Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB370

Introduced
1/17/23  

Caption

FinCEN Modernization Act of 2023 This bill requires the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to establish programs and perform research related to financial technology on topics such as machine learning, data analytics, and cryptocurrency. The bill allows FinCEN to enter into transactions and to accept gifts related to these objectives.

Impact

The impact of HB370 could be substantial in terms of improving the capabilities of FinCEN to monitor emerging technologies, including cryptocurrencies, which have increasingly been used in money laundering and cybercrimes. By modernizing its processes and adopting new technologies, FinCEN would be better equipped to handle financial crime prevention in a landscape that is continually evolving with technological advancements. The provisions for information sharing will also promote better collaboration between FinCEN and other federal and state agencies, potentially leading to more effective enforcement of financial laws.

Summary

House Bill 370, known as the FinCEN Modernization Act of 2023, seeks to amend Title 31 of the United States Code to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The bill mandates FinCEN to develop and maintain various programs that focus on technological advancements, notably in areas such as machine learning and data analytics, which are critical for safeguarding financial systems and detecting illicit activities. Furthermore, the bill provides FinCEN with the authority to accept contributions and donations that would support these initiatives.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at modernization, there may be points of contention surrounding the implications of allowing FinCEN to accept funds and donations, as this could raise concerns over the influence of external parties on government operations. Critics may argue about the transparency and accountability of such contributions. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the need for regulations around cryptocurrency, especially regarding privacy and data security, which are critical issues for many stakeholders in the financial sector. Overall, HB370 positions FinCEN to enhance its regulatory framework while grappling with emerging technologies and their associated risks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB389

Preventing Opportunistic Returns on Trades and Futures by Officials, Leadership, and Individuals in Office Act or the PORTFOLIO Act This bill generally prohibits federal employees and officials from owning or trading in synthetic assets (i.e., tokenized derivatives). It also establishes financial disclosure requirements with respect to cryptocurrency. Specifically, the bill prohibits federal employees, Members of Congress, the President, and Vice President from owning or trading investments in a security, a commodity, a future, cryptocurrency, or any comparable economic interest acquired through synthetic means, such as through a derivative. Such investments must be divested through gift or donation, cashing out, or a qualified blind trust. The appropriate ethics office may grant temporary exemptions in certain situations, such as for preexisting complex financial arrangements from which investments cannot be withdrawn, and may assess fees for violations. The Department of Justice may also bring civil actions for violations. The bill also (1) incorporates cryptocurrency and other digital assets into current financial disclosure requirements; (2) modifies the categories and timelines for financial disclosures; and (3) requires agencies, ethics offices, and the Department of Justice to regularly report on violations of this bill and other related requirements.

US HB24

Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements regarding audits of certain financial agencies performed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Specifically, the bill directs the GAO to complete, within 12 months, an audit of the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Reserve banks. In addition, the bill allows the GAO to audit the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Reserve banks with respect to (1) international financial transactions; (2) deliberations, decisions, or actions on monetary policy matters; (3) transactions made under the direction of the Federal Open Market Committee; and (4) discussions or communications among Federal Reserve officers, board members, and employees regarding any of these matters.

US HB273

DOD Entrepreneurial Innovation Act This bill requires each military department to annually designate at least five eligible programs as Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects. Eligible programs are certain projects currently pursuing commercialization objectives that initially received funding for research and development through the Small Business Innovation Research Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program. Once designated, programs must be included in future budgets and plans of the Department of Defense. Each military department must establish an advisory panel to identify and recommend eligible programs for designation.

US HB4763

Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act

US HB147

FinCEN Oversight and Accountability Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to keep specified congressional committees informed of the activity of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), particularly regarding unlawful activity and any resulting corrective action.Further, Treasury must disclose to Congress and to the public (with some exclusions) all controlling documents delegating authority to or providing direction to FinCEN. Such disclosure includes any controlling documents in force upon enactment, any controlling documents issued thereafter, and any changes to controlling documents.The bill extends for an additional five years the time period during which Treasury must testify before Congress regarding FinCEN’s anti-money laundering programs.FinCEN must also hold an annual small business working group to provide guidance on beneficial ownership reporting obligations. 

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 HB97

Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act This bill establishes exemptions from the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) for defense-related purposes. Specifically, the bill establishes exemptions from the ESA for (1) operations related to national defense, and (2) military personnel engaged in such operations. For example, the bill allows such personnel to take (e.g., harm or kill) endangered or threatened species. In addition, the bill expands restrictions on the Department of the Interior designating defense-related areas as critical habitat. It also exempts the Department of Defense from certain requirements to consult with Interior about critical habitats.

US HB261

Article I Regulatory Budget Act This bill requires the establishment of a federal regulatory budget to limit the costs of federal regulations. It also establishes requirements for disclosing the projected costs of federal regulations and procedures for enforcing the regulatory budget.

US HB310

Dismantling Investments in Violation of Ethical Standards through Trusts Act This bill prohibits a senior federal employee, his or her spouse, or dependent children from holding, purchasing, or selling certain financial instruments during the employee's term of service. Any profit made in violation of the prohibition must be disgorged to the Treasury and may subject the individual to a civil fine. The bill also requires the submission of an annual certification of compliance and requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a compliance audit. A loss from a transaction or holding involving a covered financial instrument that is conducted in violation of this bill may not be deducted from the amount of income tax owed by the applicable senior federal employee, spouse, or dependent child. A senior federal employee who holds or conducts a transaction involving a covered financial instrument in violation of this bill may be subject to a civil fine assessed by the supervising ethics office.

US HB245

Breath of Fresh Air Act This bill establishes a grant program for local educational agencies to purchase, and train school personnel to use, nebulizers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.