United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2015
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal in commemoration of Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2015
Honors military caregivers of members of the Armed Forces and veterans for their service and sacrifice to the United States. Encourages the people of the United States to show support to military families and the sacrifices endured by those families in service to the United States. Recognizes the daisy as the flower for military caregivers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2015
Financial Transparency Act of 2015 This bill directs the Office of Financial Research of the Department of the Treasury and the following financial regulatory agencies to adopt data standards for all information collected or received by them, including corporate financial data: the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The Financial Stability Act of 2010 is amended to direct the Office of Financial Research (OFR) to promulgate data standards, including common identifiers and data formats, for the information reported to member agencies or collected on behalf of the Financial Stability Oversight Council. The OFR must publish any public information (with specified exceptions) as open data, freely available for download in bulk, accessible via application programming interface where appropriate, and offered without any registration requirement or reuse restriction (open data publication). The Investment Advisers Act of 1940 is amended to require the SEC to adopt data standards incorporating those promulgated by the OFR and apply them to: investment advisers reports and registration statements, information submitted by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, asset-backed securities disclosures, corporate disclosures in registration statements and prospectuses, periodic and current corporate disclosures, corporate proxy and consent solicitation materials, and security-based swap reporting. The SEC, like the OFR, must publish all public information as open data. The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and national securities associations must likewise adopt OFR-promulgated data transparency standards. The SEC must, by rule, adopt a data standard that is both human-readable and machine-readable, and that complies with this Act regarding corporate financial data for which it was using the eXtensible Business Reporting Language standard. The SEC shall also establish a program to improve the quality of corporate financial data furnished by issuers. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act is amended to require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to adopt the data standards and open data publication requirements prescribed in this Act and apply them to all information received from a depository institution or financial company. The Revised Statutes of the United States, the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, the Commodity Exchange Act, the Federal Credit Union Act, and the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 are amended to direct the Comptroller of the Currency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Credit Union Administration Board, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, respectively, to adopt, for all information regularly submitted to them, the data standards and open data publication requirements prescribed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2015
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring federal expenditures and receipts to be balanced, excluding expenditures for payment of debt and receipts derived from borrowing. The requirement may be met over more than one year to accommodate economic conditions. In emergency situations, two-thirds of the House of Representatives and the Senate may authorize expenditures to exceed receipts for a limited time. Debts from emergency expenditures must be paid as soon as practicable. Congress may enforce the article with legislation, which must require compliance within 10 years of ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2015
Special Inspector General for Monitoring the ACA Act of 2015 or the SIGMA Act of 2015 Establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Monitoring the Affordable Care Act to conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and investigations of the implementation and administration of programs and activities established under, and payment system changes made by, the Affordable Care Act (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010). Requires the Special Inspector General to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Special Inspector General to appoint an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing and an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. Places the Special Inspector General under the supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services, but prohibits federal agencies involved in implementing or administering the Affordable Care Act from preventing or prohibiting the Special Inspector General from initiating, carrying out, or completing any audit or investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2015
This bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to repeal country of origin labeling requirements for beef, pork, and chicken. Country of origin labeling requirements are administered by the Department of Agriculture and require a retailer to inform consumers of the country of origin of a covered commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2015
No Welfare for Weed Act of 2015 This bill amends: (1) the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude marijuana products from items that may be purchased with food stamps; and (2) part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require states to maintain policies that prevent the use of TANF in any electronic benefit transfer transaction in any establishment that offers marijuana for sale. States that have not reported to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on their implementation of the policies and practices required by this Act, or which have not implemented such policies and practices, shall have the amount of their family assistance grants reduced by 5%.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2015
Commercial Remote Sensing Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to report annually to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on: (1) the implementation of its authority to license private entities to operate private remote sensing space systems; (2) all notifications and information provided to Commerce by licensees; and (3) all administrative actions taken to adjust penalties for violations of licensing requirements, issue subpoenas, and seize by warrant material necessary to investigate violations of licensing requirements. Commerce must also report to such Committees on statutory updates necessary to protect national security, protect the U.S. industrial base, and reflect the current state of the art of remote sensing systems, instruments, or technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2015
