United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act or the INVEST in America Act This bill addresses provisions related to federal-aid highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier, research, hazardous materials, and rail programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Among other provisions, the bill extends FY2020 enacted levels through FY2021 for federal-aid highway, transit, and safety programs; reauthorizes for FY2022-FY2025 several surface transportation programs, including the federal-aid highway program, transit programs, highway safety, motor carrier safety, and rail programs; addresses climate change, including strategies to reduce the climate change impacts of the surface transportation system and conduct a vulnerability assessment to identify opportunities to enhance the resilience of the surface transportation system and ensure the efficient use of federal resources; revises Buy America procurement requirements for highways, mass transit, and rail; establishes a rebuild rural grant program to improve the safety, state of good repair, and connectivity of transportation infrastructure in rural communities; implements new safety requirements across all transportation modes; and directs DOT to establish a pilot program to demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee to restore and maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and achieve and maintain a state of good repair in the surface transportation system.
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 · 4 June 2020
Great American Outdoors Act This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies. Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
This concurrent resolution (1) affirms, on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first slave ship, the U.S. debt of remembrance not only to those who lived through the injustices of slavery but also to their descendants; and (2) proposes a U.S. Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation to properly acknowledge, memorialize, and be a catalyst for progress, including toward permanently eliminating persistent racial inequities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
This resolution condemns racism and invidious discrimination as evil and antithetical to the U.S. Constitution and declares unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination in America. The resolution declares that the House of Representatives shall pass legislation establishing a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation. The department shall be charged with ending racism and invidious discrimination, developing and coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and invidious discrimination, with a budget the equivalent of at least 10% of the Defense Department's budget. The department shall be headed by a Secretary of Reconciliation, who shall make semi-annual progress reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take specified steps to address accreditation standards, management operations, and misconduct of law enforcement. Specifically, it requires DOJ to develop uniform accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies and adopt policies and procedures to encourage law enforcement agencies to pursue accreditation. It authorizes DOJ to make grants to law enforcement agencies to obtain accreditation from certified organizations. The bill authorizes DOJ to make grants for studying law enforcement agency management and operations standards and developing pilot programs to address law enforcement misconduct. DOJ must study the prevalence and effect of any law, rule, or procedure that allows a law enforcement officer to delay the investigation and prosecution of complaints of law enforcement misconduct. The bill also establishes the Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight to coordinate the detection and referral of complaints of alleged law enforcement misconduct. Law enforcement agencies must report data regarding practices on traffic violation stops, pedestrian stops, frisk and body searches, and use of deadly force. Finally, DOJ must create a medallion for survivors of each law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty and memorialized on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
Emergency Housing Voucher Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers for public housing agencies (PHAs) to administer to eligible low-income families. In administering the vouchers, PHAs must give preference to families that are (1) homeless; (2) at risk of homelessness; or (3) fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020
Affordable Insulin for the COVID-19 Emergency Act This bill eliminates cost-sharing under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage for insulin and associated medical supplies during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill also allows beneficiaries to receive their insulin and supplies via mail order during the emergency period.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This bill provides for the uniform treatment under existing COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) economic aid programs of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This allows entities, securities, and other instruments with a credit rating from such an organization to use the rating to qualify for these aid programs. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on credit rating quality across organizations, their effect on access to capital markets, and the implementation of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
Know Your Housing Rights Act of 2020 This bill requires certain federal agencies to notify renters of federally assisted dwelling units of the rights, relief, and assistance available to them in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The notice must explain, for example (1) the effect of the eviction moratorium established by the CARES Act, (2) tenants' continuing obligation to pay rent, and (3) various fair housing protections. The notice must be sent out within seven days of the bill's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
This bill authorizes community development financial institutions to make loans under the Paycheck Protection Program established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill also allows the Small Business Administration and the Department of the Treasury to revoke a lender's authority to make paycheck protection loans upon a joint determination that (1) the lender has had recent material operational shortcomings that warrant such a revocation, and (2) the revocation is consistent with the purpose of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2020
Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act of 2020 This bill allows essential workers and their family members to file claims and receive compensation for harm or death suffered as a result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). A Special Master appointed by the Department of Justice must review claims submitted and determine if a claimant is eligible for compensation, the extent of the harm to the claimant, and the amount of compensation to be awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Emergency Housing Assistance for Older Adults Act of 2020 This bill authorizes additional assistance for supportive housing for the elderly. Among other things, the bill authorizes additional rental assistance for low-income elderly persons and additional grants to certain federally assisted housing projects to provide service coordinators to prevent, prepare for, or respond to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Public Housing and Section 8 Operational Response Act for COVID-19 This bill authorizes additional housing choice vouchers for low-income tenants and additional assistance for public housing agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Protect our Checks Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the transference or assignment of a 2020 recovery rebate by legal process, including attachment, levy, or garnishment. Additionally, credit unions and depository institutions are prohibited from seizing a rebate to pay an amount due to them. A 2020 recovery rebate is a stimulus payment made to individual taxpayers and their dependents who have been affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
