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 · 7 November 2019
This resolution designates November 4–8, 2019, as National Veterans Small Business Week, expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Veterans Small Business Week, celebrates the millions of people in the United States—especially veterans and their spouses—who benefit from Small Business Administration programs, and expresses appreciation for the continued service of the nation's veterans through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2020. The bill provides for continued use of the International Space Station through 2030 and authorizes NASA programs and activities, including a rocket engine test infrastructure program, a low-Earth orbit commercialization program, a Lunar Discovery Program for lunar science research, a 21st Century Aeronautics Capabilities Initiative, a Skilled Technical Education Outreach Program for secondary school students, and a 21st Century Space Launch Infrastructure Program. NASA shall establish the Planetary Defense Coordination Office to implement a program for surveying threats posed by near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter. NASA shall also continue providing opportunities for formal and informal STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science) education engagement activities, including under the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019
Marine Mammal Research and Response Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and generally revises the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, including by renaming the program as the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program. The bill also establishes the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Rapid Response Fund for providing emergency financial assistance for certain stranded or entangled marine mammals and otherwise provides support for marine mammals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019
Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish an Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee to advise DOT on matters related to Arctic maritime transportation, including Arctic seaway development. The committee must develop a set of policy recommendations that would enhance the leadership role played by the United States in improving the safety and reliability of Arctic maritime transportation in accordance with customary international maritime law, consider establishing a congressionally chartered seaway development corporation modeled on the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, and provide advice and recommendations to DOT on Arctic marine transportation. The bill requires any Special Representative for the Arctic Region appointed by the Department of State to coordinate any activities recommended by the committee's implementation plan and to facilitate multilateral dialogues with member and observer nations of the Arctic Council.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019
This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure that allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment are investigated thoroughly and promptly. NOAA must ensure that such allegations are investigated within 48 hours after they are reported. If pursuant to an investigation NOAA finds evidence that a crime has been committed it must refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, including the appropriate United States Attorney's office.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019
Harvesting American Cybersecurity Knowledge through Education Act of 2019 or the HACKED Act of 2019 This bill expands and coordinates federal agencies' cybersecurity recruitment and education initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution recognizes the October 2019 celebration of Filipino American History Month as a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to reflect on and remember the many notable contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution recognizes October 2019 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Don't Break Up the T-Band Act of 2019 This bill repeals the requirement for the Federal Communications Commission to reallocate and auction the 470-512 MHz band (referred to as the "T-Band spectrum"). The T-Band spectrum is a frequency range currently utilized by public-safety entities in certain urban areas.
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 · 28 October 2019
Global Child Thrive Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes for FY2020-FY2025 programs to provide assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. The bill also requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to direct relevant executive branch agencies to incorporate early childhood development into current programs and promote inclusive early childhood development in partner countries. Such actions to promote early childhood development shall build on existing U.S. plans and strategies and aim to (1) prevent unnecessary family-child separation, (2) assist families with children with disabilities, and (3) help countries transition from child care protection systems that rely on residential care (such as orphanages and children's homes) to ones focused on family-based care.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
Aviation Automation and Human Factors Safety Act of 2019 This bill addresses the implementation of various aviation safety recommendations. Among other requirements, the bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to require the manufacturer of the 737 MAX aircraft to demonstrate that system safety assessments for such aircraft consider the effect of all possible flight deck alerts and indications on pilot recognition and response; issue guidance defining pilot monitoring metrics that air carriers may use to train and evaluate pilots, including metrics or measurable tasks that air carriers can use to evaluate pilot monitoring proficiency; direct design and production organizations for aviation products to establish safety management systems that are consistent with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization; and create a Center for Excellence dedicated to studying flight automation and human factors in commercial aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
This resolution (1) recognizes the Washington Mystics for winning the 2019 Women's National Basketball Association championship, and (2) supports equity in men's and women's professional sports.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2019 This bill increases the rehabilitation tax credit and modifies certain requirements for the credit. The bill increases the rate of the credit to 30% for small projects (rehabilitation expenditures not exceeding $3.75 million) and caps the credit for such projects at $750,000 for all taxable years. The bill also expands the types of buildings eligible for rehabilitation by decreasing the rehabilitation threshold from 100% to 50% of project expenses. It also eliminates the basis adjustment requirement for the credit and modifies rules relating to the eligibility of tax-exempt use property for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