Spurring Private Aerospace Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship Act of 2015 or the SPACE Act of 2015 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the progress of the commercial space transportation industry in developing voluntary consensus standards or any other construction that promotes best practices, and (2) the status of the knowledge and operational experience acquired by the industry while providing flight services for compensation or hire to support the development of a safety framework. An independent, private systems engineering and technical assistance organization or standards development organization shall assess the readiness of the industry and the federal government to transition to a safety framework that may include regulations. DOT shall provide the committees a plan to update the methodology used to calculate maximum probable loss from claims with respect to commercially licensed space launch liability insurance and financial responsibility requirements through the use of a validated risk profile approach. The Government Accountability Office shall assess the plan. The liability coverage of licensees subject to third-party claims exceeding the amount of insurance or demonstration of financial responsibility is extended through December 31, 2023. Certain time constraints of commercial space launch and reentry experimental permit requirements are repealed and rockets as well as rocket designs are covered. DOT may issue an experimental launch or reentry permit notwithstanding the issuance of any launch or reentry license. Commercial space launch requirements apply to newly defined government astronauts. Liability insurance and financial responsibility and reciprocal waiver of claims requirements shall now cover space flight participants. Federal courts shall have sole jurisdiction of any action or tort arising from a licensed launch or reentry, which shall be decided under federal law. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall arrange with an independent, private systems engineering and technical assistance organization to study frameworks for the management of space traffic and orbital activities. The sense of Congress is expressed about state commercial launch facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2015
Space Leadership Preservation Act of 2015 Establishes a 10-year term of office for the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Establishes a NASA Board of Directors together with appointment criteria. Requires the President to appoint the Administrator from among a list of nominees provided by the Board, and a Deputy Administrator from among a separate list of Board nominees. Authorizes the Board to establish special commissions as it deems necessary. Requires the Board to provide: (1) NASA's proposed annual budget; (2) annual reports on spaceflight infrastructure, unique space capabilities, and the availability of qualified U.S. workers necessary to maintain such infrastructure and capabilities; (3) reports on specific policy matters; and (4) once every four years a review of current space programs and a vision for future space exploration. Authorizes NASA to enter into contracts for rocket propulsion systems and manned and unmanned space transportation vehicles and payloads.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2015
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Iran should release all detained U.S. citizens and provide any information it possesses regarding any U.S. citizens who have disappeared within its borders.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2015
Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015 This bill extends the deadline for mandatory compliance with final rules that target carbon dioxide emissions from existing sources that are fossil fuel-fired electric utility generating units under the Clean Air Act, including any final rule that succeeds either: the proposed rule entitled "Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units," or the supplemental proposed rule entitled "Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: EGUs in Indian Country and U.S. Territories; Multi-Jurisdictional Partnerships". The extension period begins 60 days after the notice of promulgation of a final rule appears in the Federal Register and ends following any judicial review, on the date a judgment becomes final, and no longer subject to further appeal or review, in all actions (including those under the Clean Air Act) that are filed during that 60-day period. A state is also shielded under the bill from: being required to adopt or submit a state plan, and being subject to a federal plan under any federal final rule if the governor notifies the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that implementation of either plan would have a significant adverse effect upon: (1) the state's residential, commercial, or industrial ratepayers; or (2) upon the reliability of the state's electricity system.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2015
Equitable Access to Care and Health Act or the EACH Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the religious conscience exemption under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to exempt individuals who rely solely on a religious method of healing and for whom the acceptance of medical health services would be inconsistent with their religious beliefs from the requirement to purchase and maintain minimum essential health care coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2015
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act for 2016 and 2017 Authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2017 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Authorizes programs, activities, and reports for NASA, including those relating to human exploration of space, the Space Launch System, the Orion multipurpose crew vehicle, space radiation, the International Space Station, the commercial crew program, radioisotope power systems, extrasolar planet exploration, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, near-Earth objects, astrobiology, space weather, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, Venture class missions, aeronautics research (including transformative aeronautics research), science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, project and program reserves, orbital debris mitigation, remote satellite robotic servicing demonstrations, and astronaut occupational health care. Directs NASA to report to Congress on the proposed Asteroid Retrieval Mission. Directs NASA to utilize the International Space Station and commercial services for space technology demonstration missions in low-Earth orbit whenever it is practical and cost effective to do so. Establishes a space technology program. Directs NASA to: (1) enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration to assess the effectiveness of the NASA Advisory Council, (2) enter into an arrangement with the National Academies for a review of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, and (3) revise the NASA Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to address the detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronic parts. Directs NASA to develop a policy on the use of operational commercial reusable suborbital flight vehicles for carrying out scientific and engineering investigations and educational activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2015
