United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2020
This resolution recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world, acknowledges the onset of Ramadan (the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims), and expresses respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Food for Working Families Act of 2020 This bill revises the requirements for calculating income under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) to exclude from income and resources emergency federal pandemic unemployment compensation paid to an individual under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Emergency Ensuring Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2020 This bill temporarily suspends eligibility requirements for certain students under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) during a public health emergency declaration due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), allowing students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education who would have lost eligibility due to such requirements to continue to receive SNAP benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Emergency Educational Connections Act of 2020 This bill establishes and provides funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, from which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must provide support for certain schools or libraries to purchase specified telecommunications equipment during the public health emergency declared because of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the FCC shall provide funds to certain elementary schools, secondary schools, or libraries to purchase telecommunications equipment or services (e.g., Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, and routers) for use by students, staff, or patrons at locations that include locations other than the schools or libraries. Priority must be given to students, staff, or patrons who do not have access to such equipment or services. Following the emergency period, funding recipients are authorized to use purchased equipment for appropriate purposes but may not sell or transfer such equipment for anything of value, except for upgraded equipment of the same type.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Equitable Data Collection and Disclosure on COVID-19 Act This bill establishes the Commission on Ensuring Health Equity During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and adds reporting requirements for certain demographic data related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Among other activities, the commission must (1) determine approaches to using data to reduce demographic disparities in COVID-19 prevalence and outcomes, and (2) submit findings and recommendations to Congress on a specified timeline until the end of the public health emergency. During the public health emergency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must publish, and update daily, data on COVID-19 testing, treatment, and outcomes that is disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics on the CDC website. In addition, the Indian Health Service shall consult with tribes with respect to COVID-19 data collection and reporting. The Department of Health and Human Services must make a summary of final statistics related to COVID-19 publicly available and report specified information to Congress within 60 days of the end of the public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
This bill makes permanent the limitation on excess business losses of noncorporate taxpayers and allows certain taxpayers a two-year carryback of net operating losses arising in 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
This resolution recognizes the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and addresses environmental challenges. It urges (1) the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the anniversary; and (2) governments and people to continue building upon the Paris Agreement and other efforts to ensure that future generations inherit a livable, sustainable, and ecologically rich planet. The resolution reaffirms that immediate action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect our planet, public health, and overall well-being of all people and wildlife. In addition, it encourages the American people to mark Earth Day by working to address environmental challenges, educate others about the need for year-round action, and honor the stewardship ethic for which Senator Gaylord Nelson stood.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2020 This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a program to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities by, for example, coordinating activities across the CDC. As part of the program, the CDC must award grants to eligible organizations to build capacity to address social determinants of health. The CDC shall provide for an independent evaluation of certain grants and report findings to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Labor to promulgate both an emergency temporary occupational safety or health standard and a permanent standard to protect certain employees from occupational exposure to the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). These standards apply to health care sector employees, paramedic and emergency medical services employees, and other employees identified as having an elevated risk for exposure. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must collect and make public information regarding employee exposure in these occupations and provide guidance to further protect such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Emergency Water is a Human Right Act This bill creates a grant program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide funds to states and Indian tribes to assist low-income households that pay a high proportion of household income for drinking water and wastewater services. Further, any entity receiving financial assistance under this grant program must ensure that no home energy service or public water system service is or remains disconnected or interrupted during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act of 2020 This bill provides housing assistance during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, the bill suspends rental and mortgage payments for primary residences for a period lasting until 30 days after the termination of the federal emergency declaration relating to COVID-19. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must establish funds to reimburse lessors and lenders for payments suspended under the bill. In addition, HUD must establish an Affordable Housing Acquisition Fund to support the acquisition of multifamily housing projects by nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, cooperative housing associations, community land trusts, and state and local governments. For a five-year period, entities that are approved for such assistance shall be provided the first right of purchase with respect to such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
