United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
Mothers of Military Service Leave Act or the MOMS Leave Act This bill provides compensation and credit for retired pay purposes (including computation of years of service for retired pay) for maternity leave taken by members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish a report at least every 10 years that contains physical-activity recommendations for the general public based on the most current scientific and medical knowledge, including information for population subgroups as needed. HHS must publish updated reports that detail evidence-based practices and highlight continuing physical-activity issues between the publications of full reports. Updated reports may focus on particular population subgroups or issues relating to physical activity. A federal agency that proposes to issue physical-activity recommendations that differ from the recommendations in the most recent full report must consider the recommendations in reports issued under this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act of 2019 or the RISE Act of 2019 This bill establishes requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs) concerning students with disabilities. Specifically, the bill requires IHEs to allow students to use certain documents, such as individualized education programs, to establish their disabilities. In addition, IHEs must make the process for determining the eligibility for accommodations transparent. Finally, IHEs must submit key data related to their undergraduate students with disabilities for inclusion in federal postsecondary institution data collection efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2019
Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act or the IMPROVE Transition for Servicemembers Act This bill revises provisions that require the Department of Defense (DOD) and, with respect to the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to operate a program providing individual pre-separation counseling and services to assist members of the Armed Forces who are transitioning to civilian life. The bill's changes include (1) revising various deadlines in the transition program, (2) requiring the use of surveys and electronic systems to track the progress of participating individuals, and (3) establishing a program to provide Armed Forces members with information about the transition program and about career and educational opportunities available during military service. DOD and DHS must annually report on the furnishing of such pre-separation counseling, information, and services. The Government Accountability Office must report on service member participation in transition assistance programs at small and remote military installations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
PFAS Release Disclosure Act This bill requires specified perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, to be immediately included in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. PFAS that are being assessed for toxicity value, subject to the significant new use rule, or subject to an ongoing or future significant new use rule must be added to the TRI after finalization of the relevant assessment. The bill also implements a 100-pound threshold for purposes of reporting such PFAS that are included in the TRI. The EPA must determine whether a revision of the threshold is warranted in five years. The EPA must determine within two years whether specified PFAS, such as perfluorobutanesulfonic acid, warrant inclusion in the TRI. With regard to PFAS that are subject to a claim of a person of protection from disclosure, the EPA must review that claim and require the person to reassert and substantiate that claim. If the substance qualifies for protection from disclosure, the EPA must include the substance in the TRI in a manner that does not disclose the protected information. Owners or operators of facilities that manufacture, process, or use a PFAS included in the TRI per this bill must complete a toxic chemical release form for each chemical that was manufactured, processed, or otherwise used at certain thresholds.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, providing for women's suffrage. The resolution also reaffirms the desire of Congress to continue strengthening democratic participation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 This bill requires (1) broadband service providers to fulfill certain reporting requirements, and (2) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a challenge process to aid in broadband mapping. Specifically, the bill requires each provider to report certain information regarding the geographic availability of broadband service it provides. The FCC must contract with an entity to provide data submission assistance to a provider that is unable to comply with this reporting requirement. Among other responsibilities, such entity shall provide support for the required challenge process and establish an ongoing data validation and verification process. The FCC is also required to establish a framework for a process whereby information challenging the accuracy of the National Broadband Map may be submitted. Subject to the challenge process and feedback received therefrom, specified federal agencies shall use the National Broadband Map to determine the extent of broadband availability and the areas of the United States that remain unserved.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
Rebuild America Now Act This bill generally expedites the environmental review and permitting process of certain infrastructure projects and projects undertaken or funded by the federal government that could have significant environmental consequences.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a national standard—informed by data gathered on broadband service in the 20 most populous metropolitan areas in the United States—to determine whether the broadband service available in rural areas is reasonably comparable to that of urban areas.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
Thin Blue Line Act This bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
