United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016
Price Relief, Innovation, and Competition for Essential Drugs Act or the PRICED Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to allow biosimilars to be marketed seven years after the reference brand name biological product is licensed. Currently, brand name biological products are provided a 12-year marketing exclusivity period. This shortened marketing exclusivity period applies only to biological products licensed by the Food and Drug Administration after enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016
Enhancing and Modernizing Pathways to Opportunity through Work, Education, and Responsibility Act of 2016 or the EMPOWER Act of 2016 This bill amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to reauthorize through FY2021: (1) state family assistance grants, (2) tribal family assistance grants, and (3) child care entitlement grants. The purposes of the TANF program are amended to include: (1) reduction of child poverty, including the incidence of children living in families with incomes of less than 50% of the poverty line; and (2) encouragement of employment entry, retention, retention, and advancement. The bill repeals the separate and higher participation rate for two-parent families (marriage penalty). The bill renames individual responsibility plans as individualized employment plans (IDPs), and revises their requirements. The bill revises mandatory work requirements to: limit the use of the caseload reduction credit in the formula for calculating a state's work participation rate, allow states to include subsidized employment in calculating participation rates, reformulate the penalty for failure to satisfy minimum participation rates, eliminate the distinction between core and non-core work activities, allow states to receive partial credit for families participating for less than the minimum hours required for work activities, allow states to request an alternative work participation rate calculation, count as a work activity certain job search activities, replace child care assistance to a community service participant as a separate work activity with job readiness assistance, eliminate the age 20 cap on participation in secondary school attendance, eliminate the limitation on the number of persons who may be treated as engaged in work because of participation in education activities, limit to six months (unless the IDP specifies otherwise) the period in which an individual shall be considered engaged in work because of participation in a job readiness activity, and count certain disabled individuals as engaged in work if participating in work activities according to the IDP. A state shall not use federal TANF funds for families with income greater than 200% of the federal poverty line. The bill establishes a minimum spending requirement on TANF core activities along with an associated penalty. The bill replaces current pre-reauthorization state-by-state reports on engagement in additional work activities and expenditures for other benefits and services with requirements that each state: establish robust performance indicators and targets, and report annually on outcomes achieved. In determining eligibility for TANF assistance or any other state program funded with qualified state expenditures, a state to which a family assistance grant is made shall exclude from: a family's financial resources the value of any funds in a qualified tuition program or a Coverdell account; and a family's income and assets any income or resources of a dependent child receiving benefits under SSAct title XVI (Supplemental Security Income).
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016
Designates June 2016 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2016, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. Supports efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, as well as the medical community, to educate members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their families, and the public about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of post-traumatic stress. Welcomes the efforts of the VA's National Center for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and local Vet Centers to assist veterans suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress. Encourages Armed Forces commanders to support appropriate treatment of Armed Forces personnel diagnosed with PTSD.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016
Expresses support for: (1) equal rights and protections for all individuals, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity; and (2) the designation of June 26, 2016, as LGBT Equality Day. Acknowledges the need for further legislation to ensure that individuals in the United States are free from all forms of discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016
Recognizes the increase in educational opportunities, including in sports, for women and girls since the passage of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Commends the work of the Department of Education and the Department of Justice to ensure that students have a safe learning environment by working to ensure that schools prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, including dating violence, pregnancy, sex-stereotyping, and discrimination based on actual or perceived gender identity. Recognizes that progress must still be made to ensure that no educational institution that receives federal education funding discriminates against any persons because of their sex.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2016
Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to promote the safety and well-being of the millions of refugees who flee war, persecution, or torture in search of peace, hope, and freedom. Calls upon the U.S. government to: (1) continue its international leadership role in response to those who have been displaced, (2) find solutions to existing conflicts and prevent new conflicts, (3) provide humanitarian and development support to countries that are hosting millions of refugees, and (4) encourage the international community to increase resources to address current and projected refugee crises. Commends those who have risked their lives working individually and for nongovernmental organizations and international agencies that have provided life-saving assistance and helped protect those displaced by conflict. Reiterates the bipartisan U.S. commitment to protect and assist refugees and other forcibly uprooted persons.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016
