United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2018
Calls on the United States to work with the Iraqi government, local governments, and the international community to facilitate the safe return of displaced peoples to the Nineveh Plain region of Iraq.
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 · 8 February 2018
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act This bill amends the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to prohibit the Act from being construed to preclude or limit the applicability of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2018
Stopping Lawless Actions of Politicians Act of 2018 or the SLAP Act of 2018 This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime for a state or local official to knowingly release from custody an individual who is an alien subject to a detainer. It imposes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both—on a violator. A state or political subdivision that complies with a detainer is deemed to be an agent of the Department of Homeland Security and is authorized to take actions to comply with the detainer. The bill limits the liability of a state or political subdivision, or an officer or employee of such state or political subdivision, for actions in compliance with the detainer.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2018
Release the Memo Resolution Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence should immediately hold a recorded vote on making public a memo alleging improper conduct in the use of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice that was prepared by members of the committee, as well as ancillary information. Urges the quick release of the memo and information to the public if the committee votes to make such documents available.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2018
Commonsense Flood Prevention Act This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to examine the license for the Toledo Bend Hydroelectric Project (located on the Sabine River in Panola, Shelby, Sabine, and Newton Counties in Texas and DeSoto, Sabine, and Vernon Parishes in Louisiana) and the Medina Dam Project (located on the Medina River in Medina County, Texas).
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2018
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion: (1) perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman; (2) provide a simultaneous explanation of what the ultrasound is depicting; (3) display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them; and (4) provide a complete medical description of the images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus, cardiac activity if present and visible, and the presence of external members and internal organs if present and viewable. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations. It prohibits construing this bill to require a woman to view the images or penalizing the provider or the woman if the woman declines to look at the images.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2018
Visa Transparency Anti-Trafficking Act of 2018 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) expand nonimmigrant employer annual data reporting requirements to include all nonimmigrant worker categories and compensated cultural exchange, training, and business classifications; and (2) require that such information be made public. (Employment means employment in the United States and includes cultural exchanges, training, or business activities for which the nonimmigrant receives any form of compensation.) Expanded reporting requirements shall include information regarding: (1) age and gender of admitted nonimmigrants, (2) categories and numbers of visas issued and numbers of persons admitted under each visa, (4) blanket petitions, (5) nonimmigrant worker employers, and (6) citizens of nations with Compacts of Free Association with the United States who are authorized to reside permanently in the United States as nonimmigrants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State, and the Department of Labor may revise forms or databases used to regulate nonimmigrant visas or grant nonimmigrant status. The State Department and Labor shall share report-related information with DHS.
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
Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act This bill directs the President to identify and impose sanctions against senior members of the government of Iran and other persons who are responsible for or complicit in committing serious human rights violations, or engaging in censorship, the diversion of goods intended for the people of Iran, or public corruption. The President shall identify and impose U.S. entry and financial sanctions against persons who are responsible for or complicit in the politically-motivated intimidation, detention, or trial of: (1) U.S. citizens or legal permanent resident aliens in Iran; or (2) Iranians, Iranian residents, or persons of Iranian origin outside of Iran. The President shall impose U.S. entry sanctions against specified family members of identified persons. The Department of State shall submit to Congress a strategy to prevent elements of the Iranian regime from engaging in hostage-taking or the prolonged arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens or legal permanent resident aliens. The bill authorizes the consolidation of certain Iran-related reports.
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 · 21 December 2017
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Don and Deyon Stephens, founders of Mercy Ships.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
Disapproves of the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/L.22 on December 21, 2017, which rejects U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Affirms the December 6, 2017, presidential proclamation recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and directing the Department of State to prepare to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Urges the President to direct the State Department to report to Congress on the status of U.S. assistance provided to countries that voted to adopt such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2017
Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy to carry out a research program on low-dose radiation to enhance the scientific understanding of the effects of exposure and to improve risk-assessment and risk-management methods. "Low-dose radiation" is defined as a dose less than 100 millisieverts. (The Nuclear Regulatory Commission limits an adult's annual occupational radiation dose to 50 millisieverts.)
