United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
Federal Retirement Fairness Act This bill modifies the federal civilian service that is creditable service under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Specifically, it expands the nondeduction service that may be creditable under FERS. Nondeduction service is federal service where an employee's pay is not subject to retirement deductions (e.g., service under a temporary appointment). Currently, nondeduction service performed before January 1, 1989, is creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund to cover the period of nondeduction service. This bill allows nondeduction service performed on or after January 1, 1989, to be creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
BuyAmerican.gov Act of 2019 This bill directs the President and specified federal agencies to take steps to increase transparency and limit the use of waivers of Buy American laws. Generally, Buy American requires agencies to procure domestic goods. The bill requires (1) the Department of Commerce to report periodically to Congress and the President on the implementation of, and compliance with, Buy American laws; (2) Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to assess the impacts of all U.S. free trade agreements and the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement on the operation of such laws; and (3) the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish a free, publicly available BuyAmerican.gov website. Public interest waivers from Buy American laws shall be construed to ensure the maximum utilization of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States. The President shall develop a mechanism to collect information on requests to waive Buy American laws and other domestic content restrictions for purposes of providing early notice to possible waivers via the website. Executive agencies shall make information concerning the intention to issue a waiver or exception in connection with a federal procurement available to the GSA at least 20 days prior to waiving a Buy American law. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress within two years of this bill's enactment describing the bill's implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Not Invisible Act of 2019 This bill increases the coordination of efforts to reduce violent crime within Indian lands and against Indians. Specifically, the Department of the Interior must designate an official within the Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate prevention efforts, grants, and programs related to missing Indians and the murder and human trafficking of Indians. In addition, Interior and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must (1) establish an advisory committee on violent crime within Indian lands and against Indians, and (2) submit a written response to the recommendations developed by the advisory committee. The advisory committee must make recommendations to Interior and DOJ on actions to combat violent crime against Indians and within Indian lands, including strategies for identifying, reporting, and responding to instances of missing persons, murder, and human trafficking; and develop best practices for tribes and law enforcement officials in close proximity to Indian lands to follow, including practices to address any gaps in services for Indian victims.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans to report on and make recommendations regarding the use of public lands or other outdoor spaces for medical treatment and therapy for veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act This bill provides a discretionary spending limit adjustment for full utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to ensure that funds are used to support navigation and maintain federally authorized harbors. The bill makes certain amounts in the trust fund available, without appropriation, to pay 100% of the eligible operations and maintenance costs of specified portions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway (a system of locks, canals, and channels in Canada and the United States that permits oceangoing vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes); and up to 100% of the eligible operations and maintenance costs assigned to commercial navigation of all U.S. harbors and inland harbors. The discretionary spending adjustment in a given fiscal year may not exceed the amount within the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund on the last day of the fiscal year that is two years prior to such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2019 or the CASE Act of 2019 This bill creates the Copyright Claims Board, a body within the U.S. Copyright Office, to decide copyright disputes. Damages awarded by the board are capped at $30,000. Participation in board proceedings is voluntary with an opt-out procedure for defendants, and parties may choose instead to have a dispute heard in court. If the parties agree to have their dispute heard by the board, they shall forego the right to be heard before a court and the right to a jury trial. Board proceedings shall have no effect on class actions. The board shall be authorized to hear copyright infringement claims, actions for a declaration of noninfringement, claims that a party knowingly sent false takedown notices, and related counterclaims. The bill provides for various procedures, including with respect to requests for information from the other party and requests for the board to reconsider a decision. The board may issue monetary awards based on actual or statutory damages. The parties shall bear their own attorneys' fees and costs except where there is bad faith misconduct. A board's final determination precludes relitigating the claims in court or at the board. Parties may challenge a board decision in federal district court only if (1) the decision was a result of fraud, corruption, or other misconduct; (2) the board exceeded its authority or failed to render a final determination; or (3) in a default ruling or failure to prosecute, the default or failure was excusable.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
This resolution expresses concern about threats to freedom of the press around the world. It also commends journalists and media workers around the world and pays tribute to those who have died carrying out their work. It calls on the President and the Department of State to build upon U.S. leadership on press freedom issues.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Puppy Protection Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; appropriate and nutritious food; continuous access to potable water; and meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019 This bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration to establish a loan-repayment program for mental-health professionals who work in designated workforce-shortage areas.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act of 2019 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider certain factors in determining whether a petition is submitted for the primary purpose of delaying the approval of a drug application. The FDA must (1) publish a list of petitions that were submitted with an intent to delay, and (2) establish procedures to refer such petitions to the Federal Trade Commission. The FDA may establish a timeline for submitting petitions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain management programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2019 This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from imposing higher cost-sharing requirements on breast cancer diagnostic examinations than initial breast cancer screening examinations. Diagnostic examinations are generally required after an initial screening detects an abnormality and typically require additional mammogram images (e.g., x-rays).
