United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2019
Heroes Entering Roles Of Education Service Act or the HEROES Act This bill revises and expands the Troops-to-Teachers Program, which supports the transition of current and former military personnel to employment positions in education. The program places personnel in (1) elementary and secondary schools that serve more than a certain percentage of lower-income students or those who qualify for aid under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and (2) Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded schools. The bill renames the program as the Troops-To-Support-Education Program and expands the positions covered to include a number of teaching support, administrative, and security personnel. Excluded from eligibility are positions performed outside the grounds of a school or for a contractor. For placement in non-teacher positions, the service member must obtain credentials required by the state in which the position is located. The bill increases the total number of stipends and bonuses provided. It also increases the limit on the amount of obligations for the program for each fiscal year. The Department of Defense may enter into partnership agreements with tax-exempt charitable organizations to assist with the placement of participants.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2019
Gold Star Families National Monument Extension Act This bill extends through January 2, 2027, the authority of the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of Gold Star families.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act This bill prohibits the awarding of a contract to an entity for the procurement of rolling stock for use in public transportation if the manufacturer of the rolling stock is (1) incorporated or has manufacturing facilities in the United States; and (2) is owned or controlled by an entity based in a country that is identified as a nonmarket economy country, was identified by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) as a priority foreign country (e.g., a country that does not protect intellectual property rights), and is subject to monitoring by the USTR. This includes the People's Republic of China. Any recipient of financial assistance for public transportation that operates a rail fixed guideway service must certify that is will not award any contract for the procurement of rail rolling stock for use in public transportation to a manufacturer of rolling stock that is described by this bill. A recipient that operates a rail fixed guideway public transportation system must certify that it has a written plan for identifying and reducing cybersecurity risks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2019
This resolution condemns Iranian state-sponsored terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and officials and Iranian dissidents and expresses support for the people of Iran who are engaged in legitimate and peaceful protests against the Iranian regime.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019
Home Health Payment Innovation Act of 2019 This bill makes a series of changes relating to payment and coverage of home health services under Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA). Specifically, the bill allows the home-confinement requirement (also known as the homebound requirement) for home health services to be waived under Medicare and MA. Currently, as a condition of eligibility for such services, a physician must certify that an individual has difficulty leaving home without assistance (e.g., a wheelchair, special transportation, or help from another person) due to an illness or injury. The bill also alters the payment methodology under the Medicare prospective payment system for home health services, including by eliminating the requirement that such methodology include certain behavioral assumptions regarding the implementation of specified changes to units of payment and case-mix adjustment factors.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019
National Right-to-Work Act This bill repeals those provisions of the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act that permit employers, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement that is a union security agreement, to require employees to join a union as a condition of employment (including provisions permitting railroad carriers to require, pursuant to such an agreement, payroll deduction of union dues or fees as a condition of employment).
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act of 201 9 This bill establishes a three-year budgetary level reduction schedule with respect to unauthorized programs funded through the annual appropriations process. The term "budgetary level" refers to an allocation provided to the congressional appropriations committees under section 302(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by a congressional budget resolution or a deeming resolution. The schedule applies to programs included in the Congressional Budget Office's annual report listing programs that are funded through the appropriations process and have an authorization of appropriations that has either expired or will expire during the year. For the first year after a program's authorization has expired, the bill requires the budgetary level to be reduced by 10% of the funds appropriated for the program in the expiring fiscal year. The bill then requires reductions of 15% in the second and third years before terminating the program at the end of the third unauthorized year. Programs that are reauthorized during the three-year period are exempt from the budgetary level reductions if the reauthorization contains a sunset provision limiting the authorization of appropriations period to no more than three years. The bill establishes the Spending and Accountability Commission to review all mandatory spending programs and submit to Congress a legislative proposal to establish an authorization cycle for discretionary spending programs. The commission may recommend legislation to replace the budgetary level reductions required by this bill with reductions in mandatory spending. The commission's reauthorization schedule must limit reauthorizations to three years, include the budgetary level reductions established by this bill, and