United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020
This bill nullifies a July 11, 2019, executive order (1) directing all federal agencies to share citizenship information with the Department of Commerce, (2) establishing an interagency working group to improve Commerce's access to citizenship-related records in other agencies, and (3) directing Commerce to strengthen efforts to obtain citizenship-related records from states.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020
Kobe Bryant & Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue regulations to implement National Transportation Safety Board recommendations for crash-resistant systems with respect to existing and new U.S.-registered turbine-powered rotorcraft (e.g., a helicopter) certificated for six or more passenger seats. Specifically, the FAA must require all U.S.-registered turbine-powered rotorcraft certificated for six or more passenger seats to be equipped with a flight data recorder, a cockpit voice recorder, and a terrain awareness and warning system. The FAA may exempt any civilian helicopter from one or more of the equipment requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020
Flint Registry Reauthorization Act This bill extends through FY2031 a voluntary lead exposure registry supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The registry collects data on the exposure of individuals in Flint, Michigan, to lead contamination in the local drinking water system.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020
This resolution expresses support for freedom of the press and opposes the targeting of journalists. Specifically, the resolution calls on law enforcement to protect freedom of the press and refrain from targeting journalists and media workers; calls on government entities to clarify that credentialed press are exempt from curfews enacted in response to protests and public demonstrations; stresses the need for accountability where law enforcement entities or protesters violate the Constitution, laws, or regulations in their treatment of journalists and media crews during protests; and reaffirms the centrality of freedom of the press to supporting democracy, exposing corruption, and promoting good governance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020
Disclose Police Brutality Bonds Act of 2020 This bill requires issuers of securities to disclose services provided to state and local governments related to the issuance of bonds if proceeds may be used to pay settlements or judgments in connection with police violence or civil rights abuses.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020
Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed To Survive Act of 2020 or the RESTAURANTS Act of 2020 This bill temporarily establishes and provides funding for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, from which the Department of the Treasury shall make grants to eligible food and beverage purveyors to cover specified costs. The amount of such a grant shall be reduced by the amount of (1) any emergency grant received for an economic injury disaster loan, or (2) any paycheck protection loan amount forgiven under the Paycheck Protection Program established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). For the grant program's initial period, Treasury must (1) prioritize awarding grants to marginalized and underrepresented communities, and (2) only award grants to eligible food and beverage purveyors with annual revenues of less than $1.5 million.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
This resolution condemns Russia's attempts to harmfully influence domestic politics and stimulate unrest in the United States and allied countries. The resolution calls on the United States, as well as the European Union, to consider imposing additional sanctions against Yevgeniy Prigozhin and his affiliated entities. (Prigozhin is a Russian businessman accused of interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the 2018 U.S. midterm elections).
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
This joint resolution nullifies a rule published on June 5, 2020, by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency within the Department of the Treasury. The rule generally revises the office's implementation of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which requires banks to serve the credit needs of low- and moderate-income communities. Under the CRA, a bank receives credit, which influences the bank's performance rating, for conducting specified activities related to this requirement in designated assessment areas. Among other things, the rule revises qualifying CRA activities, sets forth new procedures for determining if an activity qualifies under the CRA, and expands designated assessment areas.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Helicopter Safety Act of 2020 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue regulations to implement National Transportation Safety Board recommendations for crash-resistant systems with respect to existing and new U.S.-registered turbine-powered rotorcraft (e.g., a helicopter) certificated for six or more passenger seats. Specifically, the FAA must require all U.S.-registered turbine-powered rotorcraft certificated for six or more passenger seats to be equipped with a flight data recorder, a cockpit voice recorder, and a terrain awareness and warning system. The FAA may exempt any civilian helicopter from one or more of the equipment requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
This resolution expresses support for freedom of the press and opposes the targeting of journalists. Specifically, the resolution calls on law enforcement to protect freedom of the press and refrain from targeting journalists and media workers; calls on government entities to clarify that credentialed press are exempt from curfews enacted in response to protests and public demonstrations; stresses the need for accountability where law enforcement entities or protesters violate the Constitution, laws, or regulations in their treatment of journalists and media crews during protests; and reaffirms the centrality of freedom of the press to supporting democracy, exposing corruption, and promoting good governance.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020
