Bills of The Day:

Tip Tax Termination Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7870
Date Introduced: April 5, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Bacon
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude up to $20,000 of eligible tips from an individual's gross income annually for five years. It defines eligible tips as those received in positions typically relying on gratuities, such as cosmetology, hospitality, and food service. The exclusion applies for income and employment tax purposes, with the exception that tips are still considered when calculating the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Credit. The bill includes provisions to maintain trust fund revenue by appropriating funds equivalent to the reductions caused by the tip exclusion. These changes are effective for tips received after December 31, 2023, and will not apply after December 31, 2028.

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

Ending Campus Encampments
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H. Res. 1212
Date Introduced: May 8, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Kiley
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This resolution addresses recent tent encampments on university campuses. It condemns these encampments as illegal, violating university policies, and often being linked to antisemitic threats, violence, and harassment. The resolution praises universities that have enforced the law by clearing the encampments while recognizing the right to lawful protest. It criticizes institutions that have negotiated with encampment occupants or made policy changes under pressure. The resolution finds it unacceptable for universities to cancel classes or graduations due to these protests and insists on protecting academic freedom and free speech. It calls on universities to collaborate with local law enforcement to remove encampments and maintain safe learning environments while ensuring noncompliant participants face appropriate consequences.

Next Action: The resolution was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Postal Operations Stay Timely And Local Act (POSTAL Act)
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8045
Date Introduced: April 17, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Hageman
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Pappas

Summary: This bill prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from closing, consolidating, or downgrading any processing and distribution center in a state if it would leave that state without a center or adversely affect mail delivery. Processing and distribution centers are defined as central mail facilities responsible for distributing and dispatching incoming and outgoing mail for a specified service area. They provide instructions on mail preparation, sorting requirements, and dispatch schedules. The facilities may include sectional center facilities, general mail facilities, or dedicated mail processing facilities without branches. This restriction applies to all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

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

Iranian Terror Prevention Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8011
Date Introduced: April 15, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Steube
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Alford, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Babin, Mr. Baird, Mr. Balderson, Mr. Banks, and others

Summary: The bill mandates that the Secretary of State designate certain groups, including Abu Fadl al-Abbas Brigades, Badr Organization, and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Secretary is required to do this within 90 days, and the President must determine within 60 days whether to apply sanctions under Executive Order 13224 to groups affiliated with or controlled by these organizations. These sanctions target entities or individuals supporting terrorism by blocking their property and prohibiting transactions. Additionally, the Secretary of State and President must submit regular reports on new entities meeting FTO requirements and explain any decisions not to impose sanctions.

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

Visa Integrity Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7822
Date Introduced: March 26, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Tony Gonzales of Texas
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish stricter penalties for visa overstays. The first-time offenders would face fines or imprisonment up to six months, while subsequent violations could lead to fines or imprisonment for up to two years. Civil penalties are also increased, ranging from $500 to $1,000 per offense, with higher fines for repeat violators. The Secretary of Homeland Security retains discretion to waive penalties on a case-by-case basis for reasons like medical necessity or national security. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security will negotiate agreements with Mexico to improve data-sharing on immigration violations and coordinate entry and exit information.

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