United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2019
National Commission on Scleroderma and Fibrotic Diseases Act of 2019 This bill temporarily establishes a National Commission on Fibrotic Diseases within the National Institutes of Health that must recommend improvements regarding fibrosis and fibrotic disease research.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2019
Election Security Assistance Act This bill addresses security threats to federal elections. Specifically, the bill authorizes grants to states for election technology and security, requires election poll books to meet voting system standards, allows for expedited security clearances for certain state election officials and officials with the Election Assistance Commission, requires federal entities to share information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding election cybersecurity incidents, and requires DHS to share information with state and local officials regarding election cybersecurity incidents.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2019
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Maritime Commission for FY2020-FY2021, and authorizes a specified level of end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and military training student loads to the Coast Guard for such fiscal years. Among other things, the bill addresses (1) retirement grades for Coast Guard personnel, (2) promotion authority for Coast Guard personnel, (3) the use of unmanned maritime and aircraft systems in the Coast Guard, and (4) diversity at the Coast Guard Academy. The bill revises or sets forth policies relating to the Coast Guard, including passenger vessel security and safety requirements, vessel operation requirements, coastwise endorsement determinations, Coast Guard advisory committees, safety zones to address special activities such as offshore energy development in the exclusive economic zone, the use of engine cut-off switches on recreational vessels, polar security cutter acquisitions, and vessel certification extensions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2019
Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training Act or the ENLIST Act This bill allows the enlistment in the Armed Forces of certain aliens who have been unlawfully present in the United States. Specifically, such a person is one who (1) was unlawfully present on December 31, 2012, and has been continuously present since that date, (2) was under 15 years of age on the date of initial entry, and (3) is otherwise eligible for original enlistment in a regular military service component. The bill also establishes a process by which the status of such an alien shall be adjusted to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. It includes conditions under which that status may be rescinded upon a separation from the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2019
Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to carry out prize competitions that promote coral reef research and conservation. The prize competitions must be designed to help the United States achieve its goal of developing new and effective ways to advance the understanding, monitoring, and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems. Priority is given to establish programs that address communities, environments, or industries that are in distress due to the decline or degradation of coral reef ecosystems.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2019
Small Airport Mothers' Rooms Act of 2019 This bill requires small hub airports to maintain a lactation area for nursing mothers and a baby changing table in at least one men's and one women's restroom in each passenger terminal building of the airport. Currently, medium and large hub airports must comply with this requirement by FY2021. The bill requires small hub airports to be in compliance by FY2023.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2019
Puerto Rico Health Care Fairness, Accountability, and Beneficiary Access Act of 2019 This bill alters certain funding and payment mechanisms, and establishes several requirements, for Puerto Rico's Medicaid program. Among other changes, the bill increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) from 55% to 83% through FY2029; beginning in FY2030, the FMAP must be calculated in the same manner as for states (i.e., based on per capita income). Puerto Rico must also expand its Medicaid program to include certain items, services, and populations that states are already required to cover; failure to do so results in a reduction of the applicable FMAP. Additionally, beginning in FY2025, the bill excludes Puerto Rico from a Medicaid funding cap that currently applies to U.S. territories.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2019
Defending All Veterans In Education Act or the DAVIE Act This bill requires a for-profit institution of higher education (IHE), in order to participate in federal student-aid programs, to derive at least 20% of its revenue from sources other than federal funds. Current law requires a for-profit IHE to derive at least 10% of its revenue from sources other than federal funds. The bill also expands the definition of federal funds to include GI education benefits, with an exception for the monthly housing stipend provided under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2019
Territory Health Revitalization Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve a portion of funding under the health profession opportunity grant program for U.S. territories and makes the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for program grants (which provide low-income individuals with education and training in health care occupations). HHS must award at least two grants in U.S. territories.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2019
This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to make payments to specified U.S. possessions (i.e., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa), beginning in 2020 and each calendar year thereafter, for expenditures made by such possessions relating to the earned income tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2019
This resolution condemns the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and expresses sympathy for the victims' relatives. It also expresses concern for the continuing 25-year-long delay in the proper resolution of the case and supports accountability for the attack, including the Iranian and Hezbollah operatives involved.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2019
Disaster Relief Medicaid Act This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements relating to Medicaid coverage of individuals affected by a federally declared major disaster. In particular, the bill provides for specific disaster relief coverage under Medicaid for individuals who meet specified income eligibility standards and, during the seven-day period preceding the disaster, were either residents of the impacted area or were employed in the impacted area (and subsequently lost employment). Coverage is effective for two years after the date of the disaster declaration. State Medicaid programs must provide disaster relief coverage that is at least as comprehensive as the state's Medicaid coverage and the Medicaid coverage of the individual's home state, as applicable. The bill applies a 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage to such coverage and related administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2019
Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment Act or the EFFORT Act This bill directs the National Science Foundation to support merit-reviewed and competitively awarded research on the science of opioid addiction.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2019
75th Anniversary of the End of World War II Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 coins, 500,000 $1 coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The coins shall be emblematic of the sacrifices made by millions of people of the United States 75 years ago in bringing an end to World War II. The design on each coin shall represent the World War II Victory Medal, which was awarded to all 16 million U.S. military personnel who served from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946. The bill requires all sales of such coins include specified surcharges, which shall be paid by Treasury to the congressionally designated National WWII Museum to fund its educational mission of telling the story of the U.S. experience in World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2019
This concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. The resolution also honors the bravery and skill of the crew of Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong, Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins; and commends the efforts of all individuals of the United States who contributed to the achievement of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019
Living Shorelines Act of 2019 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to award grants to state or local governments, Indian tribes, or nonprofit organizations to (1) implement climate-resilient living shoreline projects; and (2) encourage innovation in the use of natural materials to protect coastal communities, habitats, and natural system functions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019
Every Child Deserves a Family Act This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or religion in the provision of child welfare programs and services by entities receiving federal funding. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide technical assistance to help states follow this requirement, including (1) guidance for bringing state laws into compliance, (2) developing training to increase cultural competency related to social identity, and (3) training for judges and attorneys involved in child welfare cases, among other supports. Additionally, HHS must establish the National Resource Center on Safety, Well-Being, Placement Stability, and Permanency for LGBTQ Children and Youth Involved with Child Welfare Services to provide training, technical assistance, and guidance to applicable state and local agencies and service providers. Further, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act may not be the basis for challenging the application or enforcement of this bill. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on states' compliance with the requirements of the bill no later than three years after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019
This resolution (1) recognizes World Oceans Day and affirms the individual and collective duty, both nationally and internationally, to protect, conserve, maintain, and rebuild our oceans and its resources; and (2) expresses commitment to increasing the investment of federal funds into scientific research and monitoring to better understand the changing oceans.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019
Challenges & Prizes for Climate Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a Climate Solutions Challenges program. Under the program, DOE must carry out competitions that award cash and other incentives for climate and energy solutions, such as capturing carbon and converting the carbon into a beneficial use, achieving transformative increases in energy efficiency, achieving implementation or grid integration of advanced energy storage technology, providing approaches to mitigating or adapting to the effects of climate change, or providing data analytics on the climate and related phenomena.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019
Ticks: Identify, Control, and Knockout Act or the TICK Act This bill establishes the Office of Oversight and Coordination for Vector-Borne Diseases within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The office must develop a national strategy to address, and coordinate the federal response to, Lyme disease and other tick- and vector-borne diseases. The office must support research initiatives, tick- and disease-surveillance programs, and diagnostic-testing development, among other activities. HHS must also award grants to support the establishment of Regional Centers of Excellence in Tick and Vector-Borne Diseases. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must form cooperative agreements with state, local, and tribal health departments to address such diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2019 This bill makes certain individuals and households eligible for housing assistance in connection with a major disaster, including Hurricane Maria of 2017. To be eligible, an individual or household must be (1) occupying an otherwise unused or uninhabited property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to and is not renting the property, or (2) residing or have resided in an area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documentary proof of residence. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall consider alternative forms of proof to determine the eligibility of an individual or household for assistance. FEMA shall (1) create and distribute a form statement that applicants for assistance can use to self-certify their eligibility for assistance, and (2) make the statement available in specified languages at all active Disaster Recovery Centers and on its website and social media. FEMA shall enter into agreements with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement a disaster housing assistance program to provide temporary rental assistance to individuals and households displaced by any major disaster during 2017 and 2018, and shall engage in consultations regarding the implementation of such program for future disasters.