United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020
Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020 or the JUSTICE Act This bill addresses policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. The bill funds state and local grants, incentivizes state and local reporting on the use of certain policing practices, creates new federal offenses for certain misconduct, establishes a commission to study the conditions affecting Black men and boys, and establishes best practices and training requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2020
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act This bill establishes a grant program, as well as a new center within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to facilitate access to investigational therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (i.e., ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive and fatal disease). Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants for the provision of investigational drugs for ALS and other rapidly progressing neurodegenerative diseases through an expanded access (i.e., compassionate use) program. HHS may award these grants to (1) a small business that is the sponsor of an investigational new drug application, or (2) a participating clinical trial site for such a sponsor. Additionally, HHS must establish within the FDA a Center of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases. The center shall have duties and authorities similar to those of the FDA's Oncology Center of Excellence, which helps expedite the development of medical products and assists providers in requesting access to investigational drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Registration for Index-Linked Annuities Act This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a new form for the registration of index linked annuities. The bill defines a registered index linked annuity as an annuity that is deemed a security, that must be registered with the SEC, and that is issued by an insurance company subject to state supervision. Furthermore, the returns of these annuities (1) are based on the performance of a specified index rate or other financial tracking vehicle, (2) are subject to modification by a financial calculation mechanism, and (3) may be subject to a market value adjustment if amounts are withdrawn early.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This bill provides for the uniform treatment under existing COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) economic aid programs of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This allows entities, securities, and other instruments with a credit rating from such an organization to use the rating to qualify for these aid programs. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on credit rating quality across organizations, their effect on access to capital markets, and the implementation of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Expanding Medical Partnerships with Israel to Lessen Dependence on China Act or the EMPIL-DOC Act This bill authorizes a bilateral grant program with Israel to develop health technologies, with an emphasis on the use of technology, personalized medicine, and data in relation to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Technologies to be developed through this program include, among others, artificial intelligence, respiratory assist devices, and diagnostic tests. In addition, the program conditions funding on a matching contribution from the government of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
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 (specifically, language that has historically been included in certain appropriations bills, commonly referred to as the Hyde Amendment) generally prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions. 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 · 28 April 2020
Patriot Bonus Tax Credit Act of 2020 This bill allows employers a employment tax credit for qualified bonuses paid to their employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. The credit is equal to 50% of such bonuses paid in a calendar quarter taking into account not more than $25,000 for any employee for all calendar quarters. The bill defines qualified bonus as wages paid to an employee that include overtime or hazardous pay, supplemental payments made for the convenience of the employer, payments to retain staff at essential facilities, or other payments made to employees due to extraordinary businesses and economic conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Securing Additional Value for Every Retirement Saver Act or the SAVERS Act This bill increases contribution limits to certain tax-preferred retirement plans in taxable years beginning in 2020 by the lesser of 300% or the compensation of the plan participant that is includible in gross income. For purposes of determining the compensation of plan participants, the bill allows an election to use compensation for 2019 in lieu of 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
This concurrent resolution establishes the Joint Select Committee on the Events and Activities Surrounding China's Handling of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus to investigate and report to Congress and the executive branch, including recommendations on the origins and causes of the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19); certain coronavirus-related policies, decisions, and activities by the government of China; accountability for policies, decisions, and activities related to influencing the World Health Organization's response to the coronavirus outbreak; vulnerabilities in the U.S. domestic and global supply chain to combat a global pandemic due to reliance on Chinese manufacturing; information related to lessons learned from China's handling of the coronavirus; and actions the federal government should take in response to China's handling of the coronavirus.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations Act of 2020 or the HEROES Act of 2020 This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, wages and other income up to $50,000 of qualified first responders for the period beginning on February 15, 2020, and ending on June 15, 2020. A qualified first responder is any individual (1) who is a physician, nurse, pharmacist, law enforcement officer, corrections officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, or paramedic who provides services in a county with at least one confirmed case of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019); or (2) who provides services in a licensed medical or care facility located in such county. The Department of the Treasury may extend the exclusion for an additional three-month period beyond June 15, 2020, if Treasury determines that the COVID-19 emergency is likely to be ongoing during the extended period.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2020
