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![Official portrait of Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000193_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
5,845 records where Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020
Confederate Monument Removal Act This bill prohibits a state from providing for display in National Statuary Hall a statue of a person who voluntarily served with the Confederate States of America, and it provides for the removal, return, and replacement of any statue currently on display that depicts such a person.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
This joint resolution nullifies a rule published on June 5, 2020, by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency within the Department of the Treasury. The rule generally revises the office's implementation of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which requires banks to serve the credit needs of low- and moderate-income communities. Under the CRA, a bank receives credit, which influences the bank's performance rating, for conducting specified activities related to this requirement in designated assessment areas. Among other things, the rule revises qualifying CRA activities, sets forth new procedures for determining if an activity qualifies under the CRA, and expands designated assessment areas.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2020 This bill modifies the extension of dependent coverage under TRICARE by allowing a dependent under the age of 26 to be covered without an additional premium. Additionally, the bill authorizes such coverage of dependents without a premium regardless of whether they are eligible to enroll in an employer sponsored plan.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
National Commission on Modernizing Military Installation Designations Act This bill establishes in the executive branch the National Commission on Modernizing Military Installation Designations, an independent commission charged with reviewing the designations (i.e., names) of certain military installations and other property of the Department of Defense (DOD). Specifically, the commission must review the designations of the following military installations: (1) Camp Beauregard, Louisiana; (2) Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia; (3) Fort Benning, Georgia; (4) Fort Bragg, North Carolina; (5) Fort Gordon, Georgia; (6) Fort Hood, Texas; (7) Fort Lee, Virginia; (8) Fort Pickett, Virginia; (9) Fort Polk, Louisiana; (10) Fort Rucker, Alabama; (11) the U.S.S. Chancellorsville ; and (12) any other military base or property as the commission determines appropriate. In conducting its review, the commission must consider whether current designations represent the values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and whether a designation features certain other characteristics (e.g., honoring careers or actions that were important to, and well known in, the locality or function to be memorialized). The commission must produce reports with any recommendations for action by the executive branch and Congress related to each military installation. Not later than 30 days after the submission of the recommendations in the final report, DOD must redesignate the military installations with such designations as determined by the commission. The commission shall terminate not later than 30 days after submitting the final versions of its reports and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Health Enterprise Zones Act of 2020 This bill provides for the designation of Health Enterprise Zones in certain geographic areas with documented and measurable health disparities. This designation, which expires 10 fiscal years after the bill's enactment, confers eligibility for certain grants, student loan repayment programs, and tax credits for those working to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes in these zones. Specifically, community-based nonprofits or local government agencies, in coalition with health care providers, social service organizations, and others, may apply to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the designation. The application must include a plan to reduce health disparities and achieve other outcomes. In implementing the program, HHS must consult with, among others, the Department of Housing and Urban Development. When approving applications, HHS shall consider factors including geographic diversity and the commitment of supporting funds from the private sector. HHS (1) may award grants to organizations or agencies that applied for the designation to support activities aligned with their plans, and (2) must carry out a student loan repayment program for health care providers who agree to provide services in a Health Enterprise Zone. In addition, the bill establishes tax credits for employers that hire, and individuals who work as, Health Enterprise Zone workers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
COVID-19 Memorial Quilt Act of 2020 This bill directs the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to jointly carry out a project to be known as the "COVID-19 Pandemic Memorial Quilt Project" to honor and remember Americans who have lost their lives to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The bill establishes the Congressional Advisory Panel on Honoring Victims of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The panel shall develop and submit a plan to carry out the memorial quilt project.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020
Justice in Policing Act of 2020 This bill addresses a wide range of policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. It includes measures to increase accountability for law enforcement misconduct, to enhance transparency and data collection, and to eliminate discriminatory policing practices. The bill facilitates federal enforcement of constitutional violations (e.g., excessive use of force) by state and local law enforcement. Among other things, it does the following: lowers the criminal intent standard—from willful to knowing or reckless—to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution, limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer or state correctional officer, and authorizes the Department of Justice to issue subpoenas in investigations of police departments for a pattern or practice of discrimination. The bill also creates a national registry—the National Police Misconduct Registry—to compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct. It establishes a framework to prohibit racial profiling at the federal, state, and local levels. The bill establishes new requirements for law enforcement officers and agencies, including to report data on use-of-force incidents, to obtain training on implicit bias and racial profiling, and to wear body cameras.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020