Justice in Policing Act of 2020 This bill addresses a wide range of policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. It includes measures to increase accountability for law enforcement misconduct, to enhance transparency and data collection, and to eliminate discriminatory policing practices. The bill facilitates federal enforcement of constitutional violations (e.g., excessive use of force) by state and local law enforcement. Among other things, it does the following: lowers the criminal intent standard—from willful to knowing or reckless—to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution, limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer or state correctional officer, and authorizes the Department of Justice to issue subpoenas in investigations of police departments for a pattern or practice of discrimination. The bill also creates a national registry—the National Police Misconduct Registry—to compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct. It establishes a framework to prohibit racial profiling at the federal, state, and local levels. The bill establishes new requirements for law enforcement officers and agencies, including to report data on use-of-force incidents, to obtain training on implicit bias and racial profiling, and to wear body cameras.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2020
Curtailing Insurrection act Violations of Individuals' Liberties Act or the CIVIL Act This bill prohibits the President from invoking authority to use military force to enforce federal authority or suppress an insurrection in a state unless a certification is made to Congress by the President, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice that a state governor has requested such assistance or that the state is unable or unwilling to suppress such an insurrection. The President must consult with Congress, in every instance possible, before invoking the authority to use military force. The bill terminates the authority to use military force to suppress an insurrection after 14 days unless Congress enacts a joint resolution extending such authority. It also sets forth provisions for expedited consideration of a joint resolution in the House of Representative and the Senate. The bill allows individuals or entities who have been injured by, or have a credible fear of injury from, the use of military force to bring a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Great American Outdoors Act This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies. Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
This concurrent resolution (1) affirms, on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first slave ship, the U.S. debt of remembrance not only to those who lived through the injustices of slavery but also to their descendants; and (2) proposes a U.S. Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation to properly acknowledge, memorialize, and be a catalyst for progress, including toward permanently eliminating persistent racial inequities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act This bill establishes a grant program, as well as a new center within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to facilitate access to investigational therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (i.e., ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive and fatal disease). Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants for the provision of investigational drugs for ALS and other rapidly progressing neurodegenerative diseases through an expanded access (i.e., compassionate use) program. HHS may award these grants to (1) a small business that is the sponsor of an investigational new drug application, or (2) a participating clinical trial site for such a sponsor. Additionally, HHS must establish within the FDA a Center of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases. The center shall have duties and authorities similar to those of the FDA's Oncology Center of Excellence, which helps expedite the development of medical products and assists providers in requesting access to investigational drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
This resolution condemns acts of brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. It also calls for the end of militarized policing practices. The resolution supports strengthening efforts to promote accountability for individual law enforcement officers and police departments. Finally, it calls for the adoption of sound and unbiased law enforcement policies at all levels of government.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020
Honor Our Commitment Act of 2020 This bill temporarily defers the removals of qualified Vietnamese nationals from the United States and contains other related provisions. A national of Vietnam shall qualify for deferral if that individual (1) has been ordered removed to Vietnam before this bill's enactment, and (2) resided in the United States on or before July 12, 1995. An otherwise qualifying alien shall not receive deferral if (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the alien's removal is necessary because the alien is directly responsible for specific and significant harm to national security, or (2) the alien is subject to extradition. The deferral period shall be for 24 months starting from this bill's enactment. An alien receiving deferral under this bill shall receive work authorization and shall not be detained based on the alien's immigration status. DHS shall notify each Vietnamese national with a final order of removal about the provisions of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