establish a mechanism for replacing the budgetary level reductions with reductions to mandatory spending programs. The House of Representatives must consider the commission's proposal using specified expedited legislative procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2019 or the CASE Act of 2019 This bill creates the Copyright Claims Board, a body within the U.S. Copyright Office, to decide copyright disputes. Damages awarded by the board are capped at $30,000. Participation in board proceedings is voluntary with an opt-out procedure for defendants, and parties may choose instead to have a dispute heard in court. If the parties agree to have their dispute heard by the board, they shall forego the right to be heard before a court and the right to a jury trial. Board proceedings shall have no effect on class actions. The board shall be authorized to hear copyright infringement claims, actions for a declaration of noninfringement, claims that a party knowingly sent false takedown notices, and related counterclaims. The bill provides for various procedures, including with respect to requests for information from the other party and requests for the board to reconsider a decision. The board may issue monetary awards based on actual or statutory damages. The parties shall bear their own attorneys' fees and costs except where there is bad faith misconduct. A board's final determination precludes relitigating the claims in court or at the board. Parties may challenge a board decision in federal district court only if (1) the decision was a result of fraud, corruption, or other misconduct; (2) the board exceeded its authority or failed to render a final determination; or (3) in a default ruling or failure to prosecute, the default or failure was excusable.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act This bill removes certain restrictions on interstate firearms transactions. Among other things, the bill does the following: permits a licensed firearms dealer to sell firearms at an out-of-state gun show, subject to compliance with state laws; and specifies the particular states in which a member of the Armed Forces, or his or her spouse, is a resident for purposes of federal firearms laws.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
Women's Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 400,000 $1 silver coins that are emblematic of the women who played a vital role in rallying support for the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Such coins may be issued during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2020. All surcharges received from the sales of such coins shall be paid to the American Women's History Initiative of the Smithsonian Institution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2019
Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the "Ghost Army," collectively, in recognition of its service during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019
Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act This bill directs the Department of State to report annually to Congress on the school materials used by the Palestinian Authority or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the West Bank and Gaza. Specifically, the report shall address (1) whether the materials used encourage violence or intolerance toward other nations or ethnic groups, (2) the steps the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA have taken to reform such materials, and (3) whether U.S. foreign assistance is used to fund the dissemination of the offending materials. The State Department shall make such reports publicly available.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019
This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Odessa, Texas, as the "Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clinic."
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019
This bill requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to provide quarterly briefings to Congress about the FBI's counterintelligence activities. The FBI shall promptly notify Congress of any counterintelligence investigation regarding a candidate seeking nomination or election for federal office or any campaign or individual related to such a candidate.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019
Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act of 2019 This bill expands the child tax credit to allow a credit for an unborn child. The bill defines an "unborn child" as a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is carried in the womb. The credit may be claimed for the year immediately preceding the year of the child's birth, if the child is born alive on or before the due date for tax returns for the year. In certain cases in which a child is not taken into account for the credit for the year immediately preceding the year of the child's birth, the bill doubles the amount of the credit allowed for the year of the birth.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019
Venezuelan Contracting Restriction Act This bill prohibits an executive agency from entering into a contract for the procurement of goods or services with any person that has business operations with an authority of the Venezuelan government that is not recognized as the legitimate government of Venezuela by the U.S. government. (The United States recognizes Juan Guaido as interim President of the legitimate government of Venezuela.)
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2019
Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands Act of 2019 or the RURAL Act of 2019 This bill modifies the definition of income used to determine the tax-exempt status of a mutual or cooperative telephone or electric company to exclude certain government grants, contributions, and assistance. Specifically, the bill excludes from income (1) grants, contributions, and assistance provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act or by local, state, or regional governmental entities for disasters or emergencies; and (2) certain grants or contributions provided by a government entity for electric, communications, broadband, internet, or other utility facilities or services.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2019
