United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2020
Wolverine CubeSats for Education Resolution This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) continues to streamline its STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) engagement program, the CubeSat (small satellite) Launch Initiative should continue to thrive and expand as a priority of Congress and an enabler of American innovation; and NASA should prioritize awareness of the CubeSat Launch Initiative in annual budget proposals.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020
Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act This bill modifies the allotment formula that determines water treatment works grants for states and territories.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020
Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2020 This bill establishes new requirements to expand the availability of information on domestic terrorism, as well as the relationship between domestic terrorism and hate crimes. It authorizes domestic terrorism components within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to monitor, analyze, investigate, and prosecute domestic terrorism. The domestic terrorism components of DHS, DOJ, and the FBI must jointly report on domestic terrorism, including white-supremacist-related incidents or attempted incidents. DHS, DOJ, and the FBI must review the anti-terrorism training and resource programs of their agencies that are provided to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. It creates an interagency task force to analyze and combat white supremacist and neo-Nazi infiltration of the uniformed services and federal law enforcement agencies. Finally, it directs the FBI to assign a special agent or hate crimes liaison to each field office to investigate hate crimes incidents with a nexus to domestic terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2020
Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2020 This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover, without cost sharing, three primary care visits and three behavioral health care visits during a plan year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2020
This bill authorizes the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller in light of his acts of valor as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2019
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2019 This bill indefinitely extends Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients for individuals who do not have other coverage. Under current law, Medicare coverage is limited to 36 months following a transplant.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Foreign National Firearms Background Check Enhancement Act This bill requires a nonimmigrant alien to get Department of Justice (DOJ) approval before purchasing a firearm. Specifically, the party transferring the firearm to the alien must receive a copy of the DOJ waiver or confirm with the DOJ that such an alien falls within specified exceptions, such as the alien possessing a U.S. hunting license. Currently, a nonimmigrant alien may acquire a firearm if the alien qualifies for one of the specified exceptions without acquiring DOJ approval.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2019
Protect SNAP Act This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture from modifying work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). The bill also prohibits the use of federal funds (including fees) to implement or enforce the Food and Nutrition Service rule titled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents , published on February 1, 2019.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019
Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2019 or the CROWN Act of 2019 This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style. The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 2019
International Violence Against Women Act of 2019 This bill provides for a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. The bill establishes in the Department of State an Office of Global Women's Issues, which shall be headed by an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. The Ambassador-at-Large shall (1) coordinate U.S. government efforts regarding gender equality and the advancement of women and girls in foreign policy, and (2) develop or update periodically a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. The bill establishes in the U.S. Agency for International Development the position of Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment who shall direct policies, programs, and funding regarding gender equality and women's empowerment. The bill requires that U.S. assistance made available for humanitarian relief, conflict mitigation, and post-conflict reconstruction prevents and responds to violence against women and girls. The Department of State shall also identify incidents that occur during armed conflict and implement emergency responses.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Technology in Criminal Justice Act of 2019 This bill sets forth initiatives to improve the capacity of law enforcement to utilize digital evidence in conducting criminal justice activities. Among other things, the bill does the following: establishes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) a new office—the Office of Digital Law Enforcement—to train, support, and prepare criminal justice personnel; requires DOJ to designate a federal entity to be the Center of Excellence for Digital Forensics; provides for a review of existing programs that provide training, education, and technical assistance to improve digital evidence capacity of criminal justice personnel; establishes a new program—a Law Enforcement Technology Support to State and Local Law Enforcement program—to facilitate the use of existing grant funds to improve the digital evidence capacity of law enforcement personnel; and establishes the Department of Justice Technology Policy Advisory Board to foster dialogue on policy issues.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Raising the Bar Act of 2019 This bill establishes an exercise program to flag online terrorist content. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to designate a lead institution to administer a voluntary online terrorist content moderation exercise program to test how well participating technology companies (e.g., social media platforms) adhere to their own content moderation policies and procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collaborate with state and local health departments to (1) conduct activities regarding asthma, including deterring the harmful consequences of uncontrolled asthma, and disseminating health education and information regarding prevention of asthma episodes and strategies for managing asthma; and (2) develop state plans incorporating public health responses to reduce the burden of asthma, particularly regarding disproportionately affected populations. Additionally, the bill revises and expands requirements for asthma surveillance activities and requires the CDC to coordinate data collection activities to maximize the comparability of results. Further, the Department of Health and Human Services must submit an assessment of current activities related to asthma prevention, management, and surveillance that includes recommendations for the future direction of asthma activities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs Congress to make arrangements for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the bravery and outstanding service during World War I of the 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
