United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Justice in Forensic Algorithms Act of 2019 This bill establishes federal standards and procedures for the use of computational forensic software. ( Computational forensic software refers to software that relies on an automated or semiautomated computational process to process, analyze, or interpret evidence.) It also prohibits the use of trade secret protections to prevent criminal defendants from accessing evidence. First, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) must establish the Computational Forensic Algorithm Standards for the development and use of computational forensic software. These standards must, among other things, address requirements related to software testing and reporting to criminal defendants on the use and results of software in their cases. Further, NIST must establish the Computational Forensic Algorithm Testing Program. The testing program must, among other things, test individual software programs using NIST standards. Federal law enforcement agencies and related crime laboratories must comply with these NIST standards and testing requirements in their use of computational forensic software. In addition, criminal defendants must receive information resulting from analysis by computational forensic software, including access to the software for testing purposes. Evidence resulting from computational forensic software is only admissible in a criminal case if (1) the software was submitted to the NIST testing program, and (2) the software developers and users waive their legal claims against the defense for the purposes of the defense analyzing or testing such software. The bill also prohibits the use of trade secret protections when a criminal defendant would otherwise be entitled to obtain evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Police Exercising Absolute Care With Everyone Act of 2019 This bill establishes a framework to reduce the unnecessary use of force by law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels. At the federal level, the bill limits the use of force by federal law enforcement officers. It prohibits the use of deadly force, except as a last resort to prevent imminent and serious bodily injury or death. It also prohibits the use of less lethal force, unless it is necessary and proportionate to effectuate an arrest. Finally, it limits the use of a justification defense for a federal law enforcement officer who is charged with murder or manslaughter. At the state and local level, the bill conditions eligibility for funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program on the enactment of consistent limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
This resolution directs the House Committee on the Judiciary to inquire whether the House of Representatives should impeach Associate Justice Kavanaugh.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2019
End Racial Profiling Act of 2019 This bill establishes a framework to eliminate racial profiling at the federal, state, and local levels. Specifically, it requires federal law enforcement agencies to maintain policies and procedures to eliminate racial profiling, including training, data collection, and complaint procedures. State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies must maintain similar policies and procedures as a condition of receiving funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program and the Community Oriented Policing Services program. To enforce violations, the bill authorizes civil suits by the Department of Justice and affected individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act This bill expands requirements for fighting human trafficking that apply to foreign countries receiving U.S. foreign assistance. (The President is authorized to reduce assistance to, or take other actions against, countries that fail to meet such requirements and are not making significant efforts to do so.) The Department of State, when evaluating whether a country has met such requirements, shall assess whether the country has made serious efforts to prohibit the purchase of commercial sex acts if the central government has authority to do so, whereas currently the State Department must assess whether a country has made serious efforts to reduce such activities. The State Department shall also assess whether a country has made serious efforts to educate buyers of commercial sex acts on how traffickers exploit prostituted persons.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act or the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder through a method where veterans train service dogs for veterans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act of 2019 This bill provides protections for certain aliens who are victims of crimes and violence. The bill removes the annual cap on the number of visas issued to aliens who are victims of certain serious crimes and are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in prosecuting such crimes (U visas). Work authorization shall be granted to an alien with a pending application for (1) a U visa, (2) a T visa (for victims of severe human trafficking), or (3) cancellation of removal on the basis of the alien being subjected to extreme cruelty by a spouse, parent, or fiancé. Removal shall be stayed and detention shall be prohibited for an alien with a pending application for (1) a T or U visa; (2) employment authorization for a battered spouse of certain types of nonimmigrants; (3) cancellation of removal or adjustment of status on the basis of the alien being subjected to extreme cruelty by a spouse, parent, or fiancé; (4) temporary protected status; or (5) relief under the Violence Against Women Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Bahamas TPS Act of 2019 This bill designates the Bahamas as a temporary protected status (TPS) country for 18 months from the enactment of this bill. (Qualified nationals of a TPS-designated country shall have work authorization and may not be removed from the United States while the designation is in effect.) A Bahamian national shall qualify for temporary protected status if the individual (1) has been continuously physically present in the United States since the bill's enactment, (2) meets certain admissibility and eligibility requirements generally required for such status, and (3) registers with the Department of Homeland Security.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, encourages the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special Fannie Lou Hamer stamp during the month of September, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2019