Reasserting American Leadership in Space Act or the REAL Space Act Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to plan to return to the Moon by 2023 and to develop a sustained human presence there in order to promote exploration, commerce, science, and U.S. preeminence in space as a stepping stone for future exploration of Mars and other destinations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2015
Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise the nutritional information that restaurants and retail food establishments must disclose. The nutrient content disclosure statement on the menu or menu board must include: (1) the number of calories contained in the whole menu item; (2) the number of servings and number of calories per serving; or (3) the number of calories per common unit of the item, such as for a multi-serving item that is typically divided before presentation to the consumer. Nutritional information may be provided solely by a remote-access menu (e.g., an Internet menu) for food establishments where the majority of orders are placed by customers who are off-premises. Establishments with self-serve food may comply with the requirements for restaurants or place signs with nutritional information adjacent to each food item. An establishment’s nutrient content disclosures have a “reasonable basis” if they are within acceptable allowances for variation, including variations in serving size or ingredients and inadvertent human error in formulation. Establishments with standard menu items that come in different flavors, varieties, or combinations, that are listed as a single menu item can determine and disclose nutritional information using specified methods or methods allowed by the Food and Drug Administration. Regulations pursuant to this Act or the clause amended by this Act cannot take effect earlier than two years after final regulations are promulgated pursuant to this Act. Nutritional information disclosure requirements apply to establishments that derive more than 50% of their total revenue from the sale of food.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2015
Local Zoning and Property Rights Protection Act of 2015 This bill requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to withdraw: the proposed HUD rule entitled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)," any final rule based on it (including the rule with the Regulation Identifier Number RIN 2501-AD33), and any successor rule that is substantially similar to them; and the HUD notice relating to the AFFH Assessment Tool, any proposed or final rule issued pursuant to such notice, and any successor notice or rule substantially similar to them. HUD is required to consult with state, local government, and public housing agency officials to develop recommendations, consistent with applicable rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court, to further the Fair Housing Act's purposes and policies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2015
Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act Amends the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1978 to require a federal financial institutions regulatory agency to make a final examination report to a financial institution within 60 days after the later of: (1) the exit interview for an examination of the institution, or (2) the provision of additional information by the institution relating to the examination. Sets a deadline for the exit interview if a financial institution is not subject to a resident examiner program. Prescribes examination standards for financial institutions that: prescribe requirements and prohibitions for the treatment of certain commercial loans, prohibit a federal financial institution regulatory agency from requiring a well-capitalized financial institution to raise additional capital in lieu of certain actions prohibited with respect to such commercial loans, and require federal financial institutions regulatory agencies to develop and apply identical definitions and reporting requirements for non-accrual loans. Establishes in the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (Council) the Office of Independent Examination Review, headed by a Director appointed by the Council, but independent from any member agency of the Council. Entitles a financial institution to appeal a material supervisory determination contained in a final report of examination. Requires the Director to determine the merits of the appeal either on the record, or, at the election of the financial institution, refer the appeal to an administrative law judge. Declares the decision by the Director on an appeal to: (1) be the final agency action, and (2) bind the agency whose supervisory determination was the subject of the appeal and the financial institution making the appeal. Grants a financial institution the right to petition for judicial review of the Director's decision. Prohibits a federal financial institutions regulatory agency from: retaliating against a financial institution, including service providers, or any institution-affiliated party, for exercising appellate rights under this Act; or delaying or denying any agency action that would benefit a financial institution or any institution-affiliated party on the basis that an appeal under this Act is pending. Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to require: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to establish an independent intra-agency appellate process in connection with the regulatory appeals process, and safeguards to protect an insured depository institution or insured credit union from retaliation by any federal banking agency for exercising its rights.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2015
David's Sling Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 This bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense carry out activities relating to the research, development, test, and evaluation and procurement of the David's Sling weapons program. It is the sense of Congress that: the United States and Israel should enter into a production agreement that specifies the terms of coproduction, program schedule, and an itemization of costs for the David's Sling weapons program production; such production agreement should strive for optimal coproduction of the David's Sling components; and reaching such a bilateral production agreement, which includes funds disbursement policy, should be a priority.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2015
PTC Elimination Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to phase out and eventually eliminate the tax credit for production of electricity from renewable resources. The bill repeals the inflation adjustment for current recipients of the tax credit and modifies the "beginning of construction" requirement to require that construction of an eligible project is continuous and makes significant progress. The credit is repealed in its entirety after December 31, 2025. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the credit should be allowed to expire and should not be extended beyond its expiration date. The bill also reduces the corporate income tax by an applicable percentage based on increases in revenues resulting from this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2015
