United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Student Apprenticeship Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Education to award grants to certain partnerships to enable the development and implementation of a postsecondary apprenticeship program. An eligible partnership must consist of (1) at least one institution of higher education, (2) at least one individual employer, and (3) a workforce intermediary (an entity that demonstrates expertise in fostering partnerships in order to support postsecondary apprenticeship programs). Such partnership may also include other entities such as a state agency responsible for administering career and technical education, a labor organization, or an economic development agency. A partnership that receives a grant must use the funds to develop and implement a postsecondary apprenticeship program in a high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sector or occupation. Additionally, an apprenticeship shall qualify as a work-study program through which a student apprentice is eligible for federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
This bill (1) designates October 2019 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month; (2) supports the health, well-being, and dignity of all people with Down syndrome; (3) encourages the advancement of research about Down syndrome; and (4) acknowledges the contributions that people with Down syndrome and their families make in their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
This resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Colorado Farm Bureau Federation and recognizes its efforts to promote and advocate for the farm and ranch interests of Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2019
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2025 programs and activities under the Violence Against Women Act that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Among other things, the bill also authorizes new programs, makes changes to federal firearms laws, and establishes new protections to promote housing stability and economic security for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
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 · 7 November 2019
National Purple Heart Honor Mission Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the mission of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The bill limits the issuance of such coins to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2022. The bill prescribes surcharges for coin sales, which shall be paid to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, Inc., to support the mission of such organization, including capital improvements to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019
Opportunity Zone Reporting and Reform Act This bill establishes annual reporting requirements for qualified opportunity funds and requires certain identifying information on persons investing in such funds. It also provides for penalties for failing to file reports or filing reports with incorrect information, and requires public online disclosure of information in the reports. The bill expands prohibitions of investments in certain luxury assets, including private planes, sports stadiums, self-storage facilities, and luxury rental properties. It also terminates designations of contiguous communities that are not low-income as opportunity zones. The Internal Revenue Service must provide a publicly available list of investment vehicles that are certified as qualified opportunity funds. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the effectiveness of the Opportunity Zone program in the fifth and tenth year after the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019
Family Friendly Schools Act This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to provide grants to local educational agencies to establish family friendly school policies that align the school day with the work day to better support working families, and to establish a supplemental 21st century community learning centers grant program to support programs and activities during summer recess. Specifically, ED shall award five-year grants at 500 elementary schools that align the school day with the work day; report to Congress at the three-year mark and at the conclusion of the five-year grant period on best practices and recommendations for aligning school and work schedules, and for strengthening partnerships between schools and community resources; and carry out a supplemental grant program to establish or expand community learning center summer programs.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution urges the United States to work with the international community to address the causes and effects of climate change and remain a party to the Paris Agreement and the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2019 This bill addresses the use and regulation of fluorinated compounds in products and manufacturing, including by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to establish specified production and consumption baselines for the phase-down of specified fluorinated compounds.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2019 or the CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 This bill expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare. Among other things, the bill allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain restrictions, such as geographic restrictions, for services provided in high-need health professional shortage areas; excludes mental health and emergency medical services, as well as services provided at rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and Indian Health Service facilities, from such geographic restrictions; and allows the CMS to generally waive coverage restrictions during national emergencies. Additionally, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must report on information relating to the access of Medicare beneficiaries to telehealth services at home. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation may also test alternative payment models relating to expanded telehealth services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Kay Hagan, former Member of the Senate; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on October 30, 2019, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Kay Hagan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019