This resolution commends Guyana for holding peaceful, multiparty general and regional elections and supports the current recount of all ballots cast. It also calls on (1) all parties to respect the outcome, and (2) the citizens of Guyana to respect the rule of law and human rights as the recount proceeds.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
This resolution recognizes racism as a national public health crisis and supports the creation of a truth and reconciliation process to address historic, enduring systemic and structural racism against black people.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Essential Pay for Essential Workers Act This bill requires employers to pay essential health care employees a premium amount in addition to their regular rate of pay during an emergency period. It also allows employers a payroll tax credit for the payment of such enhanced wages to essential employees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Great American Outdoors Act This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies. Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
This concurrent resolution (1) affirms, on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first slave ship, the U.S. debt of remembrance not only to those who lived through the injustices of slavery but also to their descendants; and (2) proposes a U.S. Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation to properly acknowledge, memorialize, and be a catalyst for progress, including toward permanently eliminating persistent racial inequities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
This resolution condemns racism and invidious discrimination as evil and antithetical to the U.S. Constitution and declares unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination in America. The resolution declares that the House of Representatives shall pass legislation establishing a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation. The department shall be charged with ending racism and invidious discrimination, developing and coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and invidious discrimination, with a budget the equivalent of at least 10% of the Defense Department's budget. The department shall be headed by a Secretary of Reconciliation, who shall make semi-annual progress reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take specified steps to address accreditation standards, management operations, and misconduct of law enforcement. Specifically, it requires DOJ to develop uniform accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies and adopt policies and procedures to encourage law enforcement agencies to pursue accreditation. It authorizes DOJ to make grants to law enforcement agencies to obtain accreditation from certified organizations. The bill authorizes DOJ to make grants for studying law enforcement agency management and operations standards and developing pilot programs to address law enforcement misconduct. DOJ must study the prevalence and effect of any law, rule, or procedure that allows a law enforcement officer to delay the investigation and prosecution of complaints of law enforcement misconduct. The bill also establishes the Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight to coordinate the detection and referral of complaints of alleged law enforcement misconduct. Law enforcement agencies must report data regarding practices on traffic violation stops, pedestrian stops, frisk and body searches, and use of deadly force. Finally, DOJ must create a medallion for survivors of each law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty and memorialized on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
Promoting Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility Corridors Act This bill addresses equitable transit-oriented development designed to create and support communities of opportunity that enable all residents regardless of income, race, age, and ethnicity to benefit from living in connected, healthy, vibrant places connected by public transportation. Additionally, such development is designed to promote a mixture of housing (including a significant level of affordable housing), office, retail, and other amenities as part of a walkable neighborhood generally located within a half mile of quality public transportation. The Department of Transportation must establish an Office of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility to carry out an equitable transit-oriented development and mobility competitive grant program to provide technical assistance grants for states carrying out equitable transit-oriented development and mobility projects. To be eligible for assistance states must develop a plan for equitable transit-oriented development and mobility corridors that includes identifying priority investment areas with a need for a comprehensive investment strategy to keep and revitalize existing neighborhoods and corridors while maintaining and enhancing housing and transportation affordability and creating equal opportunity for existing residents and businesses. The bill also modifies provisions relating to the rehabilitation tax credit, including allowing a 15% credit for non-historic buildings within a half-mile of public transportation facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