This resolution recognizes (1) the significance of Black Maternal Health Week; (2) that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to raise national awareness of the state of black maternal health in the United States; and (3) that black women experience high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Federal Immigrant Release for Safety and security Together Act or the FIRST Act This bill imposes requirements during a communicable disease-related national emergency, such as requiring the release of certain aliens in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Covered aliens, specifically those who have certain health conditions, are at least 50 years old, or are 21 years of age or younger, shall be released from ICE custody without bond during such a national emergency, unless the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the alien is likely to pose a substantial and specific risk of harming another. DHS shall review the files of any detained individual who is not a covered alien, and such an individual shall be released unless (1) alternatives to detention would not reasonably ensure the individual's appearance at removal proceedings; (2) the individual is likely to pose a substantial and specific risk of harming another; or (3) a final removal order has been entered, appeals have been exhausted, and removal of the alien is reasonably foreseeable. ICE shall not redetain aliens released under this bill solely due to the expiration of the national emergency. During such a national emergency, ICE shall suspend (1) requiring individuals under supervision to report in person; (2) immigration enforcement actions; and (3) warrantless enforcement in certain locations, such as an essential business during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. ICE shall also provide to detained individuals (1) access to no-cost telephonic or video communication, including unmonitored communications with legal providers; and (2) hygiene products.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Reopen America Act of 2020 This bill provides appropriations to support efforts to resume social and economic activity impacted by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise requires actions to support those efforts. For example, the bill provides appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review state reopening plans and reimburse states for related expenses. States may submit plans that maximize economic and social activity while meeting certain public health goals, such as sufficient capacity in the health care system to treat patients without resorting to crisis standards of care. HHS must (1) approve plans, in consultation with the Treasury Department, that meet specified criteria; and (2) reimburse states for certain expenses related to implementing approved plans. HHS shall provide guidance on certain public health safeguards to assist states with developing reopening plans, and states shall provide HHS with information to evaluate implementation efforts. The federal government must ensure an adequate national supply of testing, protective gear, and other supplies to assist states with reopening plans. Additionally, the bill provides appropriations for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to carry out a program to evaluate various issues with respect to COVID-19 testing, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill also establishes in the Defense Logistics Agency (1) the Coronavirus Health Equipment Production Board, and (2) the Coronavirus Reopening Advisory Panel. The board has certain responsibilities over procuring and distributing supplies and may, if necessary, use certain authorities granted to the President under the Defense Production Act of 1950. The panel must advise HHS and the agency concerning reopening plans and must regularly provide a public summary of such advice.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Modernized Medicine Act This bill increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid telehealth services that are furnished during the public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020, relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). In order to receive the increased FMAP, state Medicaid programs must provide coverage that is consistent with Medicare coverage of telehealth services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
Ensuring Homeowner and Occupant Monetary Encouragement and Stability Act or the Ensuring HOMES Act This bill sets forth additional housing protections during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Mortgage holders and lenders are prohibited from requiring payment on a mortgage deferred during the COVID-19 emergency period until the later of (1) the last day of the loan term, or (2) the end of the deferral period. The bill establishes the Tenant Protection Program that provides loans to landlords who waive rent during the COVID-19 emergency period. The bill also provides for forgiveness of these loans if the landlord provides lease extensions and agrees not to evict tenants. This bill applies retroactively to the beginning of the COVID-19 emergency period and applies to any future declared COVID-19 emergency period.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
This resolution recognizes the contributions of distribution, delivery, and warehousing workers during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and calls upon the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to ensure that employers maintain safe workplaces for such workers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020
This resolution supports the goals of National Minority Health Month to bring attention to health disparities faced by minority populations and encourages federal and state governments to collect and publish racial and ethnic data related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
