United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
This bill requires, and provides funds for, the Department of the Treasury to establish a loan program that provides liquidity to community development financial institutions, small minority depository institutions, and rural banks participating in the Paycheck Protection Program created in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
This bill expands eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program, through which the Small Business Administration may temporarily guarantee certain loans to small businesses during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, to include (1) financial businesses primarily engaged in the business of lending, and (2) legal gambling businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
This resolution supports the goals of National Minority Health Month to bring attention to health disparities faced by minority populations and encourages federal and state governments to collect and publish racial and ethnic data related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020
Coronavirus Community Relief Act This bill provides $250 billion for certain localities affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Specifically, the bill provides funding for FY2020 for units of local government with a population of 500,000 or less. Payment shall be made within 30 days after submission of a specified certification by the locality. The amount of the payment is proportional to population. Local governments shall use the funds provided to cover only those costs that (1) are necessary and related to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19, and (2) were incurred during the period of March 1-December 30, 2020. The Office of Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury shall conduct monitoring and oversight of the receipt, disbursement, and use of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act This bill addresses immigration issues related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise makes changes to certain COVID-19 response activities, benefits, and programs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must temporarily limit in-person immigration proceedings, and, during the COVID-19 emergency, DHS, DOJ, and the Department of State shall not take certain adverse immigration actions. In addition, an individual's use of certain assistance related to COVID-19 may not be considered in current or future immigration determinations concerning that individual. The bill includes pandemics within the scope of specified disaster and emergency laws and modifies nutrition and other benefits during such emergencies. For example, states may receive Medicaid payments for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment for certain unlawful aliens, and individuals who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may receive cash assistance related to the COVID-19 response. In addition, individuals may not be excluded from participating in COVID-19 response programs due to actual or perceived immigration status. To ensure the availability of information related to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must (1) establish programs for eligible community-based organizations to develop preparedness materials that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and (2) translate materials and operate telephone hotlines in specified languages. Agencies that receive funding under a law enacted in response to COVID-19 must also provide information about programs and opportunities in such languages.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Providing Americans Insured Days of Leave Act of 2020 This bill establishes, revises, and repeals specified paid sick time and paid leave programs, including programs addressing the public-health emergency related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill repeals divisions of the Family First Coronavirus Response Act that (1) expand emergency family and medical leave, (2) provide emergency paid sick leave, and (3) the establish payroll tax credits for such emergency paid leave. The bill requires employers to grant at least 1 hour of accrued paid sick time to each employee for every 30 hours worked, up to a minimum of 56 hours, or 7 days, for use under specified circumstances. Further, employees are immediately entitled to up to 14 days of additional paid sick time if a public-health emergency is declared. The bill also reimburses the employers of individuals who use accrued or additional sick time under these provisions. Additionally, the bill establishes a family and medical leave insurance benefit program to provide up to 60 days of partially-paid leave for qualifying circumstances including to care for a specified close relative with a serious health condition. The bill establishes a trust to pay benefits under the program, which is funded by an employer payroll tax and employee income tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
National Commission Regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Act or the COVID-19 Commission Act This bill establishes, in the legislative branch, the National Commission Regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic and sets forth its powers, duties, funding, and membership. Among other activities, the commission shall investigate the facts and circumstances of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and make recommendations to improve preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The commission terminates 60 days after the submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020
This resolution calls on all public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment, racism, discrimination, and religious intolerance related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and calls on federal law enforcement officials, working with state and local officials, to take specified steps. It calls on federal officials to expeditiously investigate and document all credible reports of hate crimes and incidents and threats against the Asian-American community and prosecute perpetrators. The resolution recommits U.S. leadership to (1) prioritize language access and inclusivity in communication practices, and (2) combat misinformation and discrimination that put Asian Americans at risk.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2020
This bill temporarily removes deposit insurance limits for transaction accounts at depository institutions and credit unions. The limits are reinstated January 1, 2022.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2020
This bill requires the Federal Reserve Board to provide interest-free loans to small minority depository institutions and small community development financial institutions during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. The board must charge interest on these loans beginning 18 months after the end of the emergency period.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2020