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act This bill modifies the Conrad 30 Waiver program, which incentivizes qualified foreign physicians to serve in underserved communities. It also extends statutory authority for the program through FY2021. Aliens coming to the United States under a J-1 nonimmigrant visa to receive medical training typically must leave the country and reside for two years abroad before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence. The Conrad program waives this requirement for individuals who meet certain qualifications, including serving for a number of years at a health care facility in an underserved area. The bill increases the number of waivers that a state may obtain each fiscal year from 30 to 35 if a certain number of waivers were used the previous year, and provides for further adjustments depending on demand. An alien physician may be employed at an academic medical center to meet the Conrad program's employment requirements if the alien's work is in the public interest, even if the medical center is not in an underserved area. Employment contracts for alien physicians under the Conrad program shall contain certain information, such as the maximum number of on-call hours per week the physician shall have to work. Certain alien physicians (along with the physician's spouse and children) shall be exempt from the direct annual numerical limits on immigration, including those physicians that have met certain requirements related to visas for physicians to serve in underserved areas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
Medicare IVIG Access Enhancement Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish a three-year demonstration project to evaluate the benefits of providing Medicare coverage and payment for items and services needed for the in-home administration of intravenous immune globulin to treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy or multifocal motor neuropathy. Beneficiary participation shall be voluntary.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
Vietnam-Era Veterans Hepatitis C Testing Enhancement Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a one-year pilot program to make hepatitis C testing available to certain veterans at events organized by veterans service organizations. To be eligible, a veteran must have served in the active military, naval, or air service between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, and must have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. The program shall be carried out in two rural and three urban Veterans Integrated Service Networks (regional VA health care administrative areas). The VA shall expand the program to all networks if at least 350,000 veterans are tested for hepatitis C by the program's termination date.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Bipartisan Disaster Recovery Funding Act of 2019 This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget, within 60 days, to release certain funding awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for mitigation activities under the Community Development Block Grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act This bill modifies the requirements for calculating taxable income to exclude from gross income payments under the federal veterinary medicine loan repayment program or any state loan repayment or forgiveness program that is intended to provide for increased access to veterinary services in such state.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through December 31, 2027, provisions requiring the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp for first-class mail that costs more than the regular first-class stamp to raise funds for breast cancer research.
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 · 9 May 2019
Tax Equity and Prosperity for Puerto Rican Families Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to make specified annual federal matching payments to Puerto Rico for expanding its earned income tax credit as specified in the bill. After the tax credit is expanded, Treasury must also provide a one-time grant to Puerto Rico for taxpayer education efforts relating to the earned income tax credit, including education of paid tax preparers. The bill also provides appropriations to carry out the programs established by this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019
Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations Act of 2019 or the VET CARE Act of 2019 This bill addresses dental care programs for veterans. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish administrative support to a dental care provider that provides services to a veteran that would not be covered by VA benefits. The bill also requires the VA to implement a pilot program to provide free outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, to eligible veterans. Eligible veterans are those who are (1) enrolled in the VA health care system but are not eligible for VA dental care, (2) not receiving regular periodontal care, (3) between 40 and 70 years old, and (4) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019
Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Act This bill expands eligibility for certain Small Business Administration programs to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019
Honest Ads Act This bill applies requirements, limitations, and protections regarding political advertising in traditional media to internet or digital political advertising. The bill sets forth special rules for disclosure statements for certain internet or digital ads. Each television or radio station, provider of cable or satellite television, or online platform must ensure that the political advertising it hosts is not directly or indirectly purchased by a foreign national. Online platforms must publish a record of requests to purchase political advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2019
Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects Act This bill makes an entity seeking assistance under a hazard mitigation assistance program eligible to receive such assistance for certain projects already in progress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2019
STEM Opportunities Act of 2019 This bill provides for guidance, data collection, and grants for groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at institutions of higher education (IHEs) and at federal science agencies. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to provide specified guidance related to such groups to federal science agencies and IHEs. Each federal science agency must collect comprehensive demographic data on recipients of merit-reviewed research and development grants given to IHEs and federal laboratories supported by that agency. Each agency must also implement recommendations from the OSTP report titled Reducing the Impact of Bias in the STEM Workforce . In addition, each agency must carry out a pilot program and implement policies and practices to minimize the effect of implicit bias in the grant review process. The National Science Foundation (NSF) must carry out and publish a survey to collect institution-level data on the demographics of STEM faculty, by broad fields of STEM, at different types of IHEs. The NSF must also carry out a variety of grant programs, including grants for increasing (1) the recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals from underrepresented minority groups in STEM careers; (2) the recruitment and retention of minority students who are underrepresented in STEM fields; and (3) student participation in computer science and computational thinking education programs at tribal colleges and universities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2019