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
Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act or the HEROES Act This bill responds to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and its impact on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. Among other things, the bill provides FY2020 emergency supplemental appropriations to federal agencies; provides payments and other assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments; provides additional direct payments of up to $1,200 per individual; expands paid sick days, family and medical leave, unemployment compensation, nutrition and food assistance programs, housing assistance, and payments to farmers; modifies and expands the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofit organizations; establishes a fund to award grants for employers to provide pandemic premium pay for essential workers; expands several tax credits and deductions; provides funding and establishes requirements for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing; eliminates cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments; extends and expands the moratorium on certain evictions and foreclosures; and requires employers to develop and implement infectious disease exposure control plans. The bill also modifies or expands a wide range of other programs and policies, including those regarding Medicare and Medicaid, health insurance, broadband service, medical product supplies, immigration, student loans and financial aid, the federal workforce, prisons, veterans benefits, consumer protection requirements, the U.S. Postal Service, federal elections, aviation and railroad workers, and pension and retirement plans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award additional grants under the Emergency Solutions Grant program to provide rental assistance for short-term and medium-term housing to homeless individuals or families, or those who are at risk of homelessness, and expands eligibility for such additional assistance. For assistance provided under the bill, the term at risk of homelessness shall include individuals and families that have an income below 80% of the median income for the area (rather than 30% of the area median income, as under current law). Rental assistance provided under the bill shall generally be limited to 120% of the HUD-established fair market rent for the area, whereas currently rental assistance under the program is generally limited to 100% of an area's fair market rent. Such assistance may not be conditioned on any prerequisite activities, such as receiving treatment. HUD may, with some limitations, waive requirements or establish alternative requirements related to such assistance if doing so is necessary to respond to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
COVID-19 Emergency Housing Relief Act of 2020 This bill suspends certain requirements for federally assisted public housing residents and prohibits termination of available low-income housing choice vouchers during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency period. Specifically, the bill suspends (1) community service requirements, (2) any work requirement or time limitation established in connection with the Moving to Work demonstration program, (3) the minimum rental amount families are required to pay, and (4) the requirement that a family not be absent from a unit for more than 180 consecutive calendar days. These suspensions last until six months after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency period. Additionally, during the COVID-19 public health emergency period, and for 60 days thereafter, public housing agencies may not terminate available low-income housing choice vouchers for the failure to enter into a lease.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
This bill authorizes the Congressional Oversight Commission to submit discretionary reports to Congress in addition to its required reports. The commission oversees and reports on the use of specific taxpayer funds to provide economic stability as a result of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Corporate Accountability Act This bill requires corporations that receive federal aid related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) to (1) provide at least 14 days of fully paid leave to all workers, (2) pay each employee a wage of not less than $15 an hour, and (3) limit CEO and executive pay.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
COVID-19 Fraud Prevention Act This bill establishes the Consumer and Investor Fraud Working Group to prevent fraud during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The working group must report monthly regarding resources available to consumers, public enforcement actions, and related consumer complaints.
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 bill prohibits corporations that receive specified federal aid related to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic from making certain changes to their workforce. Specifically, corporations receiving such aid must not reduce workforce levels, employee benefits, or wages; or alter any collective bargaining agreements. These prohibitions apply beginning on the date a corporation first receives such aid and end one year after the date on which the later of either the termination of the COVID-19 public health emergency or the aid has been repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
This bill extends to specified loan applicants certain eligibility requirements for participation in SBA programs that currently apply only to intermediaries (entities that borrow funds from the Small Business Administration to make loans to small businesses). Specifically, the bill applies eligibility requirements for intermediaries that are based on illegal activity to any applicant for a loan 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 · 8 May 2020
Fair Housing Further Enforcement Emergency Act of 2020 This bill provides support for fair housing enforcement during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, the bill authorizes additional grants under the Fair Housing Initiatives Program and the Fair Housing Assistance Program, both administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); authorizes additional staffing for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to respond to fair housing complaints arising out of the emergency; authorizes the office to carry out a national media campaign to inform the public of expanded housing rights during the emergency; and requires HUD to prohibit owners of federally assisted dwellings from showing occupied units to prospective tenants during the emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
This bill prohibits a confession of judgment or similar agreement as a condition to a loan or extension of credit of $2 million or less during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period and for 120 days following. (A confession of judgment is an agreement to a judgment of liability without notice and opportunity to be heard in court in the event of the default of a borrower.)