Recognizes the Khmer, Laotian, Hmong, and Montagnard Freedom Fighters and the people of Cambodia and Laos for their support and defense of the U.S. Armed Forces and freedom in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2015
This bill directs the President to: (1) develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and at other related activities, and (2) instruct INTERPOL Washington to request observer status for Taiwan in INTERPOL and urge INTERPOL members to support Taiwan's observer status and participation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2015
This bill directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to: (1) designate a senior DOD official to procure wide band satellite communications necessary to meet DOD requirements, including those for military and commercial satellite communications; and (2) submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to meet such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2015
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015 Establishes, revises, and extends specified science and technology and energy research programs and activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2017 for: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF), (2) the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), (3) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and (4) the Department of Energy (DOE) for activities of the Office of Science and the Office of Electricity. Directs the NSF to: (1) review its education programs, and (2) support research activities related to the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative. Directs the President to establish or designate a STEM Education Advisory Panel. Requires the NSF Director to establish a STEM Education Coordinating Office to support the Committee on STEM Education, the Advisory Panel, and federal agencies with STEM education programs. Requires OSTP to establish a body under the National Science and Technology Council to identify and coordinate international science and technology cooperation that can strengthen U.S. science and technology enterprise, improve economic and national security, and support U.S. foreign policy goals. Directs specified federal science agencies to conduct pilot programs to validate alternative research funding models. Directs NIST to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive review of NIST's laboratory programs. Calls on NIST to continue its role as facilitator of scientific collaborations between Israel and U.S. states, cities, businesses, academic institutions, and scientific foundations. Directs the DOE Office of Science to establish an initiative to sustain and advance global leadership of light source user facilities. Directs NIST to establish a nuclear energy standards committee to facilitate and support the development or revision of technical standards for new and existing nuclear power plants and advanced nuclear technologies. Directs DOE to carry out the Agreements for Commercializing Technology pilot program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2015
Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to select a VA medical center to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the biological children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to such exposure. Requires: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) or the head of a federal agency to make available to the VA for review records held by DOD, an Armed Force, or that federal agency that might assist the VA in making determinations regarding individuals and descendents afflicted with a health condition as a result of such exposure; (2) the VA and DOD or such agency head to jointly establish a mechanism for the availability and review of records by the VA; and (3) the national center to employ at least one licensed clinical social worker to coordinate access of individuals to appropriate social and health care programs and to handle case management. Establishes an Advisory Board to oversee and assess the national center and to advise the VA regarding the center's work. Directs DOD to declassify documents (other than documents that would materially and immediately threaten national security) related to any known incident in which at least 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of an associated disability. Directs the VA to conduct a national outreach and education campaign directed toward members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate information on: (1) incidents of exposure of members of the Armed Forces to toxic substances, health conditions resulting from such exposure, and the potential long-term effects; and (2) the national center. Requires DOD and the Department of Health and Human Services to assist the VA in implementing such campaign.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2015
United States Chief Technology Officer Act Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to authorize the President to appoint a United States Chief Technology Officer whose duties shall include advising the President and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy on federal information systems, technology, data, and innovation policies and initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2015
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat membership in a tax-exempt health care sharing ministry as coverage under a high deductible health plan for purposes of the tax deduction for contributions to a health savings account.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2015
Government Neutrality in Contracting Act This bill directs the head of any federal agency that awards or obligates funds for any construction contract, or that awards grants, provides financial assistance, or enters into cooperative agreements for construction projects, to ensure that bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents do not: (1) require or prohibit a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor from entering into, or adhering to, agreements with a labor organization, with respect to that construction project or another related construction project; or (2) otherwise discriminate against or give preference to such a party because it did or did not become a signatory or otherwise adhere to such an agreement. The bill also allows exemptions to this rule to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety or to serve national security, as well as additional exemptions for certain projects meeting specified criteria. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement this Act with respect to the applicable federal contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2015
This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to designate up to 20 graduate medical education residency positions for the study of optometry.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2015
