United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2021
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2021 This bill makes it a violation of federal law for a recipient of federal funds who operates, sponsors, or facilitates athletic programs or activities to permit a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls. The bill specifies that sex shall be recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2021
No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act This bill prohibits the United States from providing any assessed or voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2021
Reducing the Demand for Human Trafficking Act of 2021 This bill modifies the requirements regarding trafficking victim services grants. Specifically, it creates a preference for applicants who use the grant funds to investigate and prosecute individuals who solicit or purchase commercial sex.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2021
Save Democracy Act This bill addresses issues involving voter registration, casting of ballots, and tabulation of ballots in federal elections. Specifically, regarding voter registration for federal elections, the bill prohibits the use of automatic voter registration systems, requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, requires individuals to provide their full Social Security number on their voter registration application, and requires courts to notify state election officials when an individual is recused from jury duty because the individual is not a U.S. citizen. Next, regarding the casting of ballots in federal elections, the bill requires individuals to provide proof of identification for absentee and in-person voting, prohibits states from mailing unrequested absentee ballots, prohibits the use of a drop box for collecting voted absentee ballots unless it is located inside of a building that serves as an office for the election official, restricts the delivery of ballots by third parties (i.e., prohibits ballot harvesting), requires that absentee ballots be received before the polls close on election day, and requires states to use Social Security numbers to verify the identification of each individual who casts a ballot. Finally, regarding the tabulation of ballots in federal elections, the bill requires states to permit poll watching by at least two campaign representatives per campaign, requires continuous counting of ballots after the closure of polling places on election day, and requires an audit of voting systems.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2021
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to commemorate Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith, four Americans killed in the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. (Stevens was the U.S. Ambassador to Libya at the time, Smith was an officer in the Foreign Service, and Doherty and Woods were both government contractors and former Navy SEALs.) After the medal has been awarded, it shall be given to the Central Intelligence Agency Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2021
This resolution honors Officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood of the U.S. Capitol Police, and it commends the bravery and service demonstrated by officers of the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and the other law enforcement agencies and protective entities that assisted in responding to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2021
Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period. The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness. It also exempts hospitals unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions. HHS must report annually on this prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2021
This bill requires the Office of the Inspector General in the Department of Justice to report to Congress on the number of (1) firearm transfer denials issued by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System that are referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for investigation; (2) prosecutions resulting from such investigations; and (3) firearms recovered by the ATF in cases in which a denial was issued by the system after a firearm was transferred.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting Representatives to three terms and Senators to two terms. Terms beginning before the ratification of this amendment do not count towards these term limits.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Birthright Citizenship Act of 2021 This bill limits birthright citizenship by redefining what it means to be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Currently, a person born in the United States and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is entitled to citizenship. Under the bill, a person is subject to U.S. jurisdiction if he or she is born to a parent who is (1) a U.S. citizen or national, (2) a lawful permanent resident residing in the United States, or (3) an alien performing active service in the Armed Forces. The bill does not affect the citizenship or nationality status of any person born before the bill's enactment date.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Hearing Protection Act This bill removes silencers from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also treats persons acquiring or possessing a firearm silencer as meeting any registration and licensing requirements of such Act. The Department of Justice must destroy certain records relating to the registration, transfer, or making of a silencer. The bill also revises the definitions of firearm silencer and firearm muffler under the federal criminal code and includes such items in the 10% excise tax category.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act This bill establishes a federal statutory framework to regulate the carry or possession of concealed firearms across state lines. Specifically, an individual who is eligible to carry a concealed firearm in one state may carry or possess a concealed handgun (other than a machine gun or destructive device) in another state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. It sets forth requirements for the lawful concealed carry across state lines. The bill preempts most state and local laws related to concealed carry and establishes a private right of action for a person adversely affected by interference with a concealed-carry right established by this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
