U.S. real gross domestic product

This bill would make the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for specified ferry-service funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It would define an eligible ferry service to include a service operating, or planned or established with the intent to operate, a regular schedule in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth and any area within it would be deemed a rural area for the program, and program requirements would include funding for establishing and operating an eligible service there.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act This bill expands eligibility for the Small Business Administration microloan program to include entities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 for small businesses and certain nonprofit childcare centers.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

The bill would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, working with private-sector employers, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, to identify emerging-technology industries, positions, and courses suitable for veterans. The Secretary would publicize this information through the Transition Assistance Program and the Department’s website and establish an expedited course-approval process within 90 days. The section would terminate on September 30, 2027, and would address technologies including artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act This bill prohibits the export or reexport of electronic waste, such as computers, televisions, and consumer electronics, subject to certain exemptions (e.g., items that meet specific criteria designed to ensure they do not become the source of counterfeit products).

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Small Business Relief Act This bill allows issuers of securities to have institutional investors and buyers in a class of securities without needing to comply with certain Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration requirements. Currently, issuers of securities must register with and periodically report to the SEC when, among other requirements, the number of investors in a class of securities exceeds a specific cap. Under the bill, qualified institutional buyers and institutional accredited investors do not count towards this cap.

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 450.

The bill would remove firearm silencers from the Internal Revenue Code definition of firearms and provide that a person acquiring or possessing a silencer in accordance with chapter 44 of title 18 is treated as meeting National Firearms Act registration and licensing requirements. It would preempt certain state and local silencer taxes and marking, recordkeeping, or registration requirements, require the Attorney General to destroy specified silencer records within 365 days after enactment, and establish serial-number marking rules for licensed importers and manufacturers.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

This bill would require the Federal Credit Union Administration Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to consider economic growth when conducting supervisory functions under their respective statutes. It would also amend the National Bank Act and Federal Reserve Act to add economic growth to specified considerations alongside safety, soundness, and moderate long-term interest rates.

Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.