United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 This bill contains provisions related to alien farmworkers, including provisions establishing a certified agricultural worker (CAW) status and changing the H-2A temporary worker program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may grant CAW status to an applying alien who (1) performed at least 1,035 hours of agricultural labor during the two-year period prior to November 12, 2019, (2) was inadmissible or deportable on that date, and (3) has been continuously present in the United States from that date until receiving CAW status. The bill imposes additional crime-related inadmissibility grounds on CAW applicants and makes some other grounds inapplicable. CAW status shall be valid for 5.5 years and may be extended. DHS may grant dependent status to the spouse or children of a principal alien. An alien with a pending application may not be detained or removed by DHS and shall be authorized for employment until DHS makes a final decision on the application. A CAW alien (and dependents) may apply for lawful permanent resident status after meeting various requirements, including performing a certain amount of agricultural labor for a number of years. DHS shall create an electronic platform for (1) filing H-2A petitions, (2) facilitating the processing of H-2A cases, and (3) providing agencies a single tool for obtaining H-2A-related case information. The bill makes various changes to the H-2A program, such as (1) modifying the method for calculating and making adjustments to the H-2A worker minimum wage, (2) specifying how an employer may satisfy requirements that it attempted to recruit U.S. workers, (3) requiring H-2A employers to guarantee certain minimum work hours, and (4) making the program available for year-round agricultural work and reserving a visa allocation for the dairy industry. DHS shall establish a pilot program allowing certain H-2A workers to apply for portable status, which gives the worker 60 days after leaving a position to secure new employment with a registered H-2A employer. DHS shall establish an electronic system patterned on the E-Verify Program for employers to verify an individual's identity and employment authorization. Employers hiring individuals for agricultural employment must use the system. This bill permanently establishes the Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program, which provides financing assistance for rural rental housing and off-farm labor housing and rental assistance for qualified tenants of such housing. It also authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide various assistance, including funding for insuring loans and grants for new farmworker housing.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act This bill authorizes the establishment of a National Global War on Terrorism Memorial in the area of the National Mall.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
This resolution reaffirms the goals of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, which include ensuring international reproductive rights and the right to bodily autonomy for all people. The resolution urges the United States to demonstrate its commitment to these goals.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019
United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to arrange for the award of a single gold medal to the U.S. Army Ranger veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated wartime service. Following its award, the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution where it shall be available for display and research.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2019
This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the goals and ideals of National Veterans Small Business Week, celebrates the millions of people in the United States—especially veterans and their spouses—who benefit from Small Business Administration programs, and expresses appreciation for the continued service to the United States by the nation's veterans through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution supports the Three Seas Initiative in its efforts to (1) increase energy resilience and infrastructure connectivity across Central and Eastern Europe; and (2) further the process of building a Europe that is undivided, secure, prosperous, and free.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 This bill contains provisions related to alien farmworkers, including provisions establishing a certified agricultural worker (CAW) status and changing the H-2A temporary worker program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may grant CAW status to an applying alien who (1) performed at least 1,035 hours of agricultural labor during the two-year period prior to October 30, 2019, (2) was inadmissible or deportable on that date, and (3) has been continuously present in the United States from that date until receiving CAW status. The bill imposes additional crime-related inadmissibility grounds on CAW applicants and makes some other grounds inapplicable. CAW status shall be valid for 5.5 years and may be extended. DHS may grant dependent status to the spouse or children of a principal alien. An alien with a pending application may not be detained or removed by DHS and shall be authorized for employment until DHS makes a final decision on the application. A CAW alien (and dependents) may apply for lawful permanent resident status after meeting various requirements, including performing a certain amount of agricultural labor for a number of years. DHS shall create an electronic platform for (1) filing H-2A petitions, (2) facilitating the processing of H-2A cases, and (3) providing agencies a single tool for obtaining H-2A-related case information. The bill makes various changes to the H-2A program, such as (1) modifying the method for calculating and making adjustments to the H-2A worker minimum