United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Local Chamber, Tourism, and 501(c)(6) Protection Act of 2020 This bill modifies the Paycheck Protection Program implemented by the Small Business Administration in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) to include certain entities and exclude certain individuals. Specifically, the bill expands the program to encompass organizations with 300 or fewer employees that (1) operate under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code (other than a professional football league), or (2) are a destination marketing organization engaged in promoting communities and facilities to businesses and leisure travelers. The bill also narrows the definition of payroll costs under the program to exclude any compensation of an employee who is a registered lobbyist from the calculation for loan amounts or for allowable uses of funds provided under the program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Coronavirus Public Safety and Economic Recovery Act This bill limits, under certain conditions, a business's liability under federal law for death or disability related to COVID-19 (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019) and promotes alternative dispute resolution mechanisms with respect to such liability. Specifically, the bill establishes the COVID-19 Response Commission to make recommendations to mitigate the spread of the disease. An individual may not sue a business that follows a national or state guideline aligned with these recommendations unless the individual notifies the business of practices that placed the individual at risk of contracting COVID-19 and the business failed to remedy those practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in consultation with the commission, must also provide education for state and local governments and businesses on strategies to minimize exposure to COVID-19. In addition, the Judicial Conference of the United States must develop an alternative dispute resolution program to resolve federal COVID-19 liability claims, and the Small Business Administration, when awarding certain general business loans, must give priority to states that enact similar laws to limit liability and promote alternative dispute resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Flexibility for Localities and Eligibility Expansion Act of 2020 This bill expands the permissible uses of funds under the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Specifically, the bill authorizes a state, tribal government, or unit of local government to use funds (1) to offset revenue shortfalls that occurred between March 1 and December 30, 2020, related to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency, or (2) for COVID-19-related costs or revenue shortfalls of units of local government too small to qualify for direct funding.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020
Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2020 This bill modifies the appointment procedures and term of service for the Director of the Bureau of Prisons. Currently, the Director is appointed by the Attorney General. This bill requires the Director to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The bill also limits the Director to a single term of 10 years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2020
Assuring Quality Water Infrastructure Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a grant program to improve drinking water infrastructure. Under the program, the EPA must improve the operational sustainability for at least one small public water system through the identification and prevention of potable water loss due to metering or infrastructure failures.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2020
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prescribe specified technical qualifications necessary for appointment as a licensed hearing aid specialist in the Veterans Health Administration. Under the bill, at least one licensed hearing aid specialist must be appointed at each VA medical center.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
National Transit Workforce Training Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish a national transit frontline workforce training center (targeted to both rural and urban transit systems) and award grants to a nonprofit organization with a demonstrated capacity to develop and provide transit career ladder programs through labor-management partnerships and apprenticeships on a nationwide basis. The center must (1) be dedicated to the needs of the frontline transit workforce through standards-based training in the maintenance and operations occupations, and (2) develop and conduct training and educational programs for frontline local transportation employees engaged in government-aid public transportation work.
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
Stockpile Inventory Modernization Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to transfer certain supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile to any federal department or agency on a reimbursable basis, provided that (1) the supplies are less than six months from their expiration date, (2) the stockpile is able to replenish them, and (3) the transfer is in the best interest of the government. HHS shall submit a report to Congress that includes each transfer and the amount reimbursed for the supplies. The authority to make such transfers terminates on September 20, 2023.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Stockpiling for America's Future Endeavors Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to accept donations of money, services, or property to the Strategic National Stockpile, subject to certain limitations. HHS must submit a publicly available annual report to Congress concerning these donations and the amount of federal savings generated from them.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Medical Supplies for Pandemics Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take specified actions, as part of its management of the Strategic National Stockpile, to establish and maintain domestic reserves of critical medical supplies. Specifically, HHS must (1) create incentives for manufacturers of medical supplies to increase emergency stocks and diversify geographic production; (2) purchase, lease, or enter into joint ventures with respect to facilities and equipment to produce medical supplies; and (3) work with distributors to refresh and replenish medical supplies. HHS must also submit a report to Congress concerning the details of any purchase, lease, or joint venture. The department's authority under the bill to make purchases, leases, or joint ventures for medical supplies terminates on September 30, 2023.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 This bill directs certain penalties assessed by the Securities Exchange Commission against pharmaceutical companies for specified violations to the 10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund, an existing fund that supports pediatric disease research. In making allocations from that fund, the National Institutes of Health shall prioritize pediatric research that does not duplicate existing research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020
Made in America Emergency Preparedness Act This bill establishes in the legislative branch a National Commission on United States Preparedness for National Emergencies. Not later than 18 months after this bill's enactment, the commission shall report to the President and Congress regarding (1) which medical, pharmaceutical, and emergency preparedness products are determined to be essential; and (2) actions states should take to be better prepared, national federal stockpile requirements, and national surge capacity infrastructure deficiencies in hospitals and medical centers. States that fail to implement the findings of the commission's report by January 1, 2025, at the state and local level, will lose access to all federal funds for emergency preparedness unless the Department of Homeland Security exempts a state determined to be working to implement such findings in good faith. The bill (1) requires certain medical, pharmaceutical, and emergency preparedness products integral to the response to a national emergency to be manufactured and procured within the United States; and (2) provides for a temporary 100% expensing for firms that incur costs associated with pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing within the United States, including personal protective equipment and other necessary items.
