United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
This resolution designates March 2020 as National Women's History Month. The resolution also recognizes the celebration of such month as a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act This bill provides for the procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies needed to combat COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill sets forth responsibilities for the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including that the NRCC must (1) direct the national production and distribution of critical medical equipment and supplies; (2) communicate with states, local governments, and Native American tribes regarding the availability and delivery schedule of equipment and supplies; and (3) make specified information publicly available. The Department of Defense may detail members of the armed forces on active duty or civilian employees to support the NRCC. The President, using authorities provided under the Defense Production Act of 1950, must establish a fair and reasonable price for and procure needed equipment and supplies. The Government Accountability Office must annually submit a report to Congress assessing the Strategic National Stockpile. The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall designate an inspector general to oversee this bill's implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2020
This bill extends the tax credit for health insurance costs to eligible national defense or infrastructure workers. An eligible national defense or infrastructure worker is an individual who was employed in a critical industry as of January 31, 2020, filed for unemployment compensation after such date, and is covered by health insurance. A critical industry is an industry related to critical national infrastructure or national defense and is severely distressed due to COVID-19 (i.e., the coronavirus disease 2019). The bill also extends the tax credit through 2022.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2020
COVID-19 Recovery by Enhancing Loan, Investment, and Education Funds for Small Businesses Act of 2020 or the COVID-19 RELIEF for Small Businesses Act of 2020 This bill establishes measures to provide assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the Small Business Administration (SBA) must (1) provide economic injury grants for certain small businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury resulting from COVID-19; (2) establish a program to make direct loans to small businesses, up to 50% of which may be forgiven; and (3) pay the principal, interest, and associated fees on certain SBA loans, including microloans, for a six-month period. The bill also temporarily increases guarantee amounts and loan sizes for certain SBA loans, temporarily waives or reduces certain fees on SBA loans, and permanently waives the guarantee fee on SBA loans for veterans; revises the Microloan Program to increase available funds, extend repayment terms, and waive certain requirements for technical assistance grants; provides additional funding for small business economic development programs; revises and makes permanent the SBA's Intermediary Lending Program, the Community Advantage Loan Program, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program; establishes the Innovation Centers Program whereby the SBA shall enter into cooperative agreements with certain entities to spur innovation and economic growth in underserved and rural communities; and establishes the Office of Emerging Markets to oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of SBA efforts to enhance the economic well-being of small businesses in emerging markets. The federal government must grant certain flexibilities (e.g., additional performance time) to small business federal contractors and expedite the contract award process.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act of 2020 This bill expands support programs for older adults and individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, the bill provides supplemental appropriations for (1) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for quality improvement and laboratory certification activities; (2) the Administration on Community Living to expand nutrition and other programs for older adults; and (3) the Department of Agriculture to provide food packages to low-income, elderly individuals. The funds are designated as an emergency requirement and are therefore exempt from discretionary funding limits and other budget enforcement rules. In addition, the bill (1) temporarily requires state Medicaid programs to provide Medicare cost-sharing assistance to certain individuals who qualify for, or are enrolled in, the low-income subsidy program under the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and (2) authorizes a grant program to support Medicaid home- and community-based services during the public health emergency. The bill also allows states to transfer funds, in greater amounts and without prior approval, between congregate and home-delivered nutrition programs, The Department of Health and Human Services must prioritize home-delivered nutrition services for individuals who are unable to obtain nutrition as a result of the emergency, such as those under quarantine, just as it prioritizes delivery to individuals who are homebound by illness.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2020
This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to pay the principal, interest, and any associated fees owed on certain loans made to small businesses for a six month period. The SBA must also encourage the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and state bank regulators to not require lenders to increase their reserves on account of receiving such payments made by the SBA. The SBA shall waive statutory limits on maximum loan maturities for certain loan durations where the lender provides a deferral and extends the maturity of such loans and, when necessary to provide more time because of difficulties during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, extend lender site visit requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2020
COVID-19 Recovery Grants for Small Businesses Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration to provide economic injury grants to certain small businesses, private nonprofit organizations, and small agricultural cooperatives that have suffered a substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2020
Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020 This bill revises and establishes voting procedures for federal elections. Specifically, the bill requires each state and jurisdiction to, within 30 days, establish and publish a contingency plan to enable voters to vote in federal elections during an emergency. Such plan must (1) include initiatives related to the safety and recruitment of poll workers, and (2) permit registered voters to submit online requests for absentee ballots and vote by mail or by drop-off location. Additionally, for all federal elections, a state must ensure that voters have 20 days to vote through early in-person voting or by mail; begin processing ballots cast during early voting or by mail at least 14 days before the date of the election; provide self-sealing return envelopes with prepaid postage for voter registration applications, absentee-ballot applications, and blank absentee ballots; allow voters to cure certain signature discrepancies; accept voter registration applications at least 21 days before the date of the election; and provide certain accommodations to voters residing on Indian lands. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must create a uniform domestic downloadable and printable absentee ballot for use in federal elections. Until the EAC creates such a ballot, states must permit certain voters to use those ballots provided to overseas and military voters. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must create an update service to inform voters of their voter registration applications, absentee-ballot applications, and absentee ballots. States must be reimbursed for implementing the provisions of the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2020 This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
Great American Outdoors Act This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies. Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020
This resolution (1) designates July 2020 as National Blueberry Month; and (2) recognizes the contributions of blueberry growers in the United States and their families, and that purchasing blueberries grown in the United States supports farmers, jobs, and the economy of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution designates February 2020 as American Heart Month and February 7, 2020, as National Wear Red Day. It also recognizes and reaffirms the commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease by promoting awareness of causes, risks, and prevention; supporting research; and expanding access to medical treatment. The resolution also encourages individuals to learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution commemorates the 150th anniversary of the historic seating of Hiram Rhodes Revels, Senator of Mississippi, as the first African American Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution commends the work of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) to expand access to vaccines and immunizations in developing countries, affirms U.S. support for GAVI, and encourages continued collaboration with GAVI to introduce and sustain the use of new and underused vaccines in immunization programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution calls upon the United Nations Security Council to extend certain expiring restrictions placed on Iran and on arms technology suppliers to Iran, including an export ban prohibiting Iran from exporting weapons and an embargo preventing the sale of arms to Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
Bridging the Tribal Digital Divide Act of 2020 This bill establishes an interagency coordination program for tribal access to broadband service and further expands broadband access on tribal land, including by setting aside certain funds for its deployment and establishing a pilot program for tribes to grant rights-of-way for the construction, maintenance, and facilitation of broadband service on their land.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
Clean Economy Act of 2020 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt and implement a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the United States with the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020
This resolution supports (1) observing National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 5, 2020, to recognize (1) the female athletes who represent schools, universities, and the United States in their athletic pursuits; and (2) the vital role that the people of the United States have in empowering girls and women in sports. The resolution supports (1) marking the observation of such day with legislative efforts to ensure equal pay for female athletes and to protect young athletes from sexual abuse; and (2) efforts to promote equality in sports, including equal pay and equal access to athletic opportunities for girls and women, and to support the U.S. commitment to expanding athletic participation for all girls and future generations of women athletes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
Spectrum Management And Reallocation for Taxpayers Act or the SMART Act This bill authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a public auction of mid-band spectrum and places requirements on how the FCC must use the proceeds from such an auction. Specifically, the bill authorizes the FCC to identify, clear, and auction mid-band spectrum. The bill also establishes a (1) C-Band Reimbursement and Implementation Fund to reimburse costs and incentivize license holders to reduce their usage of spectrum so that it may be auctioned, (2) Digital Divide Trust Fund for deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, and (3) Next Generation 9–1–1 Trust Fund for deployment of upgraded 9–1–1 services that use a digital or internet protocol-based system. The FCC must use the proceeds from a spectrum auction authorized under this bill to (1) reimburse amounts borrowed from the general fund of the Treasury that were deposited into the C-Band Reimbursement and Implementation Fund, (2) deposit a specified amount into the general fund of the Treasury for the purpose of deficit reduction, and (3) deposit all remaining amounts in the Digital Divide Trust Fund and the Next Generation 9–1–1 Trust Fund. Additionally, the bill prohibits an entity that poses a national security risk from participating in a spectrum auction.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
William T. Coleman, Jr., Department of Transportation Headquarters Act This bill designates the headquarters building of the Department of Transportation located at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, in Washington, DC, as the William T. Coleman, Jr., Federal Building .
