Rep. Hinojosa, Ruben [D-TX-15]

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part C of House Report 109-603 to improve the availability of information and resources for individuals with low literacy.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 3 printed in the Congressional Record to designate $10,000,000 for the United States Section of the International Boundary Water Commission, United States and Mexico.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the funding (by transfer) for education grants programs for Hispanic-serving Institutions by $855,000.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: Amendments Nos. 3, 8, 20, 14 and 15 printed in House Report 110-523 to: 1.) authorize discretion currently exercised by the Secretary of Education to reserve for competitive grants to Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities for construction, maintenance, or renovation of campus facilities a percentage of funds appropriated for Tribal Colleges and Universities under Title III of the Higher Education Act; and 2.) to prevent interest from accruing for active duty service members and qualifying National Guard members for the duration of their activation up to 60 months when serving in a combat zone; and 3.) to ensure that competitive Sustainability Planning Grants explicitly provide for `greenhouse gas emissions reductions' to reduce the, threat of global warming and adds an eligibility requirement to FIPSE to ensure that institutions meet current energy efficiency standards. Additionally, includes a sense of Congress that the Federal Perkins Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to help needy students finance a degree in higher education, should remain a campus-based aid program and to support increased funds to provide more low-income students with options; and 4.) to make a technical correction to the Graduat e Assistance in Areas of National Need.(GAANN) program to clarify Congressional intent that a Masters Degree level institution or program is eligible to be the lead recipient of a grant under the GAANN program; and 5.) to prohibit a state from charging members of the armed forces who are on active duty for more than 30 days and whose domicile or permanent duty station is in such state, and such members' dependents, more than the in-state tuition for attending a public institution of higher education (IHE) in that state. Provides that, even if such members' permanent duty station is subsequently changed to a location outside the state, they or their dependents must continue to be charged no more than the in-state tuition if they remain continuously emolled at such IHE in the state.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment numbered 21 printed in the Congressional Record to permit the director, at the request of a State, to waive the requirement that homebuyers attend in-person financial management counseling before receiving affordable housing grants, and allows the homebuyers to receive the counseling through alternate forms such as online, or over the phone.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment increases funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by $2.5 million for use against specialty crop pests and reduces funding for the Office of the Secretary by a similar amount.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment allows the USDA to assess a nominal fee (maximum of $50) per loan under the Section 502 single family guaranteed home loan program in order to fund needed technological improvements and investments into the guaranteed underwriting system.

United States · United States Congress

Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2016 This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination against or regarding survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault in: the sale or rental of housing and related activities, residential real estate-related transactions, and the provision of real estate brokerage services. This bill declares that nothing in the Act shall prohibit federal, state, or local government or other assistance or a preference program designed to assist or benefit domestic violence or sexual assault survivors in seeking, securing, or maintaining dwellings, shelters or any other form of housing. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 is amended to prohibit intimidation in fair housing tranactions regarding survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Innovations to Recruit and Retain Excellent Teachers Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Innovations to Recruit and Retain Excellent Teachers Act This bill establishes a teacher support grant program through which the Department of Education (ED) shall award grants to educational agencies on a competitive basis. If funds for the program are authorized above a specified amount with respect to a given fiscal year, ED shall also award grants on a formula basis. A grantee that is a state education agency (SEA) shall use the grant funds to: (1) make subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs), (2) provide technical assistance, (3) reduce bureaucratic barriers, and (4) conduct program evaluation. In awarding subgrants, an SEA must give priority to LEAs that: (1) serve a high proportion of low-income students, (2) have either a teacher shortage or a high proportion of schools identified for support and improvement, and (3) demonstrate the capacity to carry out program activities. An LEA shall use grant or subgrant funds to carry out a teacher support program in the elementary and secondary schools that it serves. The program must strengthen teaching careers by: (1) collaboratively reforming and improving compensation structures, (2) creating opportunities for personalized professional learning and enhancement for teachers, (3) creating leadership pathways, (4) using strategies such as innovative scheduling to support teacher improvement, and (5) implementing teacher-led initiatives. In addition, the program must carry out specified activities to strengthen teacher selection or induction. The bill establishes requirements for grant applications, program evaluation, and reporting.