Family First Prevention Services Act of 2016 This bill amends Part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSAct) regarding: (1) mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services and in-home parenting skill-based programs, (2) foster care maintenance payments for children with parents in a licensed residential family-based treatment facility for substance abuse, and (3) payments for evidence-based kinship navigator programs. Part B (Child and Welfare Services) of SSAct title IV is amended regarding: (1) time limits for family reunification services for children in foster care or returning home, (2) grants for the development of an electronic interstate case-processing system to expedite the interstate placement of children in foster care or guardianship or for adoption, and (3) targeted grants to increase the well-being of children affected by substance abuse. The Department of Health and Human Services shall identify reputable model standards for the licensing of foster family homes. SSAct title IV part B is amended regarding tracking and preventing child maltreatment. SSAct title IV part E is amended regarding: (1) kinship guardianship assistance and prevention services, (2) foster care maintenance payments program and limited federal financial participation, and (3) assessment and judicial documentation of the need for placement of a child in a qualified residential treatment program. SSAct title IV part B is amended regarding procedures and protocols a state has established to ensure that children in foster care placements are not inappropriately diagnosed with mental illness, other emotional or behavioral disorders, medically fragile conditions, or developmental disabilities, and as a result placed in settings that are not foster family homes. SSAct title IV part E is amended regarding children in foster care who have been placed in a child care institution or other setting that is not a foster family home. SSAct title IV part B to reauthorize through FY2021: (1) the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program, (2) promotion of safe and stable families programs, (3) funding reservations for monthly caseworker visits and regional partnership grants, and (4) funding for state courts. SSAct title IV part E is amended to: (1) revise the John H. Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program and related programs, and (2) reauthorize the adoption and legal guardianship incentive programs through FY2021. SSAct title IV part B is amended to delay the adoption assistance phase-in. The Government Accountability Office shall study the extent to which states comply with certain SSAct requirements relating to the effects of phasing out the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program income eligibility requirements for adoption assistance payments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016
We the People Act of 2016 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2016 or the DISCLOSE Act of 2016 This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to: redefine "independent expenditure" to expand the meaning of express advocacy for the election or defeat of a candidate; expand the period for treating communications as electioneering communications; repeal the prohibition against contributions by minors; and prescribe disclosure requirements for campaign-related disbursements by corporations, labor organizations, and certain other entities, including super political action committees (PACs). Stop Super PAC-Candidate Coordination Act The bill amends FECA to treat payments for coordinated expenditures as contributions to candidates under certain conditions, and set forth rules for coordinated expenditures. The bill also prohibits candidates, individual federal officeholders, agents of a candidate or an individual federal officeholder, or certain related entities from soliciting, receiving, directing, or transferring funds to or on behalf of any political committee that accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with FECA limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements, or to or on behalf of any political organization that accepts such donations or contributions. Real Time Transparency Act The bill amends FECA to require 48-hour notification to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by all political committees receiving cumulative contributions (instead of single contributions) of $1,000 or more during a year from any contributor. Federal Election Administration Act of 2016 The FECA is also amended to replace the FEC with the Federal Election Administration (FEA). The Government Accountability Office shall: (1) examine the enforcement of the criminal provisions of FECA and prohibitions regarding the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account, and (2) study the adequate level of resources for the FEA to execute competently the responsibilities imposed by this bill. The federal criminal code is amended to prohibit former Members of Congress from ever lobbying a current Member in connection with any matter on which such former Member seeks action. The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 is amended to revise the definition of lobbyist to mean any individual who is employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include more than one lobbying contact over a two-year (currently three-month) period. Financial Services Conflict of Interest Act The federal criminal code is also amended regarding application of certain conflict-of-interest restrictions to a private sector employer that makes payment of compensation contingent on accepting a position in the federal government. The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 is amended to prohibit a covered financial services regulator from making, participating in making, or in any way attempting to use his or her official position to influence a particular matter that provides a direct and substantial pecuniary benefit for a former employer or former client. The Office of Government Ethics must discharge certain recordkeeping duties to implement this bill. Violators of this bill shall be subject to specified criminal and civil penalties. The bill revises and extends certain restrictions on subsequent employment on current and former procurement officers. The federal criminal code is amended to place specified time restrictions on subsequent employment for financial service regulators. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act is amended to revise restrictions on federal examiners and supervisors of financial institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016
Designates June 19, 2016, as Juneteenth Independence Day. Recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and supports the continued nationwide celebration of such Day as an opportunity to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the United States. Recognizes that the observance of the end of slavery is a part of the history and heritage of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016
Condemns the terrorist attack on the Pulse Orlando nightclub on June 12, 2016. Honors those who were killed and expresses hope for the recovery of those who were injured. Applauds the dedication and bravery of the law enforcement and counterterrorism officials who responded to the attack. Declares that the House of Representatives stands together with all people of the United States in the face of terror and hate. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States and its allies to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other terrorist groups at home and abroad and to address the threat posed by homegrown terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016