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp and honors victims of the Holocaust. The resolution also calls on the United States to continue to work to end genocide and recommits to combatting all forms of anti-Semitism.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
National Air Grant Fellowship Program Act of 2020 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a National Air Grant Fellowship Program to award one-year aerospace policy fellowships to support the placement of individuals at the graduate level of education in fields related to aerospace in positions with the U.S. executive and legislative branches. The FAA must strive to ensure equal access for minority and economically disadvantaged students to the program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2020 This bill establishes new requirements to expand the availability of information on domestic terrorism, as well as the relationship between domestic terrorism and hate crimes. It authorizes domestic terrorism components within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to monitor, analyze, investigate, and prosecute domestic terrorism. The domestic terrorism components of DHS, DOJ, and the FBI must jointly report on domestic terrorism, including white-supremacist-related incidents or attempted incidents. DHS, DOJ, and the FBI must review the anti-terrorism training and resource programs of their agencies that are provided to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. It creates an interagency task force to analyze and combat white supremacist and neo-Nazi infiltration of the uniformed services and federal law enforcement agencies. Finally, it directs the FBI to assign a special agent or hate crimes liaison to each field office to investigate hate crimes incidents with a nexus to domestic terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
No War Against Iran Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran unless Congress has either declared war or enacted specific statutory authorization for such use. An exception is made for a presidential exercise of power to introduce Armed Forces into hostilities (or situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated) when there is a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States. The bill further states that no prior authorizations of military force (e.g., against Iraq) may be construed to authorize the use of military force against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2020
Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act of 2020 This bill establishes a pilot program for native plant species and a study on the cost-effectiveness of using native plant materials to carry out land management activities on federal lands. The National Park Service (NPS) shall establish a pilot program in at least two NPS regions to promote the use of native plant materials. The NPS shall conduct a study to determine the cost-effectiveness of using native plant materials in land management activities on federal lands under the jurisdiction of the NPS or other federal land management agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This resolution (1) recognizes Seattle Sounders FC for winning the 2019 Major League Soccer Cup, and (2) supports equity in men's and women's professional sports.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that (1) it is the civic duty of the people of the United States to help ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible; (2) the federal government, state and local governments, civil society, businesses, religious institutions, libraries, and other national and local organizations should work together as partners to inform the public that the 2020 Census is safe, easy, and important; (3) individuals who want to help administer the 2020 Census should apply for a job at 2020census.gov/jobs; and (4) U.S. residents should plan to respond to the 2020 Census to ensure that all people living in a household in the United States are included.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Federal Employee Parental Leave Technical Correction Act This bill expands certain paid parental leave benefits to include specified public sector employees, including employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, the Executive Office of the President and the White House, and the District of Columbia Courts and Public Defender Service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education Act or the AIM HIGH Act This bill creates a commission to develop voluntary guidelines for postsecondary electronic instruction materials and related technologies. Specifically, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Secretary of Education must establish an independent commission to (1) develop and issue voluntary accessibility guidelines for postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies, (2) develop a model framework for pilot testing such materials and technologies, and (3) produce an annotated list of information technology standards. The Department of Education must review and, as appropriate, update the voluntary guidelines, pilot testing framework, and information technology standards every five years.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
This concurrent resolution recognizes the importance of equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities and that many government facilities remain inaccessible to such individuals due to architectural and other barriers. The concurrent resolution also pledges to make universal and inclusive design a guiding principle for all infrastructure bills and projects.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2019
This resolution congratulates and expresses pride in Dr. Jessica U. Meir and Christina H. Koch for successfully completing the first all-female spacewalk in history. The resolution also supports the efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to (1) fully integrate women into the astronaut corps, and (2) ensure that one of the next humans to walk on the Moon shall be a woman.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2019