Notes that further energy exploration in the Caspian Sea region will enhance the energy security of European allies. Affirms that it is in the U.S. national interest to enhance Europe's energy security by opening up the Southern Gas Corridor. Encourages the Administration to continue to engage with Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, and other regional partners to provide support for new and ongoing projects. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it is in the U.S. national interest to enhance Europe's energy security by working with Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, and other regional partners to make available additional gas and oil supplies to that market in a cost effective and secure manner.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2015
Federal Transit Modernization Act of 2015 Repeals requirements that condition certain financial assistance for public transportation projects upon employee protective arrangements approved by the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2015
Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and Public Health Service Act to include employers with 51 to 100 employees as large employers for purposes of health insurance markets. States have the option to treat these employers as small employers. Currently under PPACA, employers with 51 to 100 employees are small employers, but before January 1, 2016, states have the option to treat them as large employers. (Under PPACA, health insurance offered in the small group market must meet certain requirements that do not apply to the large group market, including the requirement to cover the essential health benefits.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2015
Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the developer of a bioengineered organism intended as food to submit a premarket biotechnology notification to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A “bioengineered organism” (commonly called a “genetically modified organism” or “GMO”) is a plant or part of a plant that has been modified through recombinant DNA techniques in a way that could not be obtained using conventional breeding techniques. The premarket notification must include the developer’s determination that food from, containing, or consisting of the GMO (GMO food) is as safe as a comparable non-GMO food. For the GMO to be sold as food, the FDA must not object to the developer’s determination. If the FDA determines that there is a material difference between a GMO food and a comparable non-GMO food, the FDA can specify labeling that informs consumers of the difference. A food label can only claim that a food is non-GMO if the ingredients are subject to certain supply chain process controls. No food label can suggest that non-GMO foods are safer than GMO foods. A food can be labeled as non-GMO even if it is produced with a GMO processing aid or enzyme or derived from animals fed GMO feed or given GMO drugs. The FDA must allow, but not require, GMO food to be labeled as GMO. The FDA must regulate the use of “natural” on food labels. This bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require the Agricultural Marketing Service to establish a program to certify non-GMO food. This bill preempts state and local restrictions on GMOs or GMO food and labeling requirements for GMOs, GMO food, non-GMO food, or “natural” food.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2015
Lymphedema Treatment Act This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover certain lymphedema compression treatment items as durable medical equipment under Medicare. (Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling that is caused when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2015
State Partnership Program Enhancement Act of 2015 Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 to revise and extend indefinitely the authority of the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish exchange programs for members of the National Guard under the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP). (Currently, the authority is scheduled to terminate on September 30, 2016.) Authorizes DOD, with the concurrence of the Department of State, to establish such programs for exchanges of members of the National Guard of a state or territory and the military forces or security forces or other government organizations of a foreign country to support the national interests and security cooperation goals and objectives of the United States as defined by the current and evolving national global strategic policies of the United States. (Currently, the primary function of the SPP is disaster and emergency response.) Directs DOD, with the concurrence of the State Department, to establish procedures for SPP planning, programming, budgeting, accounting, and performance metrics. Requires the National Guard Bureau to: (1) maintain a list of core competencies of the National Guard to support SPP activities, and (2) designate a director for each state and territory. Requires DOD to coordinate SPP regulations with combatant commanders to ensure that program activities meet theater security cooperation objectives. Requires the State Department to coordinate such regulations with relevant chiefs of mission to meet diplomatic objectives. Establishes the National Guard State Partnership Program Fund in the Treasury, into which appropriated amounts shall be credited and transferred for program activity uses, including payment of costs for personnel, training, operations, and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2015
Biennial Budgeting and Enhanced Oversight Act of 2015 This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Congressional Budget Impoundment and Control Act of 1974, and the Rules of the House of Representatives to change the process for the President's budget submission, congressional budget resolutions, appropriations bills, and government strategic and performance plans from the current annual process to a biennial process, in which a biennium is the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. The House Budget Committee must use the second session of each Congress to study issues with long-term budgetary and economic implications. The bill creates a point of order in the House and Senate against authorizations of appropriations that do not include specific authorizations covering at least each fiscal year in one or more bienniums.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2015