Protect European Energy Security Act This bill requires the submission of certain reports to Congress related to Russia's construction of two natural gas pipelines, the Nord Stream 2 and Turk Stream. The Department of State shall report on (1) its efforts to promote energy security in Ukraine and the European Union and decrease their dependence on Russian energy sources, (2) its diplomatic efforts to oppose the pipelines, and (3) an estimate of European demand for natural gas from 2019 through 2023. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence shall report on the impact of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline on (1) U.S. interests and security objectives; (2) European energy security and defense posture; (3) Russian influence in Europe; and (4) Ukraine, including the impact of reductions in transit fees due to the pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2019
Conscience Protection Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for certain restrictions prohibiting discrimination against health care providers that refuse to perform abortions. Specifically, the bill prohibits the federal government, as well as state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities, from penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortions. Currently, similar provider nondiscrimination requirements apply to certain employment or personnel decisions (the Church Amendments), abortion services training (the Coats-Snowe Amendment), and qualified health plans offered through health insurance exchanges. Annual appropriations bills for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies have also included similar language (the Weldon Amendment). The HHS Office for Civil Rights, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), must investigate complaints alleging discrimination based on an individual's religious belief, moral conviction, or refusal to be involved in an abortion. DOJ or any entity adversely affected by such discrimination may obtain equitable or legal relief in a civil action. Administrative remedies do not need to be sought or exhausted prior to commencing an action or granting relief. Such an action may be brought against a governmental entity and may include money damages against such entity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2019
Second Chance at Life Act of 2019 This bill requires abortion providers administering chemical abortions to provide specified information about the possibility of reversing the effects of such procedure. Specifically, a patient must be informed at least 24 in advance that (1) reversing a chemical abortion may be possible after administering the first drug of a two-drug procedure and (2) additional information about chemical abortions is available through the Department of Health and Human Services. Further, after the first drug is administered, the physician must provide written discharge instructions to the patient that state it may be possible to reverse the abortion procedure before the second drug is taken, among other information. Such information also must be conspicuously posted inside the office or waiting area of clinics that provide chemical abortions. Abortion providers are not required to provide such information in the event that an abortion is necessary to save the life of a patient who is endangered due to a complication resulting from a pregnancy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2019
Cybersecurity Advisory Committee Authorization Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish a cybersecurity advisory committee within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to consult on the development, refinement, and implementation of policies, programs, and security directives pertinent to the mission of CISA.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2019
Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2019 This bill revises the criminal prohibition on the shipment, transport, possession, or receipt of a biological agent or toxin by a restricted person. Specifically, it updates references to the lists of agents and toxins covered by the prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2019
Lymphedema Treatment Act of 2019 This bill includes certain lymphedema compression treatment items as covered durable medical equipment under Medicare. (Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling that is caused when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2019
SFC Brian Woods Gold Star and Military Survivors Act This bill expands benefits for survivors of members of the Armed Forces. Specifically, it provides commissary and exchange privileges to a remarried former spouse; provides continued eligibility for payment of an annuity to a spouse who remarries, including a surviving spouse who remarried before the age of 55 and before enactment of this bill; allows payment of necessary expenses for the transportation of a decedent's remains to two locations (if the second is a national cemetery); allows payment of financial assistance to civilian providers of child care or youth program services furnished to survivors of members who die in the line of duty while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training; and provides continued eligibility of a remarried surviving spouse for payment of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation, including a surviving spouse who remarried before the age of 57 and before enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2019
Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2019 This bill modifies the scope of judicial review of agency actions to authorize courts reviewing agency actions to decide de novo (i.e., without giving deference to the agency's interpretation) all relevant questions of law, including the interpretation of (1) constitutional and statutory provisions, and (2) rules made by agencies. No law may exempt a civil action from the standard of review required by this bill except by specific reference to such provision.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2019
Restoring Investment in Improvements Act This bill confirms that the applicable recovery period for qualified improvement property (nonresidential real estate) for depreciation purposes is 15 years under the modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS) and 20 years under the alternative depreciation system (ADS).