This bill rescinds the appropriation to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts provided for in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act appropriated $25 million to the center to prepare for and respond to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2020 This bill allows a notary public commissioned under state law to remotely notarize electronic records and requires recognition of notarizations performed under the laws of other states. Under the bill, a notary public may remotely notarize electronic records occurring in or affecting interstate commerce if (1) the individual and the notary public are able to electronically communicate by sight and sound simultaneously (i.e., by video chat); (2) the notary verifies the individual's identity and records the notarization; and (3) the notarization complies with other requirements, such as those relating to the attachment of a stamp or seal to the electronic record. Additionally, the bill allows a notary public to remotely notarize electronic records involving an individual located outside of the United States, subject to certain requirements. The bill also requires U.S. courts and states to recognize notarizations, including remote notarizations of electronic records, that occur in or affect interstate commerce and are performed by a notary public commissioned under the laws of other states.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
This resolution calls on the President to (1) use all relevant authorities of the Defense Production Act to direct the domestic production of supplies to address COVID-19 (i.e., the coronavirus disease 2019), and (2) share specified information regarding the use of such authorities with Congress. (The Defense Production Act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) The resolution also states that Congress stands ready to make additional appropriations available for this effort.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Improving Emergency Disease Response via Housing Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to share with the Department of Health and Human Services information regarding populations that are particularly vulnerable to or at risk of contracting COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, HUD must identify the location of projects for supportive housing for the elderly and provide any information available regarding encampments of homeless individuals and other areas that have a high concentration of homelessness.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Interagency Council on Homelessness Coronavirus Guidance Act of 2020 This bill requires the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness to issue public guidence to stakeholders and other affected parties on best practices for preparing for, preventing, containing, and responding to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), including specifically for vulnerable homeless populations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Informed Resident Notification Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish guidelines, requirements, and procedures for public housing agencies to promptly notify residents if any resident of the public housing project has tested positively for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Block Iranian Access to U.S. Banks Act of 2020 This bill temporarily prohibits the Department of the Treasury from authorizing a U.S. financial institution to provide financial services, directly or indirectly, to Iran. The President may waive this prohibition after issuing a report that such financial services are (1) required solely for the provision of medicines, medical equipment, agricultural commodities or humanitarian assistance benefitting the people of Iran; or (2) not provided in connection with a foreign person that engages in sanctionable activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Touchless Transactions Act of 2020 This bill prohibits an issuer of an electronic fund transfer from requiring an individual's signature for a point-of-sale transfer that is initiated by a swipe, dip, or tap transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Insured Depository Institution Business Continuity Planning Act of 2020 This bill requires federal banking agencies to set standards related to business continuity planning and management for all insured depository institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Coronavirus Guidance for Financial Institutions Act This bill directs the Federal Reserve Board, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration to report on the effectiveness of the joint release issued by federal and state financial regulators on March 9, 2020, encouraging financial institutions to meet the needs of customers affected by the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19).
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Gig Economy Infrastructure Act This bill temporarily preempts any state law that classifies an individual providing labor or services for remuneration (i.e., an independent contractor) as an employee for purposes of wage-rate and benefit requirements. This preemption ends three years after enactment. The bill also broadens the existing Securities and Exchange Commission registration exemption for the issuance of securities as part of an employee-compensation package. Specifically, the bill applies this exemption to the issuance of securities as compensation for independent contractors. The Government Accountability Office must report on the bill's effects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Crowdfunding to Combat the Coronavirus Act This bill (1) establishes an award for the successful development of a vaccine for the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19), and (2) extends specified Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration exemptions to issuers of securities responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. The bill provides appropriations for the purpose of awarding a prize to the creator of a vaccine that (1) reduces the incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 by more than 50%, and (2) is affordable and widely available to the public. Additionally, an issuer of securities that is developing a coronavirus vaccine, researching or producing medical equipment related to COVID-19, or researching or producing technology related to preventing the spread of COVID-19 may qualify for an exemption from SEC registration requirements regardless of the size of the issuer's offers or sales. Furthermore, these issuers are not subject to joint and several liability for certain claims. The provisions set forth in this bill expire the earlier of (1) the date the prize is awarded, or (2) three years after enactment. The Government Accountability Office must report on the bill's effects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Relief for Small Businesses