United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Women and Families Act of 2019 or the HEAL Immigrant Women and Families Act of 2019 This bill extends Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program coverage to individuals lawfully present in the United States who otherwise meet eligibility requirements. Individuals granted federally authorized presence also are required to maintain minimum essential health insurance coverage and are eligible for health insurance exchanges, reduced cost sharing, premium subsidies, and premium tax credits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
End the Limo Loophole Act This bill revises the definition of commercial motor vehicle to include vehicles that are designed to transport 9 or more passengers including the driver (currently, at least 16 passengers including the driver) and requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to finalize a rulemaking to require states to implement an annual inspection program for commercial passenger-carrying vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2019
College Affordability Act This bill reauthorizes and revises the Higher Education Act of 1965, including to revise federal student financial aid programs, consolidate federal student loans and expand loan forgiveness , increase college access and success for certain students, and revise accountability measures. Specifically, the bill revises financial aid programs, including to (1) increase the maximum federal Pell Grant award, (2) provide incentives for states to fund public institutions of higher education (IHEs), and (3) increase and make permanent funding for minority-serving IHEs. The bill also revises federal student loan programs, including to (1) replace existing student loan repayment plans with one income-based repayment plan and one fixed repayment plan, (2) allow existing borrowers to lower their payments by switching to the new plans, and (3) expand public service loan forgiveness programs (e.g., TEACH grants) and create appeal processes for denied applications. In addition, the bill increases college access and success for certain students (e.g., students with low-income, children, or the disabled) through investments and practices, such as student support services and accelerated learning opportunities. Finally, the bill revises accountability measures for IHEs (including for-profit IHEs), job training programs, college accrediting agencies, and lenders. In particular, the bill updates the performance goals of the Office of Federal Student Aid and requires the Department of Education to be responsible for the oversight of the office.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2019
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Wildlife Refuge Week. The resolution acknowledges the importance of national wildlife refuges for their recreational opportunities and contribution to local economies. Finally, the resolution reaffirms the support of the House of Representatives for wildlife conservation and the National Wildlife Refuge System.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2019
Equitable Student Aid Access Act This bill revises certain income requirements for calculating federal student financial aid amounts, and it requires the Department of Education (ED) to publish certain requirements for financial aid offers. Specifically, the bill eliminates the simplified needs test in financial aid applications for families with income below a specified threshold, and it increases the income threshold that automatically qualifies a student for certain financial aid. When determining the total income of an applicant or an applicant's household, ED shall provide for the use of data from the second preceding tax year to simplify applications used for the estimation and determination of financial aid eligibility. ED must also conduct consumer testing to serve as the basis for determining requirements for financial aid offers. A financial aid offer must contain information such as cost of attendance and sources of available financial aid, as well as a standardized quick reference box to enable comparison of information on college costs and financial aid.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2019
Affordable Pricing for Taxpayer-Funded Prescription Drugs Act of 2019 This bill prohibits federal agencies and nonprofit entities that conduct federally funded health care research from providing a patent for a drug based on such research until the entity receiving the patent enters into a reasonable pricing agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2019
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2019 This bill revises the public service loan forgiveness program to expand the types of payments made by public service employees for Federal Direct Loans that qualify as payments under the program. Specifically, employees' first 60 monthly payments to graduated repayment plans or extended repayment plans qualify as payments under the program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2019
Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act or the SHIELD Act This bill establishes a duty to report election interference from foreign entities, applies existing campaign advertising requirements to online advertisements, and generally limits political spending and election interference by foreign entities. Specifically, a political committee must report certain foreign contacts involving an offer of unlawful election assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Election Commission. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations of these requirements. Existing requirements for political advertisements and electioneering communications apply to internet and digital advertisements, including requirements related to disclosures and contributions. Additionally, large online platforms must maintain a public database of certain political advertisements. The bill places limitations on political spending by foreign entities. Specifically, foreign entities may not (1) contribute to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda, or (2) make disbursements for certain internet activity referring to a candidate or a political issue. A candidate is prohibited from offering to share nonpublic campaign information with certain foreign entities. The bill also prohibits (1) the dissemination of false statements regarding federal elections or public endorsement, or (2) the intentional hindering of voting or registering to vote. The bill establishes criminal penalties and a private right of action with respect to these prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2019
Pharmaceutical Rebates for Excessive Pricing Above Inflation Act or the Pharmaceutical REPAI Act This bill requires drug manufacturers, subject to civil penalties, to issue rebates to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for covered drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit that cost $100 or more and for which the average manufacturer price increases faster than inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2019
This resolution recognizes the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic for their achievements in building prosperous, democratic societies since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. The resolution also commends the countries for their support of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) operations in Afghanistan and reaffirms the United States' commitment to a free and peaceful Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2019
Financial Aid Fairness for Students Act or the FAFSA Act This bill repeals a provision that makes students convicted of drug-related offenses ineligible for federal student aid, and it prohibits the Department of Education from asking about drug-related convictions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2019
This resolution condemns certain comments by Secretary Ben Carson regarding transgender people and decries the Department of Housing and Urban Development's continued effort, under his leadership, to single out and discriminate against LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2019
End the Cyprus Arms Embargo Act of 2019 This bill modifies requirements for, and limits on, the transfer of defense articles and services to Cyprus. The Department of State shall generally not deny exports, re-exports, or transfers of defense articles or services to or from Cyprus if the request is made by or on behalf of Cyprus and if Cyprus is the end user of such articles or services. However, even if these conditions are met, the State Department may deny such a transfer based on credible human rights concerns. Furthermore, the existing policy to deny exports, re-exports, or transfers of articles on the U.S. Munitions List to Cyprus shall remain in effect unless the President periodically certifies to Congress that Cyprus is (1) cooperating with U.S. efforts to reform anti-money-laundering regulations and financial regulatory oversight, and (2) taking steps to deny Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and servicing. The President may temporarily waive the export denial policy for U.S. national security interests.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2019
