United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Engineers Week to increase understanding of, and interest in, engineering and technology careers. The resolution recognizes that engineering education is a critical component of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020
This bill revises the tax deduction for interest on education loans to provide that the $2,500 limitation on such deduction shall apply separately to each taxpayer claiming the deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020 This bill sets forth requirements related to waste and recycling collection systems for a variety of products and materials, including plastics. The bill makes certain producers of products (e.g., packaging, paper, single-use products, beverage containers, or food service products) fiscally responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling or composting the products after consumer use. In addition, the bill establishes (1) minimum percentages of products that must be reused, recycled, or composted; and (2) an increasing percentage of recycled content that must be contained in beverage containers. Beginning on January 1, 2022, the bill phases out a variety of single-use products, such as plastic utensils. The bill also sets forth provisions to encourage the reduction of single-use products, including by establishing programs to refund consumers for returning beverage containers and by establishing a tax on carryout bags. The bill creates a temporary moratorium on new or expanded permits for facilities that manufacture plastics until regulations are updated to address pollution from the facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency must publish guidelines for a national standardized labeling system for recycling and composting receptacles. Producers must include labels on their products that are easy to read and indicate whether the products are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Finally, the bill establishes limitations on the export of plastic waste to other countries.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2020
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development for Underfunded Projects Act or the BUILD UP Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation to set aside at least 30% of funds from its BUILD Transportation Discretionary Grant program for cities with populations of between 10,000 and 75,000, whether or not one or more of such cities are considered part of an urbanized area as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020
America's Red Rock Wilderness Act This bill designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin, (2) Grand Staircase-Escalante, (3) Moab-La Sal Canyons, (4) Henry Mountains, (5) Glen Canyon, (6) San Juan-Anasazi, (7) Canyonlands Basin, (8) San Rafael Swell, and (9) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin. The bill sets forth administrative requirements for (1) the exchange of state-owned lands within such areas, (2) federal reservation of water rights, (3) measurement of setbacks for roads with adjacent wilderness, (4) authorized livestock grazing, and (5) withdrawal of such lands from disposition under certain public land laws.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2020
RTP Full Funding Act of 2020 This bill addresses provisions regarding the recreational trails program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to carry out an assessment of the best available estimate of the total amount of nonhighway recreational fuel taxes received by the Department of the Treasury and transferred to the Highway Trust Fund for the period covered by the assessment; the Federal Highway Administration to establish financial management information system codes for certain motorized and non-motorized use projects, including single and diverse use projects; DOT to reserve certain amounts of the state apportionment of funds each fiscal year for administrative, research, technical assistance, and training expenses to carry out the recreational trails program; and states to obligate a specific amount of reserved funds each fiscal year for the recreational trails program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020
National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Update Act This bill requires the White House Homeland Security Council (HSC) and the National Security Council (NSC) to update the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza issued by the HSC in November 2005 within 90 days of this bill's enactment. The implementation plan associated with the strategy shall be updated not later than 180 days after such update.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2020
Protecting Americans from Seasonal Influenza Act of 2020 This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award grants to increase seasonable influenza vaccination rates in states that have sustained influenza vaccination rates below recommended levels. State health agencies receiving such grants must include at least one of the elements set out in the bill in their programs. Among others, these include (1) increasing outreach to vulnerable populations, (2) encouraging employer-based vaccination programs, and (3) coordinating between health care providers and insurers to reduce out-of-pocket costs of vaccinations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2020
This resolution commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp and honors survivors of the Holocaust, as well as members of the Allied forces who liberated Auschwitz. The resolution urges the United States to improve efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry and intolerance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2020
This resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year. The resolution expresses, in observance of this Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rat, the deepest respect of the House of Representatives for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate this significant occasion. The resolution wishes Asian Americans and all individuals who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should enact the Voters with Disabilities Bill of Rights to ensure that voters with disabilities have equal access to the ballot box.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020
This resolution expresses support for Australia, as well as greater collaboration between the United States and Australia to promote wildfire mitigation and prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
This resolution encourages the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain and strengthen requirements that keep waterways clean. It also encourages the EPA to end or reverse administrative actions that weaken requirements protecting the nation's waters.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2020
Access to Counsel Act of 2020 This bill establishes various protections for aliens in certain immigration-related proceedings or inspections. When an alien is undergoing certain types of inspections or is subject to a removal, exclusion, or deportation proceeding, the alien shall be entitled to representation by counsel of the alien's choice, at no cost to the government. The current statute only states that an alien is entitled to representation in removal proceedings. If such an alien is subject to detention or inspection at a port of entry and cannot meet with counsel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shall provide for remote communication with counsel. If such an alien has been denied access to counsel, the alien may not submit paperwork to abandon lawful permanent resident status or to withdraw an application for admission. The detention of an individual at a port of entry or a CBP or ICE facility shall (1) be limited to the briefest term and the least restrictive conditions necessary, and (2) include access to food, water, and restrooms.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