Recognizes more than 100 years of service and leadership development by the Boy Scouts of America. Encourages the continued emphasis of the Boy Scouts of America on character building, responsible citizenship, and outdoor stewardship. Applauds the Boy Scouts of America for instilling the values of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law in young people of the United States. Congratulates the Boy Scouts of America on the 100th anniversary of the granting of a federal charter to such organization on June 15, 1916.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2016
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of George Voinovich, former member of the Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on June 14, 2016, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Voinovich.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2016
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2016, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Each such increase shall be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2016
Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development Act or the Offshore WIND Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax credit for investment in energy property to include a qualified offshore wind property until January 1, 2026. Under the bill, a qualified offshore wind property is an offshore facility that uses wind to produce electricity, excluding certain small wind energy property which uses a small wind turbine to generate electricity.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016
Recognizes the significance of May 2016 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. Recognizes that the Asian American and Pacific Islander community enhances the rich diversity of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2016
Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies Act or the CRIB Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow a state Medicaid program to cover inpatient or outpatient services at a residential pediatric recovery center for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (a postnatal drug withdrawal syndrome) and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2016
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month, which include bringing attention to the severe health disparities faced by minority populations in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2016
National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2016 This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) continue to administer the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System; (2) provide for a national network of standardized search and rescue resources to assist states and local governments in responding to hazards; (3) designate urban search and rescue teams to participate in the system, determine participation criteria, and enter into an agreement with the state or local government agency sponsoring each team with respect to such participation; and (4) maintain management and technical teams necessary to administer the system. FEMA may appoint a system member for a period of federal service to provide for the participation of such member in exercises, pre-incident staging, major disaster and emergency response activities, and training events sponsored or sanctioned by FEMA. FEMA shall enter into: (1) an annual preparedness cooperative agreement under which amounts shall be made available to a sponsoring agency for training and exercises, acquisition and maintenance of equipment, and medical monitoring required for responder safety and health; and (2) a response cooperative agreement under which FEMA shall reimburse a sponsoring agency for costs incurred in responding to a major disaster or emergency. FEMA shall submit a report on the development of a plan to finance, maintain, and replace system equipment. The bill authorizes appropriations for FY2017-FY2019 to carry out the system.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2016
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 229 West Main Cross Street in Findlay, Ohio, as the "Michael Garver Oxley Memorial Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016
Affirms that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances are both cornerstones of U.S.-Taiwan relations. Urges the President and Department of State to publicly, proactively, and consistently affirm the Six Assurances as a cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016
Access to Birth Control Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require pharmacies to comply with certain rules related to contraceptives, including: (1) providing a customer a contraceptive without delay if it is in stock; (2) immediately informing a customer if the contraceptive is not in stock and either transferring the prescription to a pharmacy that has the contraceptive in stock or ordering the contraceptive and notifying the customer when it arrives, based on customer preference, except for pharmacies that do not ordinarily stock contraceptives; and (3) ensuring that pharmacy employees do not take certain actions relating to a request for contraception, including intimidating, threatening, or harassing customers, interfering with the delivery of services, intentionally deceiving customers about the availability or mechanism of action of contraception, breaching or threatening to breach medical confidentiality, or refusing to return a prescription. The bill does not prohibit a pharmacy from refusing to provide a contraceptive to a customer if: (1) it is unlawful to dispense the contraceptive to the customer without a prescription and no prescription is presented; (2) the customer is unable to pay for the contraceptive; or (3) the pharmacy employee refuses to provide the contraceptive on the basis of a professional clinical judgment. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 does not provide a claim or a defense to a claim concerning the requirements of this bill or provide a basis for challenging the application or enforcement of these requirements. The bill does not preempt state law or any professional obligation of a state board that provides greater protections for customers. Civil penalties and a private cause of action are established for violations of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016
Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, half-dollar clad, and proof silver coins in recognition and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first manned landing on the moon. Treasury may issue coins minted under this bill for only a one-year period, beginning January 1, 2019. All sales of these coins shall include a surcharge of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin, $5 per half-dollar clad coin, and $50 per proof silver coin. All of the surcharges received from the sale of such coins shall be paid as follows: one-half to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum's "Destination Moon" exhibit; one-quarter to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; and one-quarter to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, to aid its missions by providing college scholarships for the very best and brightest students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2016