COVID-19 Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangement Rollover Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to issue regulations or other guidance that permit the unused balance as of the end of plan year 2020 of any dependent care flexible spending arrangement to be rolled over to plan year 2021.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Meals on Wheels for Kids Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make available an option to states to provide program meals to children through service institutions that provide off-site consumption. USDA must ensure that off-site consumption is only available to a child if they qualify for free or reduced price lunch and breakfast and present certain conditions, including not being able to travel to congregate feeding sites because of distance or concerns for safety. Additionally, USDA must establish a three-year pilot program to award competitive grants for states to enter into contracts with eligible service institutions to deliver meals during non-school summer months to these children and those who qualify for the summer meals program and live in a rural or hard-to-reach area. USDA must prioritize applications submitted by eligible service institutions (1) from states with high low-income child populations, or high child populations in rural areas or hard-to-reach areas; or (2) that plan to provide educational enrichment opportunities to children who receive meals under the pilot program. USDA must provide for an independent study on the impact of such grants on the reduction of hunger and access to meals for children residing in rural or hard-to-reach areas and low-income areas during summer months.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne. It recognizes the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and a cure for PCOS. It also acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King in recognition of her courageous and groundbreaking leadership advancing equal rights for women and the LGBTQ community in athletics, education, and our society.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
Paycheck Recovery Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to establish a paycheck recovery program to provide grants for certain small businesses and employers that have lost revenue because of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) to pay wages and fixed expenses such as rent, utilities, and safety equipment. Treasury shall award such grants to employers that have experienced revenue losses above a 10% gross receipts threshold or to small businesses that employ 20 or fewer individuals and have annual gross receipts of less than $3 million. Recipients shall receive an initial, 90-day grant that covers the percentage of revenue loss multiplied by wages provided to an employee (up to a salary cap of $90,000), plus an additional 25% of total wages to cover business operating costs. Subsequent grants shall be disbursed on a monthly basis until the nationwide unemployment rate remains below 7% for three consecutive months, at which point Treasury shall terminate the program. An employer receiving a grant must meet certain conditions related to share repurchases, payments to shareholders or bondholders, and executive compensation and bonuses, as well as conditions relating to labor protections such as keeping employees on payroll and benefits. The bill also establishes a Congressional Paycheck Recovery Program Implementation Oversight Board to ensure employers that receive grants use the funds appropriately and comply with all conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
This resolution supports the designation of ALS Awareness Month and commends efforts to improve the quality and length of life for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
PPP Data and Diversity Accountability Act of 2020 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to collect and report specified demographic data for recipients of assistance under the Paycheck Protection Program established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
COVID-19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill expands certain authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 and directs the President and federal agencies to take specific actions to support the production of critical medical supplies during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, including with respect to private-sector coordination, needs assessments, and overall strategies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review and update, if necessary, certain best practices, replication guides, and other training materials for law enforcement, judicial officials, and others whose work may bring them in contact with elder abuse. Specifically, DOJ must address victims and witnesses who have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in these materials. Additionally, in creating or compiling these materials, DOJ must consult with the Department of Health and Human Services and, as appropriate, other entities with relevant expertise in elder abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
This resolution directs the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis to establish a hotline for individuals to report (via telephone or other electronic communication) waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement of taxpayer funds appropriated to address the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award additional grants under the Emergency Solutions Grant program to provide rental assistance for short-term and medium-term housing to homeless individuals or families, or those who are at risk of homelessness, and expands eligibility for such additional assistance. For assistance provided under the bill, the term at risk of homelessness shall include individuals and families that have an income below 80% of the median income for the area (rather than 30% of the area median income, as under current law). Rental assistance provided under the bill shall generally be limited to 120% of the HUD-established fair market rent for the area, whereas currently rental assistance under the program is generally limited to 100% of an area's fair market rent. Such assistance may not be conditioned on any prerequisite activities, such as receiving treatment. HUD may, with some limitations, waive requirements or establish alternative requirements related to such assistance if doing so is necessary to respond to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Expanding Medical