Bills of The Day:

End Zuckerbucks Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8291
Date Introduced: May 8, 2024
Sponsor: Ms. Tenney
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This legislation aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict certain tax-exempt organizations from providing direct or indirect funding for election administration. Specifically, it modifies Section 501(c)(3) to prohibit these organizations from directly funding any state or local government for the administration of elections or indirectly funding them in cases where such funding could be reasonably expected to support election administration. An exception is made for donations of space to be used as a polling place. The amendments will take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

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

Applicant Medical Reimbursement Act of 2024
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8088
Date Introduced: April 19, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Finstad
Co-Sponsor(s): Ms. Craig

Summary: This bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense to reimburse applicants for uniformed military service for co-payment costs incurred during required medical appointments as part of the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) process. Each applicant is eligible for reimbursement of up to $100 for these medical co-pays, which are mandated as part of their evaluation for military service. The measure aims to ease the financial burden on prospective service members undergoing medical assessments during the application process.

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

Foreign Grant Reporting Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8290
Date Introduced: May 8, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Smucker
Co-Sponsor(s): N/A

Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require specific tax-exempt organizations to publicly disclose grants made to foreign entities. It adds a new subsection (o) to Section 6033, compelling organizations described under Section 501(c) to include, in their annual tax return, the name and address of each foreign entity that received grants or assistance, the aggregate amount provided, and whether the entity is recognized as a charity, is a U.S.-recognized tax-exempt charity, meets Section 4945(d)(4)(A) requirements, or does not meet these criteria. It also mandates indirect contributions to be reported for each intermediary recipient. These amendments will be effective for returns filed for taxable years beginning after the enactment of the Act.

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

Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Care Act
House of Congress: House of Representatives
Bill Code: H.R. 8244
Date Introduced: May 6, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Estes
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Connolly

Summary: This bill aims to modify titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate approval of nursing aide training and competency evaluation programs in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities (NFs) under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. It revises Section 1819(f)(2) and Section 1919(f)(2) to make certain facilities eligible for these programs despite prior penalties or deficiencies. Specifically, facilities that were previously penalized or cited for quality care deficiencies may still qualify if the penalty was less than $12,924 and if their cited deficiencies meet certain quality care criteria.

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

Contaminated Lands Reclamation Act of 2024
House of Congress: Senate
Bill Code: S. 4180
Date Introduced: April 18, 2024
Sponsor: Mr. Sullivan
Co-Sponsor(s): Mr. Kelly

Summary: This legislation amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to make Alaska Native Tribes eligible for brownfield revitalization funding. It specifically focuses on the remediation of lands contaminated at the time of their conveyance under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The bill details roles for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Army in ensuring the cleanup and possible reuse of these lands. It proposes adjustments to the requirements for reporting and eligibility, emphasizing the need for transparent management and mitigation of environmental risks on contaminated lands historically transferred to Alaska Natives. The bill also includes provisions to update guidance on brownfields funding eligibility and introduces a grant program for land remediation, prioritizing lands with significant health or environmental risks.

Next Action: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.