This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, providing for women's suffrage. The resolution also reaffirms the desire of Congress to continue strengthening democratic participation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
Securing American Nonprofit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2019 This bill establishes in the Department of Homeland Security a Nonprofit Security Grant Program, under which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall make grants to eligible nonprofit organizations (tax-exempt organizations and those determined to be at risk of a terrorist attack) for target hardening and other security enhancements to protect against terrorist attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
Federal Retirement Fairness Act This bill modifies the federal civilian service that is creditable service under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Specifically, it expands the nondeduction service that may be creditable under FERS. Nondeduction service is federal service where an employee's pay is not subject to retirement deductions (e.g., service under a temporary appointment). Currently, nondeduction service performed before January 1, 1989, is creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund to cover the period of nondeduction service. This bill allows nondeduction service performed on or after January 1, 1989, to be creditable under FERS so long as a deposit is made into the retirement fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans to report on and make recommendations regarding the use of public lands or other outdoor spaces for medical treatment and therapy for veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act This bill provides a discretionary spending limit adjustment for full utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to ensure that funds are used to support navigation and maintain federally authorized harbors. The bill makes certain amounts in the trust fund available, without appropriation, to pay 100% of the eligible operations and maintenance costs of specified portions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway (a system of locks, canals, and channels in Canada and the United States that permits oceangoing vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes); and up to 100% of the eligible operations and maintenance costs assigned to commercial navigation of all U.S. harbors and inland harbors. The discretionary spending adjustment in a given fiscal year may not exceed the amount within the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund on the last day of the fiscal year that is two years prior to such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
National Museum of the American Latino Act This bill establishes the National Museum of the American Latino in the Smithsonian Institution. The purposes of the museum are to (1) illuminate Latino contributions to the story of the United States; (2) provide for the collection, study, research, publication, and establishment of exhibitions and programs related to Latino life, art, history, and culture; and (3) provide for collaboration with Smithsonian Institution museums and research centers and other museums and educational institutions in the United States and abroad to promote the study and appreciation of Latino life, art, history, culture, and its impact on society in the United States. The bill establishes a Board of Trustees for the museum to advise and assist the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian on all matters related to the administration and preservation of the museum. The Director of the museum shall manage the museum and may carry out educational and liaison programs in support of its goals. The Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services shall establish and carry out specified grant programs and a scholarship program, including a grant program to promote the understanding of the Latin American diaspora in the United States. The Board of Regents shall designate a site for the museum and is authorized to design and construct it.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and revises the National Sea Grant College Program, through which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) supports university-based programs that focus on studying, conserving, and effectively using U.S. coastal resources. Among other things, the bill requires NOAA to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. The fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches. The bill reauthorizes through FY2025 grants for (1) university research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) university research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) university research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding. The bill authorizes grants for (1) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan, and (2) university research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies.
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 · 30 April 2019
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2019 This bill addresses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. The bill sets forth new requirements for the corps, including requirements concerning commissioned grades and operational strength numbers, obligated service, training and physical fitness, education loan assistance, recruitment, hiring and promotions, retirement and separation, and other workforce issues.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2019
Renewable Energy for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Act This bill addresses renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish a grant program under which USDA may award grants for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency activities, energy storage, smart grids, or microgrids. In addition, USDA may award grants to train residents of Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands to develop, construct, maintain, or operate renewable energy systems. The Department of Energy must ensure that its national laboratories offer to provide technical assistance to grant recipients. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on renewable energy and energy efficiency in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2019
Puerto Rico Air Cargo Industry Empowerment Act This bill modifies foreign civil aircraft regulation with respect to air cargo in Puerto Rico. Current law prohibits foreign civil aircraft from exchanging cargo in the United States unless the aircraft is specifically authorized to do so or the exchange occurs in Alaska. This bill applies air cargo regulation to Puerto Rico in the same way that it applies to Alaska. Thus, the bill allows foreign civil aircraft to stop in Puerto Rico and exchange cargo with other air carriers.
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.