Fair Housing Enforcement Emergency Act of 2020 This bill provides support for fair housing enforcement during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public-health emergency. Specifically, the bill authorizes additional grants under the Fair Housing Initiatives Program and the Fair Housing Assistance Program, both administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); authorizes additional staffing for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to respond to fair housing complaints arising out of the emergency; authorizes the office to carry out a national media campaign to inform the public of expanded housing rights during the emergency; and requires HUD to prohibit owners of federally assisted dwellings from showing occupied units to prospective tenants during the emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Disaster Protection for Workers' Credit Act This bill provides credit protections to consumers during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and other major disasters. The bill generally prohibits furnishers of credit information from reporting adverse credit information that is the result of any inaction or action that occurred during the COVID-19 outbreak. It also prohibits any such reporting regarding a consumer who resides in an area covered by a major disaster declaration. Additionally, medical debt related to the COVID-19 outbreak or a major disaster may not be reported to a consumer reporting agency regardless of when the expenses were incurred. Credit reporting agencies are prohibited from including in a credit report any such adverse credit information. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must create a website that allows consumers to report economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak or a major disaster. Consumers may request the deletion of adverse credit information and request an extension of certain credit protections. Credit reporting agencies must provide unlimited free credit reports and free credit scores upon request (1) during the COVID-19 outbreak or a major disaster, and (2) for a year afterwards. The bill places restrictions on new credit scoring models created or implemented during the COVID-19 outbreak or a major disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Emergency Relief for State, Territorial and Local Governments Act of 2020 This bill requires the Federal Reserve Board to purchase municipal bonds issued in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency and otherwise modifies the terms under which the board may generally purchase municipal bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act of 2020 This bill requires issuers of securities to publicly disclose their activities related to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Specifically, issuers must disclose the importation of manufactured goods and materials that originated or are sourced from that region, as well as details about the commercial activity, gross revenue and net profits, and future import plans regarding these goods and materials. Furthermore, issuers must disclose whether any of these goods or materials are from forced labor camps.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act This bill imposes various restrictions related to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region, including by prohibiting certain imports from Xinjiang and imposing sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations there. Goods manufactured or produced in Xinjiang shall not be entitled to entry into the United States unless Customs and Border Protection (1) determines that the goods were not manufactured by convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor under penal sanctions; and (2) reports such a determination to Congress and to the public. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign entities and individuals knowingly facilitating (1) the forced labor of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang; and (2) efforts to contravene U.S. laws regarding the importation of forced labor goods from Xinjiang. The President shall impose property-blocking sanctions on the listed individuals and entities and impose visa-blocking sanctions on the listed individuals. Securities issuers required to file annual or quarterly reports with the Securities Exchange Commission shall disclose in such reports certain information related to Xinjiang, including instances where the issuer knowingly (1) engaged in activities with an entity helping to create mass surveillance systems in Xinjiang, (2) engaged in activities with an entity running or building detention facilities for Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang, or (3) acquired a significant amount of textiles produced in Xinjiang. After being notified of such a disclosure, the President shall determine whether to investigate if sanctions or criminal charges are warranted.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideas of Endometriosis Awareness Month. (Endometriosis is a painful condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus.) It also recognizes the need for early detection and treatment of endometriosis, increased education for health care providers, and more culturally competent care.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2600 Wesley Street in Greenville, Texas, as the "Audie Murphy Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Original Black History Month Resolution of 2020 This resolution recognizes the importance of commemorating Black History Month to acknowledge the achievements of African Americans throughout history.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020
Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the legacy of Harriet Tubman as an abolitionist. The Secretary may issue coins under this bill only during the period of January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid to Project Legacy in Brooklyn, New York, for the purpose of accomplishing and advancing its mission.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020
Endometrial Cancer Research and Education Act of 2020 This bill requires the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand research and develop certain educational materials on endometrial cancer, respectively. Among other issues, the materials must address certain endometrial cancer disparities and risk factors that affect minority women.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020
Cooling-Off Period Elimination Act of 2020 This bill makes a state or local law enforcement agency ineligible to receive federal funds under a Department of Justice law enforcement grant program if it has in effect a cooling-off period. A cooling-off period is a period of time following an officer-involved shooting during which investigators are prohibited from communicating with an officer involved in the shooting.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020
Grand Jury Reform Act of 2020 This bill conditions a state or local government's receipt of funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program on the state's compliance with certain requirements following an incident involving the use of deadly force by a local law enforcement officer that results in a person's death. Specifically, the governor must appoint a special prosecutor to present evidence before a judge to determine whether probable cause exists to criminally charge the law enforcement officer. The hearing must be open to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020
Police Accountability Act of 2020 This bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct by certain state or local law enforcement officers in the line of duty that constitutes murder or manslaughter.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2020
This resolution recognizes the importance of the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance in promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and calls for further strengthening of ties between the countries.