VoteSafe Act of 2020 This bill expands vote-by-mail and early in-person voting during the 2020 federal elections. It also directs polling places to follow certain guidance related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) preparedness. Specifically, each state and local jurisdiction must permit no-excuse mail-in absentee voting. Among other things, each state and jurisdiction must (1) provide a mail-in ballot with prepaid return postage to each registered voter who requests such a ballot, (2) allow voters to submit online ballot requests, (3) allow voters to cure certain signature discrepancies, and (4) provide secured drop-off boxes from 45 days before the date of the election. Each state and local jurisdiction must maintain an early in-person voting period of at least 20 days. Additionally, each state must establish a plan to ensure that polling places are implementing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention related to COVID-19 preparedness. Among other requirements, each plan must (1) keep as many voting locations open as possible, (2) prepare polling locations to implement social distancing protocols, (3) provide sufficient quantities of hygiene and cleaning supplies at polling locations, and (4) provide additional compensation and protective equipment to poll workers. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make a payment, within 30 days, to each state to carry out these requirements. Finally, the EAC must make payments to eligible states to carry out certain activities related to in-person voting, such as ensuring that elections are accessible to individuals with disabilities and implementing curbside voting.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
Evaluating Disparities and Outcomes of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Emergency Act of 2020 or the EDOT Act of 2020 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to report on the effects of changes that were made during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) with respect to the provision or availability of telehealth services under Medicare. Among other information, the report must include (1) a summary of all services utilized by Medicare beneficiaries during the emergency period, including the number of telehealth visits and in-person visits; (2) any changes in utilization compared to prior periods; and (3) demographic characteristics of beneficiaries who utilized telehealth services. The CMS must submit the required reports after the end of the emergency period, as specified. The CMS must also award grants to state Medicaid programs to allow them to report on similar information.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
This resolution condemns acts of brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. It also calls for the end of militarized policing practices. The resolution supports strengthening efforts to promote accountability for individual law enforcement officers and police departments. Finally, it calls for the adoption of sound and unbiased law enforcement policies at all levels of government.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020
Coronavirus Provider Protection Act This bill generally exempts health care professionals and related health care entities (e.g., hospitals and medical clinics) from liability for harm caused in the course of arranging or providing health care services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020
Affordable Insulin for the COVID-19 Emergency Act This bill eliminates cost-sharing under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage for insulin and associated medical supplies during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill also allows beneficiaries to receive their insulin and supplies via mail order during the emergency period.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2020
Rural Broadband Acceleration Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modify the framework for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, and it establishes a deadline for the FCC to create broadband service maps.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2020
National Commission on U.S. Counterterrorism Policy Act of 2020 This bill establishes within the legislative branch the National Commission on U.S. Counterterrorism Policy to review U.S. counterterrorism objectives, priorities, capabilities, policies, programs, and activities, and assess how to adapt and prioritize them. The commission shall study, among other things the evolution of threats to the United States from September 11, 2001, from international and domestic terrorism, major lessons learned from U.S. counterterrorism activities since that date, potential new or emerging challenges of conducting counterterrorism operations in contested environments, and recommendations on how best to adapt U.S. counterterrorism activities to address existing and emerging terrorism risks.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Cash Refunds for Coronavirus Cancellations Act of 2020 This bill requires air carriers and ticket agents to offer full cash refunds for all cancelled tickets during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period, regardless of whether the air carrier cancelled an entire flight or the passengers cancelled their individual tickets. The bill permits air carriers and tickets agents to offer alternative forms of compensation, including credit, or vouchers, provided that such offer is valid indefinitely and the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice of the passenger's right to a cash refund. Additionally, the bill provides that passengers who received an alternative form of compensation prior to the enactment of this bill, but have not used it, may request a cash refund to replace the alternative compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne. It recognizes the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and a cure for PCOS. It also acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
Meeting IMD Needs with Direction Act or the MIND Act This bill temporarily allows states to receive federal Medicaid payment for services provided in institutions for mental diseases (IMDs) during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and for 180 days after the emergency ends. Current law generally prohibits federal payment under Medicaid for services provided in IMDs for individuals under the age of 65 (although states may receive payment through certain mechanisms, such as through a Medicaid demonstration waiver).
