United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Food for Working Families Act of 2020 This bill revises the requirements for calculating income under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) to exclude from income and resources emergency federal pandemic unemployment compensation paid to an individual under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Emergency Ensuring Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2020 This bill temporarily suspends eligibility requirements for certain students under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) during a public health emergency declaration due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), allowing students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education who would have lost eligibility due to such requirements to continue to receive SNAP benefits.
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 · 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
This bill makes permanent the limitation on excess business losses of noncorporate taxpayers and allows certain taxpayers a two-year carryback of net operating losses arising in 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Stop Overdraft Profiteering during COVID-19 Emergency Act of 2020 This bill suspends, during a major disaster or emergency declaration and for 120 days after the end of the incident period, certain penalties applicable to consumer transaction accounts. During such a period, depository institutions are prohibited from charging checking-account penalties (i.e., non-sufficient fund fees and overdraft coverage fees), or reporting a consumer's overdraft use to a credit reporting agency.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Robust International Response to Pandemic Act This bill requires each U.S. Executive Director at an international financial institution to take certain actions in support of the global response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, each U.S. Executive Director at an international financial institution (e.g., the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Finance Corporation) must (1) seek the suspension of debt service payments to the institution and the relaxation of fiscal targets for certain programs, and (2) oppose programs or loan agreements that would reduce countries' health care spending or other spending related to their responses to COVID-19. Further, the U.S. Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund must support the issuance of Special Drawing Rights (a currency support tool) so that governments may access additional resources to finance their responses to COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
This resolution recognizes the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and addresses environmental challenges. It urges (1) the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the anniversary; and (2) governments and people to continue building upon the Paris Agreement and other efforts to ensure that future generations inherit a livable, sustainable, and ecologically rich planet. The resolution reaffirms that immediate action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect our planet, public health, and overall well-being of all people and wildlife. In addition, it encourages the American people to mark Earth Day by working to address environmental challenges, educate others about the need for year-round action, and honor the stewardship ethic for which Senator Gaylord Nelson stood.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Labor to promulgate both an emergency temporary occupational safety or health standard and a permanent standard to protect certain employees from occupational exposure to the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). These standards apply to health care sector employees, paramedic and emergency medical services employees, and other employees identified as having an elevated risk for exposure. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must collect and make public information regarding employee exposure in these occupations and provide guidance to further protect such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Emergency Water is a Human Right Act This bill creates a grant program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide funds to states and Indian tribes to assist low-income households that pay a high proportion of household income for drinking water and wastewater services. Further, any entity receiving financial assistance under this grant program must ensure that no home energy service or public water system service is or remains disconnected or interrupted during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act of 2020 This bill provides housing assistance during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, the bill suspends rental and mortgage payments for primary residences for a period lasting until 30 days after the termination of the federal emergency declaration relating to COVID-19. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must establish funds to reimburse lessors and lenders for payments suspended under the bill. In addition, HUD must establish an Affordable Housing Acquisition Fund to support the acquisition of multifamily housing projects by nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, cooperative housing associations, community land trusts, and state and local governments. For a five-year period, entities that are approved for such assistance shall be provided the first right of purchase with respect to such projects.