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2019 This bill establishes the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program. Under the program, grants may be awarded for providing and expanding study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2019
Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act This bill establishes an alternative formula to calculate Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits for those who receive pensions for certain non-covered employment. (The existing formula is known as the windfall elimination provision.) The alternative formula adjusts an individual's total lifetime earnings based on the proportion of covered earnings (i.e., earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes). It applies to individuals who (1) first become eligible for benefits after 2021, (2) have earnings from non-covered service performed after 1977 and (3) have less than 30 years of coverage (i.e., years in which a beneficiary is considered to have contributed a substantial amount into the Social Security trust funds). Beneficiaries receive the higher benefit amount as calculated under the alternative method or the existing formula. In addition, the bill provides rebates for certain beneficiaries currently impacted by the existing formula. The Social Security Administration must include non-covered earnings in Social Security account statements, and the Government Accountability Office must study the availability of certain information related to retirement plans maintained by state and local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This joint resolution nullifies a rule issued by the Department of Education (ED) on September 23, 2019. The rule revised the process for a student loan borrower to obtain a discharge from a student loan if an institution of higher education misrepresented a material fact. Among other requirements, the 2019 rule requires each borrower to apply to ED for a defense to repayment. However, under the previous 2016 rule, an application could be submitted on behalf of an entire group (e.g., veterans).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Expanding Health Care Options for Early Retirees Act This bill establishes a Medicare buy-in option for certain qualifying first responders. Specifically, the bill allows first responders aged 50 to 64 to enroll in Medicare if they are retired or otherwise separated from service due to a disability. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must determine enrollment periods and set premiums for the buy-in option established under the bill, in accordance with specified requirements. The CMS must also award grants to states and nonprofit organizations for outreach and enrollment activities relating to the buy-in option.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
This resolution accepts the findings in the "Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate" published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and affirms that immediate action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the ocean and cryosphere.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
Chronic Condition Copay Elimination Act This bill requires health insurers to cover, without cost sharing, preventive items and services for certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma, among others.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2019
National Poverty Research Center Authorization Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to institutions of higher education for National Poverty Research Centers. In addition to conducting poverty policy research, such centers must coordinate nationwide research networks to inform public policies aimed at reducing poverty in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2019
Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act of 2019 This bill modifies the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits the deprivation of rights under color of law. Currently, the second prong of the prohibition bars the application of different punishments, pains, or penalties based on an individual's alien status, color, or race. This bill specifies that the application of any pressure to a person's throat or windpipe which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air (e.g., a chokehold) constitutes a punishment, pain, or penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2019
Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 This bill establishes several programs and requirements relating to the prices of prescription drugs. In particular, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate prices for certain drugs (current law prohibits HHS from doing so). Specifically, HHS must negotiate maximum prices for (1) insulin products; and (2) at least 25 single source, brand-name drugs that do not have generic competition and that are among the 125 drugs that account for the greatest national spending or the 125 drugs that account for the greatest spending under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage (MA). The negotiated prices must be offered under Medicare and MA, and may also be offered under private health insurance unless the insurer opts out. The negotiated maximum price may not exceed (1) 120% of the average price in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom; or (2) if such information is not available, 85% of the U.S. average manufacturer price. Drug manufacturers that fail to comply with the bill's negotiation requirements are subject to civil and tax penalties. The bill also makes a series of additional changes to Medicare prescription drug coverage and pricing. Among other things, the bill (1) requires drug manufacturers to issue rebates to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for covered drugs that cost $100 or more and for which the average manufacturer price increases faster than inflation; and (2) reduces the annual out-of-pocket spending threshold, and eliminates beneficiary cost-sharing above this threshold, under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
Removing Marijuana from Deportable Offenses Act This bill removes offenses involving the use, possession, or distribution of marijuana from the list of crimes that could render an alien inadmissible into the United States or deportable. An alien previously denied a visa for such marijuana-related activities may reapply for a visa, and an alien previously deported for such activities shall be readmitted into the United States if not otherwise inadmissible.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
Stop the Wait Act This bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period that applies to the payment of certain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for workers and surviving spouses and the 24-month waiting period that applies to Medicare coverage for workers who are eligible for SSDI benefits. In addition, the National Academy of Medicine must study disabling conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals access health care services and coverage before the condition reaches disability levels.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
This resolution expresses support for victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and urges the President to make available the necessary resources to assist the Bahamas in its recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
This resolution recognizes (1) the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month; and (2) the integral role of Latinos and their manifold heritage in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Protect America’s Wildlife and Fish In Need of Conservation Act of 2019 or the PAW and FIN Conservation Act of 2019 This bill nullifies the 2019 rules relating to the listing of endangered or threatened species and the designation of critical habitats. Among other things, the restored rules automatically give threatened species the same protections as endangered species; revise requirements governing when an agency must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service about endangered species, threatened species, or their habitats; prohibit economic assessments from being considered in listing decisions; and revise the criteria used for designating critical habitats for the species.