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
This resolution expresses support for the designation of Mental Health Awareness Month to remove the stigma associated with mental illness and to place emphasis on scientific findings regarding mental health recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide grants for collaborative research projects on ocean acidification developed and conducted through partnerships between the seafood industry and the academic community. NOAA must prioritize projects that (1) address ecosystems and communities vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification, (2) demonstrate support from local stakeholders, or (3) utilize seafood industry assets as research and monitoring platforms. NOAA may provide grants to a partnership in which a marine-dependent industry is substituted for the seafood industry.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
ALJ Competitive Service Restoration Act This bill makes administrative law judge (ALJ) positions part of the competitive service and otherwise modifies the process for the appointment of ALJs, including by establishing certain minimum qualifications and conditions of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
This resolution (1) celebrates the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in every U.S. community, and (2) supports the designation of National Small Business Week.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
National Museum of the American Latino Act This bill establishes the National Museum of the American Latino in the Smithsonian Institution. The purposes of the museum are to (1) illuminate Latino contributions to the story of the United States; (2) provide for the collection, study, research, publication, and establishment of exhibitions and programs related to Latino life, art, history, and culture; and (3) provide for collaboration with Smithsonian Institution museums and research centers and other museums and educational institutions in the United States and abroad to promote the study and appreciation of Latino life, art, history, culture, and its impact on society in the United States. The bill establishes a Board of Trustees for the museum to advise and assist the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian on all matters related to the administration and preservation of the museum. The Director of the museum shall manage the museum and may carry out educational and liaison programs in support of its goals. The Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services shall establish and carry out specified grant programs and a scholarship program, including a grant program to promote the understanding of the Latin American diaspora in the United States. The Board of Regents shall designate a site for the museum and is authorized to design and construct it.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
This bill expands eligibility for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Veterans Affairs-Supported Housing (VASH) rental voucher assistance to homeless veterans honorably discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service regardless of length of service. According to federal regulations, HUD was granted authority in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 to waive or provide an alternative for the current requirement that HUD-VASH assistance be targeted to homeless veterans who have chronic mental illnesses or chronic substance-use disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and revises the National Sea Grant College Program, through which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) supports university-based programs that focus on studying, conserving, and effectively using U.S. coastal resources. Among other things, the bill requires NOAA to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. The fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches. The bill reauthorizes through FY2025 grants for (1) university research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) university research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) university research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding. The bill authorizes grants for (1) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan, and (2) university research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
Women's Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 400,000 $1 silver coins that are emblematic of the women who played a vital role in rallying support for the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Such coins may be issued during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2020. All surcharges received from the sales of such coins shall be paid to the American Women's History Initiative of the Smithsonian Institution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2019 This bill addresses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. The bill sets forth new requirements for the corps, including requirements concerning commissioned grades and operational strength numbers, obligated service, training and physical fitness, education loan assistance, recruitment, hiring and promotions, retirement and separation, and other workforce issues.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