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
Reopen America Act of 2020 This bill provides appropriations to support efforts to resume social and economic activity impacted by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise requires actions to support those efforts. For example, the bill provides appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review state reopening plans and reimburse states for related expenses. States may submit plans that maximize economic and social activity while meeting certain public health goals, such as sufficient capacity in the health care system to treat patients without resorting to crisis standards of care. HHS must (1) approve plans, in consultation with the Treasury Department, that meet specified criteria; and (2) reimburse states for certain expenses related to implementing approved plans. HHS shall provide guidance on certain public health safeguards to assist states with developing reopening plans, and states shall provide HHS with information to evaluate implementation efforts. The federal government must ensure an adequate national supply of testing, protective gear, and other supplies to assist states with reopening plans. Additionally, the bill provides appropriations for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to carry out a program to evaluate various issues with respect to COVID-19 testing, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill also establishes in the Defense Logistics Agency (1) the Coronavirus Health Equipment Production Board, and (2) the Coronavirus Reopening Advisory Panel. The board has certain responsibilities over procuring and distributing supplies and may, if necessary, use certain authorities granted to the President under the Defense Production Act of 1950. The panel must advise HHS and the agency concerning reopening plans and must regularly provide a public summary of such advice.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Automatic Boost to Communities Act This bill creates the Boost Communities Program to provide monthly aid during and after the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency. Specifically, the program provides (1) $2,000 a month to individuals during the emergency and for a specified time period afterward, and (2) $1,000 a month to individuals during the following year. The program also provides targeted supplemental assistance for at-risk populations. The bill provides for the distribution of these funds through direct deposit, debit cards, and the establishment of digital dollar wallets. The Department of the Treasury is directed to mint and issue two $1 trillion platinum coins and additional coins as needed to fund the program. The Federal Reserve is directed to purchase the coins.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
This resolution celebrates the life and accomplishments of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an Indian politician and jurist who campaigned against social discrimination and drafted the Constitution of India. The resolution also recognizes equality, justice, and liberty as essential rights.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
COVID-19 Employment Authorization Document Extension Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to automatically extend an alien's employment authorization if the authorization was valid when a public health emergency period begins. This extended authorization shall be valid until at least one year after the end of the emergency period. This extension shall apply retroactively to any alien with employment authorization on January 31, 2020, and the end of such an extension shall be calculated using the date when the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency period ends.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
Systemic Risk Mitigation Act of 2020 This bill automatically designates certain nonbank financial companies as systemically important, which subjects these companies to certain prudential standards, including capital and liquidity rules, annual stress tests, and living wills requirements. This designation may be rescinded by the Financial Stability Oversight Council upon further review. The bill provides the council with rulemaking authority regarding an activity or practice that increases risk to the financial system. The bill creates the Climate Change Subcommittee within the council to address the risk climate change poses to the financial system. The bill also revises administrative provisions of the council, including those regarding staffing, funding, and meetings.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
This resolution supports the goals of National Minority Health Month to bring attention to health disparities faced by minority populations and encourages federal and state governments to collect and publish racial and ethnic data related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
State Operations Stabilization (SOS) Act This bill authorizes a state, tribal government, or unit of local government to use funds made available under the Coronavirus Relief Fund to reduce a budget deficit of such government that occurred due to a loss of revenue related to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
Emergency Money for the People Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to make monthly payments during a specified 12-month period to certain citizens and noncitizens of the United States and their dependent children. The amount of such payments shall be $2,000 each month ($4,000 for married couples filing joint returns) and additional amounts for their dependent children. The monthly amount shall be phased out for individuals whose adjusted gross income exceeds $130,000 ($260,000 for joint return filers). The payments must begin within 14 days of the enactment of this bill. The bill allows such monthly payments for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or residents, but have been physically present in the United States continuously since January 27, 2020 (the effective date of the public health emergency resulting from the COVID-19 [i.e. coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic), and continue to be physically present in the United States throughout the duration of the payment period. If Treasury does not have sufficient tax return information to make payments to an eligible individual, it shall consult with the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Social Security Administration and any agency making pension or annuity payments to such individual.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
CARE Act for Those Without Homes This bill authorizes additional grants under the Emergency Solutions Grants program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for states, local governments, and private nonprofit organizations to assist individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness arising from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, recipients of these grants may, among other things, use such funds to provide (1) hotel or motel rooms for homeless individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and (2) deployable medical stations to provide surge beds for homeless individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
This resolution supports the goals of National Minority Health Month to bring attention to health disparities faced by minority populations and encourages federal and state governments to collect and publish racial and ethnic data related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020