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Act This bill extends protections for renters and mortgage borrowers provided in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, revises bankruptcy provisions, and expands COVID-19 aid programs to include mortgage servicers. Mortgage forbearance may be extended to borrowers for up to 12 months. Currently, borrowers may receive 180 days of forbearance, with an extension of up to an additional 180 days. The bill also expands the forbearance provisions to apply to nonfederally backed mortgages. The bill expands the current moratorium on evictions of renters from property receiving a forbearance to generally protect all such renters, not only renters in federally assisted housing or property that has a federally backed mortgage. The current moratorium on mortgage foreclosures is extended from 60 days beginning on March 18, 2020, to 6 months after enactment of this bill. The bill also expands this moratorium to include nonfederally backed mortgages. Additionally, the bill generally revises bankruptcy provisions. COVID-19 aid is excluded from property subject to bankruptcy proceedings and the homestead exemption available to individual debtors is increased, among other protections. Existing COVID-19 economic aid programs are expanded to include mortgage servicers. The Department of the Treasury must allow mortgage servicers to participate in these programs to receive loans, loan guarantees, and other investments currently offered to eligible businesses, states, and municipalities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
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
Children's Health Insurance Program Pandemic Enhancement and Relief Act or the CHIPPER Act This bill extends the 11.5% increase to the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that is otherwise applicable under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through FY2021, in accordance with specified conditions. For example, in order to receive the increased FMAP in FY2021, a state must cover, without cost-sharing, testing and treatment for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), including vaccines, specialized equipment, and therapies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
COVID-19 Safe Home Appraisal Act of 2020 This bill allows interior inspection appraisal requirements with respect to certain loans to be waived through the end of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period if specified requirements are met. An interior inspection may be waived if (1) an exterior inspection is performed in conjunction with certain contemporaneous verifications, such as video or photographs by the borrower; (2) an interior inspection may be ordered at a later date; and (3) an appraiser rejected the assignment due to health and safety concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Haitian Deportation Relief Act This bill defers the removal of any national of Haiti who is physically present in the United States on the date of the bill's enactment. The deferral period shall last until the later of (1) the end of the emergency period in the United States stemming from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak; or (2) the end of the COVID-19 emergency in Haiti, if such removals will not overwhelm Haiti's public health infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security shall prioritize alternatives to detention for an alien whose removal is deferred under this bill, unless the alien poses a significant public safety risk.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Protect Rural Renters Act of 2020 This bill authorizes additional rental assistance to low-income individuals and families residing in certain rural housing.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Community Impact Financial Institutions Inclusion Act of 2020 This bill allocates a certain portion of specified COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) economic aid to finance loans originated by small financial institutions. Specifically, 20% of this aid must be allocated to community lenders, insured depository institutions, and credit unions with less than $10 billion in assets and 5% of this aid must be allocated to minority depository institutions and community development financial institutions with less than $10 billion in assets.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Business Borrowers Protection Act This bill prohibits a creditor from enforcing a loan covenant that requires the accelerated repayment of a loan if the borrower receives a loan under certain COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) economic aid programs. Additionally, a creditor is prohibited from enforcing any loan covenant beginning on the date of enactment of this bill and ending one year after the termination of the COVID-19 national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Access to Credit for Small Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis Act of 2020 This bill eases certain restrictions on credit unions regarding liquidity and lending. The bill extends waivers applicable to National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility membership and credit-extension restrictions through December 31, 2021. These waivers currently expire on December 31, 2020. (The National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility serves as a lender to credit unions that are experiencing certain liquidity shortfalls.) The bill also temporarily provides credit unions with an exception to limits on outstanding member business loans. Specifically, a loan does not count towards this limit if (1) it is used for recovery from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, (2) it is made by an insured credit union that has received a specified soundness rating, (3) it is made during a specified time period, and (4) it does not threaten the safety and soundness of the insured credit union.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Coronavirus Housing Counseling Improvement Act of 2020 This bill authorizes additional housing counseling services, provided through the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, with priority for funding given to counseling organizations that target and provide their services to low-income and minority homeowners, renters, individuals experiencing homelessness, and individuals at risk of homelessness.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
