United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Community Action Opioid Response Act of 2018 This bill requires the Office of Community Services within the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program that helps low-income individuals, families, and communities affected by the national opioid epidemic. Grants must be awarded to Community Action Agencies (local organizations that work to reduce poverty in low-income communities) for specified activities relating to opioid misuse and abuse, including education, outreach, prevention, and treatment services.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
This bill requires the Department of Education to award grants to local education agencies to secure elementary and secondary schools, including by completing a security assessment for each school and making improvements based on such assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2018
Veterans Cancer Treatment Flexibility Act of 2018 This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to permit a veteran who has been diagnosed with cancer and lives more than 40 miles from the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility that offers cancer treatment to receive treatment at a non-VA medical facility.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
Reserve Component Benefits Parity Act of 2018 This bill makes reserve component members who are deployed to support pre-planned operations of a combatant command eligible for: (1) non-reduction in pay while serving in the uniformed services or National Guard, (2) consideration of active duty service to reduce the age for retired pay ; and (3) the high-deployment allowance for lengthy or numerous deployments and frequent mobilizations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018
Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the child tax credit, to allow the credit to be used for an unborn child if the child is born and issued a Social Security number before the due date for the tax return (without regard to extensions) for the taxable year. 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. If 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 · 13 February 2018
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the requirements for tax-exempt bonds, to reinstate the exclusion from gross income for interest on certain bonds issued to advance refund another bond. The exclusion was repealed for bonds issued after 2017. (A refunding bond is a bond used to pay principal, interest, or the redemption price on a prior bond issue. An advance refunding bond is issued more than 90 days before the redemption of the refunded bond.)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018
Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act This bill amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA) to revise administrative and judicial dispute resolution procedures for initiating, investigating, and resolving claims by employees alleging that employing offices have violated their CAA rights and protections, including protections against sexual harassment. The bill revises CAA provisions, including to: eliminate CAA counseling and mediation requirements before an employee may file a claim with the Office of Compliance (OOC) alleging the violation; require current and former Members of Congress to reimburse the Treasury if an employee receives an award or settlement for the Member's alleged act of discrimination or retaliation; require referral to congressional ethics committees of final disposition of claims alleging CAA violations by Members of Congress and senior staff of employing offices; require non-congressional legislative offices that violate CAA requirements to reimburse the Treasury for resulting award or settlement payments; and extend CAA nondiscrimination requirements and remedies to Library of Congress employees and uncompensated legislative branch interns, detailees, and fellows. The bill applies CAA rights and protections to the China Review Commission, the Congressional-Executive China Commission, the Helsinki Commission, the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development, and their employees. Non-congressional CAA employing offices must develop programs to train and educate employees about their CAA rights and protections and available procedures to consider alleged CAA violations. The bill renames the OOC the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018
Requires each employing office of the House of Representatives to adopt an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policy. Establishes the House Office of Employee Advocacy (OEA) to: (1) provide legal assistance to House employees regarding Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA) procedures, including those applicable to civil actions; and (2) operate an employee hotline. Prohibits the OEA from: (1) accepting awards of litigation expenses or costs under CAA hearings or civil actions, and (2) providing assistance to an employee after the individual files a civil action. Requires House offices to certify that payroll actions are not connected to CAA awards and settlements, and that the Member's Representational Allowance is not being used for CAA awards or settlements. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House to prohibit: (1) a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House from committing sexual harassment against an individual or engaging in unwelcome sexual advances; and (2) sexual relationships between Members and employees (except between married individuals). Bars the House Office of Congressional Ethics from initiating or continuing any investigation of an allegation of violation under CAA rights and protections, or making any recommendations regarding such an allegation, if the employee initiates proceedings with respect to the alleged violation under CAA administrative and judicial dispute-resolution procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018
Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 or the STOP School Violence Act of 2018 This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to revise and reauthorize through FY2028 the Secure Our Schools grant program. This grant program provides grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes to improve security, including the placement and use of metal detectors and other deterrent measures, at schools and on school grounds.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2018
Permanent Tax Cuts for Americans Act This bill makes permanent the provisions of subtitle A (Individual Tax Reform) and subtitle B (Alternative Minimum Tax) of P.L. 115-97 (commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) that are currently scheduled to terminate on December 31, 2025.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2018
Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines Act of 2018 This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), no more than 30 days after a U.S. election, to determine whether a foreign government interfered with the election and report on that determination. If the DNI reports that there was not interference and subsequently determines that there was interference, the DNI shall report on the subsequent determination. If the DNI determines that Russia interfered with an election, the President shall impose specified sanctions. The President shall brief Congress on any foreign government the President determines interfered with, or is likely to interfere with, an election.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2018
Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act This bill directs the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to work with Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, and in partnership with donors, the private sector, and local, regional, and nongovernmental entities, to develop a strategy to: (1) promote sustainable natural resource and wildlife management practices in the greater Okavango River Basin, (2) protect migration routes of elephants and other threatened wildlife species, (3) combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, (4) address local health needs, and (5) catalyze economic growth.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2018
Standardizing Electronic Prior Authorization for Safe Prescribing Act of 2018 This bill requires Medicare's electronic-prescription program to provide for the secure electronic transmittal of a prior authorization request from a Medicare enrollee's prescribing health-care professional with respect to a drug covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2018
Healthcare Tax Relief Act This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to delay the imposition of an annual fee on health insurance providers until after December 31, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2018
Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act This bill amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA) to revise procedures for initiating, investigating, and resolving claims by legislative branch employees alleging that their employing offices have violated CAA rights and protections, including protections against sexual harassment and discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2018
Uniting and Securing America Act of 2018 or the USA Act of 2018 This bill provides conditional permanent resident status for an alien meeting specified requirements, including having entered the United States when younger than 18 years old and residing in the United States since December 31, 2013. An individual may apply to have such conditional basis removed after meeting specified eligibility requirements. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall cancel the removal of, and adjust to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis, an individual who was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, unless such individual has engaged in disqualifying conduct. The bill repeals provisions that deny an unlawful alien eligibility for higher education benefits on the basis of residence within a state unless a U.S. citizen or national is eligible for such benefits without regard to whether such citizen or national is such a resident. DHS shall: (1) deploy the most practical and effective technology available in order to achieve situational awareness and operational control along the U.S. border; (2) submit to Congress a comprehensive southern border strategy to achieve border control; and (3) begin eradicating the carrizo cane plant and salt cedar along the Rio Grande River. DHS may construct new ports of entry along the northern and southern borders. The bill establishes Operation Stonegarden in DHS to provide border security grants to law enforcement agencies in border or maritime border states that are involved in U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations DHS shall establish a two-year grant program to improve emergency communications in the southern border region for individuals who are at risk of violence and lack cellular and LTE network service. The number of immigration judges is increased. The President shall designate a senior official to coordinate federal and international efforts to strengthen citizen security, the rule of law, and economic prosperity in Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2018
Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Transportation to require states to evaluate the need to install broadband conduit in any project to construct a new highway or additional lane or paved shoulder for an existing highway that is begun after the enactment of this bill and that receives funding under the federal-aid highway program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2018
Transparency for Taxpayers Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to make publicly available by April 1, 2018, an online tool that allows taxpayers (other than corporations) to calculate the approximate change in taxpayer income tax liability by reason of P.L. 115-97 (commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act).
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2018
Securing America's Future Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise immigrant visa allocation provisions, including family-related visas. A nonimmigrant classification for parents of adult U.S. citizens is created. The diversity visa program is eliminated. Annual immigration levels are revised. The limit on the worldwide level of employment-based immigrants is increased. The H-2C visa temporary agricultural worker program is revised. A trust fund is established to provide incentives for such workers to return to their country of origin. DNA testing to establish family relationships is authorized. Employment eligibility verification provisions are revised. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall establish an employment verification system. No federal, state, or local government entity or individual may prohibit or restrict a federal, state, or local government entity or official from complying with the immigration laws or assisting related federal law enforcement activities. The bill revises provisions regarding: (1) detention of aliens in removal proceedings; (2) illegal entry and reentry; (3) inadmissibility and deportability of criminal aliens, gang members, drunk drivers, and sex offenders; (4) repatriation; (5) asylum and asylum fraud; (6) unaccompanied alien children; (7) foreign students; and (8) visa fraud. The bill: (1) transfers authority for strengthening the southern border from the Department of Justice to DHS; (2) revises border security provisions; (3) provides for additional border security personnel; (4) authorizes new ports of entry along the northern border and southern borders; (5) authorizes National Guard border security activities; (6) provides contingent nonimmigrant status for certain aliens who entered the United States as minors; (7) authorizes appropriations for specified border barriers and infrastructure; and (8) establishes Operation Stonegarden to make border security grants to law enforcement agencies. DHS shall: (1) submit a southern border threat analysis, (2) establish the Integrated Border Enforcement Team program, (3) implement the Border Security Deployment Program, (4) review social media activities of visa applicants, and (5) establish a biometric exit data system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2018