Medical Debt Relief Act of 2020 This bill modifies requirements related to the reporting of medical debt. Specifically, a consumer reporting agency may not add certain medical debt information to a consumer credit report. Also, a debt collector may not report certain medical debt information to a consumer reporting agency within a specified time period and must notify the consumer prior to reporting such medical debt.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020
Coronavirus Community Relief Act This bill provides $250 billion for certain localities affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Specifically, the bill provides funding for FY2020 for units of local government with a population of 500,000 or less. Payment shall be made within 30 days after submission of a specified certification by the locality. The amount of the payment is proportional to population. Local governments shall use the funds provided to cover only those costs that (1) are necessary and related to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19, and (2) were incurred during the period of March 1-December 30, 2020. The Office of Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury shall conduct monitoring and oversight of the receipt, disbursement, and use of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act This bill addresses immigration issues related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise makes changes to certain COVID-19 response activities, benefits, and programs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must temporarily limit in-person immigration proceedings, and, during the COVID-19 emergency, DHS, DOJ, and the Department of State shall not take certain adverse immigration actions. In addition, an individual's use of certain assistance related to COVID-19 may not be considered in current or future immigration determinations concerning that individual. The bill includes pandemics within the scope of specified disaster and emergency laws and modifies nutrition and other benefits during such emergencies. For example, states may receive Medicaid payments for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment for certain unlawful aliens, and individuals who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may receive cash assistance related to the COVID-19 response. In addition, individuals may not be excluded from participating in COVID-19 response programs due to actual or perceived immigration status. To ensure the availability of information related to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must (1) establish programs for eligible community-based organizations to develop preparedness materials that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and (2) translate materials and operate telephone hotlines in specified languages. Agencies that receive funding under a law enacted in response to COVID-19 must also provide information about programs and opportunities in such languages.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Food and Necessities During Public Emergencies Act of 2020 This bill provides that during an emergency declared under the National Emergencies Act or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits may be used to purchase specified durable goods. Specifically, such goods shall include infant care necessities, household paper products, household cleaning products, and personal cleaning products.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
This resolution recognizes the accomplishments and example of Cesar Estrada Chavez. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States to commemorate his legacy and to always remember his rallying cry, "Si, se puede!" (which means "Yes, we can!").
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Providing Americans Insured Days of Leave Act of 2020 This bill establishes, revises, and repeals specified paid sick time and paid leave programs, including programs addressing the public-health emergency related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill repeals divisions of the Family First Coronavirus Response Act that (1) expand emergency family and medical leave, (2) provide emergency paid sick leave, and (3) the establish payroll tax credits for such emergency paid leave. The bill requires employers to grant at least 1 hour of accrued paid sick time to each employee for every 30 hours worked, up to a minimum of 56 hours, or 7 days, for use under specified circumstances. Further, employees are immediately entitled to up to 14 days of additional paid sick time if a public-health emergency is declared. The bill also reimburses the employers of individuals who use accrued or additional sick time under these provisions. Additionally, the bill establishes a family and medical leave insurance benefit program to provide up to 60 days of partially-paid leave for qualifying circumstances including to care for a specified close relative with a serious health condition. The bill establishes a trust to pay benefits under the program, which is funded by an employer payroll tax and employee income tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Suspend School Meal Debt Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to reimburse each school food authority and local educational agency participating in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program for unpaid meal fees owed to the authority or agency as of the date of the enactment of this bill. The bill also prohibits each school food authority and local educational agency from collecting unpaid meal fees or using a debt collector to collect such fees during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The prohibition ends 30 days after the date on which the public health emergency is terminated.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2020
Protect Our Post Offices Act This bill appropriates $25 billion to the U.S. Postal Service, to remain available through FY2022 for revenue forgone due to the coronavirus pandemic. The appropriations are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2020
All Dependent Children Count Act This bill extends the 2020 recovery rebates of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to all taxpayer dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2020
Emergency Community Supervision Act This bill establishes measures to reduce the number of individuals in federal custody during a national emergency relating to a communicable disease. Specifically, it does the following: requires certain categories of inmates to be released and placed in community supervision (e.g., home confinement); limits the use of pretrial detention; and modifies supervised release, including to limit the use of incarceration as a sanction for a parole violation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020
This resolution calls on all public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment, racism, discrimination, and religious intolerance related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and calls on federal law enforcement officials, working with state and local officials, to take specified steps. It calls on federal officials to expeditiously investigate and document all credible reports of hate crimes and incidents and threats against the Asian-American community and prosecute perpetrators. The resolution recommits U.S. leadership to (1) prioritize language access and inclusivity in communication practices, and (2) combat misinformation and discrimination that put Asian Americans at risk.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020
Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 This bill directs the President to use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 with respect to the production of ventilators, N-95 respirator masks, and specified personal protective equipment to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). (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 President must (1) make a determination that such items are essential for the national defense, (2) identify private-sector capacity to produce these items, and (3) exercise authorities under the act to require emergency production of them at a reasonable price. In addition, the President shall coordinate the allocation of these items based on requests from governors and the needs of the states as determined by the number of COVID-19 cases and the proportion of the population at higher risk of the disease in a given state. The bill makes specified funds available for these efforts. Equipment produced under these authorities but unused at the termination of the COVID-19 emergency declared on March 13, 2020, shall be deposited into the Strategic National Stockpile.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 This bill addresses education programs and assistance for veterans during emergency situations. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue paying work-study allowances during emergency periods. The VA is also authorized to continue paying educational assistance and subsistence allowances for a specified amount of time for programs of education that are suspended due to an emergency situation. An educational assistance payment shall not be charged against an individual's entitlement to educational assistance if an individual was unable to complete a course or program due to the temporary closure of an educational institution or the temporary termination of a program by reason of an emergency situation. This includes assistance related to training and rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill when institutions are closed due to an emergency situation or executive order. The bill also extends the time limitation for participation in a vocational rehabilitation program when such participation is prevented due to an emergency situation or executive order. The bill authorizes the VA to pay a subsistence allowance for two additional months to a veteran following a program of employment services from March 1-December 21, 2020, for full-time training for the type of program the veteran was pursuing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Rental Eviction Moratorium Act of 2020 This bill establishes a moratorium on the initiation of eviction proceedings, except with respect to tenants who have perpetrated certain criminal acts, for a period that lasts until six months after the termination by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the presidential emergency declaration relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Student Debt Emergency Relief Act This bill establishes and provides funds for federal student loan repayment assistance programs during a national emergency, including the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to make monthly payments for borrowers of Federal Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans, and Perkins Loans during a national emergency. ED must also pay any interest on such loans during the emergency. Additionally, ED must deem each month for which ED made a payment on behalf of the borrower as a qualifying payment for the purpose of certain loan forgiveness programs or loan rehabilitation programs; ensure that any payment on such a loan is treated as a regularly scheduled payment made by a borrower for the purpose of reporting information about the loan to a consumer reporting agency; notify borrowers, within 15 days and monthly thereafter, of the benefits provided by ED during the national emergency; and suspend all involuntary collections related to such loans, including wage garnishments, reductions of tax refunds, and reductions of certain federal benefit payments, such as Social Security. ED must (1) make monthly payments until authorized by Congress to terminate the program, (2) carry out a 90-day transition period, and (3) apply a minimum amount of payments to loans for each borrower. Payments made by ED as a result of a national emergency shall be excluded from the taxpayer's gross income. Interest shall not be capitalized during or after the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Emergency Social Security Benefits Improvement Act This bill makes changes to Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits, including by (1) modifying funding formulas, (2) extending eligibility for certain benefits, and (3) increasing income thresholds used to determine the percentage of OASDI benefits subject to federal income tax. Changes to funding formulas include (1) increasing the primary insurance amount, and (2) establishing new methods to calculate benefits for individuals with lifetime low earnings and for widows and widowers. In addition, children of a deceased, disabled, or retired worker remain eligible for benefits through age 22 if they are full-time students. Under current law, they receive benefits through age 18. The bill also extends dependent child benefits to specified family members other than grandparents or step-grandparents, including in cases where a court grants custody of the dependent child to an eligible family member. To receive benefits under current law, either both parents must be disabled or deceased or a grandparent or step-grandparent must legally adopt the dependent child.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Emergency Relief for State, Territorial and Local Governments Act of 2020 This bill requires the Federal Reserve Board to purchase municipal bonds issued in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency and otherwise modifies the terms under which the board may generally purchase municipal bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Emergency Rental Assistance Act of 2020 This bill authorizes additional grants under the Emergency Solutions Grants program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to provide expanded housing support to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in response to needs arising from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public-health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