Supporting the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving U.S. land, water, and wildlife. Supports the engagement of Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

Academic Success Centers and Education Networks for Dreamers (ASCEND) Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2016

Academic Success Centers and Education Networks for Dreamers (ASCEND) Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to not-for-profit institutions of higher education to develop programs that support Dreamer students in successfully completing postsecondary education. A "Dreamer student" is an individual who is a beneficiary of, or eligible for, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos and Latinas to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Esteems the integral role of Latinos and their manifold heritage in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.

Computer Science for All Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2016

Computer Science for All Act of 2016 This bill establishes a program through which the Department of Education (ED) shall award grants to states, local educational agencies, and eligible tribal schools to serve as models for national replication of computer education expansion efforts. A grant application shall include specified plans that demonstrate the applicant's ability to carry out an ambitious expansion effort for all students, including traditionally underrepresented students. A grant recipient shall use the grant funds to: train teachers to teach computer science; expand access to high-quality learning materials and online learning options; create plans for expanding overall access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) classes; utilize computer science as a catalyst for increased interest in STEAM more broadly; reduce course equity gaps for all students; and ensure additional support and resources. A grantee may also use grant funds to: build effective regional collaborations, recruit and hire instructional personnel, prepare for effectively sustaining project activities after the grant period ends, and disseminate information about effective practices. At least semi-annually, a grantee must report to ED on specified data related to the number of students served through program activities.

Expressing the sense of Congress that a day should be designated as "National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016

Expresses the sense of Congress that a National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day should be designated to remind all Americans of the critical role that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 continues to play in protecting the right to vote, and to be an occasion for them to voice their support for this landmark civil rights law.

Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act of 2016 This bill amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to modify and reauthorize juvenile justice programs and activities. Specifically, it: revises and reauthorizes through FY2022 programs and activities under title II of the JJDPA, including the State Formula Grant Program and the activities of the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP); revises and expands the purpose areas of the JJDPA; expands membership on the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to include the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Secretary of the Interior; expands requirements for the OJJDP's annual report on juveniles in custody; modifies the required components of a state's juvenile justice and prevention plan; modifies the four core requirements with which a state must comply to receive a full allocation of funds under the State Formula Grant Program; and repeals the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Block Grant program. The bill revises, restructures, and reauthorizes through FY2022 programs under title V of the JJDPA, including the Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention Program. The Government Accountability Office must evaluate the OJJDP's performance and audit selected grant recipients. The bill subjects juvenile justice grants to accountability provisions.

SIMPLE Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

Streamlining Income-driven, Manageable Payments on Loans for Education Act or the SIMPLE Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the process for enrolling a borrower in federal student loan repayment plans when the borrower is delinquent on payments for student loans under the Direct Loan program. Specifically, the Department of Education (ED) may use the tax information of certain delinquent borrowers for purposes of calculating their income-driven repayment plan options. ED must notify those borrowers about their delinquency and repayment plan options. ED must also establish and implement procedures for automatically recertifying the income of certain delinquent borrowers for the purpose of determining their repayment obligations.

National Flood Insurance Program Debt Forgiveness Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016

National Flood Insurance Program Debt Forgiveness Act of 2016 This bill cancels all indebtedness outstanding as of September 30, 2016, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under any notes or other obligations issued pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Federal Flood Insurance Act of 1956. Such cancelled indebtedness may be treated as a public debt of the United States and is designated as an emergency pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2016

Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) establish a program to permit eligible deported noncitizen veterans to enter the United States as, and to permit eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to adjust their status to that of, a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence; and (2) cancel the removal of eligible noncitizen veterans and allow them to similarly adjust their status. An "eligible" veteran is a veteran who: (1) was not ordered removed, or removed, from the United States due to a criminal conviction for a crime of violence or for a crime that endangers U.S. national security for which the noncitizen served at least five years' imprisonment; and (2) is not inadmissible to, or deportable from, the United States due to such a conviction. DHS may waive such eligibility requirements for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, due to exceptional service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or if such waiver otherwise is in the public interest. A noncitizen veteran or service member shall not be removed from the United States unless he or she has a criminal conviction for a crime of violence. A noncitizen who has obtained the status of a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this bill shall be eligible for naturalization through service in the U.S. Armed Forces, except that: (1) the grounds on which the noncitizen was ordered removed from, or rendered inadmissible to or deportable from, the United States shall be disregarded when determining whether the noncitizen is a person of good moral character; and (2) any period of absence from the United States due to the noncitizen having been removed or being inadmissible shall be disregarded when determining if the noncitizen satisfies any requirement relating to continuous residence or physical presence. A noncitizen who has obtained the status of a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this bill shall be eligible for all military and veterans benefits for which the individual would have been eligible if he or she had never been been removed from, or voluntarily departed, the United States. DHS shall: (1) identify cases involving service members and veterans at risk of removal from the United States, and (2) annotate all DHS immigration and naturalization records relating to any noncitizen involved and afford an opportunity to track the outcome.