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2015 This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: prioritize weather research to improve weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy; establish a tornado warning improvement and extension program and a hurricane warning improvement program; maintain a prioritized list of observation data requirements necessary to ensure weather forecasting capabilities to protect life and property; evaluate the combination of observing systems, data, and information needed to meet the requirements developed under the list; and enter into at least one pilot contract with a private sector entity capable of providing space-based commercial weather data. NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) must: (1) conduct a program to develop an improved understanding of forecast capabilities for atmospheric events; (2) issue a plan for restoring U.S. leadership in numerical weather prediction (processing weather data with computer models) and forecasting; and (3) undertake Observing System Simulation Experiments to assess the value and benefits of observing capabilities and systems. The bill permits the purchase of weather data through contracts with commercial providers and the placement of weather satellite instruments on co-hosted government or private payloads. The Office of Science and Technology Policy must establish an Inter-agency Committee for Advancing Weather Services. The National Weather Service may: (1) establish a program to host postdoctoral fellows and academic researchers at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction; and (2) reestablish the Mark Trail Award, honoring individuals or organizations that use or provide NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receivers or transmitters.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2015
Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits requiring repayment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2015
Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover comprehensive Alzheimer's disease care planning services.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2015
Space Resource Exploration and Utilization Act of 2015 Directs the President, acting through appropriate federal agencies, to facilitate the commercial exploration and utilization of space resources to meet national needs; discourage government barriers to the development of economically viable, safe, and stable industries for the exploration and utilization of space resources in manners consistent with the existing international obligations of the United States; and promote the right of U.S. commercial entities to explore outer space and utilize space resources in accordance with such obligations, free from harmful interference, and to transfer or sell such resources. Defines "space resource" as a natural resource of any kind found in place in outer space. Directs the President to report recommendations for: (1) allocating responsibilities relating to the exploration and utilization of space resources among federal agencies, and (2) any authorities necessary to meet U.S international obligations with respect to the exploration and utilization of space resources. Declares that any asteroid resources obtained in outer space are the property of the entity that obtained them. Requires a U.S. commercial space resource utilization entity to avoid causing harmful interference in outer space. Authorizes such an entity to bring a civil action for appropriate relief for any action by another entity subject to U.S. jurisdiction causing harmful interference to its operations with respect to an asteroid resource utilization activity in outer space.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2015
American Energy Renaissance Act of 2015 Amends the Natural Gas Act regarding natural gas exports to exclude from the expedited application and approval process any nation subject to sanctions or trade restrictions imposed by the United States. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to repeal the authority of the President to restrict exports of coal, petroleum products, natural gas, or petrochemical feedstocks, and related materials or equipment. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) to repeal limitations on oil exports. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to repeal limitations on export of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil or gas. Declares without force or effect a specified regulation and the limitation placed upon crude oil exports under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce to grant licenses to export crude oil except in certain circumstances. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to take into account solely domestic environmental impacts when completing an environmental impact statement for either coal export terminals or for coal transportation to such terminals. Prescribes an authorization and certification process for certain energy infrastructure projects pertaining to a cross-border segment of either an oil or natural gas pipeline or an electric transmission facility for the import or export of oil or the transmission of electricity to or from Canada or Mexico. Amends the Natural Gas Act to state that no order of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is required to authorize the export or import of any natural gas to or from Canada or Mexico. Amends the Federal Power Act to repeal the prerequisite that, before transmitting electric energy to a foreign country, a person must first obtain authorization from FERC. Declares that a presidential permit shall not be required for a certain pipeline application by TransCanada Corporation to the Department of State for the northern portion of the Keystone XL pipeline from the Canadian border to the border between the states of South Dakota and Nebraska. Prescribes guidelines for leasing on the OCS. Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015, issued by the Secretary of the Interior, to be the final oil and gas leasing program under the OCSLA for FY2015-FY2020, except with regard to specified lease sales. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale every 270 days in each OCS planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas leases, and (2) conduct Lease Sale 220 for areas offshore of Virginia. Permits a state, in lieu of being subject to a federal oil and gas leasing system, to elect to control energy development and production on available federal land in accordance with certain state leasing, permitting and regulatory programs prescribed by this Act. Amends the MLA to require the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to offer for sale all nominated acreage not previously made available for lease, unless an individual lease should not be granted. Prescribes guidelines governing leasing certainty for onshore lease sales. Permits the Secretary to extend for up to 2 periods of 15 days each the initial 30-day period after receipt of an application for deciding whether to issue a drilling permit. Deems an application approved if a decision has not been made within 60 days after the application is received. Imposes a $5,000 documentation fee upon each administrative protest concerning a lease, right-of-way, or application for a drill permit. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal Permit Streamlining Project in each field office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with responsibility for permitting energy projects on federal land. Considers final regulations governing oil shale management published by BLM on November 18, 2008, to satisfy all legal and procedural requirements. Directs the Secretary to implement them and the oil shale leasing program without any other administrative action necessary. Considers the Approved Resource Management Plan Amendments/Record of Decision for Oil Shale and Tar Sands Resources to Address Land Use Allocations in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, and the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement of the Bureau of Land Management (Plan), as in effect on November 17, 2008, to satisfy all legal and procedural requirements. Directs the Secretary to implement, without additional administrative action, the oil shale leasing program and regulations authorized in such Plan. Directs the Secretary to: (1) hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources, under certain terms; and (2) hold at least five separate commercial lease sales of at least 25,000 acres considered to have the most potential for oil shale development in areas nominated through public comment. Amends the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary to conduct a competitive oil and gas leasing program that includes at least one lease sale annually in areas most likely to produce commercial quantities of oil and natural gas in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) for each of calendar years 2015 through 2024. Directs the Secretary to: (1) facilitate and ensure permits for all surface development activities, including pipeline and road construction; (2) issue an integrated activity plan from among the nonadopted alternatives in the NPRA Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision, and (3) issue an environmental impact statement for issuance of oil and gas leases in the NPRA. Declares without force or effect the NPRA Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision, dated February 21, 2013, including the integrated activity plan and environmental impact statement to which it refers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations to ensure that the Department of the Interior is supporting development of oil and gas leases in the NPRA, and (2) complete a comprehensive assessment of all technically recoverable NPRA fossil fuel resources. Declares that this Act does not authorize issuance of a lease under the MLA to persons designated for the imposition of specified sanctions. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to declare certain federal actions inapplicable to an endangered or threatened species, unless: (1) the Secretary has reported to Congress economic costs and benefits of the application; and (2) the application is authorized expressly for that species in a law enacted by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Deems oil and gas leasing programs and activities authorized by this Act to be in compliance with the purposes of ANWR, so that no further findings or decisions are required to implement this determination. States that the Secretary is neither required to identify nonleasing alternative courses of action, nor to analyze their environmental effects. Deems compliance with this Act satisfies all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) governing analysis and consideration of the environmental effects of proposed leasing. Authorizes the Secretary, after consultation with the state of Alaska, the city of Kaktovik, and the North Slope Borough, to designate as a Special Area up to 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain. Directs the Secretary to designate the Sadlerochit Spring area as a Special Area. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude any Special Area from leasing. Permits directional (horizontal) drilling in a Special Area. Restricts to the terms of this Act the Secretary's authority to close lands within the Coastal Plain to oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, and production. Instructs the Secretary to offer: (1) tracts with the greatest potential for hydrocarbon discovery; (2) at least 50,000 acres for lease within 22 months after enactment of this Act; and (3) at least an additional 50,000 acres at 6-, 12-, and 18-month intervals thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to grant to the highest responsible qualified bidder in a lease sale, upon payment of a bonus, any lands to be leased on the Coastal Plain. Prescribes a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities. Directs the Secretary to develop a facility consolidation plan for the exploration, development, production, and transportation of Coastal Plain oil and gas resources. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for the transportation of oil and gas produced under leases under this Act, (2) convey to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation the surface estate of specified lands, and (3) convey to the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation a certain subsurface estate to which it is entitled pursuant to a specified agreement. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to allow either the Secretary, an affected Indian tribe, or a certified third-party appraiser under contract with the Indian tribe, to appraise Indian land or trust assets involved in a transaction requiring the Secretary's approval. Deems approved any appraisal conducted by an Indian tribe or by such an appraiser if the Secretary neither approves nor disapproves it within 60 days after it is received. Gives tribes the option of waiving such appraisals if they give the Secretary an unambiguous indication of tribal intent, including an express waiver of any claims they might have against the United States as a consequence of forgoing the appraisal. States that, when sustainability is federally required, any activities or resources conducted or produced pursuant to either a tribal resource management plan or a Secretary-approved integrated resource management plan shall be deemed to be sustainable. Amends the Long-Term Leasing Act to authorize the Navajo Nation to enter into 99-year leases on their restricted lands without the Secretary's approval, if they are executed under tribal regulations approved by the Secretary. Permits the Navajo Nation to enter into mineral resource leases on restricted lands without the Secretary's approval if they are executed under approved tribal regulations not to exceed 25 years. Permits a renewal option for one additional term not exceeding 25 years. Declares inapplicable, except with the express consent of Indian beneficiaries, any rule promulgated by the Secretary regarding hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas development or production on land either held in trust or restricted status for Indians. Grants to the states sole authority to promulgate or enforce requirements for hydraulic fracturing within their boundaries. Subjects federal land upon which hydraulic fracturing is performed to the law of the state in which the land is located. Prohibits award of legal fees to any nongovernmental organization related to an action that: (1) prevents, terminates, or reduces access to or the production of specified enterprises; (2) diminishes the private property value of a property owner; or (3) eliminates or prevents jobs. Prohibits the Secretary from establishing a master leasing plan as part of any guidance the Secretary issues. Declares certain existing master leasing plans without force or effect. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon request of a state or the governing body of an Indian tribe, to enter into a prescribed refinery permitting agreement to streamline the permitting process using a specified systematic, interdisciplinary multimedia approach. Prescribes deadlines for approval or disapproval of consolidated permits for new refineries and for expansion of existing ones. Amends the Clean Air Act to phase out the renewable fuel standard. Repeals greenhouse gas regulation. Redefines air pollutant to exclude carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or sulfur hexafluoride. Declares that the following acts neither authorize nor require the regulation of climate change or global warming: (1) the Clean Air Act, (2) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, (3) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, (4) the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and (5) the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Declares void and without force or effect certain proposed EPA rules regarding greenhouse gas emissions and carbon pollution. Prohibits both the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, and EPA from: (1) finalizing the proposed rule entitled "Definition of Waters of the United States Under the Clean Water Act," or (2) using that rule (or substantially similar guidance) as the basis for any rulemaking or decision regarding either the scope or enforcement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Makes violation of the latter prohibition grounds for vacation of the final rule, the decision, or enforcement action. Requires the Administrator, before proposing or finalizing any regulation, rule, or policy, to first analyze and describe its direct and indirect net and gross impact upon employment in the United States. Establishes the Debt Freedom Fund to pay down the national debt of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2015
Resolves that Congress calls a convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the U.S. Constitution in accordance with the Compact for a Balanced Budget, effective after Congress receives certification that at least three-fourths of the states are members of the Compact and have applied for a convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Resolves that Congress refers the Balanced Budget Amendment to the state legislatures for ratification after Congress receives a certified copy of the Amendment showing that a convention for proposing amendments under Article V has approved and proposed for ratification the Amendment that is defined by the Compact and meets specified criteria, including prohibiting outlays from exceeding receipts unless the excess is financed by debt issued using specified procedures requiring approval by a majority of state legislatures.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2015
Developing Roadway Infrastructure for a Vibrant Economy Act of 2015 or the DRIVE Act of 2015 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate, on September 30, 2015, the authority of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to make certain transfers to the Mass Transit Account. Directs DOT to transfer, on October 1, 2015, all amounts in the Mass Transit Account to the Highway Account. Repeals: the transportation alternatives program; the prohibition against approval of federal-aid highway projects or regulatory actions that will result in the severance of an existing major route or have significant adverse impact on the safety for nonmotorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless the project or action provides for a reasonable alternative route or such a route exists; the authorization for states to use certain funds for construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities; and the requirement that a state set-aside a specified amount of its apportionment of surface transportation program funds for off-system bridges (those not on a federal-aid highway). Defines "transportation alternatives" as any of the following activities when carried out as part of an authorized or funded federal-aid highway program or project, or as an independent program or project related to surface transportation for the construction, planning, and design of: (1) transportation projects to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or (2) infrastructure-related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for nondrivers, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities to access daily needs. Eliminates the requirement that statewide transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement programs provide for the development of accessible pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2015
Clean Air, Strong Economies Act This bill prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from lowering its national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone until at least 85% of counties that are in nonattainment areas (counties that are exceeding the limit) have attained the standard. In promulgating a primary or secondary NAAQS for ozone, the EPA must: only consider a county to be a nonattainment area on the basis of direct air quality monitoring (rather than modeling); take into consideration feasibility and cost; and include in the regulatory impact analysis for the proposed and final rule at least one analysis that does not include any calculation of benefits resulting from reducing emissions of any pollutant other than ozone.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2015
Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act Honors as a veteran any person who is entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or who, but for age, would be so entitled. Provides that such person shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of such recognition.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2015
Ammunition and Firearms Protection Act Amends the federal criminal code to revise the definition of "armor piercing ammunition" for purposes of federal firearms provisions to exclude: (1) M855 (5.56 mm x 45 mm) or SS109 type ammunition; or (2) ammunition designed, intended, and marketed for use in a rifle.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2015
National Health Service Corps Improvement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to include optometry services in primary health services for purposes of the National Health Service Corps. Optometrists are eligible for the fellowship program for the delivery of primary health services in health professional shortage areas, the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, and the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2015
Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive coinsurance for colorectal cancer screening tests (in order to cover 100% of their cost under Medicare part B [Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled]), regardless of the code billed for a diagnosis as a result of a test, or for the removal of tissue or other procedure furnished in connection with, as a result of, and in the same clinical encounter as the screening test.
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