Partnerships with Israel to Lessen Dependence on China Act or the EMPIL-DOC Act This bill authorizes a bilateral grant program with Israel to develop health technologies, with an emphasis on the use of technology, personalized medicine, and data in relation to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Technologies to be developed through this program include, among others, artificial intelligence, respiratory assist devices, and diagnostic tests. In addition, the program conditions funding on a matching contribution from the government of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Funding Emergency Eating Distribution for the Children or the FEED the Children Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allocate additional funds to states to reimburse school food authorities for a specified percentage of the costs incurred from March 2020 through June 2020 to operate school food programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, USDA must issue guidance for the implementation of this bill not later than 10 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Clean Water for All Act This bill nullifies the 2020 rule titled The Navigable Waters Protection Rule: Definition of "Waters of the United States," which describes the bodies of water that fall under federal jurisdiction and the scope of the Clean Water Act. The 2020 rule replaces the 2015 Clean Water Rule, which includes a broader definition of waters of the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers must promulgate a regulation defining waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. The EPA and the Corps must ensure that such definition includes categories of water bodies that affect the physical, chemical, or biological integrity of traditionally navigable and interstate waters, based on the best available scientific evidence. In addition, the EPA and the Corps must ensure that implementation of the Clean Water Act using such definition will prevent any degradation of surface water quality, increased contaminant levels in drinking water sources, increased flooding-related risks to human life or property, or disproportionate adverse impacts on minority or low-income populations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
This resolution thanks the teachers of the United States and promotes the teaching profession by encouraging students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act This bill makes previously unused immigrant visas available to nurses and physicians who petition for such a visa before the date that is 90 days after the end of the declared national emergency relating to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. The number of visas available shall be the total number of unused employment-based immigrant visas from FY1992-FY2020, up to 40,000. Of such visas, 25,000 shall be reserved for nurses and 15,000 for physicians. Certain family members may accompany the principal beneficiary of a visa provided under this bill, and visas for such family members shall (1) be made available from the unused visas from FY1992-FY2020, and (2) not be counted against the 40,000 cap. Visas provided under this bill shall be exempt from per-country limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Promoting Access to Credit for Homebuyers Act of 2020 This bill requires Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to purchase or insure single-family mortgages originated on or after February 1, 2020, on the same terms as they otherwise would despite a borrower entering into, or inquiring about, forbearance due to a COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) related hardship. This requirement begins 5 days after enactment of this bill and ends 60 days after the end of the period of time a borrower may request a COVID-19 related forbearance. The Federal Housing Finance Agency may not increase fees or otherwise restrict access to credit during the COVID-19 emergency without congressional notice. The Government Accountability Office must report on COVID-19-related assistance to consumers by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
This resolution condemns political imprisonments in Russia and calls on Russia to release its political prisoners. The resolution also urges the United States to advocate for the release of such prisoners and to identify the Russian officials responsible for their imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act This bill establishes temporary programs to provide federal and private student loan forgiveness to certain frontline health care workers. Frontline health care workers are those individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical response (e.g., patient care, medical research, or testing) to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) national emergency. Specifically, the Department of Education (ED) must carry out a program to forgive the outstanding balance of principal and interest due on federal student loans for borrowers who are frontline health care workers. Additionally, the Department of the Treasury must carry out a program to repay in full the outstanding balance of principal and interest due on certain private student loans for borrowers who are frontline health care workers. ED and Treasury must coordinate to ensure that eligibility determinations are consistent across both programs and that frontline health care workers who are eligible for both programs may apply for loan forgiveness with a single application. Further, such programs must be available to frontline health care workers who were borrowers of eligible loans and who died as a result of COVID-19. The bill specifies the notification requirements related to the availability of these programs. ED, Treasury, and the Department of Health and Human Services must jointly establish an intergovernmental working group to assist with the administration of these programs, including the development of the application process. The bill also excludes discharged student loan debt under these programs from an individual's gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