Underwater Student Borrowers Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2016

Underwater Student Borrowers Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the exclusion from gross income of income attributable to the discharge of student loan indebtedness, to: (1) include indebtedness discharged due to income-contingent and income-based repayment plans, the death or disability of the borrower, or the closing of an educational institution; and (2) revise the definition of "student loan" to mean a loan made by any lender, including a loan for the refinancing of an existing loan.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 810 N US Highway 83 in Zapata, Texas, as the "Zapata Veterans Post Office".

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2016

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 810 N US Highway 83 in Zapata, Texas, as the "Zapata Veterans Post Office."

Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Program Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2016

Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Program Extension Act This bill amends the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 to reauthorize through FY2020 a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas.

Poll Tax Prohibition Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2016

Poll Tax Prohibition Act of 2016 This bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to prohibit requiring: an individual to present a piece of information that has an associated cost as a condition of voting in a federal election, or an individual wishing to vote by mail to include a piece of identification (or a copy of one) that has an associated cost.

HBCU Capital Financing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2016

HBCU Capital Financing Improvement Act This bill amends title III (Institutional Aid) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the HBCU Capital Financing Program. [The program guarantees low-cost private loans to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to finance infrastructure repairs, maintenance, and construction.] It replaces statutory references to "escrow account" with "bond insurance fund." The bill authorizes the Department of Education to provide financial counseling that prepares an eligible HBCU to qualify for, apply for, and maintain a capital improvement loan. Finally, it revises and expands reporting requirements for the HBCU Capital Financing Advisory Board.

Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2016

Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act This bill amends title V (Developing Institutions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand grant activities under the Hispanic Serving Institutions program to include: (1) support programs that facilitate student advancement to doctoral degree programs in health care occupations, and (2) developing or expanding access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs.

Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2016

Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education (ED) to use tax information from the second preceding tax year (the "prior, prior year") to determine a student's financial aid eligibility. It requires data sharing between ED and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), pursuant to taxpayer consent. The bill revises the annual adjustment percentage calculation used to determine the total maximum Federal Pell Grant award by measuring inflation over the most recent fiscal year instead of calendar year. ED must develop and maintain a consumer-tested technology tool to allow a federal financial aid applicant to complete and submit electronic forms (e.g., the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) using a mobile device. Additionally, ED must make every effort to use IRS data to automatically populate the electronic forms with tax return information.

Condemning the horrific acts of terrorism and hatred in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016, and expressing support and prayers for all those impacted by that tragedy.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016

Condemns the June 12, 2016 attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Offers condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were killed and expresses hope for the recovery of those who were wounded. Applauds the bravery and dedication of the law enforcement officials, emergency medical responders, and others who offered their support and assistance. Declares that the House of Representatives stands together united against terrorism and hatred.

Voting Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2016

Voting Access Act This bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require each state to comply with national standards established by the Election Assistance Commission for the location and operation of polling places used in elections for federal office. The Commission shall establish such standards and study instances of the misidentification by election officials of the political party registration of individuals attempting to vote in primary elections for federal office.

Recognizing June 19, 2016, as this year's observance of the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2016

Recognizes the historical significance to the nation, and supports the continued celebration, of Juneteenth Independence Day. Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future, and (2) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United States.

Berta Caceres Human Rights in Honduras Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2016

Berta Caceres Human Rights in Honduras Act This bill prohibits funds from being made available to Honduras for the police and military (including for equipment and training), and directs the Department of the Treasury to vote against multilateral loans to Honduras for its police and military, until the Department of States certifies that the government of Honduras has: prosecuted members of the military and police for human rights violations and ensured that such violations have ceased; established the rule of law and guaranteed a judicial system capable of bringing to justice members of the police and military who have committed human rights abuses; established that it protects the rights of trade unionists, journalists, human rights defenders, government critics, and civil society activists to operate without interference; withdrawn the military from domestic policing; and brought to trial and obtained verdicts against those who ordered and carried out the attack on Felix Molina and the killings of Berta Caceres, Joel Palacios Lino, Elvis Armando Garcia, and over 100 small-farmer activists in the Aguan Valley.