COVID-19 Homeowner Assistance Fund Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Homeowner Assistance Fund at the Department of the Treasury to support state housing finance agencies. The funds may be used to prevent mortgage defaults, housing foreclosures, and the displacement of families and individuals experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Funds may specifically be used for assistance with mortgage payments, taxes, specified insurance, homeowner association fees, utility payments, and for the reimbursement of state or local funds previously used to provide such assistance as a response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The bill otherwise provides for income requirements and allocation of funds to eligible states, territories, and tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Quality Care for Nursing Home Residents and Workers During COVID-19 Act of 2020 This bill modifies several requirements for Medicare skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and Medicaid nursing facilities (NFs) during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, SNFs and NFs must comply with specified quality of care, worker safety, and transparency requirements, subject to civil penalties. Requirements include (1) testing residents and employees for COVID-19 weekly or before shifts, respectively, and reporting any lack of available testing kits on a daily basis; (2) providing at least two weeks of paid sick leave to each employee; and (3) reporting the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, including demographic information, on a daily basis. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must also distribute funds to allow states to establish strike teams that may be deployed to SNFs and NFs within 72 hours of three or more COVID-19 diagnoses to help separate those who have been exposed, supervise testing, and ensure enforcement of whistleblower protections, among other needs. Teams must include members of the National Guard, public health officials, medical experts, and representatives of residents and workers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Public Health Emergency Shelter Act of 2020 This bill authorizes additional grants under the Emergency Solutions Grants program to assist individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness and to otherwise address needs arising from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
This resolution expresses support for the goals and values of the 52nd anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and for efforts to strengthen housing protections, particularly during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
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 · 21 April 2020
Equitable Data Collection and Disclosure on COVID-19 Act This bill establishes the Commission on Ensuring Health Equity During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and adds reporting requirements for certain demographic data related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Among other activities, the commission must (1) determine approaches to using data to reduce demographic disparities in COVID-19 prevalence and outcomes, and (2) submit findings and recommendations to Congress on a specified timeline until the end of the public health emergency. During the public health emergency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must publish, and update daily, data on COVID-19 testing, treatment, and outcomes that is disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics on the CDC website. In addition, the Indian Health Service shall consult with tribes with respect to COVID-19 data collection and reporting. The Department of Health and Human Services must make a summary of final statistics related to COVID-19 publicly available and report specified information to Congress within 60 days of the end of the public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2020 This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a program to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities by, for example, coordinating activities across the CDC. As part of the program, the CDC must award grants to eligible organizations to build capacity to address social determinants of health. The CDC shall provide for an independent evaluation of certain grants and report findings to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
Worker Health Coverage Protection Act This bill provides health insurance premium assistance for individuals who become unemployed or are furloughed during or shortly after the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) public health emergency. Specifically, the bill treats premiums as paid for up to 15 months for individuals who (1) are terminated from employment and elect to continue insurance coverage through the COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) program or (2) receive a 20% or greater reduction in paid hours but remain eligible for coverage under a group health plan. Assistance is phased out based on adjusted gross income. The bill also specifies requirements for individuals changing, or enrolling in, health plans under the program. Additionally, the bill requires employers to provide eligible individuals specified written notice about the premium assistance program, including, among other information, available health plan enrollment options and the date that such assistance expires. The Department of the Treasury must reimburse employers, group health plans, and insurance issuers through a payroll tax credit or refund for unpaid premiums that were treated as paid under the program. Premium assistance is not considered income for federal income tax purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
Advancing Connectivity during the Coronavirus to Ensure Support for Seniors Act or the ACCESS Act This bill (1) provides appropriations for the Telehealth Resource Center Program of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth within the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy in the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) to develop telehealth capacity for certain nursing facilities, and (2) directs other activities to increase access to telehealth services in such facilities during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. HRSA shall award grants, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, to skilled nursing facilities and other nursing facilities to support virtual visits to residents during the emergency. The Department of Health and Human Services must also provide recommendations related to immediately increasing access, during the emergency, to telehealth services for which Medicare and Medicaid payments are available in skilled and other nursing facilities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000187_200.jpg)