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2019
United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act This bill authorizes various joint research and cooperation programs between the United States and Israel, reauthorizes security assistance to Israel, and establishes reporting requirements regarding various related issues. The bill authorizes the Department of State to work with Israel on research and development to establish directed energy capabilities. It authorizes through FY2024 cooperative projects involving the United States, Israel, and developing countries to identify and address sustainability challenges related to water resources, agriculture, and energy storage. The bill authorizes through FY2022 (1) activities of the U.S.-Israel Energy Center; (2) cooperation with and assistance to Israel related to security, explosives detection, and cybersecurity; (3) activities related to the U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund; and (4) activities to establish a cooperative program with Israel to develop health technologies. The State Department shall establish a grant program to support cybersecurity research and development and commercialization of cybersecurity technology open to joint ventures involving U.S. and Israeli entities. The President shall establish contingency plans to provide Israel with necessary defense articles and services and assess plans to assist and supply Israel with munitions in the event of a sustained armed confrontation with Hezbollah. The bill authorizes the President to (1) waive export control requirements and immediately transfer defense articles to Israel in response to an existing or imminent military threat, and (2) transfer precision guided munitions to Israel as necessary for legitimate self-defense. The bill extends through FY2024 security assistance and loan guarantees for Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2019
This resolution opposes the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement (BDS) and other efforts targeting Israel, and states that BDS undermines the possibility for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The resolution urges both sides to return to direct negotiations and expresses support for a solution resulting in the state of Israel existing alongside a democratic Palestinian state.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2019
Countering the Chinese Government and Communist Party's Political Influence Operations Act This bill directs the Department of State to devise a long-term strategy to counter the Chinese government's political influence operations. The strategy shall seek to counter the ruling Chinese Communist Party's campaigns to corrupt democratic countries and undermine democratic institutions, both in the United States and elsewhere. It shall also seek to increase awareness of such campaigns and help other countries develop the capacity to counter them. The strategy shall also ensure that Chinese nationals living in the United States, as well as Chinese Americans and members of the Uyghur and Tibetan diaspora, are protected against malign political influence operations, such as surveillance and intimidation. The State Department shall also report to Congress about Chinese government efforts to exert influence in the United States and in U.S. partner countries, and suggestions for countering such efforts. The report shall address issues including attempts to (1) influence government institutions and officials, (2) undermine democratic institutions and freedom of speech, and (3) suppress public information.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019
Student-Athlete Equity Act This bill modifies the definition of a tax-exempt amateur sports organization to exclude organizations that substantially restrict a student athlete from using, or being reasonably compensated for the third party use of, the athlete's name, image, or likeness.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019
Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2019 This bill modifies the requirements for calculating taxable income to exclude from the gross income of a student agriculturist up to $5,000 of the gain from the sale or exchange of personal property (including livestock, crops, and agricultural mechanics or shop products) produced or raised by the student agriculturist. A "student agriculturist" is an individual who is under 22 years of age and is enrolled in (1) an FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter or a program established by the National FFA Organization; (2) a 4H Club or other program established by 4H; or (3) a student agriculture program that is under the direction or guidance of an agricultural educator, advisor, or club leader.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019
Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services for Success Act This bill renames the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program as the Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services (JOBS) program, reauthorizes the program through FY2024, and makes changes relating to work requirements for beneficiaries. States providing aid under the program shall create an individual opportunity plan for each beneficiary. States shall impose work requirements on all work-eligible beneficiaries, and shall reduce benefits for noncompliance. (Currently, individual plans are optional under TANF, and states have discretion as to whether to reduce benefits for noncompliant individuals.) States providing aid shall meet annual performance targets related to the number of beneficiaries who exit the program and find unsubsidized employment. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall reduce grants to states that fail to meet such targets. States shall provide data related to beneficiary employment and wages to HHS, which shall be publicly available. The bill modifies various limitations on the use of funds for various purposes, and establishes that at least 25% of funds from various grants shall be spent on core activities. Certain existing laws relating to monitoring and recovering improper benefits payments shall apply to the JOBS program. The bill eliminates programs providing (1) supplemental grants for population increases, (2) bonuses for high performance states, (3) welfare-to-work grants, and (4) contingency funds for state welfare programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment also prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the economic output of the United States unless two-thirds of each chamber of Congress provides a specific increase in outlays above this amount, requires a three-fourths roll call vote of each chamber of Congress to increase the public debt limit, requires a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber of Congress to increase revenue, requires the President to transmit to Congress a proposed balanced budget each year and prohibits the President from being compensated if the requirement is not met, and requires Congress to consider and approve a balanced budget each year and prohibits Members of Congress from being compensated if the requirement is not met. Congress may waive these requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security. The amendment prohibits a court from entering an order in any action that results in an increase in the collection of revenue.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2019
Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act of 201 9 This bill prohibits a state or local jurisdiction from imposing (1) multiple taxes on the sale of a covered electronic good or service, or (2) discriminatory taxes on the sale or use of a digital good or service. A "digital good or service" is delivered or transferred electronically to a customer. A "covered electronic good or service" is a digital good, digital service, audio or video programming service, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. The bill also specifies services that are excluded from the definition of "digital service;" restricts taxation of a covered electronic good or service to taxation by a state or local jurisdiction whose territorial limits encompass a customer tax address, as defined by this bill; makes the seller of covered electronic goods or services responsible for obtaining and maintaining such address; and specifies rules regarding the taxation of bundled transactions, digital code, and VoIP services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2019
Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2019 or the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2019 This bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to take specified steps to increase cybersecurity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IoT is the extension of internet connectivity into physical devices and everyday objects. The bill establishes September 30, 2019, as the deadline for the completion of NIST's efforts regarding considerations for managing IoT cybersecurity risks, especially regarding examples of possible cybersecurity capabilities of IoT devices. By March 31, 2020, NIST must develop recommendations for the appropriate use and management of IoT devices owned or controlled by the government, including minimum information security requirements for managing cybersecurity risks. The OMB shall then issue guidelines for each agency that are consistent with such recommendations. NIST and the OMB shall publish guidance on policies and procedures for the reporting, coordinating, publishing, and receiving of information about a security vulnerability relating to an IoT device used by the government and the resolution of such security vulnerability.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2019
Peter, Ellie, and Grayson Victims of Illegal Criminal Entry Act of 2019 or the VOICES Act of 2019 This bill establishes new criminal offenses and penalties related to illegal reentry into the United States after deportation or removal. Specifically, the bill establishes new offenses for unlawfully reentering and subsequently committing an act that results in injury to or death of another person. A violator is subject to a 10- or 20-year mandatory minimum prison term. Additionally, with respect to a defendant convicted of any illegal reentry offense, the bill prohibits the concurrent service of the federal sentence with a state sentence, and the reduction of the federal sentence by the amount of time spent in state prison.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019
Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Exercise Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop and conduct an exercise related to the detection and prevention of terrorist and foreign fighter travel. The bill requires the national exercise program (a program to test and evaluate the national preparedness goal, National Incident Management System, National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies) to include emerging threats.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019
Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses. Specifically, ED shall establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for, among other things, the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2019
Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2019 This bill waives Medicare coinsurance requirements with respect to colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of the code billed for a resulting diagnosis or procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019
Combating Illicit Fentanyl Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury to annually report to Congress identifying each person in China, including government officials, involved in fentanyl production and its trafficking into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2019
Cyber Deterrence and Response Act of 2019 This bill directs the President to identify and impose sanctions on foreign persons and state-affiliated entities that engaged in or supported cyber activities that reasonably likely contributed to a significant threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, or financial health. Within seven days of identifying such a person or entity, the President shall report the identification to Congress. Identified individuals shall be barred from entering the United States and shall have current visas revoked. With respect to foreign persons and state-affiliated entities, the President shall impose one or more of specified sanctions, such as (1) prohibiting a U.S. person from making investments that would benefit an identified foreign person; (2) suspending security assistance to a foreign state, in the case of a state-affiliated entity; and (3) directing U.S. representatives to international financial institutions to oppose any loan that would benefit an identified foreign person or entity. The President may impose additional sanctions on foreign states that are affiliated with an identified entity, such as the withdrawal of security assistance or the imposition of prohibitions on arms shipments.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2019
Stop Corrupt Iranian Oligarchs and Entities Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to report to Congress on Iranian individuals and parastatal groups that have close relationships with the Iranian government, including information regarding (1) their known sources of income, (2) their indices of corruption, (3) their involvement in key U.S. economic sectors, (4) the structures and ownership of the parastatal groups, and (5) the potential effects of imposing sanctions on such entities and individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019
Illegal Alien NICS Alert Act This bill requires the national instant criminal background check system to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and relevant state and local law enforcement agencies when the system indicates that a prospective firearm transferee is illegally or unlawfully in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019
Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019 This bill delays reimposition of the annual fee on health insurers until 2022. Under current law, the annual fee for a health insurer is calculated based on the insurer's share of total premiums from the preceding year. The fee is suspended for 2019 (i.e., there is no fee based on premiums from 2018); reimposition is scheduled for 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019
ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 This bill eliminates the five-month waiting period for disability benefits under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a progressive neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord). Under current law, individuals must wait five months after becoming disabled before their disability insurance benefit payments may begin.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2019
This resolution recognizes that the national debt is a threat to national security and that deficits are unsustainable, irresponsible, and dangerous. It also commits to restoring regular order to the appropriations process and addressing the fiscal crisis faced by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2019
This resolution calls for the international community to demand that North Korea dismantle its labor camp system and for North Korea to cease human rights abuses and release political prisoners.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ratcliffe, John [R-TX-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000601_200.jpg)