National Medal of Honor Monument Act This bill authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia in honor of the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor recipients. The foundation shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of expenses of, the establishment of the commemorative work. Federal funds may not be used to pay any expenses for the establishment of the commemorative work.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Care Veterans Deserve Act of 2021 This bill expands the availability of care for veterans at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities and non-VA facilities. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to furnish hospital care, medical services, and extended care services via providers under the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or more who elect to receive care or services through a non-VA provider. The bill requires the VA to extend the operating hours of its pharmacies. The VA must enter into contracts with physicians and nurses to work at VA medical facilities during nights and weekends. Finally, the bill authorizes the VA to provide for a best-practices peer review of each VA medical center by a nongovernmental hospital organization to evaluate the efficacy of the care provided at each center. VA medical centers with the longest wait times for appointments or the worst health outcomes shall be given priority for peer review.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act This bill updates the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including by requiring the VA to continue to provide assistance to a family caregiver for at least six months after the death of a veteran participating in the program. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to establish a process by which veterans who are determined to have the most significant need for caregiver assistance are permanently eligible for such assistance. The bill requires the VA to standardize the criteria used across all facilities in its required evaluations of the needs of the veterans and the skills of the family caregiver. The VA must also standardize criteria used in accepting and evaluating applications for participation in the program across all facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Department of Veterans Affairs Electronic Health Record Advisory Committee Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Electronic Health Record Advisory Committee to provide guidance regarding the implementation of and transition to an electronic health record system.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Protecting Life in Crisis Act This bill specifies that federal funds allocated for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) response efforts may not, in general, be used for abortions. Current law generally prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions through language included in appropriations bills, such as the Hyde Amendment. The bill also restricts the use of federal tax credits or other federal funding for health insurance coverage if the coverage includes abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Federal Sunset Act of 2021 This bill abolishes a federal agency one year after it is reviewed by the Federal Agency Sunset Commission, established by the bill, unless the agency is reauthorized by Congress. Each agency, including each advisory committee, must be reviewed by the commission at least once every 12 years. The commission must (1) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency using specified criteria, (2) recommend whether each agency should be abolished or reorganized, and (3) report to Congress on introduced legislation that would establish a new agency or a new program. The commission shall terminate at the end of 2037. The Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Congressional Research Service, shall prepare an inventory of federal programs to assist Congress and the commission in carrying out this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2021
Jobs and Childcare for Military Families Act of 2021 This bill allows an employer a work opportunity tax credit for hiring the spouse or domestic partner of a member of the Armed Forces and requires the creation of programs for service members to pay for childcare on a pretax basis. Specifically, an employer may receive a tax credit equal to 40% of a new employee's first-year wages if the employer hires a service member's spouse or domestic partner (as recognized under state law or by the Armed Forces). Currently, a similar tax credit exists for employers who hire certain disadvantaged individuals, including disadvantaged veterans. The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard) must implement flexible spending arrangements that permit members of the Armed Forces to use basic pay and compensation to pay on a pretax basis for dependent childcare.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) the relief measures to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) were required, (2) additional relief measures are required, and (3) further efforts to address COVID-19 must include measures and reforms to help Congress restore the federal government's long-term fiscal health once the pandemic ends and the economy regains its strength.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act of 2020 This bill provides for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and that are used to screen for cancer across many cancer types.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2020
National Medal of Honor Monument Act This bill authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia in honor of the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor recipients. The foundation shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of expenses of, the establishment of the commemorative work. Federal funds may not be used to pay any expenses for the establishment of the commemorative work.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2020
Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020 This bill temporarily increases payments to providers under Medicare medical services. Specifically, the bill provides an additional payment for certain services in 2021 and 2022 if the otherwise applicable payment is less than what it would have been in 2020. The bill applies to services that are payable under the physician fee schedule, excluding specified outpatient evaluation and management services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2020
Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act This bill provides funding for various public health programs and activities and revises multiple provisions, including within the tax code, to respond to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise address health outcomes. The bill specifically makes changes to support pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chains; prevent diversion of controlled substances; increase access to telehealth services under Medicare; and expand various public health programs to address health disparities, maternal and infant health, and behavioral health.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2020
Protecting Access to Innovation During COVID-19 Act This bill allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend the duration of pass-through status (i.e., additional payment) for certain drugs and devices under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. Specifically, the CMS may extend the pass-through status of drugs and devices that received such status during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) if their cost cannot be accurately calculated due to the effects of COVID-19. The bill's provisions apply to drugs and devices that had pass-through status during any portion of the public health emergency period, including those for which such status has already expired.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2020
Improving the American Drug Supply Chain Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to (1) study the current and historical production of drugs and key ingredients in the United States and in foreign countries, and (2) formulate recommendations for promoting increased production of drugs and key ingredients in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2020