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 · 8 January 2020
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4650 East Rosedale Street in Fort Worth, Texas, as the "Dionne Phillips Bagsby Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
This concurrent resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran unless (1) Congress has declared war or specifically authorized such use in statute, or (2) such use is necessary and appropriate to defend against an imminent armed attack upon the United States.
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 · 7 January 2020
No War Against Iran Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran unless Congress has either declared war or enacted specific statutory authorization for such use. An exception is made for a presidential exercise of power to introduce Armed Forces into hostilities (or situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated) when there is a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States. The bill further states that no prior authorizations of military force (e.g., against Iraq) may be construed to authorize the use of military force against Iran.
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 · 11 December 2019
Strengthening State and Local Cybersecurity Defenses Act This bill provides for collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as corporations, associations, and the general public, regarding cybersecurity. The bill expands DHS responsibilities through grants and cooperative agreements, including provision of assistance and education related to cyber threat indicators, defensive measures and cybersecurity technologies, cybersecurity risks, incidents, analysis, and warnings. The bill requires the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center to coordinate with entities such as the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center to, among other things (1) conduct exercises, (2) provide operational and technical cybersecurity training, (3) provide federal and non-federal entities timely notifications containing specific incident and malware information, and (4) promote cybersecurity education and awareness.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2019
New Way Forward Act This bill makes changes to immigration enforcement, including ending mandatory detention in certain cases. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall not enter into or extend any contract with any public or private for-profit entity to own or operate a facility to detain aliens in DHS custody. The bill provides for various protections related to detaining aliens, such as (1) requiring DHS to make an initial custody determination and establish probable cause within 48 hours of taking an alien into custody, (2) establishing in hearings related to such determinations a presumption that the alien be released, and (3) requiring immigration judges to impose the least restrictive detention conditions necessary. A DHS officer may not interrogate a person as to immigration status based on factors such as the person's race, religion, sexual orientation, or spoken language. The bill removes mandatory detention requirements for certain aliens, such as asylum seekers with a credible fear of persecution. Removal proceedings against certain aliens previously admitted into the United States must commence within five years of the alien becoming deportable or inadmissible. The bill also removes certain crime-related grounds of inadmissibility and deportability. The bill gives immigration judges discretion to provide relief from removal if the removal is not based on certain crime-related grounds. State or local officers are prohibited from performing certain immigration enforcement functions, such as apprehending aliens. The National Crime Information Center database shall not contain an alien's immigration information. The bill repeals provisions providing criminal penalties for improper entry or reentry into the United States.
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
Ensuring Diversity in Community Banking Act of 2019 This bill establishes and revises provisions related to minority depository institutions, community development financial institutions, and impact banks. The bill (1) expands the definition of minority depository institutions to include women-owned banks, and (2) establishes impact banks as depository institutions with total assets less than $10 billion and where at least 50% of loans are extended to low-income borrowers. The bill establishes a program allowing minority depository institutions and impact banks to receive deposits from certain Department of the Treasury accounts through designated custodial entities. It also establishes the Minority Bank Deposit Program to ensure the use of minority banks and minority credit unions to the maximum extent possible to serve the financial needs of federal departments and agencies. Federal banking agencies must issue rules allowing new minority depository institutions and impact banks three years to meet capital requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 315 Addicks Howell Road in Houston, Texas, as the "Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019
Expanding Opportunity for Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) Act This bill establishes the Financial Agent Mentor-Protégé Program within the Department of the Treasury. The program provides participating minority deposit institutions with mentorship regarding becoming a financial agent for Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution condemns the decision of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark A. Calabria to remove the preferred language question from the Universal Residential Loan Application and urges the restoration of that question and the question regarding housing counseling on the application.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019
Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2019 This bill authorizes additional funding for various housing assistance programs. Specifically, the bill authorizes additional funding for public housing agencies to maintain and improve public housing buildings; states and communities to reduce the risk of flood damage to housing; very low-income residents to improve and modernize rural housing; Indian tribes to develop housing and housing services; nonprofit organizations and community development financial institutions to conduct activities related to affordable housing and economic development; state housing finance agencies to provide supportive housing for individuals with disabilities; private nonprofit organizations to provide supportive housing for the elderly; and states, counties, and cities to develop and preserve affordable housing. The bill also requires that specified portions of funding made available under the bill be used for water and energy efficiency. In administering such funding made available under the bill, the relevant federal agencies must consult with grantees and recipients and meet with state and local government officials for the purpose of recommending and promoting funding opportunities and initiatives to include minority and women's business enterprises in such grant activities.