STEM Opportunities Act of 2019 This bill provides for guidance, data collection, and grants for groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at institutions of higher education (IHEs) and at federal science agencies. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to provide specified guidance related to such groups to federal science agencies and IHEs. Each federal science agency must collect comprehensive demographic data on recipients of merit-reviewed research and development grants given to IHEs and federal laboratories supported by that agency. Each agency must also implement recommendations from the OSTP report titled Reducing the Impact of Bias in the STEM Workforce . In addition, each agency must carry out a pilot program and implement evidence-based policies and practices to minimize the effect of implicit bias in the grant review process. The National Science Foundation (NSF) must carry out and publish a survey to collect data on the demographics of STEM faculty, by broad fields of STEM, at different types of IHEs. The NSF must also carry out a variety of grant programs, including grants for increasing (1) the recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals from underrepresented minority groups in STEM careers; (2) the recruitment and retention of minority students who are underrepresented in STEM fields; and (3) student participation in computer science and computational thinking education programs at tribal colleges and universities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Protecting Resources On The Electric grid with Cybersecurity Technology Act of 2019 or the PROTECT Act of 2019 This bill addresses providing incentives for electric utilities to invest in cybersecurity. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to provide incentives to electric utilities for investing in advanced cybersecurity technology, and establishes a grant and technical assistance program at the Department of Energy for electric utilities that are not regulated by FERC to deploy advanced cybersecurity technology.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Big Cat Public Safety Act This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including to restrict direct contact between the public and big cats.
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 · 18 September 2019
This resolution commends the Global Fund to Fight AIDS and its partners for their contributions to ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The resolution also affirms U.S. support to secure at least $14 billion in donor commitments for the Sixth Global Fund Replenishment.
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
This resolution designates the week of September 22-September 28, 2019, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week and recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans and by the families of Armed Forces members who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend freedom and protect the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Protect America’s Wildlife and Fish In Need of Conservation Act of 2019 or the PAW and FIN Conservation Act of 2019 This bill nullifies several 2019 rules that revise regulations relating to the listing of endangered or threatened species and the designation of critical habitats. The restored rules automatically give threatened species the same protections as endangered species; revise requirements governing when an agency must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service about endangered species, threatened species, or their habitats; prohibit economic assessments from being considered in listing decisions; and revise the criteria used for designating critical habitats for the species. Rulemakings related to these regulations must incorporate climate change impacts.
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
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 · 10 September 2019
Justice for Servicemembers Act This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of a dispute related to the employment or reemployment rights of a uniformed service member.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
This joint resolution rescinds the State Relief and Empowerment Waivers guidance issued on October 24, 2018, which relaxes the criteria for states to obtain waivers from certain health insurance plan coverage requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
End Racial and Religious Profiling Act of 2019 or ERRPA This bill establishes a framework to eliminate racial profiling at the federal, state, and local levels. Specifically, it requires federal law enforcement agencies to maintain policies and procedures to eliminate racial profiling, including training, data collection, and complaint procedures. State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies must maintain similar policies and procedures as a condition of receiving funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program and the Community Oriented Policing Services program. To enforce violations, the bill authorizes civil suits by the Department of Justice and affected individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
ALJ Competitive Service Restoration Act This bill makes administrative law judge (ALJ) positions part of the competitive service and otherwise modifies the process for the appointment of ALJs, including by establishing certain minimum qualifications and conditions of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
This resolution designates the first week of August 2019 as World Breastfeeding Week, designates August 2019 as National Breastfeeding Month, and expresses support for policies and funding to ensure that all mothers who choose to breastfeed can access a full range of supports.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
