United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2019
Student Veteran Protection Act This bill provides that overpayments made by an educational institution to a veteran or eligible person entitled to educational assistance shall constitute a liability of the educational institution to the United States if the payment was made as a payment of established charges to educational institutions, advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance, or a public-private contribution for additional education assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2019
This resolution recognizes the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic for their achievements in building prosperous, democratic societies since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. The resolution also commends the countries for their support of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) operations in Afghanistan and reaffirms the United States' commitment to a free and peaceful Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Fair Sugar Policy Act of 2019 This bill makes several modifications to the Department of Agriculture's sugar program. Among other modifications, the bill decreases the rate for price support loans, repeals the marketing allotments, revises the administration of import quotas, and repeals the Feedstock Flexibility Program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2019
Support And Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act of 2019 or the SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving any new drug (either as a brand-name drug or a generic) intended to terminate a pregnancy and imposes additional restrictions on such drugs that are already approved. Under the bill, an already-approved drug intended to terminate a pregnancy may be dispensed to a patient only with a prescription. Furthermore, the FDA may not approve any labeling change that would authorize (1) using the drug after 70 days of gestation, or (2) dispensing the drug by any means other than in-person administration by the prescribing health care practitioner. The FDA must also impose additional restrictions on such already-approved drugs, including by (1) requiring the prescribing health care practitioner to receive a special certification, (2) prohibiting the practitioner to also act as the dispensing pharmacist, and (3) requiring the practitioner to have the ability to provide surgical intervention to the patient. The bill also rescinds any investigational use exemption already granted to such a drug if the bill would have prohibited the FDA from granting the exemption. (Currently, the FDA may grant an exemption to certain market approval requirements if a drug is intended solely for use in safety and effectiveness investigations.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
TBI and PTSD Treatment Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act or the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder through a method where veterans train service dogs for veterans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
Broadband Interagency Coordination Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Department of Agriculture to enter into an interagency agreement to coordinate the distribution of federal funds for new broadband deployment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week per year as Battle Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks. The VA shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during such week.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 2019
This concurrent resolution recognizes the 35th anniversary of the Mexico City policy, which prohibits foreign nongovernmental organizations that receive U.S. global-health assistance from performing or promoting abortion as a method of family planning. The resolution expresses support for the codification of this policy in U.S. law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2019
GI Bill Planning Act of 2019 This bill updates the Montgomery GI Bill program. Specifically, the bill extends the period of time under which an election must be made for entitlement to educational assistance under the program. Additionally, the bill phases the program out on September 30, 2029.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2019
Jurists United to Stop Trafficking Imitation Child Exploitation Act of 2019 or the JUSTICE Act of 2019 This bill broadens 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, a child sex doll.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2019
This bill declares that the House of Representatives (1) strongly condemns the violent actions of antifa, (2) recognizes that antifa engages in domestic terrorism, and (3) urges the President and the President's Cabinet to use all available resources to address the threats posed by this extremist movement.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2019 This bill revises requirements governing the financing and accreditation of postsecondary education. Specifically, the bill makes postsecondary education courses and programs (e.g., 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 also requires institutions to publish certain enrollment and financial aid information, such as (1) the percentage of former financial aid recipients who are employed at various intervals following graduation, and (2) the average amount of total federal student loan debt accrued upon graduation. The Government Accountability Office must compile and study all such information published by institutions and submit a report containing the results. In addition, the bill consolidates federal student loans into one student loan program and eliminates loan forgiveness for borrowers. Lastly, the bill requires an institution that receives federal student aid funding to pay a default rate fine that is based on the default rate of loans made to its students.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2019
Protection for Veterans' Burn Pit Exposure Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make a determination, after receipt of a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) titled Respiratory Health Effects of Airborne Hazards Exposures in the Southwest Asia Theater of Military Operations, on whether a positive association exists between (1) the exposure of humans to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open air burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) and other airborne hazards, and (2) the occurrence of a diagnosed illness in humans. Upon determination of a positive association, the VA must prescribe regulations providing that (1) a presumption of service-connection is warranted for certain illnesses manifesting in certain time frames, and (2) covered veterans shall be presumed to have been exposed to toxic airborne chemicals caused by open burn pits unless conclusive evidence proves otherwise. Covered veterans are veterans who were deployed on or after September 11, 2001, in support of a contingency operation and based at a location where an open burn pit was used. If the VA determines a presumption of service-connection is not warranted, a notice must be published and include an explanation of the basis for the determination. The bill also requires the VA to remove previous presumptions if evidence indicates such presumption is not warranted. The Department of Defense must provide NASEM with access to information it requests for the study on Respiratory Health Effects of Airborne Hazards Exposures in the Southwest Asia Theater of Military Operations .
