health and Human Services via the CDC, the program will allocate grants to states, territories, tribes, and local governments to implement evidence-based strategies and collaborations aimed at preventing ACEs such as violence, abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, family member suicide attempts, and growing up in households challenged by substance abuse, mental health issues, or incarceration. The initiative also involves improving data analysis on ACEs and promoting environments that nurture positive childhood experiences through family and community engagement, mentoring, and trauma-informed care approaches. Furthermore, the bill mandates research and longitudinal studies to explore the depth of individual ACEs' impact on health outcomes, including the role of historical trauma and community conditions, with an emphasis on creating safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for children.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for further review and consideration.

Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7535
Date Introduced: March 5, 2024
Sponsor: Caraveo (D-CO)
Co-Sponsor(s): Mann (R-KS)

Summary: Directs the Comptroller General to thoroughly examine the compensation and payment mechanisms tied to prescription drug prices within the retail drug supply chain. It aims to dissect the various structures among intermediaries like pharmacy benefit managers, wholesalers, and pharmacies, assessing their prevalence, business models, and potential conflicts of interest that may favor high-priced drugs. The study also intends to explore the trends and driving factors behind these pricing strategies and their variation across different market segments. A report with the study's outcomes and recommendations for legislative or administrative actions will be submitted to Congress within two years of the Act's enactment.

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

No Pay Until Peace Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7561
Date Introduced: March 6, 2024
Sponsor: Cleaver (D-MO)
Co-sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: Proposes a unique approach to encourage legislative action against gun violence by directly affecting the pay of Members of Congress following any mass shooting in the United States. The bill mandates a reduction in the annual pay of each Member by an amount proportional to the frequency of such incidents within a year. Specifically, it requires withholding one month's worth of pay for every month a mass shooting occurs, starting after the November 2024 federal elections. Additionally, the 118th Congress would introduce an escrow system where Members' salaries for pay periods following a mass shooting are held until the end of the Congress, ensuring compliance with the twenty-seventh amendment regarding variation in compensation, so it seems they would receive the withheld compensation after the holding period.

Next Action: The bill has been referred to the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Shrinkflation Reduction Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7570
Date Introduced: March 6, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Ogles
Co-sponsor(s): Harris (R-MD), Green (R-TN), Biggs (R-AZ)

Summary: The bill aims to address unspent federal funds by clawing back unobligated balances from three significant legislative acts: the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. This legislation seeks to reclaim unspent money allocated under these acts, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and potentially redirecting resources.

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

Young Adult Tax Credit Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7547
Date Introduced: March 5, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. McGarvey
Co-sponsor(s): Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Carson (D-IN), Landsman (D-OH), Lee (D-CA), Norton (D-DC), Ramirez (D-IL), Thanedar (D-MI)

Summary: The bill proposes a new refundable tax credit for young adults aged 18 to 25, aiming to provide financial support through a monthly payment of $500. This initiative seeks to address young adults' economic challenges, offering them additional support to navigate their transition into adulthood and independence. The legislation outlines eligibility criteria, including citizenship and residency requirements, and introduces mechanisms for advance payments and credit reconciliation to ensure accuracy and prevent abuse.

Next Action: The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Ways and Means.