Designates the week of May 15-May 21, 2016, as National Police Week. Expresses support for law enforcement officers across the United States for their efforts to build safer and more secure communities. Recognizes: (1) the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety; and (2) the members of the law enforcement community for their selfless acts of bravery. Honors and remembers law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016
Urges the United States Soccer Federation to immediately end gender pay inequity and to treat all athletes with respect and dignity. Expresses support for an end to pay discrimination based on gender and the strengthening of equal pay protections.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016
Max Cleland Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2016 This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Joseph Maxwell "Max" Cleland.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2016
Veterans First Act TITLE I--PERSONNEL AND ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS This bill establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection. The VA is required to develop criteria to promote supervisory protection of whistle-blowers. The bill revises VA authority to remove certain employees or senior VA executives for reasons of misconduct or performance. TITLE II--HEALTH CARE MATTERS Jason Simcakoski Memorial Act The bill establishes the Veterans Expedited Recovery Commission to examine the VA's therapy model for treating mental health illnesses. The VA shall require additional information about a prospective health care employee from the medical board of each state in which the health care provider holds or has held a medical license. The VA family caregiver program is expanded. The bill establishes a VA advisory committee on caregiver policies. The VA shall revive the Intermediate Care Technician Pilot Program. The VA may place a veteran requesting nursing home care in a medical foster home that meets appropriate VA standards. The bill sets forth requirements for VA hospitals with emergency departments to provide appropriate examination and stabilizing treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor. The VA and the Department of Defense (DOD) shall jointly update the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain. The VA shall expand its Opioid Safety Initiative. The bill establishes the VA Office of Patient Advocacy. The VA shall ensure that payments are made promptly to non-VA health care providers. If the VA is unable to furnish certain hospital, medical, or extended care at VA facilities or under other authorized contracts or sharing agreements, it may enter into a Veterans Care Agreement with an eligible provider to furnish such care. The bill authorizes the VA to carry out specified major medical facility projects in California, Maryland, Kentucky, and Washington. The VA shall: (1) adopt the Federal Drug Administrations's unique device identification system to identify biological implants for use in VA medical procedures; (2) expand research and integration of complementary and integrative health services into veterans health care services; and (3) carry out a three-year program to assess the feasibility of integrating complementary and alternative medicine services for veterans with mental health conditions, chronic pain conditions, and other chronic conditions. TITLE III--DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND PENSION The VA may pay burial and funeral expenses and other benefits to a survivor of a veteran who has not filed a formal claim if the record contains sufficient evidence to establish the survivor's entitlement to such benefits. The bill increases the special monthly pension for living Medal of Honor recipients. The Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 is amended to extend VA authority to provide for persons other than VA employees (i.e., contract physicians) to conduct medical disability examinations of applicants for VA benefits. The VA shall carry out a five-year disability claims appeals pilot program. TITLE IV--EDUCATION Any member of the Armed Forces who died between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2005, is deemed to have died on January 1, 2006, in order to make that member's surviving spouse eligible for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry scholarship. VA educational assistance payments for a veteran who was forced to discontinue a course or who did not receive credit toward completion of an education program because of a permanent school closure shall not be charged against the individual's educational assistance entitlement or counted against the aggregate assistance period. The bill revises the process for electing Post-9/11 educational benefits. TITLE V--EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSITION Each state director for veterans' employment and training shall coordinate activities with the state's departments of labor and veterans affairs. TITLE VI--HOMELESS VETERANS The bill includes as a homeless veteran, for purposes of VA benefits, a veteran or veteran's family fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in their current housing situation. The VA shall shall carry out case management services to improve the retention of housing by: (1) veterans who were previously homeless and who are transitioning to permanent housing, and (2) veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless. The VA shall establish the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans. This bill eliminates the minimum continuous active duty service requirement for homeless veterans to receive certain benefits. Homeless veterans are exempted from disqualification for such benefits because of a discharge or dismissal from the Armed Forces under conditions other than honorable, except for a discharge by reason of a general court-martial. TITLE VII--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS The bill extends the temporary expansion of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. TITLE VIII--BURIAL BENEFITS The VA may, in lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker to certain deceased individuals, furnish a medallion or other device to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished at private expense. TITLE IX--OTHER MATTERS The VA may carry out specified leases at the VA's West Los Angeles Campus in Los Angeles, California.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2016
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Robert F. Bennett, former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 9, 2016, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Bennett.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2016
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Conrad Ray Burns, former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 9, 2016, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Burns.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016