This resolution recognizes (1) National Mentoring Month, and (2) the staff and volunteers at quality mentoring programs who help young people reach their full potential.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the incidental taking (e.g., capturing or killing) of migratory birds by commercial activities unless the activity is authorized under a permit or is identified as posing de minimis risk to migratory birds. The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) must regulate such incidental taking, including by (1) issuing general permits for certain industries, (2) creating a mitigation fee for any incidental taking of migratory birds, and (3) identifying categories of de minimis risk activities that are exempt from liability for the taking of migratory birds. In addition, the FWS must establish and maintain a research program: (1) to evaluate the impacts of commercial activities on birds, (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices and technologies to avoid or minimize such impacts, and (3) to develop new or improved best management practices and technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
This concurrent resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran unless (1) Congress has declared war or specifically authorized such use in statute, or (2) such use is necessary and appropriate to defend against an imminent armed attack upon the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2020
No War Against Iran Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran unless Congress has either declared war or enacted specific statutory authorization for such use. An exception is made for a presidential exercise of power to introduce Armed Forces into hostilities (or situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated) when there is a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States. The bill further states that no prior authorizations of military force (e.g., against Iraq) may be construed to authorize the use of military force against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Iceland Commercial and Economic Leadership for Arctic and National Development Act or the ICELAND Act This bill establishes that a national of Iceland shall be eligible for an E visa (for an investor or trader who is a national of a foreign country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States) if Iceland provides a similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Signing is Language Act This bill counts an individual whose native language is sign language in the number of English learners in a state for the purpose of determining the amount of federal funds allotted to a state for English language programs in schools.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
This resolution recognizes the fourth anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement, an international agreement to keep global temperature from rising 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, and recommends that the United States remain a signatory to the global warming agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2019
This resolution expresses sorrow at the death of William Ruckelshaus (the founding administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under President Nixon) and honors him for his principled service to our nation, his commitment to the rule of law, and his work to ensure a livable planet for future generations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019
This resolution expresses disapproval for the President's notification to the United Nations of his intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement and commends the entities that have expressed their support for the Paris Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 2019
International Violence Against Women Act of 2019 This bill provides for a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. The bill establishes in the Department of State an Office of Global Women's Issues, which shall be headed by an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. The Ambassador-at-Large shall (1) coordinate U.S. government efforts regarding gender equality and the advancement of women and girls in foreign policy, and (2) develop or update periodically a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. The bill establishes in the U.S. Agency for International Development the position of Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment who shall direct policies, programs, and funding regarding gender equality and women's empowerment. The bill requires that U.S. assistance made available for humanitarian relief, conflict mitigation, and post-conflict reconstruction prevents and responds to violence against women and girls. The Department of State shall also identify incidents that occur during armed conflict and implement emergency responses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 2019
This resolution acknowledges the maternal health crisis disproportionately affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women that has led to high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. The resolution calls for urgent funding increases for the Indian Health Service, Tribally Operated Health Centers, Urban Indian Organizations, and Native Hawaiian health care programs to improve access to high-quality maternal health, prenatal care, and family planning services. Additionally, the resolution recognizes the federal government's failure to uphold tribal treaty rights pertaining to the provision of adequate health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Finally, the resolution calls for the prioritization of policy for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women to reduce long-standing barriers to maternal health and family planning services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act This bill revises and reauthorizes the surface transportation block grant program (Transportation Alternatives Program) in the Department of Transportation (DOT). For example, states are allowed to allocate funds under the program to counties, metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation planning organizations, and local governments. Additionally, metropolitan planning organizations that serve an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or fewer are eligible for funding. The bill also (1) adjusts the funding limits for states to improve the ability of applicants to access funding in an efficient and expeditious manner, (2) limits the transferability of funds under the program unless a state meets certain requirements, and (3) expands the safe route to school program of DOT to high schools. Currently, the safe route to school program is carried out for the benefit of children in primary and middle schools (schools providing education from kindergarten through eighth grade).