This resolution calls on the President to (1) use all relevant authorities of the Defense Production Act to direct the domestic production of supplies to address COVID-19 (i.e., the coronavirus disease 2019), and (2) share specified information regarding the use of such authorities with Congress. (The Defense Production 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 resolution also states that Congress stands ready to make additional appropriations available for this effort.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Stop Trump's Oil Payoff Act of 2020 or STOP Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from suspending, waiving, or reducing rents or royalties that the government receives for the production of certain mineral resources (e.g., fossil fuel) on leased public land, including royalties or net profit shares received from oil and gas exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Housing is a Human Right Act of 2020 This bill establishes and expands programs to assist homeless and housing-unstable individuals and establishes new real property-related taxes to fund specified Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. HUD must establish the Community Development Block Grant Plus Program for state and local governments to assist homeless and housing-unstable individuals as well as cost-burdened households. These funds may be used only for certain activities that assist these populations, including the construction of new affordable housing. The bill also establishes other grant programs to assist these individuals, such as by facilitating access to voting and libraries. Governmental entities may not receive assistance under the bill unless they have, or are working to implement, policies that (1) do not criminally punish homeless individuals for sleeping outside or on public property, and (2) comply with constitutional protections for these individuals' property. In addition, the bill establishes taxes on (1) the sale or exchange of real property of at least $10 million, (2) the sale or exchange of real property involving an anonymous entity, and (3) rent received by landlords that own large amounts of dwelling units. The revenue from these taxes must be credited to various HUD programs in specified percentages. The Government Accountability Office must study (1) the allocation formula for Emergency Food and Shelter grants, (2) recipient compliance with various grant program guidelines, and (3) barriers related to access to essential documents that homeless and housing-unstable individuals face.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2020
Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act This bill establishes and provides funds for grant programs to respond to safety and health risks presented by qualifying emergencies, including COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and (2) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to agencies that administer Child Care Development block grants and Head Start agencies. ED grant recipients must award subgrants to BIE schools, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education (IHEs). HHS grant recipients must award subgrants to early care and education programs. Subgrants under each grant program must be used for certain activities, such as coordinating preparedness and response efforts with public health departments; purchasing supplies to sanitize and clean facilities to minimize the spread of infectious diseases; and providing mental health services and supports to children, students, and staff. Additionally, ED must award grants to IHEs for creating and expanding emergency financial-aid grant programs that address the unexpected expenses related to basic needs (e.g., housing, food, and certain one-time costs) of enrolled students during a qualifying emergency. IHEs must use grant funds to make emergency financial-aid grants to eligible students. HHS must also award supplemental grants for certain organizations to address emergency-related child traumatic stress. ED may waive certain financial-aid requirements for students affected by qualifying emergencies. Such requirements include those related to subsidized usage limits, Pell Grant duration limits, leaves of absence, and satisfactory progress. The bill also authorizes ED to permit foreign IHEs to offer distance education during an emergency. No such program may be deemed ineligible.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act This bill imposes various restrictions related to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region, including by prohibiting certain imports from Xinjiang and imposing sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations there. Goods manufactured or produced in Xinjiang shall not be entitled to entry into the United States unless Customs and Border Protection (1) determines that the goods were not manufactured by convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor under penal sanctions; and (2) reports such a determination to Congress and to the public. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign entities and individuals knowingly facilitating (1) the forced labor of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang; and (2) efforts to contravene U.S. laws regarding the importation of forced labor goods from Xinjiang. The President shall impose property-blocking sanctions on the listed individuals and entities and impose visa-blocking sanctions on the listed individuals. Securities issuers required to file annual or quarterly reports with the Securities Exchange Commission shall disclose in such reports certain information related to Xinjiang, including instances where the issuer knowingly (1) engaged in activities with an entity helping to create mass surveillance systems in Xinjiang, (2) engaged in activities with an entity running or building detention facilities for Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang, or (3) acquired a significant amount of textiles produced in Xinjiang. After being notified of such a disclosure, the President shall determine whether to investigate if sanctions or criminal charges are warranted.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
No Cost for COVID–19 Testing Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover testing for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) without imposing cost sharing for the duration of the public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020. This includes the cost of administering such approved tests and visits to health care providers for testing.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act This bill modifies food and nutrition programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow certain waivers of program requirements with respect to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, through July 31, 2020, USDA may establish a single waiver of child nutrition program requirements for all states under the National School Lunch Program for purposes of providing meals and snacks with appropriate safety measures due to COVID-19 (States may elect to be subject to a waiver without USDA's approval.), issue a waiver of requirements to allow non-congregate feeding in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and grant a waiver of requirements related to the nutritional content of meals served in child nutrition programs if it determines the waiver is necessary to provide meals and snacks and there is a food supply chain disruption due to COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students Act or the MEALS Act This bill modifies food and nutrition programs of the Department of Agriculture to allow certain waivers to requirements for the school meal programs, including waivers that increase federal costs during a school closure related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Such waivers must be requested by a state or service provider and be for purposes of providing meals and snacks during such a closure.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Rosie the Riveter Day and acknowledges the important role played by women in World War II.
![Official portrait of Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_wa_7_jayapal_pramila_200.jpg)