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2019
Student Veteran Empowerment Act of 2019 This bill amends provisions related to Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance benefits, including by updating how entitlement to such assistance is treated when an individual transfers fewer than 12 credits from a course or program of education that is discontinued.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
VA Design-Build Construction Enhancement Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to utilize design-build selection procedures when seeking to enter a contract for the design and construction of a medical building or facility. Design-build is a method for construction projects where the design and construction services are managed by a single entity. Under the bill, a non-VA federal entity that is managing a project involving a total expenditure of over $100 million may not be discouraged by the VA from using design-build selection procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Safe Career Transitions for Intelligence and National Security Professionals This bill prohibits certain individuals with security clearances from receiving funding or employment from specified entities. Specifically, the prohibition is in effect while a security clearance is active and for five years afterwards, and applies to any (1) officer or employee of a federal agency or contractor, or (2) member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. The prohibition shall apply to specified entities such as Huawei Technologies Company and Kaspersky Lab. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence may add to or remove from this list based on whether there is a reasonable belief that an entity is owned by or receives financial support from the government of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. A person who knowingly violates this prohibition shall be subject to fines or imprisonment, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2019
Maximizing America's Prosperity Act of 2019 This bill establishes annual spending limits that are equal to specified percentages of potential gross domestic product (GDP). Potential GDP generally refers to the GDP that would occur if the economy were at full employment without inflation. The spending limits apply to all budget authority and outlays of the federal government excluding net interest.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from transmitting certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from transmitting personally identifying information of a veteran or a beneficiary to the NICS solely on the basis that such veteran or beneficiary has an appointed fiduciary to manage their benefits, unless there is an order or finding of a judicial authority that such veteran or beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
VA Child Care Protection Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from making payments to any child care center, child care agency, or child care provider that employs an individual who has been charged with a sex crime, a crime involving a child victim, a violent crime, or a drug felony. The bill allows the VA to make payments if such an individual has been suspended from contact with children until the case is resolved.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
No Pensions for Pedophiles Act This bill prohibits a federal employee from receiving federal retirement benefits if the employee has been convicted of certain crimes relating to the sexual abuse of children.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2019
This resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to promoting religious freedom in China and urges U.S. officials to make concerted efforts to address the issue of religious persecution in China. The resolution also calls on China to release all religious prisoners and ensure that detainees are treated humanely.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2019
Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act 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 Greg LeMond, in recognition of his contributions to the nation as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2019
Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2019 This bill requires states, as a condition of federal payment under Medicaid for family planning services, to report certain abortion data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Currently, reporting is voluntary.) The CDC must develop standardized questions for states with respect to specified variables (e.g., maternal demographics and methods of abortion).
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2019
Social Security Disability Insurance Return to Work Act This bill (1) directs the Social Security Administration (SSA) to establish new disability classifications under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program; (2) limits OASDI benefits with respect to individuals for whom medical improvement is deemed likely or expected; (3) requires the SSA to establish a process for such individuals to return to employment and receive an adjusted benefit amount; and (4) otherwise modifies provisions related to OASDI benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2019
Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants for a period of three years to eligible entities for the provision of suicide prevention services to veterans and their families. Under the bill, eligible entities include tribally designated housing entities, community-based organizations, and other private entities that meet certain requirements. Entities must submit an application to receive financial assistance that includes a description of the services they propose to provide, among other elements. The bill requires the VA to equitably distribute grants across geographic regions and areas with the most need. Additionally, the VA shall give preference to entities that are experienced in providing suicide prevention services. Entities receiving funding must notify service recipients that funding is wholly or partially from the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2019
Protecting People From Surprise Medical Bills Act This bill makes a series of changes relating to health care costs and billing practices. Among other things, the bill applies in-network cost-sharing requirements to certain emergency and related non-emergency services that are provided out-of-network; requires health insurers to include in-network and out-of-network deductibles, as well as out-of-pocket maximum limitations, on enrollee insurance cards; requires health insurers to provide online and print directories of in-network health care providers; and prohibits health care providers from billing individuals for services more than a year after such services are provided.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2019
Preserving Direct Seller Independence Act This bill provides under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 that the term "employee" does not include any direct seller for federal tax purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2019
This resolution honors the achievements of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 in democratizing higher education and affirms Congress's responsibility to ensure that veterans' educational assistance endures as an honorable investment of public dollars.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2019
Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation Act of 2019 or the MERIT Act of 2019 This bill revises provisions related to federal employment, including the furlough and removal of federal employees, the calculation of federal employee retirement benefits, and the length of the probationary employment period. Specifically, the bill repeals the process for taking action against a federal employee for unacceptable performance, accelerates the process for removal or suspension based on performance or actions, and prohibits grievances based on adverse personnel actions and reductions in force. The bill also authorizes an agency to remove a senior executive from the civil service for performance-related reasons, and it revises provisions covering performance- or conduct-related actions against senior executives. The bill authorizes agencies to furlough employees for such cause as will promote the efficiency of the service, and it prohibits appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board based on short-term furloughs or furloughs due to a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown). Additionally, the bill limits the retirement benefits of a federal employee who is removed due to a felony conviction related to their official duties by prohibiting felonious service from being taken into account when calculating the employee's annuity. The bill also authorizes an agency to order the repayment of a bonus or award when performance or conduct issues are discovered and such bonus or award would not have been paid had such issues been known when they were made. Lastly, the bill extends from one year to two years the probationary period for competitive service appointments and members of the Senior Executive Service.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2019
Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act This bill directs the White County Bridge Commission to convey to the New Harmony River Bridge Authority and the New Harmony and Wabash River Bridge Authority, all right, title, and interest of the commission in and to the bridge and the approaches thereto across the Wabash River at or near New Harmony, Indiana, and in land underneath or adjacent to such bridge and its approaches. The Act of April 12, 1941, (creating the commission) is repealed effective on the date that the commission completes such conveyance.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2019
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2019
VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act This bill authorizes health professional trainees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide treatment to veterans via telemedicine. To provide such treatment, a trainee must be under the supervision of a VA health care professional who is authorized to provide health care via telemedicine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2019
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 456 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the "Richard G. Lugar Post Office."
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 · 5 June 2019
Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 This bill establishes several prohibitions, requirements, and standards relating to prior authorization processes under Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Specifically, the bill prohibits MA plans from instituting additional prior authorization requirements for surgeries (including related items) that are furnished to a patient during other surgeries for which prior authorization was not required or was already received. Additionally, MA plans must (1) establish an electronic prior authorization program that meets specified standards, including the ability to provide real-time decisions in response to requests for items and services that are routinely approved; (2) annually publish specified prior authorization information, including the percentage of requests approved and the average response time; and (3) meet other standards, as set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, relating to the quality and timeliness of prior authorization determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019
Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act or the A PLUS Act This bill creates a framework under which states may receive federal elementary and secondary education funds on a consolidated basis and use such funds for any educational purpose permitted by state law.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019
Collegiate Freedom of Association Act This bill addresses freedom of association protections for college students. Specifically, this bill gives students (or groups of students) enrolled at institutions of higher education (IHEs) the right to form or join social organizations, including single-sex social organizations. In addition, the bill prohibits IHEs that participate in federal student aid programs from taking actions that require or coerce students or social organizations to waive their rights; taking adverse actions against students who are members of single-sex social organizations, or against single-sex social organizations, based solely on the membership practice of limiting membership to only individuals of one sex; or placing recruitment restrictions on single-sex social organizations, which are not imposed upon other student organizations, without the written agreement of the organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2019
The Military Service Academy Foundation Act of 2019 This bill describes how the Department of Defense may support military service academy supporting foundations. It authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide the following types of support to service academy supporting foundations: (1) official participation of officers or Senior Executive Service employees, (2) endorsement of foundations and their activities, (3) logistical support, and (4) authorized use of trademarks and service marks. A "supporting foundation" is a tax-exempt charitable organization that operates exclusively to support recruiting; parent, alumni, academic, leadership, and character development; athletic programs; and institutional development of a service academy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2019
Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2019 This bill repeals specified limitations, for purposes of Medicare participation, on self-referrals by newly constructed or expanded physician-owned hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2019
Securing American Science and Technology Act of 2019 This bill establishes a working group and a roundtable related to the security of science and technology. The bill directs the National Science and Technology Council to establish an interagency working group to coordinate activities to protect federally funded research and development from foreign interference, cyberattacks, theft, or espionage and to identify and track threats. The National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to create a new National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that installment payment of taxes on deferred foreign income shall not prevent a credit or refund of overpayments of tax or an increase in estimated taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Green New Deal violates Americans' right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; would destroy the economy and social fabric of the United States; and contains many proposals that have no connection to climate change.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
GI Bill Access to Career Credentials Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide educational assistance for certain preparatory courses. Under the bill, veterans who are entitled to educational assistance may also receive assistance for preparatory courses that are required for licensing or certification tests for employment in specified professions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week per year as Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks. The VA shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during such week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
Blocking Investment In Our Adversaries Act This bill limits the investments of the International Stock Index Investment Fund (I Fund) under the Thrift Savings Plan. Specifically, it prohibits the I Fund from investing in any entity based in a peer or near-peer competitor nation, including China or Russia.
![Official portrait of Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/677d83cbfdb6cf36bbb64998_200.jpg)