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
This resolution supports the designation of ALS Awareness Month and commends efforts to improve the quality and length of life for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
Black History is American History Act This bill requires entities (e.g., institutions of higher education, libraries, and museums), in order to be eligible for certain grants administered by the Department of Education (ED), to include Black history in their teaching of American history. It also requires Black history to be included in tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Specifically, the bill mandates the inclusion of Black history as a required component of American history for such entities to be eligible for American History and Civics Academies' competitive grants. These grants support the establishment of (1) Presidential Academies for Teachers of American History and Civics, which offer workshops to teachers of American history and civics to strengthen their knowledge and prepare them to teach in these subjects; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics, which support high school students in developing an understanding of these subjects. (Currently, Black history is not a required component of American history for either academy.) In addition, ED must give priority to grant applicants that align their activities with programs and resources of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture. The bill also requires the inclusion of Black history in tests administered by the NAEP, which measures student academic achievement in various subjects.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act of 2020 This bill allows essential workers and their family members to file claims and receive compensation for harm or death suffered as a result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). A Special Master appointed by the Department of Justice must review claims submitted and determine if a claimant is eligible for compensation, the extent of the harm to the claimant, and the amount of compensation to be awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
Fair Chance for Small Business Relief Act This bill prohibits the Small Business Administration from declining to provide or guarantee certain small business loans solely on the basis that an applicant (1) is on probation or parole, (2) is presently subject to a means by which formal criminal charges are brought (e.g., indictment or arraignment), or (3) has been arrested or convicted of any crime.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
PPP Data and Diversity Accountability Act of 2020 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to collect and report specified demographic data for recipients of assistance under the Paycheck Protection Program established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Foster Care Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Pandemic Protection for Transition-age Foster Youth Act or the Pandemic Protection Act This bill extends eligibility for foster care services to youth who would otherwise age out of such services during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic for three months after such emergency ends. Additionally, the bill removes certain work or education requirements for older foster youth during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award additional grants under the Emergency Solutions Grant program to provide rental assistance for short-term and medium-term housing to homeless individuals or families, or those who are at risk of homelessness, and expands eligibility for such additional assistance. For assistance provided under the bill, the term at risk of homelessness shall include individuals and families that have an income below 80% of the median income for the area (rather than 30% of the area median income, as under current law). Rental assistance provided under the bill shall generally be limited to 120% of the HUD-established fair market rent for the area, whereas currently rental assistance under the program is generally limited to 100% of an area's fair market rent. Such assistance may not be conditioned on any prerequisite activities, such as receiving treatment. HUD may, with some limitations, waive requirements or establish alternative requirements related to such assistance if doing so is necessary to respond to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
COVID-19 Serving the Homeless by Expanding the List of Tenant Eligible Residences Act of 2020 or the SHELTER Act of 2020 This bill expands the housing choice voucher program for low-income families and authorizes additional vouchers. Specifically, the bill authorizes incremental housing vouchers for families that were unsheltered or living in shelters as of the March 13, 2020, presidential emergency declaration relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Such vouchers may be used to rent an eligible housing unit under the existing program or to rent other types of housing, including recreation vehicles, hotel or motel rooms, and short-term rental units. Further, the bill waives certain requirements for receiving such assistance, such as requirements related to income verification and lease duration. The bill also authorizes additional incremental vouchers under the existing housing choice voucher program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Funding Emergency Eating Distribution for the Children or the FEED the Children Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allocate additional funds to states to reimburse school food authorities for a specified percentage of the costs incurred from March 2020 through June 2020 to operate school food programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, USDA must issue guidance for the implementation of this bill not later than 10 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act This bill establishes and provides funds for the Emergency Higher Education Connectivity Fund. Specifically, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must use the fund to support institutions of higher education (IHEs) in providing broadband internet access service, videoconferencing systems and services used for distance learning, and equipment (e.g., computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other one-time costs) to enrolled students during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The bill requires the NTIA, in consultation with the Department of Education, to promulgate regulations within 14 days related to support for IHEs. Among other things, the regulations must prioritize support for IHEs that receive certain institutional grants, including historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and rural-serving institutions; require IHEs to prioritize support for students who are eligible for need-based financial aid; and establish a schedule of reasonable per-student funding amounts for eligible services and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act This bill makes previously unused immigrant visas available to nurses and physicians who petition for such a visa before the date that is 90 days after the end of the declared national emergency relating to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. The number of visas available shall be the total number of unused employment-based immigrant visas from FY1992-FY2020, up to 40,000. Of such visas, 25,000 shall be reserved for nurses and 15,000 for physicians. Certain family members may accompany the principal beneficiary of a visa provided under this bill, and visas for such family members shall (1) be made available from the unused visas from FY1992-FY2020, and (2) not be counted against the 40,000 cap. Visas provided under this bill shall be exempt from per-country limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Act This bill extends protections for renters and mortgage borrowers provided in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, revises bankruptcy provisions, and expands COVID-19 aid programs to include mortgage servicers. Mortgage forbearance may be extended to borrowers for up to 12 months. Currently, borrowers may receive 180 days of forbearance, with an extension of up to an additional 180 days. The bill also expands the forbearance provisions to apply to nonfederally backed mortgages. The bill expands the current moratorium on evictions of renters from property receiving a forbearance to generally protect all such renters, not only renters in federally assisted housing or property that has a federally backed mortgage. The current moratorium on mortgage foreclosures is extended from 60 days beginning on March 18, 2020, to 6 months after enactment of this bill. The bill also expands this moratorium to include nonfederally backed mortgages. Additionally, the bill generally revises bankruptcy provisions. COVID-19 aid is excluded from property subject to bankruptcy proceedings and the homestead exemption available to individual debtors is increased, among other protections. Existing COVID-19 economic aid programs are expanded to include mortgage servicers. The Department of the Treasury must allow mortgage servicers to participate in these programs to receive loans, loan guarantees, and other investments currently offered to eligible businesses, states, and municipalities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Computer and Internet Equity Act This bill increases broadband service support for low-income consumers, establishes a grant program to provide internet safety education or training, and provides a tax credit for certain computer and education costs. Specifically, the bill modifies the broadband service support program known as Lifeline, which assists low-income consumers with access to telecommunications and broadband services, to (1) give an additional $1,000 to a provider of Lifeline services for each low-income consumer to whom the provider supplies such services, (2) allow consumers with household incomes that are at or below 435% (currently 135%) of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for participation in the program, and (3) allow a broadband service provider to receive Lifeline support for providing such service to a low-income consumer without being designated an eligible telecommunications carrier. The bill also requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a grant program to develop and implement internet safety education or training programs for low-income individuals. Further, the bill provides a tax credit, not to exceed $2,000 in a taxable year or $10,000 in a lifetime, for amounts paid or incurred for technology such as computers and printers and for education on how to use such technology.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Children's Health Insurance Program Pandemic Enhancement and Relief Act or the CHIPPER Act This bill extends the 11.5% increase to the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that is otherwise applicable under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through FY2021, in accordance with specified conditions. For example, in order to receive the increased FMAP in FY2021, a state must cover, without cost-sharing, testing and treatment for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), including vaccines, specialized equipment, and therapies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Haitian Deportation Relief Act This bill defers the removal of any national of Haiti who is physically present in the United States on the date of the bill's enactment. The deferral period shall last until the later of (1) the end of the emergency period in the United States stemming from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak; or (2) the end of the COVID-19 emergency in Haiti, if such removals will not overwhelm Haiti's public health infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security shall prioritize alternatives to detention for an alien whose removal is deferred under this bill, unless the alien poses a significant public safety risk.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Farm to Food Bank Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide enhanced funding to states to pay for projects to harvest, process, package, or transport donated commodities. USDA must issue guidance to states to encourage them to carry out projects that work with agricultural producers, processors, and distributors who grow or market products that have seen decreased demand due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and cannot easily be repackaged for grocery or retail sale. To be eligible for funding, a state must submit a plan of operation for a project that includes (1) a list of emergency feeding organizations in the state that are willing to partner with the state; (2) a list of priority agricultural products located in the state that are for donation to emergency feeding organizations and ready for transport; (3) a description of how the project will serve certain purposes, including to provide food to individuals in need; and (4) a timeline for the project. USDA may reallocate unexpended funds to other eligible states if it determines that a state will not use all of its allocated funds. The bill allows states to enter into cooperative agreements with other states to maximize the use of donated commodities. USDA must make specified documents publicly available on its website, including any guidance issued to states in accordance with the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