This resolution reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to media diversity and expresses its pledge to eliminate barriers to such diversity.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2019
Placing Restrictions on Teargas Exports and Crowd Control Technology to Hong Kong Act or the PROTECT Hong Kong Act This bill directs the President to prohibit the issuance of licenses to export certain defense items and services to various forces in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department, and the Hong Kong Government Flying Service. Items subject to the prohibition include defense articles and services on the U.S. Munitions List and certain crime control and detection technology and software. The prohibition shall not take effect if the President takes certain actions, such as certifying to Congress that the prohibited exports to a covered force other than the Hong Kong Police Force are required to achieve U.S. foreign policy goals. The Department of State shall report to Congress as to items subject to the prohibition that have been exported to the Hong Kong forces covered in the bill in the last five years.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2019
TPS for Victims of Hurricane Dorian Act of 2019 This bill designates the Bahamas as a temporary protected status (TPS) country for 18 months from the enactment of this bill. (Qualified nationals of a TPS-designated country shall have work authorization and may not be removed from the United States while the designation is in effect.) A Bahamian national shall qualify for temporary protected status if the individual (1) has been continuously physically present in the United States since the bill's enactment, (2) meets certain admissibility and eligibility requirements generally required for such status, and (3) registers with the Department of Homeland Security.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2019
Act for the Amazon Act This bill requires the President to prohibit the importation of certain products from Brazil, restricts the President from providing military or security assistance to Brazil, and prohibits any negotiations by a federal department or agency to enter into a free trade agreement with Brazil.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2019
Overdraft Protection Act of 2019 This bill prohibits a depository institution from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts in connection with overdraft coverage. Each depository institution that offers overdraft coverage for accounts must disclose overdraft coverage fees. It must also disclose that the consumer's transaction may be declined if there are insufficient funds in the related transaction account, and the consumer will not be charged a fee if such transaction is declined. A depository institution must provide certain other disclosures regarding its overdraft protection program, including prompt notification of the account's overdraft status. The bill limits the number of overdraft fees a consumer may be charged each month and year, and provides that such fees must be reasonable. The bill prohibits an overdraft coverage fee if the overdraft results solely from a debit hold amount that exceeds the actual dollar amount of the transaction. The bill also prohibits a depository institution from charging a non-sufficient fund fee for any debit card transaction, or reporting negative information regarding consumer use of overdraft coverage to any consumer reporting agency when the overdraft amounts and coverage fees are paid under the terms of an overdraft coverage program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2019
This concurrent resolution recognizes the disparity in wages paid to Black women and its impact on women, families, and the nation, and reaffirms Congress' support for ensuring equal pay and closing the gender wage gap.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 2019
No Federal Funding for Confederate Symbols Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being used for the creation, maintenance, or display of any Confederate symbol on federal public land or other federal property. An exception to such prohibition is provided (1) if the use of such funds is necessary to allow for the removal of the Confederate symbol to address public safety; or (2) in the case of a Confederate symbol created, maintained, or displayed in a museum or educational exhibit. The Department of Defense shall redesignate the following military installations with such designation as it determines appropriate: Fort Rucker, Alabama, Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Gordon, Georgia, Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, Fort Polk, Louisiana, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort Hood, Texas, Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Fort Lee, Virginia, and Fort Pickett, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2019
This resolution recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by Sikh Americans and expresses respect for all Sikhs who practice their faith. The resolution also recognizes the historical, cultural, and religious significance of Guru Nanak's 550th birthday. Additionally, the resolution recognizes the discrimination Sikh Americans have faced.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Negro National League, a professional baseball league that was formed in response to African-American players being banned from baseball's major leagues. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and its mission to promote tolerance, diversity, and inclusion. All surcharges from sales of these coins shall be paid to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to fund educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Prevent Gun Trafficking Act This bill makes gun trafficking a federal crime. Specifically, the bill prohibits (1) knowingly purchasing, acquiring, or attempting to purchase or acquire a firearm from or through a federal firearms licensee for the possession of a third party; or (2) soliciting, hiring, demanding, or ordering another person to purchase, or attempt to purchase, a firearm for the person or transferring the firearm to a third party. Firearms obtained in violation of this prohibition are subject to the forfeiture provisions of the federal criminal code. The prohibition does not apply to a firearm lawfully acquired as a bona fide gift between family members or transferred to an agent of a lawful business for the lawful use in such business. A person who commits a gun trafficking offense is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both. In addition, the bill prohibits the sale or disposition of a firearm or ammunition to persons who intend to unlawfully sell or dispose of the firearm or ammunition.