ARPA-Terra Act of 2019 This bill establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Terra (ARPA-Terra) to (1) overcome the long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the development of agricultural technologies that enhance export competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and resilience to extreme weather and infectious disease; and (2) ensure that the United States maintains a technological lead in developing and deploying advanced agricultural technologies that increase economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. ARPA-Terra must award grants to institutions of higher education and other entities to achieve its goals, including to accelerate early-stage research on agricultural technologies. ARPA-Terra must also implement agriculture technology projects that identify and promote revolutionary advances in fundamental sciences; translate scientific discoveries and cutting-edge inventions into technological innovations; and accelerate transformational technological advances in areas that, due to technical and financial uncertainty, industry is not likely to undertake without federal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act or the SHIELD Act This bill establishes a duty to report election interference from foreign entities, applies existing campaign advertising requirements to online advertisements, and generally limits political spending and election interference by foreign entities. Specifically, a political committee must report certain foreign contacts involving an offer of unlawful election assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Election Commission. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations of these requirements. Existing requirements for political advertisements and electioneering communications apply to internet and digital advertisements, including requirements related to disclosures and contributions. Additionally, large online platforms must maintain a public database of certain political advertisements. The bill places limitations on political spending by foreign entities. Specifically, foreign entities may not (1) contribute to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda, or (2) make disbursements for certain internet activity referring to a candidate or a political issue. A candidate is prohibited from offering to share nonpublic campaign information with certain foreign entities. The bill also prohibits (1) the dissemination of false statements regarding federal elections or public endorsement, or (2) the intentional hindering of voting or registering to vote. The bill establishes criminal penalties and a private right of action with respect to these prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to designate 9–8–8 as the universal telephone number for a national suicide prevention and mental-health crisis hotline. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs must jointly report on how to make the use of 9–8–8 operational and effective across the country.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2019 This bill sets forth provisions regarding development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy on public lands. The bill directs the Department of the Interior to establish priority areas on covered land (i.e., public land administered by Interior and not excluded under law from the development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy) for geothermal, solar, or wind energy projects. Other areas shall also be considered for the development of renewable energy projects under this bill, consistent with the principles of multiple use. Interior shall establish a program to improve federal permit coordination with respect to renewable energy projects carried out on covered land. Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall seek to issue permits that in total authorize the production of at least 25 gigawatts of electricity from geothermal, solar, or wind energy projects by the end of 2025. The bill provides for the disposition of revenues from the development of wind or solar energy on covered land. The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to make funds available to federal, state, and tribal agencies for distribution in regions in which renewable energy projects are located on federal land for (1) restoring and protecting fish and wildlife habitat and corridors for affected species and water resources in areas affected by geothermal, solar, or wind energy development; and (2) preserving and improving recreational access to federal land and water in an affected region.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
This resolution urges the federal government to establish a goal of conserving at least 30% of the land and 30% of the ocean within its territory by 2030.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 2019 This bill temporarily expands the awards program for cost-saving identifications by federal employees of fraud, waste, or mismanagement to include identifications of surplus salaries and expenses funds. Savings resulting from such identifications shall generally be used for deficit reduction, but agencies may retain up to 10% of such savings for the purpose of paying cash awards to employees for making the identifications. An officer may not receive such award if the officer (1) serves in a position at level one of the Executive Schedule; (2) is the head of an agency; or (3) is a commissioner, board member, or other voting member of an independent establishment.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Restoring Integrity to America's Elections Act This bill revises provisions regarding the Federal Election Commission (FEC), including to change FEC membership. The bill reduces the number of members of the FEC from eight to five, including by removing the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House as ex officio members. No more than two members may be affiliated with the same political party. A Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel shall recommend to the President individuals for nomination to the FEC. The President shall appoint the FEC chair, subject to Senate confirmation. The bill distributes the FEC's powers between the chair and the other FEC members. The bill modifies the process for (1) the FEC to initiate an investigation, and (2) a party aggrieved by the FEC's dismissal of the party's complaint or the FEC's failure to take action on the party's complaint. Persons who submit written comments regarding requests for advisory opinions must be given an opportunity to appear at FEC hearings on such requests. The FEC's administrative penalty authority is extended permanently. FEC forms must allow for the use of an accent mark as part of a person's identification. The bill provides statutory authority for limitations on ex parte communications as applied to FEC members and employees. The bill specifies that FEC attorneys may represent the FEC before the Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Close the Revolving Door Act of 2019 This bill increases restrictions on lobbying and penalties for violations of such restrictions. Specifically, the bill imposes a lifetime ban on any former Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, or elected officer of the Senate or House of Representatives from lobbying any current Member, officer, or employee of Congress, or any employee of any other legislative office. (Currently, such ban is for two years after a Senator leaves office