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
Bonding Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2019 This bill revises bonding requirements for oil and gas development. Specifically, the bill increases the amount of bond that oil and gas developers must provide prior to conducting surface-disturbing activities and requires such amounts to adjust every three years for inflation. The bill also requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to establish uniform standards for all interim and final reclamation plans and not release any bond amounts until the standards have been met by oil and gas developers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund, which finances a grant program to protect critically endangered species. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of the Interior to establish the fund as a separate account in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. Critically endangered species means any animal species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species as either endangered or critically endangered. The term also means any other animals species categorized on such list as data deficient or under a threat category lower than endangered if Interior determines that (1) the most recent IUCN Red List assessment indicates that the population is decreasing, or (2) such species is facing new or emerging threats.
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 · 13 September 2019
This resolution supports designating National Dystonia Awareness Month to raise public awareness and understanding of the condition and recognizes the need for additional research to find a cure. (Dystonia is a neurological disorder that is characterized by repetitive, involuntary muscle contractions.)
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act This bill requires the Department of Education to publish an annual report on indicators of school crime and safety. Such report shall collect specified information, including (1) the number of school shootings that have taken place nationwide; (2) the age, gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality of each victim; (3) the motivation of the shooter; (4) how the shooting was stopped; and (5) the number and type of firearms and ammunition used in each shooting.
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 · 12 September 2019
This resolution affirms that reducing access to a firearm for individuals with a history of violence against women is critical to reducing the fatality of intimate partner violence in the United States. Additionally, it calls on the Senate to immediately consider the following: H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019; H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019; and H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Enhance Access To SNAP Act of 2019 or the EATS Act of 2019 This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to students attending institutions of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2019 This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration's authority to regulate cosmetics, including with respect to safety standards, product recalls, and product testing. The bill also generally prohibits the use of animal testing for the purpose of developing cosmetics.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2019 This bill modifies the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits program by (1) excluding certain income and raising the resource limit for purposes of determining SSI eligibility, (2) providing for annual inflation adjustments for benefits, and (3) repealing certain SSI penalties related to disposing of resources for less than fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
This concurrent resolution (1) calls upon the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to observe September 11, 2019, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001, attacks, and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need and to the defense of the United States; and (2) recognizes the heroic actions of first responders and other citizens in New York, the District of Columbia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
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
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
Clean Water Through Green Infrastructure Act This bill establishes grant programs for i nnovative stormwater control infrastructure , which means any green stormwater management technique that (1) uses systems that mimic natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspire, or capture stormwater; and (2) preserves, enhances, or mimics natural hydrology to protect or restore water quality. Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must provide grants to eligible institutions of higher education or research institutions to establish and maintain between three and five centers of excellence for innovative stormwater control infrastructure. Among other things, the centers must research such infrastructure and provide technical assistance to state, tribal, and local governments to assist with stormwater control infrastructure projects. One of the centers must be the national electronic clearinghouse center. That center must operate a website and a public database on the infrastructure. In addition, the EPA must provide grants to state, tribal, or local governments or entities that manage stormwater, drinking water resources, or wastewater resources for innovative stormwater control infrastructure projects.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2019
Federal Jobs Guarantee Development Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Labor to establish a pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities (i.e., political subdivisions of states and Tribal entities with a high unemployment rate) for programs to guarantee employment to individuals residing in the areas served by such entities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_il_9_schakowsky_janice_200.jpg)