Bills of The Day:

Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H. R. 8023
Date Introduced: April 16, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Kelly of Illinois
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Balderson

Summary: This bill mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to include specific information on scams disproportionately impacting seniors during emergencies in its reports under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. The Chair of the FTC must provide the number and types of such scams identified, policy efforts and recommendations to prevent them, and enforcement actions taken against them. Additionally, the FTC must update its web portal with searchable information on scams affecting seniors and resources for reporting these scams. The FTC is also directed to coordinate with media outlets and law enforcement to disseminate this information to seniors, their families, and caregivers.

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

Timely Mail Delivery and Postal Services Protection Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H. R. 8000
Date Introduced: April 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Golden of Maine
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Pfluger

Summary: This bill aims to limit the closures and consolidations of United States Postal Service (USPS) mail processing facilities. It prohibits the USPS from implementing the Mail Processing Facility Review or any successor program, preventing federal funds from being used for such reviews. Additionally, the bill restricts the USPS from carrying out any changes to its mail processing operations, including consolidation or partial consolidation, until the Postal Regulatory Commission issues an advisory opinion on the proposed changes. The Commission is required to issue this opinion within 120 business days after receiving a proposed change from the USPS.

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

Combating Houthi Threats and Aggression Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H. R. 8001
Date Introduced: April 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Green of Tennessee
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Moskowitz, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Ms. Salazar, Mrs. Radewagen

Summary: This bill seeks to impose sanctions on the Houthis for their attacks on international shipping. It articulates the U.S. policy to work with allies and partners to ensure maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The bill outlines various reports on the capability of the Houthis to threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy goals, as well as on Houthi attacks that threaten freedom of navigation. It mandates reports on violations of the United Nations arms embargo against Yemen and on the Houthis' maritime capabilities, including missile and drone technology. The President is required to impose sanctions, including blocking property and denying visas, on individuals engaging in or supporting these attacks. Exceptions are made for intelligence and law enforcement activities, with the act terminating five years after its enactment.

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

Stop the Rate Hikes Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H. R. 8002
Date Introduced: April 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Harder of California
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill seeks to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require states to consider measures that limit the number of retail utility rate increases a utility company can request to one every 365 days. It aims to prevent utilities from seeking multiple rate increases in a single year, ensuring that consumers are not subjected to frequent rate hikes. By adding this provision to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, the bill intends to create a more stable environment for utility customers, reducing the financial burden caused by frequent rate increases.

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

Estate Tax Rate Reduction Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H. R. 7993
Date Introduced: April 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Arrington
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the rate of tax on estates, gifts, and generation-skipping transfers to 20 percent. It modifies several sections of the code to align with the new rate and ensures consistent terminology regarding the rate of tax. The bill also includes conforming amendments to other related sections, such as Section 2056A, Section 2107, and Section 2641, among others, to reflect the reduction in the tax rate. The amendments apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers, and gifts made after December 31, 2022. Additionally, it specifies that the budgetary effects of this section will not be entered on either the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act scorecard or the Senate PAYGO scorecard.

Next Action: The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on the Budget.