American Manufacturing Leadership Act This bill revises the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing USA program and extends through FY2024 and revises the Economic Development Administration's Regional Innovation Program. The bill grants certain authorities of the Department of Commerce under the Manufacturing USA program to additional federal agencies. All centers under the Manufacturing USA program shall (currently, may) conduct research and development and related activities. The Manufacturing USA program office must, among other things, help develop pilot programs that may be implemented for manufacturing innovation. The General Accountability Office shall triennially assess Manufacturing USA program operations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2019 This bill prohibits discrimination, in the context of various housing practices, against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally disabled and Underserved Population Act of 2019 or the HEADs UP Act This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to support health centers that provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including dental care. Grant recipients must provide specialized treatment to individuals with developmental disabilities as necessary. The bill also provides statutory authority for HHS to designate individuals with developmental disabilities as health-professional shortage population groups for the purposes of the National Health Service Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2019 This bill establishes a specific benefit category (i.e., classification) for complex rehabilitation technology items under Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must set payment for such items in accordance with a specified methodology that includes certain clinical conditions and quality standards. The bill also excludes such items from Medicare's competitive acquisition program (in which rates are set through a competitive bidding program rather than by an established fee schedule). The bill defines complex rehabilitation technology item to include complex rehabilitation manual and power wheelchairs, specialized seating and positioning items, and adaptive equipment such as standing frames and gait trainers, including associated accessories.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2019
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to conduct cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program. The program provides the public with engagement and educational opportunities regarding veterans interred in national, state, or tribal veterans' cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2019
Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2019 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address the level of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Specifically, the EPA must publish a maximum contaminant level goal and promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for total PFAS. PFAS are man-made chemicals that may lead to adverse human health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2019
This bill makes permanent the authority for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program. The BVP Program provides grants to states and localities to purchase body armor vests for law enforcement officers.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2019
Support Tools to Obliterate Pesky Robocalls Act or the STOP Robocalls Act This bill provides measures to eliminate unlawful robocalls. Specifically, the bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a streamlined process whereby a private entity may voluntarily share information about unlawful robocalls or text messages and unlawful caller identification spoofing. In addition, the bill authorizes a telecommunications company to provide a free, opt-in robocall blocking service to its customers. The FCC must also study and report on whether a Voice Over Internet Protocol service should be required to provide the FCC with its contact information and retain records of all calls transmitted over the service.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2019
Whole Veteran Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the implementation of its whole health approach to health care. The report must include an analysis of the accessibility and availability of a variety of services including hypnosis and acupuncture. The whole health model is a holistic approach that looks at the many areas of life that may affect health in order to make a health plan suited for each individual based on his or her health goals.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2019
Supporting and Treating Officers In Crisis Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes for FY2020-FY2024 and revises Department of Justice grants to provide family support services to law enforcement personnel. Among other changes, the bill allows grants to support additional services such as suicide prevention and mental health programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2019
Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the "Ghost Army," collectively, in recognition of its service during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019
Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019 This bill revises regulations related to the safety, sale, and advertisement of tobacco products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes, e-hookah, e-cigars, and vape pens). Among other requirements, the bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement regulations that require color graphics depicting the negative health consequences of smoking on the labeling of cigarette packages; requires the FDA to apply regulations on tobacco products to all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes; raises the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to age 21, and makes it unlawful to market, advertise, or promote any electronic nicotine delivery system to individuals under such age; prohibits the retail online sale of tobacco products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems; prohibits the use of flavored products in an electronic nicotine delivery system, except in specified circumstances; increases the user fees that the FDA collects from manufacturers and importers; and directs the FDA to regulate products containing synthetic nicotine (not made or derived from tobacco).