Justice for Telecommunications Consumers Act This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of a dispute arising out of a contract for commercial mobile services, multichannel video programming distributor services, telecommunications or information services, or common carrier services under the Communications Act of 1934. The validity or enforceability of such an agreement to arbitrate shall be determined by a court, under federal law, rather than by an arbitrator, irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement. The bill does not apply to contracts between an employer and a labor organization or between labor organizations, except that no such arbitration provision shall waive the right of an employee to seek judicial enforcement of a right arising under the U.S. Constitution, a state constitution, a federal or state statute, or related public policy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016
Pension Fund Integrity Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require salary reductions for certain employees of systemically important multiemployer pension plans that are in critical or declining status and that reduce participant benefits. When a benefit suspension is in effect, any compensation paid to employees of a plan that exceeds the amounts specified in this bill is a prohibited transaction that is subject to a tax to be paid by the plan sponsor. If a plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status, payments for lobbying and political expenses for any person other than an employee of the plan are prohibited transactions and subject to a tax to be paid by the plan sponsor.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016
Appropriate Care for Disabled Veterans Act of 2016 This bill repeals the termination date of (thus, reinstates) the requirement for an annual report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the VA's compliance, by facility and by service-network, with requirements for managing the provision of hospital care and medical services furnished to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016
Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2016 This bill prohibits sexual orientation or gender identity conversion therapy from being provided in exchange for monetary compensation. It bars advertisements for such therapy that claim to: (1) change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, (2) eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender, or (3) be harmless or without risk. These prohibitions are inapplicable to practices or treatments that do not seek to change sexual orientation or gender identity if they provide: (1) assistance to an individual undergoing a gender transition; or (2) acceptance, support, and understanding of clients or facilitation of clients' coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, including sexual orientation-neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices. The Federal Trade Commission and states are provided authority to enforce against violations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016
Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act or the NAS Healthy Babies Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which results from a newborn's exposure to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother's womb. Specifically, the GAO shall report on: the prevalence of NAS, NAS treatment services for which coverage is available under state Medicaid programs, the settings and associated reimbursement methodologies for NAS treatment, the prevalence of utilization of various care settings under state Medicaid programs for NAS treatment, and any federal barriers to treating infants with NAS under state Medicaid programs. The GAO shall also report on its recommendations for improvements that will ensure access to NAS treatment under state Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2016
Thanks the teachers of the United States and promotes the teaching profession by encouraging students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to participate in National Teacher Appreciation Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2016
Equity in Pretrial Medicaid Coverage Act of 2016 This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending charges to receive Medicaid benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2016
Expresses support for the designation of the week of May 1-May 7, 2016, as Public Service Recognition Week. Commends public servants, government employees, and members of the uniformed services for their public service and honors those who have given their lives in service. Calls upon a new generation to consider a career in public service as an honorable profession. Encourages efforts to promote public service careers at every level of government.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2016
Supports the ideals of World Malaria Day. Recognizes the importance of reducing malaria to improve child and maternal health, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Commends the progress made toward reducing global malaria prevalence and deaths, particularly through the efforts of the President's Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Welcomes public-private partnerships to develop more effective and affordable tools for malaria diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination. Recognizes the goals to combat malaria in the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. Supports continued U.S. leadership in bilateral, multilateral, and private sector efforts to combat malaria and to work with developing countries to create long-term strategies to increase ownership over malaria programs. Encourages members of the international community to sustain and increase their support for efforts to combat malaria.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2016
This bill provides FY2016 emergency supplemental appropriations to the Departments of State and Health and Human Services (HHS) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus and other infectious diseases. The bill specifies permissible uses for the funds and designates the funds as an emergency requirement, which exempts the funds from discretionary spending limits. The bill provides appropriations to HHS for: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to permit Project BioShield to be used to support the advanced development and procurement of medical countermeasures to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or treat harm from any infectious disease that may pose a threat to the public health. (Under current law, Project BioShield supports only countermeasures against specific chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorist threats.) The bill temporarily increases from 55% to 65% the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage in the territories (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands). The bill provides appropriations to the Department of State and Other International Programs for: the Administration of Foreign Affairs, Global Health Programs, International Security Assistance, Multilateral Assistance, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Unobligated balances of specified funds provided for the Ebola virus may be used to respond to the Zika virus and other infectious diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2016