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 This bill establishes requirements to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Specifically, the bill sets a national goal of achieving a 100% clean economy (i.e., economy-wide, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions) by no later than 2050. Each federal agency must develop and implement a plan to rapidly achieve the national goal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress of the United States in achieving the national goal. In addition, the EPA must establish the Clean Economy Federal Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the EPA on one or more interim greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals for the United States to achieve before achieving the national goal. After obtaining the committee's recommendations, the EPA must recommend to Congress one or more interim goals.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the International Olympic Committee should officially recognize Jim Thorpe's athletic achievements as the sole Gold Medalist in the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon events and correct these inaccuracies in the official Olympic books.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
Stop Sexual Assault and Harassment in Transportation Act This bill establishes formal sexual assault and harassment policies for the transportation industry. Among other things, the bill requires certain passenger transportation carriers, including passenger airlines and vessels, buses, commuter and intercity passenger railroads, and transportation network companies (e.g., Uber or Lyft) to establish formal policies, training, and reporting structures regarding sexual assault and harassment; sets forth civil penalties for individuals who physically assault or sexually assault-or threaten to assault transportation personnel; directs the Department of Transportation to collect information on the number of sexual assault and harassment incidents reported by the carriers and make such information publicly available; and expands the reporting process for individuals involved in transportation sexual assault or harassment incidents by allowing such individuals to report allegations to law enforcement in a manner that protects their privacy and confidentiality.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
Humane Cosmetics Act of 2019 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
Open Skies Treaty Stability Act This bill prohibits the President from suspending, terminating, or withdrawing the United States from the Open Skies Treaty, unless the Department of Defense and the Department of State jointly certify to Congress that (1) Russia is in material breach of the treaty and is not taking steps to return to compliance, (2) withdrawal from the treaty is in the best interests of U.S. national security, (3) there is a comprehensive strategy to mitigate against reduced military transparency, and (4) other countries that are party to the treaty have been consulted as to Russia's breach and U.S. intentions to withdraw. (The treaty allows participating countries to fly unarmed observation aircraft over each other's territory and places various limits and requirements on such flights.)
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2019
Promoting Service in Transportation Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish and administer a transportation workforce outreach program to (1) increase awareness of transportation career opportunities; and (2) increase diversity such as race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status of professionals in the transportation sector.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2019
This resolution (1) recognizes Seattle Sounders FC for winning the 2019 Major League Soccer Cup, and (2) supports equity in men's and women's professional sports.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
This resolution supports the expansion of the veterans treatment court program, encourages deeper studies into the efficacy of such programs and best practices, and reaffirms the commitment to helping veterans reintegrate to civilian life.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
This resolution lauds the contributions of the partner nations and institutions that have participated in the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (ISIS). The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combating ISIS and recognizes the critical importance of alliances.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Put Patients First Act This bill prohibits the application of the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services on May 21, 2019, that strengthens the enforcement of conscience and anti-discrimination laws related to the rights of covered health care providers to refuse to participate in certain procedures, such as abortions, sterilization, or assisted suicide.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019
Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act of 2019 or the Helping MOMS Act of 2019 This bill allows states to provide one year of postpartum coverage under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). (Current law requires 60 days of postpartum coverage.) Additionally, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission must report on specified information relating to coverage of doula services under state Medicaid programs, including coverage barriers and recommendations for improvement.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2019
This joint resolution eliminates the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on sex. The amendment was proposed to the states in House Joint Resolution 208 of the 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972. The amendment shall be part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution expresses support for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and those who provide resources, shelter, and assistance to victims of domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Smoke Planning and Research Act of 2019 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to research and mitigate the impacts of smoke emissions from wildland fires. Specifically, the EPA must establish (1) four Centers of Excellence for Wildfire Smoke at institutions of higher education, and (2) a grant program to support community mitigation efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019
Global Child Thrive Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes for FY2020-FY2025 programs to provide assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. The bill also requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to direct relevant executive branch agencies to incorporate early childhood development into current programs and promote inclusive early childhood development in partner countries. Such actions to promote early childhood development shall build on existing U.S. plans and strategies and aim to (1) prevent unnecessary family-child separation, (2) assist families with children with disabilities, and (3) help countries transition from child care protection systems that rely on residential care (such as orphanages and children's homes) to ones focused on family-based care.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019
General James N. Mattis Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to General James N. Mattis in recognition of his distinguished military career. Following the award, the medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it shall be available for display as appropriate and made available for research. The U.S. Mint may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Covering our FAS Allies Act This bill permits Medicaid coverage for citizens of the Freely Associated States (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) lawfully residing in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Remote Seafood Employee Meals Tax Parity Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the 50% limitation on the tax deduction for business meals shall not apply to meals provided on certain fishing vessels or at certain fish processing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Support UNFPA Funding Act This bill authorizes annual contributions to support the core functions and programs of the United Nations Population Fund for the five fiscal years following the bill's enactment.