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 · 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
Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act This bill applies certain military consumer credit protections to all consumers. Specifically, the bill caps the interest rate on extensions of consumer credit at 36%.
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
Schedules That Work Act This bill provides employees with the right to request changes to their work schedules related to the number of hours they are required to work or be on call, the location of the work, the amount of notification about work schedule assignments, and fluctuations in work hours. Employers must negotiate in good faith with employees who make such requests and comply with certain work schedule notice and split shift pay requirements for retail, food service, cleaning, hospitality, or warehouse employees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2019 This resolution expresses support for (1) National Domestic Violence Awareness Month; (2) continuing to raise awareness about domestic violence and its devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities; and (3) developing programs designed to end domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019
United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Export-Import Bank through FY2029 and otherwise modifies its operations. Specifically, the bill redesignates the bank as the United States Export Finance Agency and increases its lending cap over the period of its reauthorization. In the event of a quorum lapse, the bill provides for the establishment of a temporary board to act in the stead of the Board of Directors. The bill also prohibits the agency from providing financing for certain specified entities and persons involved in sanctionable activities. Additionally, the agency must establish (1) the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion to increase the participation of such groups in the agency's programs and contracts; (2) the Office of Territorial Exporting to promote the export of goods and services from U.S. territories; and (3) the Office of Financing for Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Storage Exports to promote exports used in the production of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency technologies. Further, the agency is authorized to (1) deem as met certain prerequisite considerations to providing competitive export financing in the case of exports likely to be supported by official financing from China; and (2) establish a program under which it may enter into arrangements (i.e., reinsurance pools) to share risks associated with the extension of credit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
For the 99.8 Percent Act This bill imposes increased tax rates on decedent estates, gifts, and generation-skipping transfers. Estates with a value of over $1 billion are taxed at a 77% tax rate. The basic exclusion amount is reduced to $3.5 million. The bill increases (1) to $3 million the reduction in valuations of farmland for estate tax purposes and adjusts such increased amount for inflation, and (2) to $2 million the maximum estate tax exclusion for contributions of conservation easements. The bill requires (1) consistent basis reporting for property acquired by gift and transfers in trust, and (2) executors of estates and donors of gifts required to file a gift tax return to disclose to the Department of the Treasury, and to recipients of any interest in an estate or a gift, information identifying the value of each interest received. The bill sets forth estate valuation rules for certain transfers of nonbusiness assets and limits estate tax discounts for certain individuals with minority interests in a business acquired from a decedent. The bill expands rules for valuing assets in grantor retained annuity trusts to require that (1) the right to receive fixed amounts from an annuity last for a term of not less than 10 years and not more than the life expectancy of the annuitant plus 10 years, and that such fixed amounts not decrease during the first 10 years of the annuity term, and (2) the remainder interest have a value when transferred that is not less than the the greater of 25% of the fair market value of the trust property or $500,000. The bill also sets forth rules for the application of transfer taxes to a grantor trust (a trust in which the grantor retains control over the trust assets and has the right to receive income from the trust). The bill eliminates the generation-skipping transfer tax exemption for any trust whose termination date is not greater than 50 years after its creation. The bill modifies the gift tax exclusion for annual gifts (currently, $14,000).