Bills of The Day:

American High-Speed Rail Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7600
Date Introduced: March 8, 2024
Sponsor: Moulton (D-MA)
Co-Sponsor(s): DelBene (D-WA), Boyle (D-PA), Cleaver (D-MO), Beyer (D-VA), Lee (D-CA), Jackson (D-IL), Titus (D-NV), Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Vargas (D-CA), Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Carson (D-IN), Casten (D-IL), Salinas (D-OR), Takano (D-CA), Auchincloss (D-MA), Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Gottheimer (D-NJ), Garcia (D-IL), Bowman (D-NY), McClellan (D-VA), Johnson (D-GA), Suozzi (D-NY), Bonamici (D-OR), Norton (D-DC), McGarvey (D-KY), Lofgren (D-CA)

Summary: This legislation seeks to amend Title 49 of the United States Code to enhance the development of high-speed rail corridors. Introduced by Mr. Moulton and co-sponsored by a diverse group of representatives, the bill emphasizes upgrading corridor planning, ensuring financial support for high-speed rail projects, and improving safety regulations. It proposes an innovative partnership model involving public agencies, private entities, and international sources for funding. The bill emphasizes sustainability, resilience, economic development, and equity. A notable focus is facilitating intermodal and high-speed rail connections, underscoring a holistic approach to transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, it introduces mechanisms for acquiring freight rail right-of-way to bolster corridor development. It designates a substantial appropriation for the fiscal years 2024 through 2028, aiming to propel the United States into a new era of rail transportation.

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

Community Advantage Loan Program Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7560
Date Introduced: March 6, 2024
Sponsor: Chu (D-CA)
Co-Sponsor(s): Velazquez (D-NY)

Summary: It aims to enhance access to credit for small businesses in underserved and rural markets. The program is designed to support mission-oriented lenders in providing loans and technical assistance to new and existing small businesses, particularly those that struggle to secure financing through traditional channels. Key aspects include expanding the program to various mission-oriented financial intermediaries, setting the maximum loan amount at $350,000 (with provisions for experienced lenders to offer up to $750,000), and emphasizing loans to businesses in low-income, rural, or otherwise underserved areas. At least 60% of the loans under this program must target underserved markets. The act also includes provisions for loan loss reserves, interest rates, refinancing options, and mandatory training and reporting requirements to ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the program.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Small Business.

Planes Not Panels Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7602
Date Introduced: March 8, 2024
Sponsor: Perry (R-PA)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This legislation would limit the President's authority regarding the procurement of solar panels. This bill seeks to explicitly prohibit the use of this Act's provisions for the purchase or commitments to purchase solar panels, defining solar panels as crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells or modules. This legislative move indicates a shift in policy priorities, potentially impacting the procurement strategies for renewable energy sources within the context of national defense and infrastructure projects.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services.

Bullets Not Batteries Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 7601
Date Introduced: March 8, 2024
Sponsor: Perry (R-PA)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: The bill proposes an amendment to the Defense Production Act of 1950, specifically targeting the prohibition of using the Act's authorities under titles I and III for electric vehicles and associated technologies. This includes electric vehicles themselves, electric vehicle batteries, charging stations or infrastructure, and the acquisition of critical minerals intended for the manufacturing of such items. The bill reflects a policy stance that prioritizes other defense production needs over the development and support of electric vehicle technology within the framework of the Defense Production Act.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services.

Stop Pro-Terrorist Riots Now Act
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 3887
Date Introduced: March 6, 2024
Sponsor: Cotton (R-AK)
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: Seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to enhance the penalties associated with rioting. Specifically, the bill aims to adjust the existing legal framework by introducing a minimum sentence of less than one year for individuals who, during a riot, commit acts of violence or assist others in committing violence. Moreover, the proposed amendments seek to increase the maximum penalty for riot-related offenses from five to ten years. This legislative effort underscores a strong stance against violent activities under the guise of rioting, emphasizing stricter legal repercussions to deter such conduct.

Next Action: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.