Advancing Connectivity during the Coronavirus to Ensure Support for Seniors Act or the ACCESS Act This bill (1) provides appropriations for the Telehealth Resource Center Program of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth within the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy in the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) to develop telehealth capacity for certain nursing facilities, and (2) directs other activities to increase access to telehealth services in such facilities during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. HRSA shall award grants, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, to skilled nursing facilities and other nursing facilities to support virtual visits to residents during the emergency. The Department of Health and Human Services must also provide recommendations related to immediately increasing access, during the emergency, to telehealth services for which Medicare and Medicaid payments are available in skilled and other nursing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
This resolution supports the goals of National Minority Health Month to bring attention to health disparities faced by minority populations and encourages federal and state governments to collect and publish racial and ethnic data related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020
Medical Debt Relief Act of 2020 This bill modifies requirements related to the reporting of medical debt. Specifically, a consumer reporting agency may not add certain medical debt information to a consumer credit report. Also, a debt collector may not report certain medical debt information to a consumer reporting agency within a specified time period and must notify the consumer prior to reporting such medical debt.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020
Coronavirus Community Relief Act This bill provides $250 billion for certain localities affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Specifically, the bill provides funding for FY2020 for units of local government with a population of 500,000 or less. Payment shall be made within 30 days after submission of a specified certification by the locality. The amount of the payment is proportional to population. Local governments shall use the funds provided to cover only those costs that (1) are necessary and related to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19, and (2) were incurred during the period of March 1-December 30, 2020. The Office of Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury shall conduct monitoring and oversight of the receipt, disbursement, and use of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020
COVID–19 Price Gouging Prevention Act This bill makes it unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale a consumer good or service during a public health emergency resulting from COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) at a price that (1) is unconscionably excessive, and (2) indicates that the seller is using the circumstances related to the public health emergency to increase prices unreasonably.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act This bill addresses immigration issues related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise makes changes to certain COVID-19 response activities, benefits, and programs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must temporarily limit in-person immigration proceedings, and, during the COVID-19 emergency, DHS, DOJ, and the Department of State shall not take certain adverse immigration actions. In addition, an individual's use of certain assistance related to COVID-19 may not be considered in current or future immigration determinations concerning that individual. The bill includes pandemics within the scope of specified disaster and emergency laws and modifies nutrition and other benefits during such emergencies. For example, states may receive Medicaid payments for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment for certain unlawful aliens, and individuals who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may receive cash assistance related to the COVID-19 response. In addition, individuals may not be excluded from participating in COVID-19 response programs due to actual or perceived immigration status. To ensure the availability of information related to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must (1) establish programs for eligible community-based organizations to develop preparedness materials that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and (2) translate materials and operate telephone hotlines in specified languages. Agencies that receive funding under a law enacted in response to COVID-19 must also provide information about programs and opportunities in such languages.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2020
Protect Our Post Offices Act This bill appropriates $25 billion to the U.S. Postal Service, to remain available through FY2022 for revenue forgone due to the coronavirus pandemic. The appropriations are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2020
All Dependent Children Count Act This bill extends the 2020 recovery rebates of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to all taxpayer dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2020
This bill allows taxpayers to claim a tax deduction for charitable contributions even if they do not otherwise itemize their deductions. The bill also directs the Department of the Treasury to make or guarantee loans to tax-exempt charitable organizations. The aggregate amount of such loans may not exceed $60 billion. Treasury must give priority in making such loans to organizations that are providing direct assistance to the COVID-19 (i.e., the coronavirus disease 2019) response effort.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020
This resolution calls on all public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment, racism, discrimination, and religious intolerance related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and calls on federal law enforcement officials, working with state and local officials, to take specified steps. It calls on federal officials to expeditiously investigate and document all credible reports of hate crimes and incidents and threats against the Asian-American community and prosecute perpetrators. The resolution recommits U.S. leadership to (1) prioritize language access and inclusivity in communication practices, and (2) combat misinformation and discrimination that put Asian Americans at risk.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020
Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 This bill directs the President to use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 with respect to the production of ventilators, N-95 respirator masks, and specified personal protective equipment to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). (That 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 President must (1) make a determination that such items are essential for the national defense, (2) identify private-sector capacity to produce these items, and (3) exercise authorities under the act to require emergency production of them at a reasonable price. In addition, the President shall coordinate the allocation of these items based on requests from governors and the needs of the states as determined by the number of COVID-19 cases and the proportion of the population at higher risk of the disease in a given state. The bill makes specified funds available for these efforts. Equipment produced under these authorities but unused at the termination of the COVID-19 emergency declared on March 13, 2020, shall be deposited into the Strategic National Stockpile.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 This bill addresses education programs and assistance for veterans during emergency situations. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue paying work-study allowances during emergency periods. The VA is also authorized to continue paying educational assistance and subsistence allowances for a specified amount of time for programs of education that are suspended due to an emergency situation. An educational assistance payment shall not be charged against an individual's entitlement to educational assistance if an individual was unable to complete a course or program due to the temporary closure of an educational institution or the temporary termination of a program by reason of an emergency situation. This includes assistance related to training and rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill when institutions are closed due to an emergency situation or executive order. The bill also extends the time limitation for participation in a vocational rehabilitation program when such participation is prevented due to an emergency situation or executive order. The bill authorizes the VA to pay a subsistence allowance for two additional months to a veteran following a program of employment services from March 1-December 21, 2020, for full-time training for the type of program the veteran was pursuing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Ensuring Coverage in Public Health Emergencies Act of 2020 This bill requires private health insurance plans to provide a 30-day special enrollment period for eligible individuals after a public health emergency is declared. An employee who is eligible but not enrolled may enroll in an employer-provided group health plan during the special enrollment period. The bill also requires such plans to cover services related to the disease or condition resulting in the public health emergency including, if applicable, vaccines, diagnostic testing, and treatment and care for the disease or condition. Such coverage does not require a positive diagnosis of the disease or condition and cost sharing must be comparable to similar services covered outside the circumstance of a public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Rental Eviction Moratorium Act of 2020 This bill establishes a moratorium on the initiation of eviction proceedings, except with respect to tenants who have perpetrated certain criminal acts, for a period that lasts until six months after the termination by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the presidential emergency declaration relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Student Debt Emergency Relief Act This bill establishes and provides funds for federal student loan repayment assistance programs during a national emergency, including the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to make monthly payments for borrowers of Federal Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans, and Perkins Loans during a national emergency. ED must also pay any interest on such loans during the emergency. Additionally, ED must deem each month for which ED made a payment on behalf of the borrower as a qualifying payment for the purpose of certain loan forgiveness programs or loan rehabilitation programs; ensure that any payment on such a loan is treated as a regularly scheduled payment made by a borrower for the purpose of reporting information about the loan to a consumer reporting agency; notify borrowers, within 15 days and monthly thereafter, of the benefits provided by ED during the national emergency; and suspend all involuntary collections related to such loans, including wage garnishments, reductions of tax refunds, and reductions of certain federal benefit payments, such as Social Security. ED must (1) make monthly payments until authorized by Congress to terminate the program, (2) carry out a 90-day transition period, and (3) apply a minimum amount of payments to loans for each borrower. Payments made by ED as a result of a national emergency shall be excluded from the taxpayer's gross income. Interest shall not be capitalized during or after the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Emergency Social Security Benefits Improvement Act This bill makes changes to Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits, including by (1) modifying funding formulas, (2) extending eligibility for certain benefits, and (3) increasing income thresholds used to determine the percentage of OASDI benefits subject to federal income tax. Changes to funding formulas include (1) increasing the primary insurance amount, and (2) establishing new methods to calculate benefits for individuals with lifetime low earnings and for widows and widowers. In addition, children of a deceased, disabled, or retired worker remain eligible for benefits through age 22 if they are full-time students. Under current law, they receive benefits through age 18. The bill also extends dependent child benefits to specified family members other than grandparents or step-grandparents, including in cases where a court grants custody of the dependent child to an eligible family member. To receive benefits under current law, either both parents must be disabled or deceased or a grandparent or step-grandparent must legally adopt the dependent child.