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017
Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots Act of 2017 or the CREEPER Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to broaden the prohibition on importation or transportation of obscene materials. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime to import, or knowingly use a common carrier or interactive computer service to transport in interstate or foreign commerce, a child sex doll.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017
Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2017 This bill imposes criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly or knowingly attempts to: (1) perform an abortion knowing that the abortion is sought based on the sex or gender of the child, (2) use force or the threat of force to coerce a sex-selection abortion, (3) solicit or accept funds for the performance of such an abortion, or (4) transport a woman into the United States or across a state line for the purpose of obtaining such an abortion. The bill authorizes civil actions by: (1) fathers, or maternal grandparents if the mother is an unemancipated minor, of unborn children who are the subject of a prohibited sex-selection abortion; or (2) women upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted with a knowing or attempted use of force or threat of force to coerce a sex-selection abortion. The bill also authorizes injunctive relief to prevent an abortion provider from performing or attempting further such abortions. Violations of this bill are deemed to be prohibited discrimination under title VI (Federally Assisted Programs) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Medical and mental health professionals must report known or suspected violations to law enforcement authorities. A woman having such an abortion may not be prosecuted or held civilly liable. Courts must make such orders as necessary to protect the anonymity of any woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted if she does not give her written consent to such disclosure. In the absence of such consent, any party, other than a public official, who brings an action must use a pseudonym.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017
Preventing Iranian Destabilization of Iraq Act of 2017 This bill imposes property-blocking and U.S. entry/visa sanctions until January 1, 2022, against any foreign person or entity that: has knowingly committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, violence that threatens Iraq's stability or that undermines its economic reconstruction and political reform; has knowingly assisted, or provided financial, material, or technological support for any such activity; or is owned or controlled by, or has acted on behalf of, a foreign person that has carried out any such activity.
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 · 30 November 2017
Adoption Information Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require family planning service projects or programs, as a condition of receiving certain grants or contracts, to assure the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that they will provide each person who inquires about their services with a pamphlet containing a comprehensive list of adoption centers in their state. The bill directs HHS to prepare, annually update, and distribute such pamphlets to such projects or programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2017
Recognizes the importance of Christmas symbols and traditions. Disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas. Expresses support for the use of these symbols and traditions by those who celebrate Christmas.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017
This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to authorize the President to waive the general prohibition against duplication of benefits for losses as a result of a major disaster or emergency if the President finds such waiver is in the public interest. A request for a waiver must be granted or denied not later than 45 days after its submission. In making a waiver decision the President may consider the recommendations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and cost benefits. The President may not determine that a loan is a duplication of assistance. The general prohibition against duplication of benefits under the Stafford Act does not preclude funding of activities associated with the construction of a federally authorized water resources development project.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2017
Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a national user facility. DOE must consult with the private sector, universities, national laboratories, and relevant federal agencies to ensure that the versatile neutron source is capable of meeting federal research needs for neutron irradiation services. DOE must ensure the national user facility will provide fast neutron spectrum irradiation capability and capacity for upgrades to accommodate new or expanded research needs. DOE must also ensure that full operation of the facility occurs before December 31, 2025.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2017
Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to: (1) provide for an upgrade to the Advanced Light Source, and (2) ensure that the start of full operations occurs by December 31, 2025. DOE shall: (1) provide for a Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility to facilitate the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, and (2) ensure that the start of full operations occurs by December 31, 2026. DOE shall: (1) provide for a proton power upgrade to the Spallation Neutron Source, and (2) ensure that the start of full operations occurs by December 31, 2025. DOE shall: (1) provide for a second target station for the Spallation Neutron Source, and (2) ensure that the start of full operations occurs by December 31, 2030.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2017
Department of Energy Research Infrastructure Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to: (1) provide for the upgrade to the Advanced Light Source described in the publication titled "Report on Facility Upgrades" approved by the Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee on June 9, 2016, and (2) ensure that the start of full operations for such upgrade occurs by December 31, 2026. DOE shall: (1) provide for the upgrade to the Linac Coherent Light Source II facility described in such publication, and (2) ensure that the start of full operations for such upgrade occurs by December 31, 2025. DOE shall: (1) provide for a Facility for Rare Isotope Beams to advance the understanding of rare nuclear isotopes and the evolution of the cosmos, and (2) ensure that the start of full operations for such facility occurs by June 30, 2022.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2017
Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2017 This bill amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to expand the scope of "covered transaction" subject to the review of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). CFIUS analyzes the national security implications of foreign investment in the United States. A covered transaction includes: any merger, acquisition, or takeover that could result in foreign control of any U.S. business, the purchase or lease of real estate located in the United States that is in close proximity to a U.S. military installation or to another U.S. government facility or property that is sensitive for reasons relating to national security, other investment in a U.S. critical technology company or U.S. critical infrastructure company, any change in a foreign investor's rights that results in foreign control of a U.S. business, the contribution of intellectual property to a foreign person, or any other transaction, transfer, agreement, or arrangement designed to evade or circumvent the authority of CFIUS. The bill revises other provisions relating to CFIUS, including the length of its review period, special hiring authority and funding, and authority to mandate reviews or take unilateral action.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2017
Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2017 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make postsecondary education courses and programs, such as apprenticeship programs, that provide credits toward a postsecondary certification, credential, or degree eligible for federal student aid funding if the programs and courses are accredited by a state that has an alternative accreditation agreement with the Department of Education. The bill terminates loan forgiveness for borrowers under the income contingent repayment options for new loans made under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. An institution that receives federal student aid funding must pay a default rate fine that is based on the default rate of loans made to its students.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2017
Strengthening the Economy with Critical Untapped Resources to Expand American Energy Act or the SECURE American Energy Act Accessing Strategic Resources Offshore Act or the ASTRO Act This bill addresses offshore and onshore oil and gas resources on the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and other federal lands. The bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to establish a revenue sharing framework to distribute revenues collected from oil and gas leasing on the OCS to certain states (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alaska). The bill also increases, for FY2029-FY2059, the amount of qualified OCS revenues available for distribution to Gulf producing states (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas). The bill limits the President's authority to prohibit oil and gas leasing on the OCS. Under the bill, the Department of the Interior must conduct wind lease sales on the OCS off the coast of California and Hawaii. Opportunities for the Nation and States to Harness Onshore Resources for Energy Act or the ONSHORE Act The bill allows states with an established permitting and regulatory programs to manage certain federal permitting and regulatory responsibilities for oil and gas development on federal lands within their borders. The bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to provide a mechanism for states to receive their entitled percentage of sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals for all public land or deposits located in the state. Interior must defer to state regulations, guidance, and permit requirements for all activities regarding hydraulic fracturing relating to oil, gas, or geothermal production activities on federal land.
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 · 3 November 2017
Congratulates the Houston Astros on on winning the 2017 Major League Baseball World Series Championship. Recognizes the Astros for their distinguished history, contributions to the baseball world, and their drive to help the Houston community heal after Hurricane Harvey.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2017
No Abortion Bonds Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose taxes on state, local, and tax credit bonds that are used to provide a facility owned or used (for any purpose) by an abortion provider for more than 30 days during a year in which interest is paid on the bond. An entity is not considered an abortion provider solely as a result of performing abortions if: (1) the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest; or (2) a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. The Department of the Treasury may exempt certain hospitals from being considered an abortion provider by making the name of the hospital available on Treasury's public website.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2017
USS Indianapolis Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill requires the House of Representatives and the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design to the crew of the USS Indianapolis, in recognition of their perseverance, bravery, and service. Following the award of the gold medal, it shall be given to the Indiana War Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana, where it will be displayed and made available for research. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the Indiana War Memorial Museum should make the gold medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at other locations and events associated with the USS Indianapolis.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2017
This bill provides that the Department of Veterans Affairs per diem payment calculation for an entity receiving homeless veterans shelter grants for a homeless veteran who has care of a minor dependent while receiving services from such entity shall be the sum of the daily cost of care for the veteran plus, for each minor dependent, an amount that equals 50% of the veteran's daily cost of care.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2017
Reaffirms U.S. support for the government of Georgia, its people, and its membership in NATO. Honors the sacrifices of Georgian servicemembers and their families in the cause of freedom. Supports Georgia's commitment to: (1) a peaceful resolution to the dispute with Russia; and (2) institutional reforms, freedom, territorial independence, and integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. Calls for the end of Russia's occupation of Georgian sovereign territory. Supports increased economic cooperation and bilateral trade between the United States and Georgia. Calls for the Georgian government to: (1) strengthen and enforce the rule of law with regard to adhering to contractual obligations and protecting intellectual property rights, and (2) demonstrate its commitment to welcome and respect freely negotiated conditions of business investment. Stands by Georgia and its people and the shared vision of a free and independent Georgia.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2017
DOE Loan Guarantee Program Repeal Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the authority of the Department of Energy (DOE) to issue loan guarantees for innovative energy projects. The bill rescinds funds that are not required to pay possible claims on outstanding loan guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2017
Affirms the Jewish people's historical connection to Jerusalem. Recognizes that the archaeological discoveries from the City of David, the site of ancient Jerusalem, present evidence of the millennia-old connection of Jerusalem to the Jewish people, and, by extension, to Christianity. Commends the government of Israel for protecting the freedoms of all faiths in Jerusalem including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and ensuring their access to holy sites so that they may worship freely. Condemns efforts by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to delegitimize Israel through attempts to rewrite and deny Jerusalem's history. Encourages the United States to continue working with allies to prevent UNESCO from passing biased anti-Israel resolutions in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2017
Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to establish a five-year strategy to accelerate progress toward ending preventable child and maternal deaths within a generation and ensure healthy and productive lives for women and children. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) shall: (1) identify target countries with the greatest need and the highest burden of preventable child and maternal deaths, and (2) designate a current USAID employee serving in the Senior Executive Service or at the level of a Deputy Assistant Administrator or higher to serve concurrently as the Senior Coordinator for Child and Maternal Survival.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2017
Veterans Education Disaster Assistance Act This bill increases Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 educational assistance for veterans pursuing a course of education at an institute of higher education that is closed for at least four weeks because of natural disasters and who pursue such course, or an alternative course, solely by distance learning. The duration of monthly stipends is extended from four months to the shorter of four months or the period necessary to complete the quarter, semester, term, or academic period during the institute's closure. Such stipend is increased from 50% to the full amount that a veteran would be entitled to if pursuing such course of at an institution of higher education. An additional lump sum is made available for books and other educational costs made necessary by such distance learning.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2017
Housing for Survivors of Sex Trafficking Act This bill amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to include sex trafficking victims as eligible participants in the transitional housing assistance grant program. The bill permits a grant recipient to condition the receipt of benefits or the provision of housing on a program participant's involvement in certain activities, including confidential counseling and evaluations, as necessary to ensure the accurate placement of the victim in the program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2017
Hurricane Harvey Small Business Recovery Grants Act This bill establishes within the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Hurricane Harvey Small Business Recovery Grants to compensate small businesses, located in a qualified disaster area, for substantial economic injury they suffered resulting from Hurricane Harvey beginning August 25, 2017, and ending August 25, 2018. This compensation (1) excludes interest on the amount of the payment before the settlement or payment of a claim or any punitive or noncompensatory damages; and (2) is limited to $100,000, except in cases where the SBA determines that a greater amount up to $250,000 is appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2017
Texas Flood Accountability Act of 2017 This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit to Congress and make publicly available a report with respect to dams, reservoirs, lakes, and other water retention facilities in Texas. The report shall include: for each such facility, the maximum water capacity that would necessitate an unplanned release of water, the water level at which the facility and each spillway of the facility will overflow, and plans to notify first responders, local officials, and communities of flood emergencies and the projected water levels during such emergencies; a description of steps taken by the Corps of Engineers to limit or prevent unplanned releases of water or overflows from such facilities; recommendations of the Corps for infrastructure improvements and dredging of existing facilities needed to limit or prevent such releases or overflows; plans to coordinate among such facilities during a flood emergency; and a list identifying the such facilities under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's jurisdiction, which shall include a description of the process for lowering water levels at each facility. The Corps may exclude information from the report for national security purposes. Upon the Corps' request, a non-federal entity that owns, operates, or has jurisdiction over a covered facility shall provide the maximum water capacity that would necessitate an unplanned release of water, the water level at which the facility and each spillway of the facility will overflow, and plans to notify first responders, local officials, and communities of flood emergencies and the projected water levels during such emergencies. An entity shall not be eligible for federal financial assistance until it complies with such request.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2017
No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to disqualify from operating a commercial motor vehicle for life an individual who uses such a vehicle in committing a felony involving a severe form of human trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2017
Save American Workers Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the definition of "full-time employee" for purposes of the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from an employee who is employed on average at least 30 hours of service a week to an employee who is employed on average at least 40 hours of service a week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2017
Legal Workforce Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish an employment eligibility verification system (EEVS), patterned after the E-Verify system. An employer shall attest, during the verification period and under penalty of perjury, that the employer has verified that an individual is not an unauthorized alien. An individual shall attest that he or she is a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the United States. The bill establishes a phased-in EEVS participation deadline for different categories of employers, including agricultural employers. The bill requires reverification of certain groups of workers who have not been verified under E-verify. An employer may voluntarily reverify employees. Employment recruitment and referral are included within the scope of EEVS. The bill sets forth provisions regarding: (1) an employer utilizing a good faith defense, (2) preemption of state or local law, (3) employer penalties, and (4) worker remedies for EEVS errors. DHS shall establish programs to: (1) block the use of misused social security numbers, (2) suspend or limit the use of social security account numbers of identity fraud victims, and (3) permit parents or legal guardians to suspend or limit the use of a minor's social security account number or other identifying information. DHS shall establish at least two Identity Authentication Employment Eligibility Verification pilot programs using distinct technologies to provide employers with identity authentication and employment verification of enrolled new employees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017
Securing Our Borders and Wilderness Act This bill amends the Wilderness Act to allow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the following activities within a wilderness area for the purpose of securing the international land borders of the United States: access structures, installations, and roads; use motor vehicles and aircraft; deploy temporary infrastructure in response to emergencies; or construct and maintain roads and fences, subject to the approval of the Department of the Interior. Any such activity shall be carried out in a manner that protects the wilderness character of the area.
![Official portrait of Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000814_200.jpg)