Fair Medicare Hospital Payments Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish, with respect to hospitals not located in a frontier state, a floor on the area wage adjustment factor for hospital inpatient and outpatient services covered under Medicare. (Such a floor already applies with respect to hospitals located in frontier states.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016
Lead Testing in School and Child Care Drinking Water Act of 2016 This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a voluntary school and child care lead testing program of grants to states to assist local educational agencies in voluntary testing for lead contamination in drinking water at schools and child care programs. The bill repeals the current program of federal assistance for state programs regarding lead contamination in school drinking water.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016
Condemns the: killings of peaceful protesters and excessive use of force by Ethiopian security forces; arrest of journalists, students, activists and political leaders who exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and expression through peaceful protests; and abuse of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation to stifle political and civil dissent and journalistic freedoms. Urges protesters in Ethiopia to refrain from violence. Calls on the government of Ethiopia to: halt the use of excessive force by security forces; investigate the killings and excessive use of force that took place as a result of protests in the Oromia region; release dissidents, activists, and journalists who have been jailed for exercising constitutional rights; respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and guarantee freedom of the press and mass media; and repeal proclamations that can be used to prohibit funding for organizations that investigate human rights violations, engage in peaceful political dissent, or advocate for greater political freedoms or proclamations that prohibit or otherwise limit those displaced from their land from seeking judicial redress. Calls on: (1) the Department of State to improve oversight of U.S. assistance, and review security assistance, to Ethiopia; and (2) the U.S. Agency for International Development to lead efforts to develop a strategy to support improved democracy and governance in Ethiopia. Supports the peaceful efforts of the Ethiopian people to exercise their constitutional rights.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016
Buy American Act of 2016 This bill directs the the Department of Defense (DOD), in the case of athletic footwear needed by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps upon their initial entry into the Armed Forces, to: (1) furnish such footwear directly instead of providing a cash allowance to the service members to purchase such footwear, and (2) comply with American source requirements in procuring such footwear. A cash allowance may be provided for the purchase of footwear that is medically required to meet a service member's unique physiological needs that cannot be met with footwear furnished by DOD.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016
Steel Industry Preservation Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the production tax credit for steel industry fuel. (Under current law, steel industry fuel is a fuel which is: (1) produced through a process of liquefying coal waste sludge and distributing it on coal, and (2) used as a feedstock for the manufacture of coke.) The bill modifies the tax credit for steel industry fuel to: extend the credit period and the placed-in-service date, revise the definition of "steel industry fuel" to allow blends of coal and petroleum coke or other coke feedstock in the fuel, set forth ownership requirements, and specify requirements for treating an owner as producing and selling steel industry fuel. A taxpayer that produces steel industry fuel may elect to accept an increased tax credit in lieu of certain deductions for expenses in connection with the production of steel industry fuel. The bill specifies the treatment of the credit for the purpose of the alternative minimum tax. It also exempts transactions related to steel industry fuel from rules that restrict deductions and other tax benefits for activities that are not engaged in for profit or that do not have economic substance.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2016
Testing, Removal, and Updated Evaluations of Lead Everywhere in America for Dramatic Enhancements that Restore Safety to Homes, Infrastructure, and Pipes Act of 2016 or the True LEADership Act of 2016 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish grant programs to assist communities and states fund projects that reduce lead in drinking water. The bill establishes a mandatory reporting requirement for states to report elevated levels of lead in children's blood to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the EPA to promulgate lead and copper pipe regulations that would set household action levels for lead and copper in drinking water. The EPA must develop a process to protect and improve the drinking water of minority, tribal, and low-income communities. Additionally, the EPA must establish a voluntary school and child care lead testing grant program. The bill creates a new tax credit for homeowners to invest in eliminating lead hazards. Additionally, the bill revises how the Department of Housing and Urban Development deals with lead in homes. The EPA must establish a grant program to accelerate the testing, deployment and commercialization of new drinking water technologies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to provide funding from its disaster relief fund in response to a major incident of lead contamination in drinking water. The bill creates a grant program for local educational agencies to assist children that have been affected by lead poisoning.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2016
Recognizes 4-H as a vital organization for training the next generation for national leadership, congratulates the National 4-H Council on its "Grow True Leaders" campaign, and supports the council's efforts to grow and diversify the 4-H program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016
Designates April 2016 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should: support policies that create safe and decent jobs in developing countries, support policies that reduce gender-based violence and other forms of discrimination at work, encourage the development of an International Labour Conference Convention to address gender-based violence at work, promote labor rights in trade agreements and enforce the right of women and other workers to join unions, and encourage U.S. companies with international supply chains and U.S. procurement agencies to ensure that their products are produced in workplaces that work to end gender-based workplace violence and respect the rights of women workers.
![Official portrait of Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000944_200.jpg)