and one year after a Member of the House of Representatives leaves office.) The ban is extended from one to six years for officers and employees of the Senate, personal staff of Members, committee staff, leadership staff, and other legislative offices. A registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal may not be hired for a six-year period by a Member of Congress or a congressional committee with whom they have had a substantial lobbying contact. This bill also (1) requires a substantial lobbying entity (an incorporated entity that employs more than three registered lobbyists during a filing period) to file annual lists with Congress of former Members of Congress and certain highly paid legislative branch officials who provide paid consulting services to the lobbying entity, and (2) increases the civil penalty for violations of disclosure or reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This joint resolution nullifies a rule issued by the Department of Education (ED) on September 23, 2019. The rule revised the process for a student loan borrower to obtain a discharge from a student loan if an institution of higher education misrepresented a material fact. Among other requirements, the 2019 rule requires each borrower to apply to ED for a defense to repayment. However, under the previous 2016 rule, an application could be submitted on behalf of an entire group (e.g., veterans).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 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 United States as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This resolution recognizes September 24, 2019, as National Voter Registration Day and encourages those eligible to vote to register, verify their personal information on record with local election officials, and vote.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This resolution recognizes (1) the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, 2019; and (2) the integral role of Latinos and their manifold heritage in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2019 This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit conduct, including bullying (including cyberbullying through electronic communications) and harassment, that (1) limits students' ability to participate in, or benefit from, school programs; or (2) creates a hostile or abusive educational environment that adversely affects students' education. LEAs shall also provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct, and report on, an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics shall collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
This resolution instructs Senate conferees on the conference committee for S. 1790 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020) to insist upon the provisions in the bill that relate to a prohibition on the use of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances for land-based applications of firefighting foam.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
This resolution instructs Senate conferees on the conference committee for S. 1790 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020) to insist upon certain provisions in the House amendment that relate to paid family leave for federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
This resolution instructs Senate conferees on the conference committee for S. 1790 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020) to insist upon certain provisions contained in the House amendment that relate to the repeal of a requirement of reduction of Survivor Benefit Plan survivor annuities by amounts of dependency and indemnity compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2019
This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to identify a portion of federal land within the Durango disposal site that is suitable for conveyance to Colorado to be used as a storage site for residual radioactive materials as part of remediation activities carried out by the state related to properties in the vicinity of the Durango processing site. DOE must ensure that the identified land is (1) approximately 0.25 acres, (2) located in the southwestern corner of the Durango disposal site, and (3) south of and bounded by County Road 212. After DOE offers to convey the identified land to the state, and the state accepts the offer, DOE shall convey to the state all interest of the United States in and to such land. As a condition of such conveyance, DOE must require the state to manage the conveyed land consistent with the requirements of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 relating to the Durango disposal site, including after the use of it has ceased.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
Clean Air, Healthy Kids Act This bill reinstates a variety of rules regarding climate change that were repealed, suspended, delayed, withdrawn, or replaced and prohibits the implementation of certain policies and proposed rules. Specifically, the bill nullifies Executive Order 13783 titled Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth . In addition, the bill nullifies the following rules: the Repeal of the Clean Power Plan; Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Electric Utility Generating Units; Revisions to Emission Guidelines Implementing Regulations rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation; Delay and Suspension of Certain Requirements rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management; the Energy Conservation Program: Definition for General Service Lamps rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE); and the Adopting Requirements in Emission Guidelines for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills rule issued by the EPA. The bill prohibits agencies from finalizing the following proposed rules: the Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review proposed rule issued by the EPA; the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle Rules for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks proposed rule issued by the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and the Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Incandescent Lamps proposed determination issued by DOE. Finally, the bill nullifies a rescission of a waiver granted to California to enforce standards, which are more stringent than federal standards, for air pollution emissions from vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to state educational agencies to support school-based, mental-health-services providers at public elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
Kathryn Manginelli Act of 2019 or the Compassionate Retirement Act of 2019 This bill permits early distributions, without penalty, from tax-preferred pension plans to individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness (i.e., an illness or physical condition that can be reasonably expected to result in death seven years after diagnosis).
