US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB2188

Introduced
3/29/23  

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Environmental Protection Agency, Science and Technology for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2188 reflects a significant shift in the approach to environmental funding by capping the budget allocated to the agency responsible for regulating environmental standards. If enacted, this bill could lead to decreased capacity for the EPA to carry out its scientific research and technological advancements, potentially affecting various environmental protection initiatives. The limitation may hinder the agency’s ability to address pressing issues such as climate change, water quality, and air pollution control.

Summary

House Bill 2188 aims to impose a limitation on the available funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifically concerning the Science and Technology budget for the fiscal year 2024. The bill states that the total amount authorized to be appropriated or otherwise available for these purposes may not exceed $717,723,000. This measure is part of a broader push to control government spending and ensure that federal agencies operate within budgetary constraints.

Contention

Discussions surrounding this bill highlight ideological divides concerning environmental policy and federal spending. Proponents argue that reducing funding for the EPA is essential to promote fiscal responsibility and limit government overreach into industry regulations. However, opponents raise concerns that such a funding cap could compromise public health and environmental safety by undermining the EPA’s role in enforcing laws designed to protect the environment. Advocacy groups have expressed strong objections, emphasizing the potential negative ramifications on environmental regulations and the well-being of various ecosystems.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB120

Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act This bill modifies procedures related to specified chemical assessments performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, chemical hazard identification and dose response assessments must be performed by the appropriate EPA program office (they are currently performed by the Integrated Risk Information System program). Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to establish a steering committee to ensure there is no duplication of effort by relevant program offices in conducting covered assessments.

US HB114

Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act This bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime. The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents. For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities. This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees to go into the border barrier account. By December 31, 2023, DHS shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders. The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.

US HB262

All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2023 or the ALERT Act of 2023 This bill establishes various reporting requirements with respect to federal agency rulemaking. Specifically, each agency must submit a monthly report to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for each rule the agency expects to propose or finalize during the following year, including information about the objectives and legal basis for the rule as well as whether the rule is subject to periodic review based on its significant economic impact. Additionally, each agency must submit a monthly report for any rule expected to be finalized during the following year for which the agency has issued a general notice of proposed rulemaking, including an approximate schedule for completing action on the rule and an estimate of its cost and economic effects. OIRA must publish this information online and, subject to certain exceptions, a rule may not take effect until the information has been published for at least six months. The bill also requires OIRA to annually publish in the Federal Register specified information it receives from agencies under this bill, including a list of each rule an agency has proposed and the total cost of all rules proposed or finalized. OIRA must further publish online (1) any analysis of the costs or benefits of rules that were proposed or finalized during the previous year, and (2) a list of rules that were subjected to various forms of review during the previous year.

US HB70

Freedom for Farmers Act of 2023 This bill abolishes the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. This agency, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), investigates and responds to environmental exposures to hazardous substances in communities. HHS must transfer authority regarding certain national disease and toxic exposure registries to another appropriate HHS entity.

US HB201

Voluntary School Prayer Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from providing funding for public schools that restrict voluntary school prayer. Specifically, the bill prohibits ED from providing funds to state or local educational agencies with policies that deny, or effectively prevent, individuals from voluntarily participating in public school prayer that is constitutionally protected.

US AB2521

An act to add Section 1259.7 to the Water Code, relating to water.

US HB113

No Free Rent for Freeloaders Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on an annual basis, to monitor the extent of noncompliance of public-housing tenants with certain community service and economic self-sufficiency requirements, determine the aggregate amount provided in federal subsidies for all public-housing dwelling units that were occupied by noncompliant tenants, and publish this amount in the Federal Register. In each fiscal year, the amount as determined and published for the preceding fiscal year must be rescinded from funds made available for HUD's Management and Administration account.

US HCR5

Expressing support for the Nation's law enforcement agencies and condemning any efforts to defund or dismantle law enforcement agencies.

US HCR4

Expressing support for the Nation's law enforcement agencies and condemning any efforts to defund or dismantle law enforcement agencies.

US HCR2

Expressing support for the Nation's law enforcement agencies and condemning any efforts to defund or dismantle law enforcement agencies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.