Recognizing Mayte Lara Ibarra, and Larissa Martinez for their bravery and leadership in addressing anti-immigrant sentiments voiced by United States politicians.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2016

Recognizes Mayte Lara Ibarra, and Larissa Martinez for their bravery and leadership in addressing anti-immigrant sentiments voiced by U.S. politicians. Recognizes that beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program have provided inspiration in their pursuit of the American dream. Commends their efforts to promote comprehensive immigration reform. Recognizes the many undocumented valedictorians and graduating seniors of the class of 2016 for their academic achievements.

Original LGBTQ Pride Month Resolution of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2016

Original LGBTQ Pride Month Resolution of 2016 Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights are human rights to be recognized and protected by the U.S. Constitution; and (2) the United States should continue to strive to ensure that the promise of equality is realized for all people in the United States. Recognizes that all people in the United States should be treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Acknowledges the struggle of the Stonewall protestors (human rights protesters at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969) and countless other LGBTQ people for equality, Encourages the celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month.

Terminating a Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2016

Terminates the Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

LGBT Data Inclusion Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2016

LGBT Data Inclusion Act This bill requires federal agencies that collect information through a survey that includes demographic data (where subjects self-report information or a proxy provides information about the subject or responds for all persons in a household) to establish data standards that require: a determination of which existing data sets exclude information about sexual orientation and gender identity; an identification, and a use, of appropriate methods to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity in surveys that facilitate categorization and voluntary participation and that preserve privacy and confidentiality; and a routine assessment of needed changes in survey methods related to asking such questions. Agencies that publish reports relying on survey demographic data must include information on sexual orientation and gender identity. Individuals shall not be: (1) required by this bill to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to an agency; or (2) subjected to fines or penalties for refusing to answer, or providing a false answer to, any survey question regarding gender identity or sexual orientation. Nothing in this bill shall be construed to permit the use of such collected information in a manner that would adversely affect an individual.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14231 TX-150 in Coldspring, Texas, as the "E. Marie Youngblood Post Office".

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14231 TX-150 in Coldspring, Texas, as the "E. Marie Youngblood Post Office."

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need for increased diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, and increased access to opportunity in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016

Declares that Congress supports efforts to: increase diversity and inclusion in the technology sector; eliminate barriers faced by people of color and other underrepresented groups when breaking into the technology sector; ensure all students have access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education for a 21st century economy; strengthen investments in and collaborations with minority-serving educational institutions to sustain a pipeline of diverse STEAM graduates ready to enter the technology sector; and improve data collection, disaggregation, and dissemination of information for greater understanding and transparency of diversity in STEAM education and across the workforce.

Urging the United States Soccer Federation to immediately eliminate gender pay inequity and treat all athletes with the same respect and dignity.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2016

Urges the United States Soccer Federation to immediately end gender pay inequity and to treat all athletes with respect and dignity. Expresses support for an end to pay discrimination based on gender and the strengthening of equal pay protections.

Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016

Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act This bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to allow private civil causes of action for disparate impact violations (to the same extent as intentional violations) of federal regulations of general applicability that prohibit discrimination on the ground of race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Education programs that receive financial assistance authorized or extended by the Department of Education (ED) must designate at least one compliance coordinator to carry out these nondiscrimination responsibilities and to investigate complaints. The Department of Education Organization Act is amended to establish an ED-appointed Special Assistant for Equity and Inclusion within ED to: (1) promote, coordinate, and evaluate equity and inclusion programs, including the dissemination of information, technical assistance, and coordination of research activities; and (2) advise ED on matters relating to equity and inclusion.