This concurrent resolution authorizes the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state, upon death, of the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient for acts performed during World War II, if the individual or their next of kin so elects.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Back the Blue Act of 2019 This bill establishes new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer. Additionally, the bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or firefighter or other first responder; broadens the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms; limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge; and limits the recovery of compensatory damages and prohibits the recovery of attorney's fees by an individual for a violation of rights that occurred as a result of (or in the course of) conduct that constitutes a felony or crime of violence. Finally, it directs the Department of Justice to make grants to law enforcement agencies and nongovernmental organizations to promote trust and improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2019 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a maximum contaminant level goal as well as a national primary drinking water regulation for certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. The substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain PFAS, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019
Credit for Caring Act of 201 9 This bill allows an eligible caregiver a tax credit of up to $3,000 for 30% of the cost of long-term care expenses that exceed $2,000 in a taxable year. The bill defines "eligible caregiver" as an individual who has earned income for the taxable year in excess of $7,500 and pays or incurs expenses for providing care to a spouse or other dependent relative with long-term care needs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2019
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through December 31, 2027, provisions requiring the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp for first-class mail that costs more than the regular first-class stamp to raise funds for breast cancer research.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2019
Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act of 2019 This bill prohibits patent thicketing and product hopping by drug manufacturers. In general, patent thicketing occurs when a drug manufacturer obtains new patents related to a previously-patented drug, biological product, or underlying chemical composition that extends the manufacturer’s market exclusivity for that drug without demonstrating that the new patents serve a meaningful purpose other than limiting competition from generic drug manufacturers. Product hopping is presumed when a drug manufacturer obtains removal of a drug from the Food and Drug Administration’s approved drug list, discontinues a drug, or markets a reformulation of an already-approved drug during a certain period after which the manufacturer has been notified that a competing drug manufacturer has applied for generic drug approval. These practices are not considered product hopping if the manufacturer demonstrates that the drug was removed from the approved-drug list for safety reasons. Or, in the case of a drug reformulation, the manufacturer shows that the modified product provides a significant health benefit, is the option least likely to reduce competition, and is based on substantial financial considerations unrelated to limiting competition. The Federal Trade Commission may penalize violating manufacturers and bring claims in federal court to prohibit the conduct and provide restitution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019
Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act This bill exempts individuals with metastatic breast cancer from certain waiting periods for disability insurance benefits under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program and related Medicare coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019
This resolution 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 · 6 May 2019
Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act This bill authorizes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award grants to qualifying emergency departments for the purpose of supporting mental-health services. Specifically, grant recipients must use funds to support the provision of follow-up services for individuals who present for care of acute mental-health episodes, such as placement in appropriate facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
American Mineral Security Act This bill addresses the availability, development, and production of domestic critical minerals. The President must coordinate the appropriate agencies to implement U.S. policy regarding critical minerals, including to establish an analytical and forecasting capability for identifying critical mineral market factors so as to avoid supply shortages, mitigate price volatility, and prepare for demand growth and other market shifts. Among other things, the bill provides statutory authority for the U.S. Geological Survey to designate and update every three years a list of critical minerals; requires a comprehensive national assessment of every critical mineral; directs the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to complete federal permitting and review processes with maximum efficiency and effectiveness; requires the Department of Energy to conduct a program of research and development to promote the production, use, and recycling of critical minerals, and develop alternatives to critical minerals; directs the Department of Labor to assess the domestic availability of technically trained personnel with the necessary skill set for critical mineral activities; provides for a study to design an interdisciplinary program on critical minerals that will support the critical mineral supply chain and increase domestic critical mineral development; establishes a competitive grant program for institutions of higher education to implement integrated critical mineral education, training, and workforce development programs; and reauthorizes through FY2029 the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Commerce to conduct a biennial assessment and analysis regarding the contribution of the digital economy to the U.S. economy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins that are emblematic of the National Law Enforcement Museum in the District of Columbia and of the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers throughout the history of the United States. All sales of such coins shall include specified surcharges, which shall be distributed to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc., for educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
Healthier Students for Stronger Campuses Act This bill replaces a grant program for reducing and eliminating the illegal use of drugs and alcohol on college campuses with a grant program for preventing and addressing the effects of substance use on college campuses. Specifically, it authorizes the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to award substance misuse prevention and treatment grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) with regional high incidences of substance use disorders, overdoses, and deaths. It requires at least 25% of funds to be awarded to IHEs in rural areas. The bill requires IHEs to use funds for evidence-based or promising interventions designed to address and prevent substance use disorders among enrolled students, such as recovery services, treatment or referral to treatment, and mental health counseling. IHEs receiving such grants must provide at least a 20% match of nonfederal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019
Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act or the FUTURE Act This bill extends through FY2021 and revises mandatory funding programs for historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions, including by allocating a portion of the funding for grants to predominantly black institutions for programs in (1) science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; (2) health education; (3) internationalization or globalization; (4) teacher preparation; or (5) improving educational outcomes of African-American males.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
National Museum of the American Latino Act This bill establishes the National Museum of the American Latino in the Smithsonian Institution. The purposes of the museum are to (1) illuminate Latino contributions to the story of the United States; (2) provide for the collection, study, research, publication, and establishment of exhibitions and programs related to Latino life, art, history, and culture; and (3) provide for collaboration with Smithsonian Institution museums and research centers and other museums and educational institutions in the United States and abroad to promote the study and appreciation of Latino life, art, history, culture, and its impact on society in the United States. The bill establishes a Board of Trustees for the museum to advise and assist the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian on all matters related to the administration and preservation of the museum. The Director of the museum shall manage the museum and may carry out educational and liaison programs in support of its goals. The Board of Regents shall designate a site for the museum and is authorized to design and construct it.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019
Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans to report on and make recommendations regarding the use of public lands or other outdoor spaces for medical treatment and therapy for veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2019
Women's Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 400,000 $1 silver coins that are emblematic of the women who played a vital role in rallying support for the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Such coins may be issued during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2020. All surcharges received from the sales of such coins shall be paid to the American Women's History Initiative of the Smithsonian Institution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2019
This resolution declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Richard G. Lugar, former Senator from Indiana.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
ATC Hiring Reform Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration to give preferential consideration to air traffic control specialists applicants: (1) who have completed air traffic controller training and graduated from an institution participating in the Collegiate Training Initiative program, or (2) who are veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
Enhancing Fossil Fuel Energy Carbon Technology Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to replace its existing fossil energy research and development technology programs with new programs. Under the new programs, DOE must research and develop fossil fuel technology for carbon capture, utilization, storage, or removal. DOE must establish a coal and natural gas technology program to ensure the continued use of domestic coal and natural gas resources through the development of technologies. The technologies must significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, costs, and environmental performance of coal and natural gas use. In addition, DOE must establish a research, development, and demonstration carbon storage program and a large-scale carbon sequestration demonstration program. DOE may establish an integrated storage program. DOE must also establish a carbon utilization program to identify and assess novel uses for carbon, carbon capture technologies for industrial systems, and alternative uses for coal. Finally, DOE must establish a program to develop technologies and strategies for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere on a large scale. The program must include an air capture technology prize competition.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
Training the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act of 2019 This bill alters funding provisions, and establishes additional reporting requirements, relating to the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, which is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The program supports training for primary-care-physician and dental residents at community-based clinics. The bill (1) establishes certain parameters for payments to approved and newly approved graduate medical-residency training programs, and (2) requires HRSA to publish a report regarding new and expanded programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
Rural Access to Hospice Act of 2019 This bill allows federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health centers (RHCs) to receive payment under Medicare for hospice services. Currently, attending physicians who work for FQHCs and RHCs may provide hospice services only outside of FQHC or RHC work hours and must bill Medicare under their own provider numbers; FQHCs and RHCs may not receive payment under Medicare for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
Association Health Plans Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for certain short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans and association health plans. The bill permits short-term, limited-duration plans to provide coverage for a period of less than 12 months, not including extensions. Under current law, such plans are exempt from certain market requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, such as coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions. The bill further permits groups or associations of employers to sponsor fully insured group health plans as if they were employers. Such plans may not discriminate based on the health factors of any prospective plan participant for the purpose of granting an employer's membership in the association or determining a participant's eligibility for benefits or premium amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