Through Micro-Offerings Act of 2020 This bill temporarily exempts certain securities offerings from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Specifically, securities offerings are exempt from these registration requirements if (1) the aggregate amount of securities sold to all investors by the issuer is not more than $250,000, (2) the amount sold to any investor by the issuer does not exceed $5,000, and (3) the transaction is conducted through a registered broker or funding portal. This exemption ends three years after the date of enactment. The SEC may by rule prohibit a person from engaging in such an offering if the person is subject to certain bad-actor or statutory disqualifications. The Government Accountability Office must report on the impact of this exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Coronavirus Accounting Relief Act This bill temporarily prohibits financial regulators from requiring any person impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) to comply with the current expected credit loss rule issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in June 2016. (This rule establishes a credit loss accounting standard based on expected losses rather than incurred losses.) The prohibition ends six months after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
SEC Relief to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus Act of 2020 This bill temporarily allows for securities law requirements related to in-person meetings and document delivery to be met electronically.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary Act The Department of the Treasury shall mint and issue $1 coins in recognition of the 100th anniversary of completion of coinage of the Morgan dollar and the 100th anniversary of commencement of coinage of the Peace dollar. Treasury may issue such coins beginning on January 1, 2021.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Consumer Financial Protection Commission Act This bill removes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from the Federal Reserve System, converts the bureau into an independent commission, and modifies its leadership structure. Specifically, the bill eliminates the positions of director and deputy director and establishes a five-person commission appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020
IMF Reform and Integrity Act of 2020 This bill requires U.S. representatives to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to take certain actions, such as opposing quota increases for certain countries. (A country's quota generally reflects its economic strength and affects factors such as that country's voting power within the IMF.) Before the IMF considers a proposal to increase the quota of any of the ten largest IMF shareholder countries, the Department of the Treasury shall report to Congress as to whether the country meets certain criteria, such as (1) fulfilling its general IMF obligations, and (2) not engaging in currency manipulation in the last 12 months. If the country does not meet all such criteria, U.S. representatives to the IMF shall oppose the proposed quota increase. U.S. representatives shall also oppose the proposed quota increase if the President determines that the country's government has interfered with a U.S. federal election in the last four years. U.S. representatives to the IMF shall oppose a proposed loan to a country if there is not a high probability that the country's public debt is sustainable in the medium term. The U.S. Executive Director at the IMF shall not support any proposal to change IMF criteria on providing exceptional access lending if the change would allow a previously ineligible country to receive such funding unless Treasury reports to Congress a justification for supporting the change before it is considered at the IMF. This bill shall expire ten years after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2020
This resolution (1) supports the designation of National Blueberry Month; and (2) recognizes the contributions of American growers and their families, and that purchasing American grown blueberries supports farmers, jobs, and the economy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 108 West Maple Street in Holly, Michigan, as the "Holly Veterans Memorial Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020
Union Member Protection Act This bill requires labor unions to obtain approval of a majority of union members for specified political expenditures. Further, it requires unions to report proposed political expenditures and to disclose the vote of each union officer with respect to such expenditures during the preceding fiscal year. Additionally, labor union bylaws must require principal officers to vote on individual political expenditures in excess of $50,000 and such individual votes must be made publicly available on the union's website.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2020
Safer Harbors for Our Recreation Economy Act or the SHORE Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to account for recreation-based benefits and costs when conducting cost-benefit analyses for harbor maintenance, intracoastal waterways, and inland waterways projects.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Canada should not allow a permanent nuclear waste repository to be built within the Great Lakes Basin and that the President and the Department of State should work with Canada to (1) prevent the construction of such a repository, and (2) craft a solution for the long-term storage of nuclear waste that is safe, responsible, and does not threaten the Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2020
Religious Insignia on Dog Tags Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to allow trademarks owned or controlled by DOD to be combined with religious insignia on commercial identification tags (i.e., dog tags) and to be sold by lawful trademark licensees. The bill applies retroactively to September 13, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2020
This resolution condemns the actions of Iran with respect to Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. It also expresses support for the protestors in Iran and condemns Iran for killing citizens protesting their government. In addition, it calls on Iran to refrain from using violence and to protect the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2019
Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2019 or the RPM Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the modification of a vehicle's air emission controls for vehicles that are not legal for operation on a street or highway and are used solely for competition.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2019
Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2019 This bill establishes and modifies several requirements to address prescription drug prices under Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs. The bill generally limits payment amounts for drugs and biologics under Medicare medical services, reduces cost-sharing under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, modifies certain authorities and requirements under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, revises provisions relating to regulatory approval and commercial availability of generics and biosimilars, and establishes several reporting requirements for drug manufacturers with respect to drug prices.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 2019
Guidance Clarity Act of 2019 This bill requires federal agencies to state on the first page of guidance documents that (1) such guidance does not have the force and effect of law, and (2) noncompliance by regulated parties with suggested behavior in such guidance does not conclusively establish a violation of applicable law. Excluded from this requirement is guidance directed to the issuing agency or other agency that is not intended to have a substantial effect on the behavior of regulated parties, as well as internal executive branch legal advice or opinions addressed to executive branch officials.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution reaffirms the commitment of the United States to Israel's security and expresses support for Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist groups. The resolution also expresses concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act This bill authorizes the establishment of a National Global War on Terrorism Memorial in the area of the National Mall.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Accountability for World Bank Loans to China Act of 2019 This bill directs the U.S. Governor for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to instruct U.S. representatives to the IBRD that it is U.S. policy to seek China's graduation from IBRD assistance programs. (The IBRD is the World Bank's primary financing institution for middle-income countries. The World Bank's definition of middle-income country is based on a country's gross national income per capita.) The governor shall report to Congress on U.S. efforts to secure China's graduation from IBRD assistance programs. The Department of the Treasury shall report to Congress on debt transparency and debt management assistance efforts in relation to credit provided by China to other countries, including through China's Belt and Road Initiative.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Community Multi-share Coverage Program Act This bill establishes a pilot program to provide health coverage and employment supports for low-income individuals through partnerships between community organizations and hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act of 2019 This bill establishes sanctions related to the provision of vessels for the construction of Russian energy export pipelines. The Department of State must report to Congress (1) a list of vessels engaged in below sea-level pipe laying for the construction of Russian energy export pipelines, and (2) a list of foreign individuals and entities that provided or facilitated the provision of the vessels for such pipeline construction. The State Department shall impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on (1) the identified foreign individuals and entities, and (2) each corporate officer and principal shareholder with a controlling interest in the identified vessels. The President may impose various sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that knowingly provide underwriting, insurance, or reinsurance for the identified vessels. The sanctions may include prohibitions from (1) receiving Export-Import Bank export assistance, (2) being designated as a primary dealer of U.S. government debt instruments, or (3) receiving U.S. government procurement contracts. The State Department shall develop a strategy on improving the energy security of U.S. allies in Europe. The State Department shall also report to Congress (1) on the effects of Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline on U.S. national security; and (2) a periodically updated list of entities providing goods, services, or technology for the construction or repair of the pipeline and whether such transactions are prohibited under certain U.S. laws.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2019
Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of State to consult with Congress before decreasing or increasing U.S. government engagement with another nation as a result of that nation's decision to strengthen or undermine ties with Taiwan. (Taiwan is self-governing, but China considers it a renegade province and has taken actions to encourage countries and international organizations to limit or cut off relations with Taiwan.) The bill states that the U.S. government should support Taiwan in strengthening its relationships with countries around the world.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2019
Honest Elections Act This bill modifies registration requirements for foreign agents who engage in political activities, requires that certain disclosures be made in online political communications, and prohibits a state from receiving certain election assistance funds if the state allows ballot harvesting or voting by noncitizens.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2019 This bill directs the President to impose sanctions related to Turkey. The President shall impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on (1) specified officials of Turkey's government, such as the president and vice president of Turkey; (2) any foreign person that knowingly sells to, provides support to, or conducts a transaction with Turkey's armed forces; and (3) any foreign person that supplies goods or services that support petroleum production for use by Turkey's armed forces. The President may temporarily stop the application of such sanctions upon certifying to Congress that Turkey (1) is not operating in certain parts of Syria without U.S. support, and (2) has withdrawn its troops and Turkey-supported rebel groups from occupied areas. The President shall impose additional sanctions on Turkey based on Turkey's purchase of a surface-to-air defense system from Russia. No funds may be obligated or expended to transfer to Turkey's armed forces any U.S. defense articles, services, or technology.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
This resolution (1) disapproves of the actions led by the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, to conduct work related to matters of impeachment in a closed and classified setting; (2) requires all impeachment related matters to be done in an open setting and in public view; and (3) demands the Speaker and the chair of each committee engaged in an impeachment inquiry of any kind to give each Member of the House a minimum of 48-hours notice before conducting such matters.
![Official portrait of Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h001058_200.jpg)