Anti-Pyramid Promotional Scheme Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2016

Anti-Pyramid Promotional Scheme Act of 2016 This bill prohibits the establishment, operation, or promotion of a pyramid promotional scheme, which is defined as a plan or operation by which a person gives consideration (money or other thing of value) to a participant in the scheme for the right to receive compensation derived primarily from the participant's introduction of another person into the plan or operation rather than from the sale of products to ultimate users. The bill grants enforcement authority to the Federal Trade Commission and requires violations to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

CSA OPPORTUNITY Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Children's Savings Accounts Offer Parents Plenty of Reasons to Understand and Invest in Tuition Yearly Act or the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act This bill amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to direct a state receiving a TANF grant to disregard the value of any interest in, or distribution from, a qualified tuition program, as well as the value of a child's savings account, in determining individual or family TANF eligibility or the amount or type of assistance. SSAct title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) is amended to exclude from an individual's resources for SSI eligibility or benefit purposes the value of any interest in, or distribution from, a qualified tuition program as well as the value of a child's savings account. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 is amended to direct the Department of Agriculture to exclude any child's savings accounts from resources for eligibility and benefit purposes under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program). The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 is amended to exclude from household income any child's savings accounts from resources for eligibility and benefit purposes under the low-income home energy assistance program. The bill prescribes penalties for noncompliance.

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2016 This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to revise the requirements for calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) benefits. The bill increases the minimum SNAP benefit and requires benefits to be calculated using a low-cost food plan. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must determine the requirements for the low-cost food plan, which is the diet required to feed a family of four, consisting of: a man and a woman 19-50 years of age, a child 6-8 years of age, and a child 9-11 years of age. USDA must make adjustments to the plan to account for household size, changes in the cost of the diet, and the costs of food in specified areas. The bill revises the amounts authorized for nutrition assistance block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa and requires the amounts to be modified based on adjustments to the low-cost food plan. The bill modifies the requirements for calculating household income to determine SNAP eligibility by: (1) authorizing a standard medical expense deduction for households containing an elderly or disabled member, and (2) eliminating the cap on the deduction for excess shelter expenses. The bill exempts from SNAP work requirements able-bodied adults without dependents who are not offered a position in a SNAP Employment and Training Program.

Freedom of Religion Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Freedom of Religion Act of 2016 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an alien may not be denied admission to the United States because of his or her religion or lack of religious beliefs.

Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Federation of Teachers.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Commemorates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Federation of Teachers.

Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2016

Breast Cancer Patient Protect Act of 2016 This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group or individual health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits to ensure that inpatient (and in the case of a lumpectomy, outpatient) coverage and radiation therapy are provided for breast cancer treatment. Such a plan may not: (1) restrict benefits for any medically necessary hospital stay to less than 48 hours for a mastectomy or breast conserving surgery or less than 24 hours for a lymph node dissection, or (2) require that a provider obtain authorization from the plan for prescribing any such hospital stay. Such a plan must: (1) provide notice to each participant and beneficiary regarding the coverage required under this bill, and (2) ensure that coverage is provided for secondary consultations. Health plans are prohibited from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this bill. Health insurers that provide individual health insurance coverage may discontinue an individual's coverage based on the intentional concealment of material facts regarding a health condition related to a condition for which coverage is being claimed.

Food and Fuel Consumer Protection Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2016

Food and Fuel Consumer Protection Act of 2016 This bill amends the Clean Air Act by revising the renewable fuel program, which requires transportation fuel to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must cap the total volume of ethanol blended into the transportation fuel supply at 9.7% of projected gasoline demand as determined by the Energy Information Administration.

Honoring the vital role of small business and the passion of entrepreneurs in the United States during "National Small Business Week", beginning on May 1, through May 7, 2016.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2016

Supports: (1) the designation of National Small Business Week, (2) efforts to encourage consumers to shop locally, and (3) efforts to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses and the impact of locally owned small business on the U.S. economy. Honors the vital role of small business and entrepreneurs in the United States during such week. Recognizes: (1) the important role of the Small Business Administration as a valuable resource for the U.S. entrepreneur, (2) the importance of creating policies that promote a business friendly environment for small business owners free of unnecessary regulations, and (3) the National Small Business Person of the Year and the National Lender of the Year. Encourages young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and create more start-up businesses.

In the Red Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016

In the Red Act of 2016 This bill authorizes and appropriates specified funds to the Department of Education (ED) for FY2016-FY2025 and each succeeding year for grants: (1) to waive tuition and fees for eligible students at community colleges, and (2) to waive or reduce tuition and fees for low-income students at four-year historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. It amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct ED to establish a program to refinance outstanding federal student loans for borrowers of Direct Loan program loans disbursed before July 1, 2016, and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program loans. (FFELs were not disbursed after June 30, 2010.) The bill modifies, for academic year 2018-2019 and succeeding years, the calculation of the mandatory add-on amount used to determine the total maximum Federal Pell Grant award. It also amends various provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to, among other things: (1) expand the expenses eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit to include the amount of a Federal Pell Grant used to pay for living expenses; and (2) include, as a qualified scholarship excludible from gross income, any amount received as a Federal Pell Grant. Finally, the bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal royalty relief for: (1) deep gas wells in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and (2) deep water oil and gas leases in the central and western Gulf of Mexico.