wage, (2) specifying how an employer may satisfy requirements that it attempted to recruit U.S. workers, (3) requiring H-2A employers to guarantee certain minimum work hours, and (4) making the program available for year-round agricultural work and reserving a visa allocation for the dairy industry. DHS shall establish a pilot program allowing certain H-2A workers to apply for portable status, which gives the worker 60 days after leaving a position to secure new employment with a registered H-2A employer. DHS shall establish an electronic system patterned on the E-Verify Program for employers to verify an individual's identity and employment authorization. Employers hiring individuals for agricultural employment must use the system. This bill permanently establishes the Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program, which provides financing assistance for rural rental housing and off-farm labor housing and rental assistance for qualified tenants of such housing. It also authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide various assistance, including funding for insuring loans and grants for new farmworker housing.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Smoke Planning and Research Act of 2019 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to research and mitigate the impacts of smoke emissions from wildland fires. Specifically, the EPA must establish (1) four Centers of Excellence for Wildfire Smoke at institutions of higher education, and (2) a grant program to support community mitigation efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Diabetes Prevention Semipostal Stamp, with all proceeds being transferred to the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019
Global Child Thrive Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes for FY2020-FY2025 programs to provide assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. The bill also requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to direct relevant executive branch agencies to incorporate early childhood development into current programs and promote inclusive early childhood development in partner countries. Such actions to promote early childhood development shall build on existing U.S. plans and strategies and aim to (1) prevent unnecessary family-child separation, (2) assist families with children with disabilities, and (3) help countries transition from child care protection systems that rely on residential care (such as orphanages and children's homes) to ones focused on family-based care.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Seeding Rural Resilience Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a public service announcement campaign to address the mental health of farmers and ranchers, including television, radio, print, outdoor, and digital public service announcements. Additionally, USDA must establish a voluntary program to train employees of the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the management of stress experienced by farmers and ranchers, including the detection of stress and suicide prevention; and convene a task force of agricultural and rural stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels to assess the causes of mental stress in farmers and ranchers and identify best practices for responding to such stress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Cold War Service Medal Act This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to issue a service medal to members of the Armed Forces who served during the Cold War. The medal may be awarded to service members who (1) served on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War, from September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991; (2) were deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during the Cold War; (3) were members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces and were called or ordered to active duty to participate in exercises or operations directly related to the Cold War ; or (4) performed such other service in the Armed Forces during the Cold War as DOD may prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
White House Accountability for Language Diversity Act This bill requires the White House and each federal agency to establish official websites in the five most commonly used languages in the United States other than English to increase accessibility. The websites must be of a similar scope and content as the English version. The President and each agency shall maintain and update the websites on a regular basis.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2019
This resolution commends the Inter-American Foundation for its contributions to promoting economic and social development, democracy, and peace in Latin America and the Caribbean. The resolution also recognizes the foundation's bottom-up approach to empower individuals in marginalized and underserved communities and expresses continued support for the vital work of the foundation as an independent agency.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2019
Mobile Mammography Promotion Act of 201 9 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the motor fuel excise tax fuel used in any highway vehicle designed exclusively to provide mobile mammography services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Support UNFPA Funding Act This bill authorizes annual contributions to support the core functions and programs of the United Nations Population Fund for the five fiscal years following the bill's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Safe at Home Act This bill requires each executive agency and federal court to accept, for any purpose for which an individual is required to provide an address to the agency or court, an address designated to that individual pursuant to an address confidentiality program (e.g., a program to protect stalking or domestic violence victims).