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 · 3 April 2020
Pausing All New Detention and Ending Movement of Inmates for Coronavirus Act of 2020 or the PANDEMIC Act of 2020 This bill limits the transfer of prisoners between facilities during the public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020, relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The Bureau of Prisons may take actions as necessary to expand capacity in any correctional facility.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020
This bill provides funds with which the Federal Communications Commission shall reimburse small business broadband providers for costs incurred during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period to voluntarily (1) provide free or discounted service to students in need of distance learning capacity, or (2) refrain from disconnecting low-income households that cannot afford to make a full payment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act of 2020 This bill establishes grant programs and other forms of financial assistance for health care providers in response to the national emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill establishes (1) a grant program to provide emergency assistance to critical access hospitals, certain rural hospitals, and providers participating in Medicare; (2) a grant program to provide emergency assistance to health care practices and ambulatory surgery centers for staff salaries; and (3) a loan program to provide low-interest loans to health care practices and ambulatory surgery centers. The bill also temporarily increases reimbursements to rural hospitals under the Medicare swing-bed program. (The program allows rural hospitals to use beds, as needed, for either acute care or skilled nursing facility care.)
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2020 This bill allows owners of eligible dwelling units a new tax credit for up to 50% of the lead hazard reduction activity costs for each such unit in a taxable year. An eligible dwelling unit is any unit located in the United States that was placed in service before 1978 and the residents of which during the preceding taxable year have a cumulative adjusted gross income of less than $160,000. The bill (1) specifies the types of lead hazard reduction activity costs eligible for the credit, including risk assessment and abatement costs; and (2) limits the amount of the credit in any taxable year to $3,000 for specified abatement measures and $1,000 for interim lead control measures.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020
Investing in State Energy Act This bill requires the Department of Energy to distribute funds for the Weatherization Assistance Program and the state energy assistance program within 60 days of Congress making the funds available for such programs. The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency. The State Energy Program supports state energy conservation plans and energy emergency planning and response.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020
Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act of 2020 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish a demonstration project to evaluate the benefits of providing additional payments to providers of biosimilars under Medicare. Specifically, under the demonstration project, participating providers receive an additional payment based on the difference between the costs to the provider of furnishing the biosimilar and the cost if the provider had furnished the underlying reference biological product instead.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
Transportation Workforce Investment Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program to provide competitive grants to institutions of higher education, states, and other partnerships to support transportation sector education and workforce development projects. The bill expands authority for DOT to provide grants for surface transportation workforce development, training, and education to include (1) on-the-job training or work-based learning opportunities, including pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships; (2) activities to support the establishment of industry or sector partnerships; (3) activities to increase the number of underrepresented individuals in such workforce; and (4) activities to update facilities and equipment used in career and technical education programs of study. DOT must also establish a task force to (1) conduct an assessment of the current and projected state of the transportation workforce, including any existing barriers to attracting, developing, training, or retaining a skilled transportation workforce; and (2) develop recommendations and strategies for DOT and states to improve the transportation workforce based on such assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020
Water Power Research and Development Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out programs of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for water power technologies, hydropower, and marine energy technologies. Additionally, DOE must award grants to institutions of higher education for the continuation and expansion of research and development at the National Marine Energy Centers and the establishments of new centers.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2020
This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the social, economic, and historic contributions that Minor League Baseball has made to American life and culture.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020
Hemophilia SNF Access Act This bill includes certain treatments for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders as high-cost, low-probability ancillary services that may be paid for separately, rather than under the prospective payment (i.e., per diem) system for skilled nursing facilities, under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2020
This bill directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to carry out a loan repayment program for certain specialty medicine physicians who provide care in rural communities with shortages of such physicians. Physicians must agree to a period of obligated service and, for each year of such service, HRSA must pay one-sixth of the principal payment and interest on eligible loans up to a maximum cap of $250,000.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Federal Employee Parental Leave Technical Correction Act This bill expands certain paid parental leave benefits to include specified public sector employees, including employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, the Executive Office of the President and the White House, and the District of Columbia Courts and Public Defender Service.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
This resolution supports the goals of and encourages people to observe the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, as designated by the World Health Organization. It also recognizes the contributions of nurses and midwives to the U.S. health care system.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Innovation Act or the CCUS Innovation Act This bill addresses the capture, utilization, and storage of carbon dioxide. Among other things, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to (1) establish a competitive prize program for certain technology projects that capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, (2) research and develop technologies or approaches that transform carbon dioxide generated by industrial processes into a product of commercial value, and (3) support research and infrastructure activities relating to carbon dioxide utilization by providing technical and financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020
This bill revises the tax deduction for interest on education loans to provide that the $2,500 limitation on such deduction shall apply separately to each taxpayer claiming the deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2020
Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act This bill modifies 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.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2020
Creating Opportunities And Leveraging Technologies for Coal Carbon Act of 2020 or the COAL TeCC Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish two programs concerning coal-derived carbon products. First, DOE must establish a program of research, development, and demonstration for carbon engineering solutions to enable new uses for coal-derived carbon for a variety of purposes, such as commercial, military, or medical purposes. Second, DOE must establish a pilot and demonstration program to accelerate the commercial deployment of coal-carbon products.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020
Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the policies and procedures relating to patient safety and quality of care and the steps the VA has taken to improve such care at VA medical centers. After any investigation or trial concludes, the VA must also report on the events involving deaths that occurred at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and the actions the VA has taken to prevent any similar reoccurrence.