This bill expands the coverage of tax-exempt governmental pension plans to include emergency response providers, such as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics,
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Ensuring Survivors Benefits during COVID-19 Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to get a medical opinion to determine if a service-connected disability was the principal or contributory cause of death in situations where the death certificate of a veteran with a service-connected disability who has filed a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation (1) identifies COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) as the principal or contributory cause of death, and (2) does not clearly identify the service-connected disability as the principal or contributory cause of death.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020
This bill establishes funding for, expands, and provides additional economic assistance to small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the Small Business Administration is authorized to provide second draw loans of up to $2 million under the Paycheck Protection Program. A recipient shall be eligible for forgiveness of a second draw loan in the same manner as an initial paycheck protection loan. Further the bill modifies the Paycheck Protection Program by, among other things, (1) expanding forgivable expenses, (2) allowing borrowers to select an eight-week period through December 31, 2020, to use their paycheck protection loan, (3) simplifying the forgiveness application for smaller loans, (4) expanding eligibility to certain chambers of commerce and destination marketing organizations, and (5) establishing a specific loan calculation for farmers and ranchers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
Bringing Enhanced Treatments and Therapies to ESRD Recipients Kidney Care Act or the BETTER Kidney Care Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a demonstration program for Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Under the program, renal dialysis facilities, kidney disease specialists, physician practices, and other health care practitioners may form an organization that partners with certain health care entities to provide integrated care to beneficiaries with ESRD. Such care must include all covered Medicare benefits as well as transition services for transplantations, palliative care, and hospice. Each organization must have a minimum number or percentage of participating beneficiaries (350 or 60% of beneficiaries served at the organization's facilities) and must also comply with certain fiscal, governance, and quality of care requirements. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study certain data that is reported to the CMS regarding pediatric dialysis care, as well as the effects of race-based corrections to a specified kidney function test on referrals of ESRD patients for transplant evaluations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
This resolution supports the announcements of (1) the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain, and (2) the suspension of Israeli actions to apply sovereignty in parts of the West Bank. Further, it calls on each of these countries to encourage greater people-to-people normalization, and it calls on other Arab and Muslim countries to establish full relations with Israel. It also reaffirms the House of Representatives' support for a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2020
This bill designates the airport traffic control tower located at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the Senator Kay Hagan Airport Traffic Control Tower .
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2020
Africa Foreign Relations, International Cooperation, and Assistance Act of 2020 or the AFRICA Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to report on the activities and resources required to enhance security and economic partnerships between the United States and African countries. Additionally, DOD shall seek to build partner capacity and interoperability in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility through increased partnerships with countries on the African continent, military-to-military engagements, and traditional activities of the combatant commands.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 2020
FTC Collaboration Act of 2020 This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study its efforts to work with state attorneys general to address fraud and scams, including procedures, such as accountability mechanisms, that would facilitate such collaboration. In the process, the FTC must consult with relevant organizations and provide an opportunity for public comment. The FTC must submit legislative recommendations based on the results of the study.
United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2020
American Competitiveness Of a More Productive Emerging Tech Economy Act or the American COMPETE Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to study and submit reports on the state of specified technology industries (e.g., artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain technology, and unmanned delivery services) and the impact of these industries on the U.S. economy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2020
Freight Rail Assistance and Investment to Launch Coronavirus-era Activity and Recovery Act of 2020 or the Freight RAILCAR Act of 2020 This bill establishes a new tax credit for the replacement and modernization of qualified freight railcars. Specifically, it allows a credit for 50% of the sum of the qualifying replacement or modernization amount, the qualifying scrap amount, and the qualifying railcar facility and technology modernization amount. The bill defines qualified freight railcar as a freight railcar that meets significant improvement requirements for capacity, fuel efficiency, or performance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2020
Health Emergencies Are Literally Tenets of HHS Act of 2020 or the HEALTH Act of 2020 This bill expands the authorities and responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with respect to federal responses to public health and other emergencies and the Strategic National Stockpile. Specifically, the bill expands the responsibility of HHS to lead federal public health and medical responses to expressly include national disasters or emergencies declared under presidential authorities. Additionally, the bill provides authority for HHS to deploy the Strategic National Stockpile in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), rather than as required by DHS.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2020
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to establish procedures to ensure that every claim for a 2020 recovery rebate is resolved before December 31, 2020. A recovery rebate is the stimulus payment provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act to individuals and their dependents in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020
Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act This bill directs the Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department of Agriculture to establish a program to award grants to states or state departments of agriculture to provide support to agricultural fairs for losses sustained by such fairs due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Grant amounts shall be based on the difference between the average attendance at agricultural fairs in the state for a month occurring in 2019 compared to the corresponding month in 2020. As a condition of receiving a grant, recipients shall agree to (1) prioritize supporting agricultural fairs in the state facing the greatest financial hardship, and (2) use not more than 1% of grant funds for administrative costs incurred in providing support to agricultural fairs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020
Helping Open Properties Endeavor Act of 2020 or the HOPE Act of 2020 This bill establishes an equity facility in the Department of the Treasury to assist commercial mortgage borrowers. Specifically, Treasury must guarantee the purchase by financial institutions of certain equity instruments backed by a commercial mortgage. The bill defines commercial mortgage as a mortgage loan secured by an interest in real property owned for rental income. Borrowers with reduced revenues from their commercial property may qualify for an amount not to exceed 10% of the outstanding amount owed on their commercial mortgage. The bill sets forth eligibility requirements for borrowers, as well as requirements for the equity instruments, including rates, fees, repayment, and the rights of purchasers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2020
Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act This bill modifies loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill provides for automatic forgiveness of a paycheck protection loan that is not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. Such form must allow a recipient to submit specified demographc and expenditure information, and certain individuals (e.g., the President, the Vice President, or the head of an executive department) are not eligible for such forgiveness. Further, the bill prohibits any enforcement or other action against a lender relating to loan origination, forgiveness, or guarantee based on the lender's reliance on certifications or documentation submitted by a loan applicant or recipient.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2020
This bill moves portions of four counties encompassing the Fort Bragg Military Reservation and Camp Mackall from the Middle District to the Eastern District of North Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2020
Open Schools Responsibly Act This bill limits civil liability for elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education relating to any harm arising from exposure to, or infection by, coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) suffered by a student, employee, or visitor. Specifically, a school or institution shall not be liable for such harm if the school or institution was in compliance with applicable state and federal guidelines. However, a school or institution may be liable for acts or omissions that constitute willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020
Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to provide grants and other forms of emergency assistance to certain providers of transportation services that have experienced a significant revenue loss as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Treasury must ensure equal access to the assistance for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. As a condition of receipt of assistance, Treasury must require that a provider of transportation services agree to (1) use the funds, on a priority basis, to maintain through December 31, 2020, pay, paid administrative leave, and benefits to all employees after making any adjustments required for retirement or voluntary employee separation; and (2) recall or rehire any employee laid off, furloughed, or terminated because of reduced service as a result of COVID-19, to the extent warranted by increased service levels.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2020
Strengthening America's Strategic National Stockpile Act of 2020 This bill makes changes to the administration and management of the Strategic National Stockpile. Among these changes, the bill authorizes through September 30, 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to transfer supplies from the stockpile to any federal departments or agencies under certain conditions. HHS must also ensure the contents of the stockpile remain in working order and may enter into maintenance service contracts to carry out this requirement. Furthermore, as part of its management of the stockpile, HHS must establish and maintain domestic reserves of certain supplies, including through purchases, leases, or joint ventures to access facilities and equipment to produce these supplies. The authority for such purchases, leases, or joint ventures terminates on September 30, 2023. Additionally, the bill temporarily authorizes HHS to award grants to states for maintaining stockpiles of certain equipment and supplies for use during public health emergencies. HHS must also develop transparent processes for the use and distribution of supplies from the stockpile that address, for example, the prioritization of requests. Additionally, during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response must report monthly on requests for supplies from states, tribes, and other jurisdictions. These reports must include the rationale for any partially fulfilled or denied requests. Lastly, the Government Accountability Office must study the feasibility of establishing user fees to offset costs for procuring single-source materials for, and distributing such materials from, the stockpile.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2020
This bill expands the scope of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry of the Department of Veterans Affairs by including burn pits located in Egypt and Syria under the definition of open burn pits . The registry allows certain veterans and service members to document their exposures and report health concerns related to exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) while serving in certain locations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Flexible Financing for Rural America Act of 2020 This bill allows rural utility service providers to submit to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) a request to adjust the interest rate or modify the terms of certain loans. The request shall include a report summarizing how the adjustment or modification will assist the borrower in providing critical utility services to a rural community. Specifically, on receipt of a request, USDA must adjust the interest rate on the loan to match certain interest rates in effect when the bill is enacted for obligations of comparable maturity to the term remaining on the loan (or a higher rate requested by the borrower), and make modifications to the loan terms as necessary to address changes in the financial position of the borrower due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency and to promote the financial sustainability of the borrower. In carrying out the adjustments or modifications, USDA shall not impose or collect any fee from, or impose any penalty on, a borrower. The bill also provides funding to implement the adjustments and modifications.