American Opportunity Student Tax Relief Act of 2020 This bill increases the dollar amounts of the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credits for taxable years beginning in 2020 and increases the refundable portions of such credits. It also expands the tax exclusion for Pell Grants and makes such expanded exclusion retroactive to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019. The bill also allows a tax exclusion beginning in 2020 for any emergency financial aid grant amount received by a student in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act This bill establishes temporary programs to provide federal and private student loan forgiveness to certain frontline health care workers. Frontline health care workers are those individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical response (e.g., patient care, medical research, or testing) to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) national emergency. Specifically, the Department of Education (ED) must carry out a program to forgive the outstanding balance of principal and interest due on federal student loans for borrowers who are frontline health care workers. Additionally, the Department of the Treasury must carry out a program to repay in full the outstanding balance of principal and interest due on certain private student loans for borrowers who are frontline health care workers. ED and Treasury must coordinate to ensure that eligibility determinations are consistent across both programs and that frontline health care workers who are eligible for both programs may apply for loan forgiveness with a single application. Further, such programs must be available to frontline health care workers who were borrowers of eligible loans and who died as a result of COVID-19. The bill specifies the notification requirements related to the availability of these programs. ED, Treasury, and the Department of Health and Human Services must jointly establish an intergovernmental working group to assist with the administration of these programs, including the development of the application process. The bill also excludes discharged student loan debt under these programs from an individual's gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
COVID-19 Homeowner Assistance Fund Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Homeowner Assistance Fund at the Department of the Treasury to support state housing finance agencies. The funds may be used to prevent mortgage defaults, housing foreclosures, and the displacement of families and individuals experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Funds may specifically be used for assistance with mortgage payments, taxes, specified insurance, homeowner association fees, utility payments, and for the reimbursement of state or local funds previously used to provide such assistance as a response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The bill otherwise provides for income requirements and allocation of funds to eligible states, territories, and tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act This bill provides for the procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies needed to combat COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill sets forth responsibilities for the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including that the NRCC must (1) direct the national production and distribution of critical medical equipment and supplies; (2) communicate with states, local governments, and Native American tribes regarding the availability and delivery schedule of equipment and supplies; and (3) make specified information publicly available. The Department of Defense may detail members of the Armed Forces on active duty or civilian employees to support the NRCC. The President, using authorities provided under the Defense Production Act of 1950, must establish a fair and reasonable price for and procure needed equipment and supplies. The Government Accountability Office must annually submit a report to Congress assessing the Strategic National Stockpile. The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall designate an inspector general to oversee this bill's implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Coronavirus Workers' Compensation for TSA Employees Act This bill entitles certain employees of the Transportation Security Administration who are diagnosed with COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) during a specified period to federal workers' compensation benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Strengthening Unemployment Insurance for Coronavirus Impacted Workers and Students Act This bill expands eligibility for pandemic unemployment assistance to include individuals with no recent attachment to the workforce (e.g., students), extends the availability of federal pandemic unemployment compensation, and provides federal pandemic unemployment compensation to individuals working reduced hours.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
COVID-19 Cost Share Adjustment Relief Act of 2020 This bill provides for a 100% federal cost share of assistance provided under the emergency declaration issued by the President on March 13, 2020, relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and any subsequent major disaster declaration that supersedes it. The President may provide assistance for activities, costs, and purchases of states or local governments or the owners or operators of eligible private nonprofits, including, among other things backfill costs for first responders and other essential employees who are ill or quarantined, increased operating costs for essential government services due to such emergency, medical equipment and public health costs, and costs associated with maintaining alternate care facilities or related facilities currently inactive but related to future needs tied to the ongoing pandemic event.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Creation of Opportunities for Medical Manpower in Underserved Neighborhoods by Indemnifying Tuition and Incentivizing Exceptional Service Act or the COMMUNITIES Act This bill increases the amount of student loan repayment available to eligible health care providers who agree to complete a five-year period of obligated service in a health professional shortage area. Specifically, for each year of service, the Department of Health and Human Services shall pay one-fifth of the total amount owed on a participating provider's qualifying student loans. Current law caps the maximum amount of student loan repayment that a provider may receive in exchange for such service.