Humane Cosmetics Act of 2019 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2019
Safe Aircraft Maintenance Standards Act This bill addresses safety standards related to foreign aircraft repair stations. Among other things, the bill requires that all foreign aircraft repair stations be subject to at least one unannounced safety inspection each year; requires air carriers to submit monthly reports to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with respect to maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alternations of an aircraft; sets forth minimum qualifications for mechanics and others working on U.S. registered aircraft at foreign repair stations; and establishes a moratorium on FAA certification of new foreign aircraft repair stations if certain regulations are not implemented within one year.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2019
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9930 Conroy Windermere Road in Windermere, Florida, as the "Officer Robert German Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2019
Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act This bill authorizes the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia in commemoration of the commitment and service represented by women who worked on the home front during World War II. The foundation shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and payment of the expenses of, establishing the memorial. The bill prohibits federal funds from being used to pay any expense for the establishment of the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2019
This resolution recognizes and honors the importance of statutes giving all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as well as the right to enforce contracts, sue and be sued, and give evidence in court. The resolution also reaffirms commitment to the Thirteenth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, and Fifteenth Amendment and the laws declaring that all persons born in the United States are citizens and are equally protected by the law.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Put Patients First Act This bill prohibits the application of the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services on May 21, 2019, that strengthens the enforcement of conscience and anti-discrimination laws related to the rights of covered health care providers to refuse to participate in certain procedures, such as abortions, sterilization, or assisted suicide.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2019 This bill modifies, expands, and reauthorizes through FY2024 the Family Violence and Prevention Services program, which funds emergency shelters and supports related assistance for victims of domestic violence. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants and enter cooperative agreements with state and tribal domestic violence coalitions, and community-based organizations, to support prevention services. Depending on the type of organization, grant recipients must use funding to (1) provide technical assistance; (2) promote evidence-informed prevention strategies; (3) implement coordinated, community responses to reduce risk factors for family violence; and (4) develop prevention partnership strategies, among other uses. Further, HHS must award specified grants to organizations that provide population-specific services in underserved communities and to community-based organizations that provide culturally competent domestic violence services to racial and ethnic minority groups. The bill also establishes a grants program for tribal domestic violence coalitions to support the provision of local, tribal, family domestic or dating violence services and requires HHS to award a grant for the administration of a hotline dedicated to serving Indians affected by domestic violence. In addition, the bill modifies certain program-wide definitions; changes the requirements for specified grant applications, eligibility criteria, and use of funds; and makes other technical revisions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Opportunity Zone Reform Act This bill modifies requirements relating to qualified opportunity zones. A "qualified opportunity zone" is an area in which investment is encouraged to promote economic development and job creation in distressed communities by providing tax benefits to investors. The bill revises requirements for the designation of certain census tracts as qualified opportunity zones based on median family income. It also excludes certain property from the term "qualified opportunity zone business property," including self storage property, parking property, stadiums, and certain residential rental property. The bill requires the Internal Revenue Service to provide a publicly available list of investment vehicles that are certified as qualified opportunity funds. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the effectiveness of the Opportunity Zone program in the fifth and tenth year after the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019
This joint resolution eliminates the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on sex. The amendment was proposed to the states in House Joint Resolution 208 of the 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972. The amendment shall be part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to opportunity zones, to require a qualified opportunity fund to have an investment advisory board and meet certain investment diversity and affordable housing investment requirements. The fund must also report to the congressional tax committees on how investments in opportunity zones will affect different racial and ethnic groups within the zones.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019
Family First Transition Act This bill provides additional funding for, and otherwise modifies, implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act, which provides state, tribal, and territorial child welfare agencies with certain spending flexibilities to support substance abuse services, mental health services, and other services that prevent children's entry into foster care. Specifically, the bill provides one-time funding to jurisdictions to reduce adverse fiscal impacts associated with transitioning funding sources in relation to the new spending flexibilities. The bill also provides additional funding for FY2020 and FY2021 for jurisdictions with certain waivers (currently set to expire at the end of FY2019) that allow them to provide services not authorized under the traditional foster care program. In addition, the bill temporarily delays a requirement that at least 50% of certain funds be spent on programs and services that meet the criteria for well-supported practices. For FY2020 and FY2021, this requirement shall not apply, and for FY2022 and FY2023, programs and services that meet the criteria for supported practices shall be considered well-supported practices.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Diabetes Prevention Semipostal Stamp, with all proceeds being transferred to the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019
Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act This bill (1) declares that Congress commits to deeming Puerto Rico to be a state of the United States if it chooses statehood; and (2) requires Puerto Rico to conduct a plebiscite, a vote of the people, on statehood in conjunction with the November 2020 election.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
This bill generally permits a federal law enforcement officer to purchase a retired handgun from the agency that issued a handgun to the officer. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that amounts received from the sale of handguns should be used for federal gun safety programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2019
Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2019 This bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) regardless of how long the veteran had such disease prior to death. Under current law, such compensation is paid for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Medical Records Access Fairness Act This bill prohibits health care providers from charging a fee for providing copies of individuals' protected health information. This prohibition does not apply to requests for a (1) duplicate of a copy that an individual has received within the past year, (2) nonelectronic copy that is otherwise available at no cost in electronic form through an online portal, or (3) copy to an attorney of an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2019
National World War II Memorial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II. All surcharges received from the sale of such coins shall be paid to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2019
Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act or the SHIELD Act This bill establishes a duty to report election interference from foreign entities, applies existing campaign advertising requirements to online advertisements, and generally limits political spending and election interference by foreign entities. Specifically, a political committee must report certain foreign contacts involving an offer of unlawful election assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Election Commission. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations of these requirements. Existing requirements for political advertisements and electioneering communications apply to internet and digital advertisements, including requirements related to disclosures and contributions. Additionally, large online platforms must maintain a public database of certain political advertisements. The bill places limitations on political spending by foreign entities. Specifically, foreign entities may not (1) contribute to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda, or (2) make disbursements for certain internet activity referring to a candidate or a political issue. A candidate is prohibited from offering to share nonpublic campaign information with certain foreign entities. The bill also prohibits (1) the dissemination of false statements regarding federal elections or public endorsement, or (2) the intentional hindering of voting or registering to vote. The bill establishes criminal penalties and a private right of action with respect to these prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2019
Modernizing VA's Records Management Program Act This bill authorizes the treatment of digitized records (e.g., photographs or files) as original documents for purposes of claims under laws of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), so long as the digitized versions are made in compliance with document disposal laws. Under the bill, the VA may not be required to produce or retain original physical files or records, including for proceedings occurring at the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The bill requires the VA to implement a process to ensure a digitized record pertaining to a claim is (1) of sufficient quality to be viewed and read on an electronic screen, and (2) an accurate reproduction of the original file or document. The VA must return an original document or file to a claimant once the digitized version has been made. Finally, the VA must resolve any doubt regarding the accuracy of a digitized file or document pertaining to a claim in favor of the claimant if (1) the VA did not implement the process to ensure the quality and accuracy of the digitized version, (2) the claimant presents credible evidence that there is a deficiency or alteration to the file, or (3) the claimant presents credible evidence that such digitized version is missing from VA records.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2019
Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act This bill establishes an alternative formula to calculate Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits for those who receive pensions for certain non-covered employment. (The existing formula is known as the windfall elimination provision.) The alternative formula adjusts an individual's total lifetime earnings based on the proportion of covered earnings (i.e., earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes). It applies to individuals who (1) first become eligible for benefits after 2021, (2) have earnings from non-covered service performed after 1977 and (3) have less than 30 years of coverage (i.e., years in which a beneficiary is considered to have contributed a substantial amount into the Social Security trust funds). Beneficiaries receive the higher benefit amount as calculated under the alternative method or the existing formula. In addition, the bill provides rebates for certain beneficiaries currently impacted by the existing formula. The Social Security Administration must include non-covered earnings in Social Security account statements, and the Government Accountability Office must study the availability of certain information related to retirement plans maintained by state and local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This joint resolution nullifies a rule issued by the Department of Education (ED) on September 23, 2019. The rule revised the process for a student loan borrower to obtain a discharge from a student loan if an institution of higher education misrepresented a material fact. Among other requirements, the 2019 rule requires each borrower to apply to ED for a defense to repayment. However, under the previous 2016 rule, an application could be submitted on behalf of an entire group (e.g., veterans).