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Build Local, Hire Local Act This bill imposes various requirements on certain federally assisted infrastructure projects. The bill also creates infrastructure-related grant programs and establishes the Buy America Bureau. Such federally assisted infrastructure projects must (1) employ a certain percentage of local workers to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) prioritize hiring certain individuals, such as veterans and those facing barriers to employment. A certain percentage of funds for such projects shall be used for contracts with small businesses and certain targeted businesses, such as those owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, women, or individuals with disabilities. When applying for a contract, grant, or loan related to such a project, the applying entity must disclose whether there are any rulings, such as a civil judgment, finding that the entity has violated certain federal labor and occupational safety laws in the last three years. In addition, the Department of Transportation must award grants to entities in disadvantaged and underserved communities for infrastructure projects that create connected, economically prosperous, and environmentally healthy communities. Further, the Department of Labor must provide grants to workforce development boards and industry partnerships for job training programs to train certain groups, such as individuals with barriers to employment, for jobs in targeted infrastructure industries. The bill also establishes the Buy America Bureau within the Department of Commerce to oversee project compliance with existing laws that require the use of U.S.-made materials in certain federally funded projects.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2019
Second Chance for Students Act This bill modifies federal student aid eligibility for a student who is convicted of a drug offense involving marijuana possession. Under current law, a drug offense conviction involving the sale or possession of a controlled substance triggers a suspension of federal student aid eligibility for a specified period of time. This bill allows a student who is convicted of a drug offense involving marijuana possession, without the intent to distribute, to resume or retain federal student aid eligibility while completing a drug rehabilitation program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 programs that raise public awareness about breast health, educate health care providers to encourage early detection of breast cancer, and provide support for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Expanding Broadcast Ownership Opportunities Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry. Specifically, the bill allows companies engaged in the qualifying sale of a broadcast station to receive favorable tax treatment by electing nonrecognition of the gain or loss resulting from the sale. To qualify for this treatment, the sale must result in or preserve ownership of a broadcast station by socially disadvantaged individuals. The bill also requires the FCC to foster investment in broadcast stations owned by socially disadvantaged individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Through Improvements to Patent Litigation Act of 2019 This bill limits in certain instances the number of patents that the manufacturer of a biologic drug can assert in a lawsuit against a company seeking to sell a biosimilar version of that drug. (A biologic drug is produced through natural processes or isolated from natural sources. A biosimilar version is substantially similar to the original biologic, which is the reference product, and is often marketed as a less expensive alternative.) The bill's provisions apply to an existing framework that gives the biosimilar manufacturer an abbreviated path to Food and Drug Administration approval to sell the biosimilar. Specifically, if the biosimilar manufacturer completes certain actions under the framework, such as sharing certain information about its product with the reference product manufacturer, the bill limits the number of certain patents that the reference product manufacturer may assert in a lawsuit, such as patents that were filed more than four years after the reference product received market approval. The limit shall not apply to patents claiming certain methods for using the biologic drug. The court in which the infringement lawsuit is filed may increase the limit if justice so requires or if there is good cause for the increase.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act of 2019 or the IDEA Act This bill directs the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to collect demographic information about each inventor listed on a patent application. Inventors shall not be required to provide the requested information, which shall include gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual identity, veterans status, disability, and education and income levels. Such information shall be (1) kept confidential and separate from each patent application, and (2) periodically made public as aggregated data without personally identifying information.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