Investing in America's Small Businesses Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016

Investing in America's Small Businesses Act of 2016 This bill amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to require the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund to make grants to community development financial institutions to enable such institutions to establish a loan-loss reserve fund to defray the costs of a small business loan program. The bill defines "small business loan program" as a program in which a community development financial institution offers loans to small businesses that: (1) are made in amounts up to $50,000, (2) have no prepayment penalty, and (3) meet any affordability requirements established by Administrator of the Fund. A community development financial institution must provide non-federal matching funds equal to 50% of the amount of any grant received. The bill prohibits the use of such grants to make direct loans to small businesses. A community development financial institution may use such a grant to: (1) help recapture a portion or all of a defaulted loan made under its small business loan program, and (2) designate and utilize a fiscal agent for services the agent normally provides. The Fund shall make technical assistance grants to community development financial institutions to create, support, or maintain such a program.

Expressing support for designation of April 30, 2016, as Día de los Niños: Celebrating Young Americans.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016

Supports the designation of Dia de los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the immigration policies of the United States should reduce automatic removal and detention, restore due process for immigrants, and repeal unnecessary barriers to legal immigration.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2016

Supports immigration legislation that: acknowledges that immigrants and their families have inherent dignity and are deserving of human rights; restores immigration system fairness by updating the definition of "aggravated felony"; restores discretion to immigration judges to waive grounds of inadmissibility and deportability based on family and community equities, humanitarian considerations, other individualized circumstances, or because it is in the public interest; restores judicial review of case decisions to protect due process; eliminates mandatory detention and prolonged detention for immigrants and preserves the Department of Homeland Security's authority to exercise detention discretion; repeals programs that permit local law authorities to enforce federal immigration laws; and repeals the 3-year, 10-year, and permanent bars and other unnecessary barriers to legal immigration.

Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2016

Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2016 This bill amends the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 to replace the definition of "drug-related criminal activity" with "covered criminal activity" in connection with federally assisted housing, meaning any: criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other tenants, employees, or the housing owner or a public housing agency (PHA); or violent criminal activity off the premises by a tenant or any member of the tenant's household that poses risk of future harm to other tenants, employees, or the PHA or owner. The bill requires a PHA or owner, when screening of applicants for federally assisted housing, to conduct an individualized review of the totality of the circumstances regarding an applicant's criminal background, including disability-related offenses, before denying a housing application. A PHA or owner: may not deny an application based on previous evictions or inconclusive evidence, and must give an applicant household the option to remove a culpable member before denying an application. The bill prohibits suspicionless drug and alcohol testing, and applies requirements similar to those for screening applicants to termination of tenancy and assistance for covered criminal activity. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall require annual reports from PHAs and owners on the disposition of applications, especially denials. The United States Housing Act of 1937 is amended, with respect to administrative procedures for a grievance concerning an eviction or termination of tenancy, to eliminate reference to drug-related criminal activity and specify only covered violent criminal activity. A PHA may neither require nor request an applicant for admission to public housing to authorize the PHA to receive information from a drug abuse treatment facility. A PHA may prohibit visitation of a public housing dwelling unit by a non-tenant on the basis of the non-tenant's criminal activity only if it is covered criminal activity, and other criteria are met. The bill revises project-based and voucher assistance requirements for termination of tenancy and selection for section 8 (voucher) rental assistance to reflect only covered criminal activity and eliminate reference to drug-related activity. The Department of Agriculture shall revise regulations for applicant screening and tenancy termination in specified rural housing programs to become substantially similar to HUD regulations for housing assistance programs. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is amended, with respect to the continuum of care program, to require a grant recipient's plan to describe how the recipient will collaborate with local criminal justice systems and the coordinated entry system to create pathways to housing for those cycling between homelessness and incarceration. The bill authorizes bonuses or other incentives to collaborative applicants and PHAs whose applications propose innovative solutions for providing pathways to housing for formerly incarcerated individuals.