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 · 9 January 2020
Family Support Services for Addiction Act of 2020 This bill directs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award grants to certain nonprofits to develop or expand services for individuals with substance use disorders and their families. Activities may include (1) developing education, resources, and trainings on issues related to substance use disorders and family support; (2) reducing stigma; and (3) educating health care providers about substance use disorders in families.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2020
This bill authorizes the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller in light of his acts of valor as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2019
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2019 This bill indefinitely extends Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients for individuals who do not have other coverage. Under current law, Medicare coverage is limited to 36 months following a transplant.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Ally's Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover certain hearing devices and systems (e.g., bone-anchored auditory implants) and related items and services. The bill also imposes limits on cost sharing.
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 · 6 December 2019
Short Sea Shipping Act of 2019 This bill exempts certain commercial cargo from the harbor maintenance excise tax. The exemption is for commercial cargo, other than bulk cargo, that (1) is loaded at a port in the United States mainland (i.e., the continental United States not including Alaska) and is unloaded at another port in the U.S. mainland after transport solely by coastal route or river, or a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System; or (2) is loaded at a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes St.. Lawrence Seaway System and is unloaded at a port in the U.S. mainland.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019
Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Labor to revise its registered apprenticeship programs to include additional program requirements for increasing the access of veterans and their survivors or dependents to such programs. Labor must acquire written assurance that sponsors of apprenticeship programs (1) are aware of the availability of educational assistance for veterans and eligible individuals for use in such programs, (2) will make a good faith effort to obtain approval for such educational assistance for at least each program location that employs or recruits such recipients, and (3) will not deny a qualified applicant to avoid making a good faith effort to obtain approval for educational assistance. In addition, Labor must (1) require program sponsors to provide standards that contain provisions to grant advanced standing or credit, (2) provide increased wages commensurate to such standing or credit for veterans or individuals eligible for educational assistance, and (3) provide a copy of the approved apprenticeship program's certificate of registration to the state approving agency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019
Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers Act of 2019 or the CONTRACT Act of 2019 This bill exempts certain air traffic controllers from a required reduction in their retirement annuity payment on account of earnings from certain work performed while entitled to such annuity. Under current law, retired Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers receive an annuity payment during the period between the mandatory retirement age of 56 and the social security minimum age of 62. Such annuity payment is required to be reduced by a certain percentage of any excess earnings during this period. The bill exempts from such reduction in annuity payments an air traffic controller who participates in the Air Traffic Control Contract Program (a public-private partnership for air traffic control services) following mandatory retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Opioid Settlement Accountability Act This bill establishes certain requirements with respect to the disposition of funds received by states from litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors. Specifically, the bill requires states to use such funds to address opioid use, such as through (1) opioid prevention and treatment services, (2) health care practitioner training, (3) first responder equipment, and (4) social support services. Additionally, the bill prohibits the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from considering such funds that are recovered or paid to a state on or after December 31, 2023, as an overpayment that reduces the state's payment, or that is subject to recoupment, under Medicaid. The bill applies retroactively.
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 · 20 November 2019
Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act of 2019 or the ECHO 2019 Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a grant program that supports specified health care services in rural or medically underserved areas. Specifically, HHS must award grants to health care entities serving rural areas, health-professional shortage areas, medically underserved populations, or Native Americans for (1) specified videoconferencing technology that connects health professionals with specialists (e.g., chronic-disease, mental-health, and substance-use disorder specialists), (2) retaining health care providers, and (3) increasing access to health care services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019
Buy America for Drinking Water Extension Act of 2019 This bill makes permanent a requirement that projects financed through a drinking water state revolving fund program only use iron and steel products that are produced in the United States, unless the Environmental Protection Agency grants a waiver from the requirement.
![Official portrait of Rep. McKinley, David B. [R-WV-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001180_200.jpg)