This bill prohibits the imposition of a death penalty sentence for a violation of federal law. A person sentenced to death before enactment of this bill must be resentenced.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Allowing Body Cameras in Joint Task Forces Act of 2019 This bill bars a federal prohibition on the use or wearing of body cameras by state or local law enforcement officers during joint operations with federal law enforcement officers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Assessing Monetary Influence in the Courts of the United States Act or the AMICUS Act This bill requires certain disclosures from a person that files three or more amicus briefs in a calendar year in the Supreme Court or a U.S. court of appeals. Specifically, such a person must disclose the name of anyone who (1) contributed to the preparation or submission of the amicus brief, or (2) made certain monetary contributions to the person. Persons that are subject to these requirements must register with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, which must make the registration information publicly available. Such persons are also prohibited from making gifts or providing travel to any U.S. court of appeals judge or Supreme Court justice.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2019 This bill abolishes the federal and military death penalty. It also commutes existing federal and military death penalty sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Zeroing Excess, Reducing Organic Waste, and Sustaining Technical Expertise Act or the ZERO WASTE Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a grant program for projects that are consistent with zero-waste practices, including source reduction and waste prevention to reduce the amount of materials incinerated or disposed of in landfills.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Disabled Access Credit Expansion Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for expenditures by an eligible small business to provide access to disabled individuals, to (1) increase from $10,250 to $20,500 the annual dollar limitation for eligible access expenditures, (2) require the $20,500 limit to be adjusted for inflation after 2020, and (3) increase from $1 million to $2.5 million the gross receipts limitation for an eligible small business. The bill also requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to carry out an ADA Mediation Program to (1) facilitate voluntary mediation to resolve disputes arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and (2) train mediators who provide services through the program. DOJ may hire or enter into contracts with personnel for the program. DOJ must also report to Congress on the ADA Information Line, which is a toll-free line operated by DOJ to provide information and materials to the public about the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Focused Reduction of Effluence and Stormwater runoff through Hydrofracking Environmental Regulation Act of 2019 or the FRESHER Act of 2019 This bill addresses stormwater runoff from mining, oil, or gas operations. Specifically, it eliminates a prohibition on the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring a permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for discharges of certain collected, uncontaminated stormwater runoff from mining operations or oil and gas operations. In addition, the Department of the Interior must study stormwater runoff associated with oil or gas operations, including an analysis of (1) measurable contamination, (2) groundwater resources, and (3) the susceptibility of aquifers to contamination from stormwater runoff associated with the operations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
CLEANER Act of 2019 or the Closing Loopholes and Ending Arbitrary and Needless Evasion of Regulations Act of 2019 This bill eliminates the exemption of waste associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal energy from regulations governing the disposal of hazardous waste. Within a year of enactment, the Environmental Protection Agency must determine whether waste associated with oil, gas, or geothermal energy activities meet the criteria promulgated for the identification or listing of hazardous waste.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act This bill extends the $1 million limit on the deductibility of executive compensation to all employees of publicly traded corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
This resolution recognizes the 71st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and urges the U.S. government, as well as U.N. member states, to promote human rights globally.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2019
This resolution commends the Global Fund to Fight AIDS and its partners for their contributions to ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The resolution also affirms previous U.S. commitments to provide 33% of the fund's budget, including for the Sixth Global Fund Replenishment, as demonstrated by legislation passed by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2019
Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act This bill revises requirements regarding the sale and delivery of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes, e-hookah, e-cigars, and vape pens). Specifically, the bill subjects the sale and delivery of these systems to certain requirements, including tax, licensing, and labeling requirements; prohibits the sale and delivery of these systems to anyone under the legal age to purchase tobacco products; and requires the U.S. Postal Service to implement regulations to prohibit the mailing of these systems. The bill does not apply to products approved by the Food and Drug Administration for tobacco cessation or any other therapeutic purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019 or the MORE Act of 2019 This bill decriminalizes marijuana. Specifically, it removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. The bill also makes other changes, including the following: replaces statutory references to marijuana and marihuana with cannabis , requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to regularly publish demographic data on cannabis business owners and employees, establishes a trust fund to support various programs and services for individuals and businesses in communities impacted by the war on drugs, imposes a 5% tax on cannabis products and requires revenues to be deposited into the trust fund, makes Small Business Administration loans and services available to entities that are cannabis-related legitimate businesses or service providers, prohibits the denial of federal public benefits to a person on the basis of certain cannabis-related conduct or convictions, prohibits the denial of benefits and protections under immigration laws on the basis of a cannabis-related event (e.g., conduct or a conviction), and establishes a process to expunge convictions and conduct sentencing review hearings related to federal cannabis offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