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
This resolution express the sense of the House of Representatives that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence must remedy the executive branch's continuing violation of national security laws by forwarding to Congress the whistle-blower complaint (and related materials) received August 12, 2019, by the Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, fully complying with the September 13, 2019, subpoena from Congress, taking affirmative steps to protect the whistle-blower who filed the complaint, and preserving all information that relates to allegations in the complaint. The resolution also states that the President and his associates must immediately cease public efforts to discredit the whistle-blower.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2019
Support our Services to Veterans Caregivers Act or the S.O.S. Veterans Caregivers Act This bill expands eligibility for assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for such assistance to caregivers of veterans who have a serious illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military, naval, or air service. Under current law, such assistance is already provided to caregivers of veterans who sustained serious injuries in the course of their military, naval, or air service. The bill also requires the provision of an annual multidimensional assessment to measure burdens felt by family caregivers who are designated as the primary providers of personal care services to such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2019
National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act of 2019 This bill designates the memorial and museum that is being constructed on an approximately 26-acre area on the POW-MIA Memorial Parkway in Jacksonville, Florida, as the "National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum." The director of the memorial and museum shall submit a report to Congress that includes a budget for the memorial and museum.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2019
Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act of 2019 This bill modifies the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits the deprivation of rights under color of law. Currently, the second prong of the prohibition bars the application of different punishments, pains, or penalties based on an individual's alien status, color, or race. This bill specifies that the application of any pressure to a person's throat or windpipe which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air (e.g., a chokehold) constitutes a punishment, pain, or penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
This resolution recognizes (1) the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month; and (2) the integral role of Latinos and their manifold heritage in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Protect America’s Wildlife and Fish In Need of Conservation Act of 2019 or the PAW and FIN Conservation Act of 2019 This bill nullifies the 2019 rules relating to the listing of endangered or threatened species and the designation of critical habitats. Among other things, the restored rules automatically give threatened species the same protections as endangered species; revise requirements governing when an agency must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service about endangered species, threatened species, or their habitats; prohibit economic assessments from being considered in listing decisions; and revise the criteria used for designating critical habitats for the species.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act or the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder through a method where veterans train service dogs for veterans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Bahamas TPS Act of 2019 This bill designates the Bahamas as a temporary protected status (TPS) country for 18 months from the enactment of this bill. (Qualified nationals of a TPS-designated country shall have work authorization and may not be removed from the United States while the designation is in effect.) A Bahamian national shall qualify for temporary protected status if the individual (1) has been continuously physically present in the United States since the bill's enactment, (2) meets certain admissibility and eligibility requirements generally required for such status, and (3) registers with the Department of Homeland Security.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2019
This resolution reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to media diversity and expresses its pledge to eliminate barriers to such diversity.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 2019
Homeland and Cyber Threat Act or the HACT Act This bill allows claims in federal or state court against foreign states that conduct or participate in cyberattacks against U.S. nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2019
America Wins Act This bill imposes an excise tax on the carbon dioxide content of coal, petroleum and petroleum products, and natural gas sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer and requires the revenues to be used for infrastructure, an energy refund program to provide payments to certain low-income households, and other purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Negro National League, a professional baseball league that was formed in response to African-American players being banned from baseball's major leagues. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and its mission to promote tolerance, diversity, and inclusion. All surcharges from sales of these coins shall be paid to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to fund educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Hate Crimes Commission Act of 2019 This bill establishes the United States Commission on Hate Crimes. The commission must investigate and report on the following: whether hate crimes have increased; factors that contributed to an increase in hate crimes, if one is determined to exist; policies or actions by law enforcement agencies to reduce the commission of hate crimes; and the impact of underreporting on hate crimes statistics and prevention.
![Official portrait of Rep. Demings, Val Butler [D-FL-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000627_200.jpg)