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act or the PACT Act This bill imposes sanctions and various restrictions related to Turkey's military invasion of northern Syria. The President shall impose visa- and asset-blocking sanctions on specific Turkish officials connected to the invasion, including Turkey's Minister of National Defense. The Department of State shall report to the President and Congress as to (1) other Turkish officials involved with the invasion; and (2) foreign persons that knowingly provided defense articles, services, or technology to Turkey that could be used in the invasion of northern Syria. Such foreign persons shall also be subject to visa- and asset-blocking sanctions. The President shall impose financial sanctions on the large Turkish state-owned bank known as Halk Bankasi or Halkbank and on any financial institutions that the State Department determines to have knowingly facilitated significant transactions for the Turkish Armed Forces or Turkey's defense industry related to the invasion. The President shall impose sanctions on Turkey's government pursuant to the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. A U.S. defense article, service, or technology may not be transferred to Turkey's government if it (1) is covered under the Arms Export Control Act, and (2) may be used by Turkey in military operations in northern Syria. The President may not exercise certain emergency waiver authority related to the Arms Export Control Act in relation to this prohibition. The bill calls for reports on (1) the national security impact of the invasion and, (2) the net worth of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his family.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2019
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 21701 Stevens Creek Boulevard in Cupertino, California, as the "Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2019
This resolution expresses Congress's opposition to the decision to end U.S. efforts to prevent Turkey's military operations against Kurdish forces in northeast Syria. It also calls on (1) Turkey to immediately cease unilateral military action in northeast Syria and respect existing agreements, (2) the United States to continue supporting Syrian Kurdish communities through military and humanitarian support and ensure that the Turkish military acts with restraint, and (3) the White House to present a clear and specific plan for the enduring defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
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
National World War II Memorial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II. All surcharges received from the sale of such coins shall be paid to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.
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 · 4 October 2019
This bill defines a full-time health care practitioner for the purpose of participation in the student loan repayment plan for public service employees. Specifically, the bill establishes a definition that encompasses an individual employed as a health care practitioner at a nonprofit or public hospital or facility who is prohibited from being directly employed by such hospital or facility under state law.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2019
This bill permanently extends the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to make grants for the transportation of highly rural veterans to health care facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2019
Modernizing VA's Records Management Program Act This bill authorizes the treatment of digitized records (e.g., photographs or files) as original documents for purposes of claims under laws of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), so long as the digitized versions are made in compliance with document disposal laws. Under the bill, the VA may not be required to produce or retain original physical files or records, including for proceedings occurring at the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The bill requires the VA to implement a process to ensure a digitized record pertaining to a claim is (1) of sufficient quality to be viewed and read on an electronic screen, and (2) an accurate reproduction of the original file or document. The VA must return an original document or file to a claimant once the digitized version has been made. Finally, the VA must resolve any doubt regarding the accuracy of a digitized file or document pertaining to a claim in favor of the claimant if (1) the VA did not implement the process to ensure the quality and accuracy of the digitized version, (2) the claimant presents credible evidence that there is a deficiency or alteration to the file, or (3) the claimant presents credible evidence that such digitized version is missing from VA records.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2019
Minority Diabetes Initiative Act This bill allows the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to provide treatment for diabetes in minority communities. HHS must ensure that these grants cover a variety of diabetes-related health care services, including routine care for diabetic patients, public education on diabetes prevention and control, eye care, foot care, and treatment for kidney disease and other complications of diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Fiscal State of the Nation Resolution This concurrent resolution requires the congressional budget committees to conduct an annual joint hearing to receive a presentation from the Comptroller General regarding (1) the Government Accountability Office's audit of the financial statement of the executive branch, and (2) the financial position and condition of the federal government.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act or the CURD Act This bill provides statutory authority for a definition of natural cheese. Under the bill, natural cheese is defined as cheese that is produced from animal milk or certain dairy ingredients and is produced in accordance with established cheese-making standards.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
This resolution urges the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) to support continued peace on the island of Ireland and the commitments of the Good Friday Agreement in the event that the UK leaves the EU. The resolution also expresses opposition to the reintroduction of a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. (The island of Ireland is divided between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state. There is currently an open border between them, but there is discussion that the UK's exit from the EU may require the reintroduction of a hard border.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019 This bill authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), every fiscal year, to hire, train, and assign 240 new agricultural specialists until the total number of specialists equals and sustains the requirements identified each year in the Agriculture Resource Allocation Model. The CBP may also hire, train, and assign support staff to assist the specialists and specified levels of agricultural canine teams. In calculating the number of specialists needed at each port of entry through the Agriculture Resource Allocation Model, the Office of Field Operations of the CBP must (1) rely on data collected regarding the inspections and other activities conducted at each such port of entry; and (2) consider volume from seasonal surges, other projected changes in commercial and passenger volumes, the most current commercial forecasts, and other relevant information.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. Postal Service should issue a commemorative stamp series honoring women veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2019
This resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Hmong New Year and wishes Hmong Americans and all individuals who observe this holiday a happy new year.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2019
This concurrent resolution supports existing regulations with the goals of (1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions and oil usage, and (2) protecting national security and human health and welfare. The concurrent resolution also supports policies that will help meet these goals, such as policies that achieve maximum feasible reductions in oil use.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2019
Office of Technology Assessment Improvement and Enhancement Act This bill renames and revises the functions and duties of the Office of Technology Assessment which, composed of a Technology Assessment Board and a director, provides Congress with assessments of probable technology application impacts. Specifically, the bill renames the office the Congressional Office of Technology, and it requires the office to undertake additional duties, such as providing to Members of Congress (1) certain information without the need for board review, (2) certain technical assistance on legislation related to science and technology without the need for board review, and (3) objective policy options on how Members may achieve goals with respect to science and technology policy. The bill authorizes Members of Congress to submit to the board a request that the office undertake an assessment activity. Additionally, the bill requires the Congressional Research Service and the Government Accountability Office to coordinate technology assessment activities with the office to avoid duplication or overlapping of research activities. The office may temporarily appoint specified technical and professional personnel to work for the office, and the office must also make the findings of completed analyses publicly available. The bill also (1) revises the appointment of board members, (2) requires the board to hold an annual meeting at which Members of Congress may appear and present information regarding technology assessment activities, and (3) requires the board to report annually on the activities of the office.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
Human Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Training Act of 2019 This bill requires the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) within the Administration for Children and Families to award grants to nonprofits, state agencies, elementary and secondary schools for demonstration projects to train students, teachers, and school personnel how to better understand, recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking and the exploitation of children and youth. Such projects also must collect data about the number of human trafficking survivors served and develop procedures to coordinate with law enforcement and appropriate social service organizations. The OTIP must consult with the appropriate agencies to determine and prioritize funding for geographic areas with the highest prevalence of human trafficking and largest underserved youth populations.
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 · 13 September 2019
Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019 This bill modifies and reauthorizes various programs and provisions related to Tibet and China. The President shall provide grants to nongovernmental organizations for projects supporting Tibetan communities in Tibet in areas such as sustainable economic development, cultural preservation, and education. The Department of State shall (1) seek to establish a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Tibet; (2) establish a Tibet section in the U.S. embassy in Beijing; (3) make diplomatic efforts on issues such as water security in the region; and (4) encourage Nepal to provide legal documentation to certain Tibetan residents in Nepal. The bill reauthorizes the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues and expands the office's duties to include additional tasks, such as pursuing international coalitions to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed solely by the Tibetan Buddhist faith community. The bill also adds China-related topics to an existing annual report on international religious freedom.
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
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
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 · 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
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 · 30 August 2019
This resolution calls on all leaders of the Group of Seven (a group consisting of the seven largest major advanced economies, as determined by the International Monetary Fund) to oppose Russia's readmission into the group. The resolution also condemns Russia's assaults on democratic societies worldwide and its aggressive actions in Ukraine. (Russia was disinvited from the Group of Eight in 2014 after it occupied parts of Ukraine, including the Crimea region.)
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 2019
This resolution calls on the Hong Kong government to begin negotiations with protesters to address their five central demands, including the complete withdrawal of the extradition bill that prompted the protests and the complete implementation of universal adult suffrage. It also condemns (1) the Hong Kong government's use of force against the demonstrations; (2) the government's characterizations of the protests as "riots" and attempts to blame the United States for the city's political situation; and (3) the pro-Chinese government media's targeting of Julie Eadeh, the political counselor at the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, and her family. (Hong Kong is a part of China but has a mostly separate legal system, which includes protection for civil liberties including freedom from arbitrary imprisonment. Protests sprung up in opposition to the introduction of an extradition bill that critics say would allow extradition to jurisdictions that do not have such protections, in particular mainland China.)
![Official portrait of Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/6973c909ded7781a35cc1fd7_200.jpg)