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
Housing is a Human Right Act of 2020 This bill establishes and expands programs to assist homeless and housing-unstable individuals and establishes new real property-related taxes to fund specified Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. HUD must establish the Community Development Block Grant Plus Program for state and local governments to assist homeless and housing-unstable individuals as well as cost-burdened households. These funds may be used only for certain activities that assist these populations, including the construction of new affordable housing. The bill also establishes other grant programs to assist these individuals, such as by facilitating access to voting and libraries. Governmental entities may not receive assistance under the bill unless they have, or are working to implement, policies that (1) do not criminally punish homeless individuals for sleeping outside or on public property, and (2) comply with constitutional protections for these individuals' property. In addition, the bill establishes taxes on (1) the sale or exchange of real property of at least $10 million, (2) the sale or exchange of real property involving an anonymous entity, and (3) rent received by landlords that own large amounts of dwelling units. The revenue from these taxes must be credited to various HUD programs in specified percentages. The Government Accountability Office must study (1) the allocation formula for Emergency Food and Shelter grants, (2) recipient compliance with various grant program guidelines, and (3) barriers related to access to essential documents that homeless and housing-unstable individuals face.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Upholding Worker Protections Act This bill prohibits the Department of Labor from implementing or enforcing the final rule Joint Employer Status under the Fair Labor Standards Act, published by Labor on January 16, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020
Ensuring Emergency Food Security Act This bill expands benefits and eligibility under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) which is administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Specifically, the bill prohibits any federal funding (including fees) from being used to decrease program benefits or impact program eligibility under SNAP; temporarily increases the value of SNAP benefits through FY2020; prohibits USDA from reducing the value of the maximum allotments, minimum allotments or consolidated block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa below the level in effect for FY2020 as a result of such increase; temporarily suspends work requirements through FY2022 under SNAP, allowing participants who would have lost eligibility due to such requirements to continue to receive SNAP benefits; directs state agencies, beginning on October 1, 2022, to disregard any period during which an individual received SNAP benefits prior to FY2022, for purposes of referring such individual to an employment and training program; and expands the food distribution program on Indian reservations for costs relating to facility improvements and equipment upgrades.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Rosie the Riveter Day and acknowledges the important role played by women in World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other agencies to address maternal health outcomes among minority populations. HHS must (1) establish task forces to address social determinants of health, maternal mental and behavioral health, and other topics; and (2) award grants for maternal mortality review committees, innovative maternity care models, and other purposes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must establish a perinatal payment demonstration project. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation must report on the impact of housing and transportation during prenatal and postpartum periods, respectively. The Department of Veterans Affairs must submit a plan for maternity care coordination for women veterans, and the Bureau of Prisons must establish programs and award grants to certain prisons and jails to improve maternal health outcomes among incarcerated individuals. The Government Accountability Office must report on the perinatal health workforce, maternity care compliance offices, and maternal health outcomes among veterans and incarcerated individuals. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine must report on specified topics, including training programs to reduce bias, racism, and discrimination. The Medicaid and CHIP Payment Access Commission must report on the impact of Medicaid ineligibility on pregnant and postpartum individuals who are incarcerated. The bill also (1) expands eligibility for certain nutrition programs by increasing the postpartum and breastfeeding periods, and (2) reduces certain funding to states without laws restricting the use of restraints on pregnant women who are incarcerated.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
Paid Sick Days for Public Health Emergencies and Personal and Family Care Act This bill expands the availability of paid sick time by requiring employers with at least one employee to provide a minimum amount of accrued paid sick time per work week and additional paid sick time in the event of a public-health emergency such as the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). Specifically, the bill requires employers to grant at least 1 hour of accrued paid sick time to each employee for every 30 hours worked, up to a minimum of 56 hours, or 7 days, of paid sick time per year. Accrued paid sick time may be used for, among other reasons, an absence from work that is taken (1) due to a medical condition or illness or for the diagnosis, care, or prevention thereof; (2) to care for a child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, or other close relative with a medical condition or illness, or for the diagnosis or prevention thereof; (3) during a public-health emergency when the employee's workplace has been closed or the employee has been exposed to a communicable disease and may pose a risk to others; or (4) to care for a child or close relative during such public-health emergency, if such relative has been exposed to a communicable disease or the child's school has been closed. Further, employees are immediately entitled to up to 14 days of additional paid sick time if a public-health emergency is declared. This additional paid sick time may be used during the public-health emergency for the same purposes as accrued paid sick time.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