This resolution commemorates the 45 years since Southeast Asian refugees began resettling in the United States and honors the sacrifices made by Southeast-Asian-American communities on behalf of the United States. The resolution recognizes the contributions of Southeast Asian Americans to the economic, educational, military, political, and social culture of the United States. The resolution opposes the deportation of Southeast Asian Americans who resettled to the United States as refugees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The resolution urges President Trump and his administration to place an immediate moratorium on the deportation of thousands of Southeast Asian Americans whose crimes occurred more than 10 years ago. Finally, the resolution calls for continued pursuit of comprehensive policies that ensure equity and justice for Southeast-Asian-American communities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act This bill provides for the procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies needed to combat COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill sets forth responsibilities for the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including that the NRCC must (1) direct the national production and distribution of critical medical equipment and supplies; (2) communicate with states, local governments, and Native American tribes regarding the availability and delivery schedule of equipment and supplies; and (3) make specified information publicly available. The Department of Defense may detail members of the Armed Forces on active duty or civilian employees to support the NRCC. The President, using authorities provided under the Defense Production Act of 1950, must establish a fair and reasonable price for and procure needed equipment and supplies. The Government Accountability Office must annually submit a report to Congress assessing the Strategic National Stockpile. The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall designate an inspector general to oversee this bill's implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Opportunities for Heroes Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Essential Employment Commission and directs the commission to publish a list of types of employment that are essential during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) crisis. The bill provides essential workers with student loan relief of up to $25,000, and an education credit of up to $25,000. These benefits may be applied to an essential worker's spouse or children.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Strengthening Unemployment Insurance for Coronavirus Impacted Workers and Students Act This bill expands eligibility for pandemic unemployment assistance to include individuals with no recent attachment to the workforce (e.g., students), extends the availability of federal pandemic unemployment compensation, and provides federal pandemic unemployment compensation to individuals working reduced hours.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Pandemic Response and Interstate Cost Equity Act or the PRICE Act This bill establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the sole buyer, vendor, owner, and distributor of certain medical equipment obtained by the federal government in the event of a national health emergency and establishes a process for the pricing and distribution of such equipment. Specifically, in the event of such an emergency, the Department of Health and Human Services shall assess available medical equipment and FEMA shall (1) become the sole owner and distributor of medical equipment obtained by the federal government for which the prevailing market price exceeds the fair market price by more than 15%, (2) contract with all persons capable of producing such equipment to produce such equipment, and (3) establish a price for such equipment and sell or otherwise distribute the equipment to the states or to persons that request it. The bill establishes in Congress a Joint Committee on Defense Production.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Medicare Crisis Program Act of 2020 This bill makes a series of changes to health insurance coverage and requirements during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). For example, the bill makes several changes to Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA) during the public health emergency. Among other things, the bill allows all individuals who receive unemployment benefits, and their dependents, to enroll in Medicare if they otherwise do not have health insurance coverage; eliminates cost-sharing for COVID-19 drugs and treatment services under Medicare and MA; eliminates premiums under Medicare and caps overall cost-sharing under Medicare and MA; and establishes a national clearinghouse for the purchase and distribution of COVID-19 personal protective equipment for Medicare providers. The bill also alters requirements under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and for private health insurers during the emergency. Among other things, the bill requires coverage of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment services under Medicaid and CHIP without cost-sharing; increases the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that is otherwise applicable during the public health emergency, including for states experiencing economic downturns (i.e., high unemployment); requires private health insurers to cover COVID-19 treatment services without cost-sharing; and requires federal payment to health care providers for the cost of COVID-19 treatment services that are provided to uninsured individuals, based on Medicare payment rates.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020
Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and others to undertake efforts to reduce health disparities. For example, the bill (1) requires more detailed reporting of demographic and health disparities data, (2) directs certain components of HHS to support health workforce diversity, and (3) increases access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care. The bill also modifies eligibility and other requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, and other programs to reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations. The bill includes specific provisions with respect to noncitizens; maternal, infant, and child health; mental and behavioral health; and specified conditions that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, such as certain cancers, HIV/AIDs, kidney disease, and diabetes. Additionally, the bill (1) revises health information technology programs to address health disparities; (2) establishes an Office of Health Disparities within HHS, as well as civil rights compliance offices within HHS agencies; and (3) supports health impact assessments and other efforts pertaining to environmental justice and social determinants of health. The Government Accountability Office must report on health workforce diversity and other specified issues related to health care and health disparities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020
Supporting State and Local Leaders Act This bill repeals the prohibition against granting federal, state, and local governments a tax credit for paid sick and paid family and medical leave.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2020
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of the National Day of Silence (during which students vow to remain silent to bring attention to the harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gay people in schools). It requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the National Day of Silence. The bill encourages each state, city, and local educational agency to adopt laws and policies to prohibit name-calling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against students, teachers, and other school staff regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Emergency Educational Connections Act of 2020 This bill establishes and provides funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, from which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must provide support for certain schools or libraries to purchase specified telecommunications equipment during the public health emergency declared because of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the FCC shall provide funds to certain elementary schools, secondary schools, or libraries to purchase telecommunications equipment or services (e.g., Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, and routers) for use by students, staff, or patrons at locations that include locations other than the schools or libraries. Priority must be given to students, staff, or patrons who do not have access to such equipment or services. Following the emergency period, funding recipients are authorized to use purchased equipment for appropriate purposes but may not sell or transfer such equipment for anything of value, except for upgraded equipment of the same type.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
This resolution recognizes (1) the significance of Black Maternal Health Week; (2) that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to raise national awareness of the state of black maternal health in the United States; and (3) that black women experience high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Federal Immigrant Release for Safety and security Together Act or the FIRST Act This bill imposes requirements during a communicable disease-related national emergency, such as requiring the release of certain aliens in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Covered aliens, specifically those who have certain health conditions, are at least 50 years old, or are 21 years of age or younger, shall be released from ICE custody without bond during such a national emergency, unless the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the alien is likely to pose a substantial and specific risk of harming another. DHS shall review the files of any detained individual who is not a covered alien, and such an individual shall be released unless (1) alternatives to detention would not reasonably ensure the individual's appearance at removal proceedings; (2) the individual is likely to pose a substantial and specific risk of harming another; or (3) a final removal order has been entered, appeals have been exhausted, and removal of the alien is reasonably foreseeable. ICE shall not redetain aliens released under this bill solely due to the expiration of the national emergency. During such a national emergency, ICE shall suspend (1) requiring individuals under supervision to report in person; (2) immigration enforcement actions; and (3) warrantless enforcement in certain locations, such as an essential business during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. ICE shall also provide to detained individuals (1) access to no-cost telephonic or video communication, including unmonitored communications with legal providers; and (2) hygiene products.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Providing Protective Equipment Act of 2020 or the PPE Act of 2020 This bill modifies requirements concerning the Strategic National Stockpile and makes changes to the treatment of funds related to the Defense Production Act of 1950. (That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in consultation with specified entities, must annually determine the minimum level of relevant supplies to be maintained in the stockpile and include the expenditures necessary to maintain that level in its budget submission to Congress. If the minimum level of supplies cannot be maintained due to production or other issues, HHS shall request that the President use appropriate authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950. The bill also (1) permits HHS to transfer supplies from the stockpile to any federal department or agency on a reimbursable basis, subject to certain limitations; and (2) eliminates the cap on the amount of funds that may remain available at the close of a fiscal year to carry out activities related to the supply or production of essential materials and goods. (Under current law, funds in excess of $750 million revert to the general fund).
![Official portrait of Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/v000130_200.jpg)