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019
Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the responsibilities, workload, training, and vacancy rates of suicide prevention coordinators at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019
Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act This bill directs the Department of State to report annually to Congress on the school materials used by the Palestinian Authority or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the West Bank and Gaza. Specifically, the report shall address (1) whether the materials used encourage violence or intolerance toward other nations or ethnic groups, (2) the steps the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA have taken to reform such materials, and (3) whether U.S. foreign assistance is used to fund the dissemination of the offending materials. The State Department shall make such reports publicly available.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019
SBA Cyber Awareness Act This bill addresses the cybersecurity of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Specifically, it requires the SBA to report annually to Congress on (1) an assessment of SBA's information technology (IT) and cybersecurity infrastructure; (2) a strategy to increase such infrastructure; (3) a detailed account of SBA's IT equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment manufactured by an entity that has its principal place of business in the People's Republic of China; and (4) any SBA cybersecurity risk or incident that occurred during two years before the report, including SBA's action to respond to or remediate it.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019
Fostering Intergovernmental Health Transparency in Veteran Suicides Act or FIGHT Veteran Suicides Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to notify Congress following a suicide or attempted suicide of a veteran that occurs in a VA facility. Specifically, the VA must provide the name and location of the facility and also specific information regarding the veteran who committed or attempted suicide. The VA is required to include in each notification (1) guidance to deter the sensationalism of suicide, (2) guidance for identifying warning signs exhibited by veterans at risk of suicide, and (3) information on the resources available from the VA to veterans at risk of suicide.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019
Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2019 This bill allows a small business performing a construction contract awarded by a federal agency to request an equitable adjustment if the agency's contracting officer directs a change in the contract's performance without the agreement of the small business. The agency must provide the small business with an interim partial payment to cover additional costs resulting from such a change, and the small business must pay a first tier subcontractor or supplier the portion of the partial payment that is attributable to additional costs incurred due to the change.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2019
Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 the Community Health Center Fund, which provides enhanced funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2019
Burma Political Prisoners Assistance Act This bill directs the Department of State to assist civil society organizations in Burma (Myanmar) working to release political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. Such assistance shall include support for (1) documenting human rights violations against such prisoners, (2) raising awareness of prisoner issues, and (3) helping former prisoners resume a normal life.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2019
Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William “Bill” Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make improvements to the Transition Assistance Program that serves members of the Armed Forces who separate, retire, or are discharged from service. Among other requirements, the bill extends by five years the pilot program for providing off-base transition training for veterans and their spouses. Labor must select no fewer than 50 locations to implement the training, and at least 20 shall be states with a high rate of veteran unemployment. The bill requires the VA to make grants to eligible organizations for the provision of transition assistance. Finally, the bill grants access to the VA and Labor to certain information reported by employers to states' new hire directories in order to track employment of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2019
This resolution recognizes the historic, cultural, and religious significance of the festival of Vaisakhi and expresses its respect for all communities that celebrate Vaisakhi.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2019
Seniors Fraud Prevention Act of 2019 This bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish an office within the Bureau of Consumer Protection to advise the FTC on the prevention of fraud targeting seniors and to assist the FTC in monitoring the market for mail, television, Internet, telemarketing, and recorded message telephone call (robocall) fraud targeting seniors. The office must (1) disseminate to seniors and their families and caregivers information on the most common fraud schemes, including methods of reporting complaints either to the FTC's national toll-free telephone number or to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network, where complaints become immediately available to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, state attorneys general, and other appropriate law enforcement agencies; (2) provide, in response to a specific request about a particular entity or individual, publicly available information regarding the FTC's enforcement action; and (3) maintain a website as a resource for information on fraud targeting seniors. The FTC must establish procedures through the office to (1) log and acknowledge the receipt of complaints by individuals who believe they have fallen victim to such fraud in the Consumer Sentinel Network and to make such complaints immediately available to federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities; and (2) provide individuals with information on such fraud, including the most common schemes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2019
Protecting Access to Wheelchairs Act This bill excludes specified wheelchairs and associated accessories from Medicare's competitive acquisition program (in which rates are set through a competitive bidding program rather than by an established fee schedule).
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2019
Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2019 This bill requires standardized financial aid terminology and offer forms. The Department of Education (ED) must develop standard terminology and a format for financial aid offer forms based on recommendations from representatives of certain groups, including students, veterans, and institutions of higher education (IHEs). The consumer-friendly form must include specified details and disclosures, including the estimated cost of attendance, financial aid that does not need to be repaid, the net price that a student or family is estimated to pay, work-study employment opportunities, loans the IHE recommends for the student for the academic period covered by the offer, deadlines and the process for accepting financial aid, default rates, the percentage of students who have student loans and the median debt at graduation for students, private loans, scholarships, and the terms and conditions of financial aid. ED must (1) test the form with representatives of students, students' families, IHEs, secondary school and postsecondary counselors, and nonprofit consumer groups; and (2) use the results to develop the final form. Each IHE that participates in federal student aid programs must (1) use the standard form when offering financial aid to students, and (2) use the standard terminology and definitions developed by ED for all communications related to financial aid offers.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_pa_1_fitzpatrick_brian_200.jpg)