Moms Maternal and Behavioral Health Screening Access, Treatment, and Task Force to Expand Innovative Models to Reduce Maternal Mortality and Severe Maternal Morbidity Act of 2020 or the Moms MATTER Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Maternal Mental and Behavioral Health Task Force and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible health care entities to support innovative models of maternity care, including group prenatal and postnatal care models, designed to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Diversity Advancements in Accelerated Programs Act This bill authorizes states and local educational agencies to use grant funds provided through the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program to (1) establish equity offices to improve diversity in accelerated learning programs (e.g., Advanced Placement), and (2) carry out universal screening to determine eligibility for such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Menstrual Equity in the Peace Corps Act This bill requires the Peace Corps to ensure access to menstrual hygiene products for its volunteers who require them, either by increasing stipends for such products or providing such products to its volunteers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Food Worker Pay Standards Act This bill prohibits the federal government from purchasing any meat, meat food product, poultry, poultry food product, or processed food produced by workers in the United States who are compensated at a rate lower than the prevailing rate for wages and fringe benefits for such workers in their locality. The Department of Labor shall determine the prevailing rates and in determining such rates shall take into account any applicable existing collective bargaining agreements in the locality. In no case shall a prevailing rate established pursuant to this bill supersede a worker's wages and benefits agreed to in a collective bargaining agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2020
Aviation-Impacted Communities Act This bill addresses noise mitigation for aviation-impacted communities. (An aviation-impacted community is a community that is located not more than one mile from any point at which a commercial or cargo jet route is 3,000 feet or less above ground level.) Specifically, the bill expands Airport Improvement Program noise mitigation program funding for aviation-impacted communities that are not currently within the 65 day-night average sound level (DNL) standard; requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study that summarizes the relevant literature and studies done on aviation impacts worldwide and focuses on large hub commercial airports and surrounding communities, including communities currently outside of the 65 DNL contour; directs the FAA to conduct outreach to aviation-impacted communities to inform them of the opportunity to be a designated community; requires the FAA to devise an action plan that alleviates or addresses the concerns of a designated community; and provides grants for necessary noise mitigation in a designated community for residences, hospitals, nursing homes, adult or child day care centers, schools, and places of worship.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2020
Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act of 2020 This bill requires a court to consider specified factors when determining whether to provide counsel for a civil litigant who cannot afford counsel. In addition, the bill authorizes a court to appoint, rather than merely request, counsel for such a litigant. Under current law, a court may request counsel to represent a civil litigant who cannot afford counsel. The bill instead authorizes the court to appoint counsel upon request by the litigant. A court must inform civil litigants appearing without counsel of their right to make such a request. In considering whether to grant a civil litigant's request for counsel, a court generally must consider factors such as the complexity of the case, any mental or physical limitations faced by the litigant, and whether any opposing party is represented by counsel. The court may also appoint counsel for limited purposes, including for the purpose of advising the court as to whether a full appointment is warranted. The bill also eliminates the requirement for a court to dismiss a civil litigant's case if the litigant's allegation of poverty is untrue.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Environmental Justice For All Act This bill establishes several environmental justice requirements, advisory bodies, and programs to address the disproportionate adverse human health or environmental effects of federal laws or programs on communities of color, low-income communities, or tribal and indigenous communities. Specifically, the bill prohibits disparate impacts on the basis of race, color, or national origin as discrimination. Aggrieved persons may seek legal remedy when faced with such discrimination. In addition, the bill directs agencies to follow certain requirements concerning environmental justice. For example, agencies must prepare community impact reports that assess the potential impacts of their actions on environmental justice communities under certain circumstances. Further, it creates a variety of advisory bodies and positions, such as the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice Compliance and Enforcement. Among other things, the group must issue an environmental justice strategy. It also establishes requirements and programs concerning chemicals or toxic ingredients in certain products. For example, the bill (1) requires certain products (e.g., cosmetics) to include a list of ingredients or warnings; and (2) provides grants for research on designing safer alternatives to chemicals in certain consumer, cleaning, toy, or baby products that have an inherent toxicity or that are associated with chronic adverse health effects. Finally, it creates a variety of funding programs, such as a grant program to enhance access to park and recreational opportunities in an urban areas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Charter Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency Act or the COAT Act This bill requires state educational agencies, in order to receive certain federal funds, to ensure that each contract between a charter school located in the state and a private charter management organization includes certain compliance requirements. Specifically, such organization must annually disclose certain information to the Department of Education (ED), including the identity of each charter school it operates or manages, the amount expended on operations and administration, information about its contracts, and an audited income statement. ED must publish such information on its website. Additionally, such organization must hold board meetings that are open and accessible to the public.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., III [D-MA-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/56599139b7595009374f55c017465f0d_200.jpg)