Equal Campus Access Act of 2019 This bill prohibits funding for any public institution of higher education (IHE) that denies to religious student organizations any right, benefit, or privilege that is otherwise afforded to other student organizations at the IHE because of the religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or standards of conduct of the religious student organization.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
Keeping Infants Domestically Safe Act of 2019 or the KIDS Act This bill expands the scope of the criminal conduct related to buying and selling minors (i.e., individuals under 18 years of age). Current law prohibits buying or selling a minor for the purpose of producing child pornography. This bill prohibits buying or selling a minor in exchange for money or any other consideration for any purpose other than a legal adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
License Natural Gas Now Act of 2019 or the LNG Now Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the federal government from imposing restrictions on the importation and exportation of natural gas. The bill prohibits the export of natural gas to, or the import of natural gas from, a nation subject to sanctions imposed by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019
This resolution designates April 20-April 28, 2019, as National Park Week. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States and the world to visit U.S. national parks.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019
Concentrating on High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2019 This bill modifies the requirements under Medicare for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments in older adults. Specifically, the bill expands the cognitive impairment detection benefit during annual wellness visits to require the use of validated detection tools and documentation of the results in the patient's medical record. Further, when a cognitive impairment is detected, the patient must be referred to an appropriate diagnostic service provider and other specified supports. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services must implement Medicare policies that increase the identification and response to patients' Alzheimer's disease risk factors and incentivize providers to utilize high-quality cognitive impairment diagnosis practices.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019
Protect Act This bill adds, among other provisions, requirements to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 for private health insurance plans with respect to preexisting conditions, guaranteed enrollment, and discrimination based on health-related factors. Specifically, the bill prohibits private health insurance plans from (1) limiting or excluding benefits covering preexisting conditions; (2) denying enrollment to employers or individual applicants, subject to specified limits; (3) establishing rules for eligibility based on an individual's health status; or (4) requiring an individual to a pay higher premium than similarly situated individuals enrolled in the plan based the individual's health status. Additionally, the bill prohibits plans from collecting genetic information in connection with issuing health insurance and provides requirements for workplace wellness programs connected to health insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019
Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an interagency review of the status of women and lung cancer. The review must report on the status of existing research and current knowledge gaps; identify new opportunities for collaborative research to determine the causes of lung cancer and advance prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and provide recommendations for a national cancer screening strategy and public education campaign.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2019
Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act This bill makes permanent, beginning in FY2020, funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The President shall annually submit 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 · 9 April 2019
Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2019 This bill limits the authority of states with respect to water quality certifications. Specifically, the bill limits the authority of states to review federally permitted activities that may result in discharges into navigable waters.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2019
John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes funding for FY2020-FY2024 for maintenance, repair, and security and capital projects for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The bill directs that a plaque be placed within the Kennedy Center that contains an inscription to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the National Cultural Center Act by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Kennedy Center may solicit private contributions for the design, procurement, and installation of the plaque.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2019
Rare Earth Element Advanced Coal Technologies Act This bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy to create a program for the development of advanced separation technology to extract and recover rare earth elements and minerals from coal and coal byproducts.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2019
Fentanyl Sanctions Act This bill establishes programs to address illicit opioid trafficking and imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved in such activities. The President shall impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities identified as opioid traffickers or those that own, control, or supply opioid precursors. The sanctions include bans on (1) receiving loans, (2) foreign exchange transactions, (3) property transactions, and (4) certain investments that fall under U.S. jurisdiction. The President may waive sanctions on certain parties for national security and humanitarian concerns. The President shall report to Congress about the implementation of such sanctions and also on cooperative efforts with Mexico and China to combat illicit opioid trafficking. The bill establishes the Commission on Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, which shall develop a strategy to combat the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States. The commission shall report on various topics, including the scope of illicit trafficking in other countries and the deficiencies in other countries' regulation of pharmaceutical and chemical production. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) shall establish a program to assist in enforcement efforts and sanctions against illicit opioid traffickers, with a focus on illicit finance. ODNI shall periodically report to Congress about the intelligence community's counter-narcotics efforts.