Even Playing Field Act This bill addresses pay equity for amateur athletes and other personnel. It permits a national governing body of an amateur sports organization eligible to be recognized, or to continue to be recognized, only if it provides equal investment, working conditions, and wages and other compensation to all amateur athletes, without discrimination based on sex. National governing bodies must report periodically to Congress regarding pay equity. Each report shall include (1) the median compensation for amateur athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators, and officials, disaggregated by race, gender, and employment category; and (2) the minimum and maximum compensation paid to such personnel, disaggregated by race, gender, and employment category.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
This resolution recognizes (1) the importance of reminding U.S. citizens of the vital importance of democracy, and (2) the sacrifices of past generations to preserve the freedoms and principles of the United States. The resolution encourages (1) state and local governments to also recognize the importance of helping individuals understand the vital importance of democracy, and (2) the people of the United States to reflect on and appreciate the contributions made by the democratic system of government created by the Constitution to a more free and stable world.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
American Opportunity Accounts Act This bill requires federally funded and managed savings accounts (American Opportunity Accounts) to be established for American children who are under the age of 18. The bill also increases and modifies (1) estate and gift taxes, and (2) capital gains taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
Give Our Athletes Level Salaries Act or the GOALS Act This bill prohibits the use of funds for the 2026 World Cup until the U.S. Soccer Federation agrees to provide equitable pay to the members of the U.S. Women's National Team and the U.S. Men's National Team.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2019
Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2019 or the GLOBE Act of 2019 This bill contains provisions related to (1) the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals globally; and (2) immigration protections for vulnerable individuals. The bill establishes (1) an interagency group to respond to urgent threats to LGBTI people in foreign countries, and (2) a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Peoples in the Department of State. The President shall impose visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons responsible for violating the human rights of individuals due to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. The State Department shall establish the Global Equality Fund to provide assistance to nongovernmental organizations working to advance and protect human rights. The U.S. Agency for International Development shall establish the LGBTI Global Development Partnership to work with the private sector and nongovernmental organizations to support LGBTI rights. The bill removes prohibitions against providing foreign assistance to nongovernmental organizations that offer certain medical services using non-U.S. government funds. The bill contains several immigration-related provisions, such as those (1) establishing that persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity may form the basis of an asylum request, (2) removing the general requirement that an asylum claim must be filed within one year of the applicant's arrival in the United States, (3) establishing that a permanent partnership between two partners is a marriage for immigration law purposes, and (4) establishing that indigent aliens have a right to free counsel in certain immigration proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
Climate and Health Protection Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Climate and Health Program within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
This resolution (1) expresses support for broad access to hepatitis treatments and for raising awareness of the risks and consequences of undiagnosed hepatitis infections, (2) calls for a robust governmental and public health response to protect the health of people in the United States, and (3) urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to partner with state and local health departments to develop strategies to increase the rate of hepatitis B adult vaccination and hepatitis C treatment to the levels necessary to eliminate new infections in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
College Student Hunger Act of 2019 This bill expands the eligibility of students at institutions of higher education to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). SNAP eligibility for students is expanded to include certain low-income students who (1) are employed a minimum of 10 hours per week (currently 20 hours) during the regular school year, (2) are eligible for a federal Pell Grant, (3) have an expected family contribution equal to zero, or (4) are independent. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Education to provide notification to certain students regarding their eligibility for SNAP benefits, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct an audit of the operations of the Food and Nutrition Service to examine the procedures and outreach practices used by the service to provide to states information about the eligibility of students at institutions of higher education for participation in the program, USDA to update its state outreach plan guidance, and USDA to implement projects to decrease student hunger at institutions of higher education and to reduce barriers to college students fully utilizing SNAP benefits at these institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
Reuniting Families Act This bill makes various immigration law changes, such as increasing the annual caps for certain immigrant visas and establishing that permanent partners are generally treated as spouses. The bill also expands which familial relationships are considered as immediate family and therefore not subject to annual limits, repeals specified bars from admission for unlawfully present aliens, and limits what constitutes a misrepresentation of citizenship status—a deportable offense—by requiring a willful misrepresentation.
![Official portrait of Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000288_200.jpg)