This resolution (1) congratulates the United States Women's National Soccer Team for winning the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, and (2) stands in solidarity with the women of that team as they fight for equal pay.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Fishery Failures: Urgently Needed Disaster Declarations Act This bill revises the review process for making fishery resource disaster determinations. Among other things, the bill maintains the authority of the Department of Commerce to determine the existence of a fishery disaster; sets forth requirements for initiating a request for a fishery resource disaster review; provides a 120-day time frame for Commerce to evaluate a request, beginning either upon receipt or at the close of the fishery season, if the fishery season closes; establishes criteria for Commerce to use when making a determination about whether a fishery resource disaster has occurred; and lists eligible uses of fishery disaster relief funds, including for habitat conservation and restoration that reduce adverse impacts to a fishery.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Smart Building Acceleration Act of 2019 This bill assists the building sector in adopting smart building technology that increases energy efficiency. Smart buildings are buildings with energy systems that (1) are flexible and automated; (2) have extensive operational monitoring and communication connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and analysis of building functions; (3) take a systems-based approach in integrating the overall building operations for control of energy generation, consumption, and storage; (4) communicate with utilities and other third-party commercial entities, if appropriate; (5) protect the health and safety of occupants and workers; and (6) are cybersecure. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a Federal Smart Building Program. Under the program, DOE must implement smart building technology in certain federal buildings and demonstrate the costs and benefits of smart buildings. DOE may expand awards made under the Federal Energy Management Program and the Better Building Challenge to recognize specific federal agency achievements in accelerating the adoption of smart building technologies. In addition, DOE must conduct (1) a survey of privately owned smart buildings throughout the United States and evaluate their costs and benefits, and (2) research and development on barriers to the integration of advanced building technologies. As part of the Better Building Challenge, DOE must demonstrate policies and approaches that accelerate the transition to smart buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
21st Century Energy Workforce Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a 21st Century Energy Workforce Advisory Board to develop a strategy for the support and development of a skilled energy workforce. Based on the board's recommendations, DOE shall establish a clearinghouse to: maintain and update information and resources on training and workforce development programs for energy- and manufacturing-related jobs; and act as a resource and provide guidance for secondary schools, institutions of higher education (including community colleges and minority-serving institutions), and workforce development, labor management, and industry organizations that would like to develop and implement energy- and manufacturing-related training programs. DOE shall also establish a pilot program to award grants to eligible entities for job training programs that lead to an industry-recognized credential.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Grid Modernization Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a program to modernize the electric grid, including by (1) developing standards to compare the storage capacity, cycle length, capabilities, and reliability of different types of electricity storage; (2) promoting the development of micro-grid systems; (3) facilitating a collaborative process to develop model grid architecture; and (4) ensuring a reliable, resilient, affordable, safe, and secure electric grid. (A micro-grid system means a stand-alone electrical system that uses grid-scale energy storage.) DOE must also establish a grant program to carry out projects related to the modernization of the electric grid, including the application of technologies to improve observability, advanced controls, and prediction of system performance on the distribution system.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Energy Cybersecurity Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop advanced cybersecurity applications and technologies for the energy sector. DOE shall: advance the security of field devices and third-party control systems; leverage electric grid architecture as a means to assess risks to the energy sector, including by implementing an all-hazards approach to communications infrastructure, control systems architecture, and power systems architecture; perform pilot demonstration projects with the energy sector to gain experience with new technologies; and develop workforce development curricula for energy sector-related cybersecurity. DOE may also implement within the energy sector cybertesting and cyberresilience programs that target: DOE emergency response capabilities, cooperation with the intelligence communities for energy sector-related threat collection and analysis, enhancing the tools of DOE and the Electricity Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ES-ISAC) for monitoring the status of the energy sector, expanding industry participation in ES-ISAC, and technical assistance to small electric utilities to assess cybermaturity posture. DOE must develop an advanced energy security program that secures diverse energy networks in order to increase the functional preservation of the electric grid operations or natural gas and oil operations in the face of natural and human-made threats and hazards, including electric magnetic pulse and geomagnetic disturbances. DOE shall study alternative management structures and funding mechanisms to expand industry membership and participation in ES-ISAC.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections. The amendment grants Congress and the states the power to implement and enforce this amendment by legislation. They are allowed to distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
This resolution urges (1) the Federation Internationale de Football Association to eliminate gender pay inequity and treat all athletes with respect and dignity; and (2) all other local, state, federal, and international organizations to eliminate gender pay inequity. The resolution expresses support for an end to gender pay inequity in the workplace, including athletic competitions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2019
Freedom for Americans to Travel to Cuba Act of 2019 This bill establishes that any law, regulation, or policy that prohibits or restricts travel to or from Cuba, or transactions incident to such travel, shall have no effect. The President may not restrict or prohibit such travel or transactions unless doing so is necessary to protect (1) U.S. national security, or (2) the health and safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents.
![Official portrait of Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000127_200.jpg)