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
This concurrent resolution supports existing regulations with the goals of (1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions and oil usage, and (2) protecting national security and human health and welfare. The concurrent resolution also supports policies that will help meet these goals, such as policies that achieve maximum feasible reductions in oil use.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Heightened Oversight of Travel, Eating, and Lodging Act of 2019 or the HOTEL Act This bill prohibits federal agencies from using U.S. government funds to pay for expenses at lodging establishments that are owned by or employ certain public officials or their relatives, including by providing travel reimbursement or a per diem allowance for the cost of lodging, with exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Protect American Values Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to implement the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds , published August 14, 2019, which expands the definition of a public charge for immigration purposes. (An alien who is a public charge may be denied certain immigration benefits, such as lawful permanent residence. Currently, a public charge is generally interpreted as an individual who is primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. The DHS rule would define a public charge to mean an individual who receives more than 12 months' worth of designated public benefits in a 36-month period.)
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2019
This concurrent resolution (1) calls upon the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to observe September 11, 2019, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001, attacks, and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need and to the defense of the United States; and (2) recognizes the heroic actions of first responders and other citizens in New York, the District of Columbia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2019
PILT Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill extends the payment in lieu of taxes program through FY2029. "Payments in Lieu of Taxes" (PILT) are federal payments to local governments that help offset losses in property taxes due to the existence of nontaxable federal lands within their boundaries
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2019
This bill prohibits the sale of food that contains water buffalo and is labeled as buffalo unless the specific term used in the labeling is water buffalo .
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Bahamas Temporary Protected Status Act of 2019 This bill designates the Bahamas as a temporary protected status (TPS) country for 18 months from the enactment of this bill. (Qualified nationals of a TPS-designated country shall have work authorization and may not be removed from the United States while the designation is in effect.) A Bahamian national shall qualify for temporary protected status if the individual (1) has been continuously physically present in the United States since the bill's enactment, (2) meets certain admissibility and eligibility requirements generally required for such status, and (3) registers with the Department of Homeland Security.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Methane Emissions from Transmission Harm American Neighborhoods and the Environment Act or the METHANE Act This bill requires operators of distribution pipelines to use advanced leak detection technology to detect and repair leaking pipelines, including high sensitivity methane detectors mounted on a vehicle or aircraft that is equipped with global positioning system technology. The bill also requires operators to report to the Department of Transportation any event that involves a release of gas from a pipeline facility that results in an unintentional estimated gas loss of 50,000 cubic feet or more.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
This resolution designates September 2019 as National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, encourages the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special Fannie Lou Hamer stamp during the month of September, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
E-Cigarette Tax Parity Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the taxation of electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products at rates applicable to other tobacco products. An "alternative nicotine product" is defined as any product containing nicotine which is suitable for and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, a consumer for the inhalation, ingestion, absorption, or consumption of nicotine, but does not include tobacco, processed tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco, or any product approved by the Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
Arctic Refuge Protection Act of 2019 This bill designates approximately 1,559,538 acres of land within Alaska in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2019
This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that repealed the Clean Power Plan, which established emission guidelines for states to follow in limiting carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants; finalized the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which replaced the Clean Power Plan with emission guidelines for states to use when developing plans to limit carbon dioxide; and revised requirements that govern the process under which the EPA and states develop emission standards for pollutants emitted by existing stationary sources.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001267_200.jpg)