Defending U.S. Government Communications Act This bill prohibits federal agencies from procuring or obtaining, renewing or extending a contract to obtain or procure, or entering into a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service with telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system that is from Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, or an entity reasonably believed to be owned or controlled by China.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to require any health care practitioner who is present when a child is born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion to: (1) exercise the same degree of care as reasonably provided to any other child born alive at the same gestational age, and (2) ensure that such child is immediately admitted to a hospital. The term "born alive" means the complete expulsion or extraction from his or her mother, at any stage of development, who after such expulsion or extraction breathes or has a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, regardless of whether the umbilical cord has been cut. Also, a health care practitioner or other employee who has knowledge of a failure to comply with these requirements must immediately report such failure to an appropriate law enforcement agency. An individual who violates the provisions of this bill is subject to a criminal fine, up to five years in prison, or both. An individual who commits an overt act that kills a child born alive is subject to criminal prosecution for murder. The bill bars the criminal prosecution of a mother of a child born alive for conspiracy to violate these provisions, for being an accessory after the fact, or for concealment of felony. A woman who undergoes an abortion or attempted abortion may file a civil action for damages against an individual who violates this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
Acknowledges: (1) the importance of the U.S.-Egypt partnership in advancing common interests, and (2) Egypt's regional role as a partner in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Recognizes the necessity for Egypt's leaders to take steps toward education reform that prioritizes impartial instruction of all religions and political reform that prioritizes human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Urges the government of Egypt to: (1) enact reforms to ensure that Coptic Christians are given the same rights and opportunities as all other Egyptian citizens; (2) end the culture of impunity for attacks on Christians; and (3) arrest, prosecute, and convict individuals who carry out such attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins that are emblematic of the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC, and the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers throughout the history of the United States. All sales of such coins shall include specified surcharges, which shall be distributed to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc., for educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2017
No Assistance for Assad Act This bill prohibits FY2018-FY2022 reconstruction or stabilization assistance from being provided for any area of Syria controlled by the Syrian government or associated forces unless the President certifies that the Syrian government has stopped attacking civilians and is making progress in areas such as human rights, complying with international obligations, ending missile development and deployment, and refugee repatriation. The President shall recertify whether such conditions are being met every 90 days. Such prohibition shall not apply to assistance for locally administered projects and humanitarian needs. The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development shall report to Congress regarding the delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance to Syria.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2017
Open Internet Preservation Act This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 by prohibiting broadband internet access service providers from: (1) blocking lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices; and (2) impairing or degrading lawful internet traffic on the basis of internet content, application, or service, or use of a non-harmful device. These prohibitions do not prevent providers from offering specialized services that are offered over the same network and may share network capacity with the broadband internet access service. The bill allows broadband internet access services to be eligible for federal universal service support funding.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2017
Premium Relief Act of 2017 This bill establishes and provides funding for the Patient and State Stability Fund. The fund shall be used to support specified state efforts to increase access to health-insurance coverage and help stabilize the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017
Recovering America's Wildlife Act This bill amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to direct the Department of the Treasury to transfer, beginning in FY2018, revenues from energy and mineral development on federal lands totaling $1.3 billion to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Subaccount of the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund, to be available without further appropriation. The bill revises the requirements governing how the funds from the subaccount may be used, including by requiring funds to be used to develop, revise, and implement state wildlife conservation strategies. The bill expands the allowable uses of the subaccount, including by allowing funds to be used for managing invasive and nuisance species and for law enforcement activities that are directly related to the conservation of species of the greatest conservation need. Funds apportioned from the subaccount may not be conditioned upon the provision of public access to private lands, waters, or holdings. The bill specifies what types of funds and donations states may use to meet matching fund requirements. The bill revises the formula used to determine how funds are distributed to states.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2017
Comprehensive Regulatory Review Act This bill amends the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 to expand the required comprehensive review of financial regulatory requirements. Specifically, the review must be completed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the National Credit Union Administration, in addition to (as required under current law) the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Reserve Board. The review must be performed at least every 7, rather than 10, years. After performing the review, a regulator must consider tailoring regulations to limit specified burdens. The bill specifies information and criteria the CFPB must use when conducting its review.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2017