United States Technical Assistance for Mexican Labor Capacity Building Act of 2019 This bill requires an increase in the amounts transferred to the Trade Enforcement Trust Fund and the use of such amounts to implement labor obligations in the free trade agreement with Mexico. Specifically, for the implementation and monitoring of labor obligations in the free trade agreement with Mexico, the bill designates certain funds be provided (1) to the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs at the Department of Labor; (2) to the Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking at Labor; and (3) for three permanent Labor Attachés at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico or consulates of the United States in Mexico. For international development, the bill designates certain amounts to be transferred to the U.S. Agency for International Development to monitor trade agreement obligations related to anti-corruption and the promotion of rule of law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2019 This bill revises provisions related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. Among other provisions, the bill sets forth new requirements for the corps concerning commissioned grades and operational strength numbers, obligated service requirements, training and physical fitness, education loan assistance, recruitment, hiring and promotions, separation and retirement, and other workforce issues.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019
War Risk Insurance Extension Act of 2019 This bill extends through December 31, 2020, the authority of the Department of Transportation to provide aviation insurance and reinsurance upon the request of another U.S. government agency.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019
Consumer Online Privacy Rights Act This bill places requirements on entities that process or transfer a consumer's data. Specifically, the bill requires such entities to make their privacy policy publicly available and provide an individual with access to their personal data; delete or correct, upon request, information in an individual's data; export, upon request, an individual's data in a human-readable and machine-readable format; establish data security practices to protect the confidentiality and accessibility of consumer data; and designate a privacy officer and a data security officer to implement and conduct privacy and data security programs and risk assessments. Further, the bill prohibits such entities from engaging in deceptive or harmful data practices; transferring an individual's data to a third party if the individual objects; processing or transferring an individual's sensitive data without affirmative express consent; processing or transferring data beyond what is reasonably necessary or for which they have obtained affirmative express consent; processing or transferring data on the basis of specified protected characteristics (e.g., race, religion, or gender); conditioning the provision of a service or product on an individual's agreement to waive their privacy rights; and retaliating against an employee who provides information about a potential violation of the bill's provisions, or who testifies or assists in an investigation or judicial proceeding concerning such a violation. The Federal Trade Commission must establish a new bureau to assist with enforcement of these provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019
This resolution recognizes December 3, 2019, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities and expresses support for U.S. efforts to promote the rights of individuals with disabilities both domestically and internationally.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Investing in America's Digital Infrastructure Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to conduct an auction of mid-band spectrum and establishes two funds to facilitate the deployment of wireless broadband infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution recognizes and celebrates small businesses by (1) acknowledging the importance of promoting a business-friendly environment for small business owners, (2) encouraging young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and create more startup businesses, and (3) conveying appreciation for the ways small businesses support their communities and workers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 12 Moon landing. The resolution also honors the bravery and skill of Charles "Pete" Conrad, Jr., Alan Bean, and Richard F. Gordon, the crew of Apollo 12; commends the efforts of all of the individuals of the United States who contributed to the achievement of the Moon landing; and supports continued U.S. leadership in the exploration and use of space through human spaceflight.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019
NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2019 This bill extends through 2021 the authority of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lease its non-excess real property and related personal property.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
This resolution expresses support for (1) the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month, including encouraging individuals to fight diabetes through public awareness about prevention and treatment options and enhancing education about the disease; and (2) decreasing the prevalence of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
Humane Cosmetics Act of 2019 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
This resolution (1) recognizes Seattle Sounders FC for winning the 2019 Major League Soccer Cup, and (2) supports equity in men's and women's professional sports.