Receiving Electronic Statements To Improve Retiree Earnings Act This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the electronic delivery of pension plan documents required to be furnished to a plan participant, beneficiary, or other individual. The system for furnishing such a document must: (1) be designed to result in effective access to the document, (2) permit the recipient to select the electronic means through which the document is received or request paper documents, and (3) protect the confidentiality of personal information. An annual paper notice must be provided describing: the selection of electronic means for furnishing documents, the right to modify the selection or to elect to receive paper versions of the documents at no additional direct cost and how to make the election, and any election that has been made to receive paper documents. An electronically furnished document must be prepared and furnished in a manner that is consistent with the style, format, and content requirements for the document. It must also include a notice that apprises the individual of the significance of the document when it is not otherwise reasonably evident as transmitted.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2017
This bill amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to prohibit a federal financial agency from considering waived dividends in determining an appropriate exchange ratio in the event of a full conversion to stock form with respect to a mutual holding company.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2017
This joint resolution nullifies the rule finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on November 17, 2017, regarding payday, vehicle title, and other high-cost installment loans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2017
Ending Nonconsensual Online User Graphic Harassment Act of 2017 or the ENOUGH Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly distribute (or intentionally threaten to distribute) an intimate visual depiction of an individual with knowledge of or reckless disregard for the individual's lack of consent, reasonable expectation of privacy, and potential harm; and without a reasonable belief that such distribution touches a matter of public concern. It imposes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both—on a violator.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2017
Directs the Committee on House Administration to issue regulations requiring Members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives to complete a training program on workplace rights and responsibilities, including anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training, during each congressional session. Requires Members, officers, or employees to certify completion of such training within 90 days after a congressional session begins or within 90 days after beginning service during a session. (Sets forth a special rule requiring such training to be completed within 180 days after the beginning of the second session of the 115th Congress.) Directs the committee to issue regulations requiring that each House employing office post in a prominent location in its office and in each Member's congressional district office a statement of rights and protections provided to House employees under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, including procedures for responding to and adjudicating allegations of violations of such rights and protections.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2017
Condemns the attacks on hospitals, medical personnel, and emergency responders by the government of Syria and the Russian Federation, and calls on all parties to: (1) end the attacks on medical facilities; (2) cease targeting medical workers; and (3) allow unhindered medical assistance, humanitarian assistance, and medical evacuation of urgent cases to besieged areas. Calls on the Department of State to work with the international community to conduct full, prompt, impartial, and effective investigations of violations of international humanitarian law related to attacks on medical personnel and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017
Go to High School, Go to College Act of 2017 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education to carry out (from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2023) a program awarding Early College Federal Pell Grants to students to support their enrollment in, and completion of, postsecondary courses offered through early college high schools. Students who would be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if not for their enrollment in secondary school are deemed eligible for an Early College Federal Pell Grant upon their completion of a full-time postsecondary semester or its equivalent. Students may receive Early College Federal Pell Grants in an amount equal to the cost of not more than four full-time postsecondary semesters or the equivalent while enrolled in postsecondary courses offered by an early college high school. Early College Federal Pell Grants shall count toward the 12-semester, or equivalent, limit on a student's receipt of Federal Pell Grants.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2017
Condemns the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, on October 14, 2017. Honors the memories of Ahmed AbdiKarin Eyow, Mohamoud Elmi, and Abukar Dahie, who were murdered in such attack. Recognizes the efforts to combat terrorism by the government of Somalia, the countries contributing troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia, and U.S. forces in Somalia. Reaffirms U.S. support for that government's efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity and to combat terrorism in Somalia. Renews the solidarity between the people and governments of the United States and Somalia.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2017
This bill nullifies a rule finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on November 13, 2017, that modifies payment under Medicare for certain drugs purchased through the 340B discount program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2017
Help Students Repay Act This bill directs the Department of Education to consolidate student loan repayment options for new borrowers of William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans into one simplified income-driven repayment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2017
Veterans' Agricultural Apprenticeship Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program to make direct loans to farmers and ranchers who will provide mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities for veterans to learn the skills necessary to become successful farmers or ranchers. USDA must carry out the program through agreements with state departments of agriculture that will: select veterans to participate in the program, secure established farmers and ranchers to provide the mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities, and make and administer direct loans to support the resulting mentorship and apprenticeship. The loans must be made without interest and may not exceed a term of one year. Of the amounts appropriated for FY2019-FY2023 for the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA must use $1 million for each of the fiscal years for the program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2017
Fallen Warrior Battlefield Cross Memorial Act This bill states that the Department of Veterans Affairs may not prohibit the display of a Battlefield Cross in any national cemetery. "Battlefield Cross" means a memorial monument in honor of fallen members of the Armed Forces that may include a replica of an inverted rifle, boots, helmets, and identification tag.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2017
Small Business Credit Availability Act This bill amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to reduce the required asset-coverage ratio applicable to a Business Development Company (BDC) from 200% to 150% if: (1) the BDC makes specified disclosures on its website and to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); and (2) the modified asset-coverage ratio is approved by the required majority of the BDC's directors, general partners, or shareholders (as applicable). The SEC must allow BDCs to use securities offering and proxy rules that are available to other issuers.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2017
Regulation At [ sic ] Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase the dollar limit of certain securities offerings exempt from registration requirements from $50 million annually to $75 million annually, adjusted in future years for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2017
Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act or the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award cooperative agreements to state and local health departments to expand activities related to Alzheimer's disease, including activities involving early detection, support for caregivers, and public awareness.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2017
Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to block the assets of foreign persons or entities and prohibit transactions with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism with respect to As-Saib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) and Harakat Hizballah al-Nujaba (Nujaba) and foreign persons who are officials, agents, or affiliates of AAH or Nujaba. The Department of State shall annually establish and publish as part of its Annual Country Reports on Terrorism a global list of armed groups, militias, or proxy forces receiving logistical, military, or financial assistance from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or from groups over which the IRGC exerts control or influence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2017
Protecting Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment Access Act of 2017 or the Protecting HOME Access Act of 2017 This bill: (1) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to delay by one year the full implementation of new Medicare payment rates for durable medical equipment, and (2) revises a Medicare budget-neutrality requirement related to oxygen. Under current law, the CMS may establish separate payment classes under Medicare for items of oxygen and related equipment only if doing so does not result in increased program expenditures. The bill provides an exception to this budget-neutrality requirement with respect to such items that are included in a competitive acquisition program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2017
Preparing Homeless Youth for Education and Employment Act This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to allow grants awarded through the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program to be used for providing in-person dropout prevention services and college and career counseling services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2017
Small and Seasonal Business Relief Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt returning workers from the nonimmigrant H-2B visa (temporary nonagricultural services) annual numerical limitations: (1) through FY2018 for those individuals already counted toward such limitation in FY2016 or FY2017, and (2) during the next fiscal year for those individuals already counted toward such limitation in FY2018 or FY2019. Such amendment shall take effect as if enacted on October 1, 2017.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2017
Dialysis Patient Access to Integrated-care, Empowerment, Nephrologists, Treatment, and Services Demonstration Act of 2017 or the Dialysis PATIENTS Demonstration Act of 2017 This bill establishes a demonstration program for the provision of integrated care to Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Under the voluntary program, eligible participating providers may form organizations to offer ESRD integrated care models and serve as medical homes for program-eligible beneficiaries. Such a model: (1) shall cover medical and hospital services, other than hospice care, under Medicare; (2) must include benefits for transition into transplantation, palliative care, or hospice; and (3) may cover prescription drug benefits. An organization must offer at least one open network model but may also offer one or more preferred network models. An organization shall return savings achieved under the models to program-eligible beneficiaries. A beneficiary shall have the opportunity to: (1) opt out of the program, (2) make an assignment change into an open network model offered by a different organization, or (3) elect a preferred network model. The bill establishes requirements regarding: (1) benefits for program-eligible beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid benefits, (2) program quality and reporting, (2) ESRD integrated care strategy, (3) program operation and scope, (4) beneficiary notification, and (5) payment. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must, before 2025, submit to Congress an interim report on the program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2017
Congressional Sexual Harassment Training Act This bill amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to require each employing office under the Act to ensure that its covered employees enroll in the Office of Compliance's program of education that informs employees of the rights provided under the Act against sexual harassment: (1) within 60 days after first becoming an employee; (2) for existing employees, within 90 days after enactment of this bill; and (3) every two years.
![Official portrait of Rep. Stivers, Steve [R-OH-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001187_200.jpg)