United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2021
This joint resolution eliminates the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on sex. The amendment was proposed to the states in House Joint Resolution 208 of the 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972. The amendment shall be part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2021
This resolution honors the memory of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick for sacrificing his life in the line of duty on January 6, 2021, and it calls for justice to be brought to those responsible for the attack on the Capitol and the death of Officer Sicknick.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020
Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2020 This bill authorizes grants and other forms of assistance for smaller and very small meat and poultry processing establishments, including competitive grants for training programs and activities related to COVID-19 response and recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2020
This resolution designates rooms S-124 and S-115 of the U.S. Capitol as the U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith Room and the U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski Room, respectively, in recognition of their service to the Senate and the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2020
Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020 This bill temporarily increases payments to providers under Medicare medical services. Specifically, the bill provides an additional payment for certain services in 2021 and 2022 if the otherwise applicable payment is less than what it would have been in 2020. The bill applies to services that are payable under the physician fee schedule, excluding specified outpatient evaluation and management services.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2020
CFTC Fund Management Act This bill expands the permissible uses of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Customer Protection Fund to include education initiatives and administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
This bill provides statutory authority for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Department of State to compensate employees and certain family members for qualifying brain injuries sustained while stationed in a foreign country. Under the bill, the CIA and the State Department may provide compensation for a covered individual who has a partial or total disability resulting from a qualifying brain injury for which the individual is not receiving disability payments from the United States. Existing requirements and limitations related to compensation for injuries sustained by CIA and State Department employees shall apply to compensation provided under the bill. The bill shall apply to qualifying injuries sustained before or after the bill's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
This resolution mourns the death of former Senator Paul Spyros Sarbanes and requests that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2020
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 · 1 December 2020
York River Wild and Scenic River Act of 2020 This bill designates specified segments of the main stem and the tributaries of the York River in Maine as a recreational river. The Department of the Interior may enter into cooperative agreements to provide for the long-term protection, preservation, and enhancement of the river segments. No land or interest in land within the watersheds of the river segments may be acquired by condemnation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2020
This resolution designates the week beginning September 13, 2020, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week and commends the contributions of direct support professionals who provide integral services to people with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2020
This resolution (1) recognizes October 2020 as National Principals Month and supports its goals and ideals; and (2) honors the contributions of principals in elementary, middle, and high schools in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2020
This resolution expresses the sorrow of the Senate upon the death of former Senator Mark Andrews and requests that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2020
Home health Emergency Access to Telehealth Act or the HEAT Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage of home health services that are furnished via telehealth during a public health emergency, in accordance with specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2020
This resolution directs the Department of State to transmit to Congress a statement on human rights practices in Turkey, including the steps the United States has taken to promote human rights in the region and an assessment of whether circumstances exist that necessitate a continuation of security assistance for Turkey. The resolution also calls for information on whether U.S.-built F-16s have been used by Turkey in the conflict in the South Caucasus.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act This bill temporarily modifies the 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program of the Small Business Administration (SBA) by waiving borrower and lender fees, increasing the government guarantee to 95%, increasing the maximum loan value to $10 million, and waiving repayment for any new 7(a) loans for one year. The SBA must issue temporary COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) guidance that reflects these changes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020
Protecting Employees from Surprise Taxes Act of 2020 This bill prohibits employers from deferring payment of payroll taxes unless affected employees provide written consent to a deferral. Employers must also provide notice to their employees of the right to provide or withhold written consent and the future tax liability resulting from providing consent to the deferral of such taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Retirement Security Month and acknowledges the need to raise public awareness of a variety of tax-preferred retirement vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
This resolution honors Yitzhak Rabin for his service to the Israeli people and extends the sympathy and condolences of the House of Representatives to his family and the people of Israel on the 25th anniversary of his death. Further, it expresses support for (1) the close ties and special relationship between the United States and Israel; (2) community leaders and government officials who work to encourage coexistence and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians; and (3) a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2020
Air Carrier Worker Support Extension Act of 2020 This bill extends authority for the Department of the Treasury to provide financial assistance to passenger air carriers, cargo air carriers, and contractors of passenger air carriers for the continuation of payment of employee wages, salaries, and benefits. The maximum amounts of financial assistance that may be provided by Treasury for this purpose are $25.5 billion for passenger air carriers, $300 million for cargo air carriers, and $3 billion for contractors . The bill provides specific deadlines and procedures under which Treasury must provide financial assistance to air carriers and contractors. To be eligible for financial assistance, an air carrier or contractor must (1) agree not to reduce pay and benefits or conduct involuntary furloughs until March 31, 2021; and (2) agree, through March 31, 2022, not to repurchase stock, pay dividends, or make other capital distributions. Additionally, Treasury may require carriers that receive assistance to maintain service to points served before March 1, 2020. Such authority terminates on April 1, 2022. The bill limits the maximum allowable compensation of an officer or employee of an air carrier or contractor that receives assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2020
Continuing the Paycheck Protection Program Act This bill establishes funding for, expands, and provides additional economic assistance to small businesses in response to COVID-19. Specifically, the Small Business Administration is authorized to provide second draw loans of up to $2 million under the Paycheck Protection Program. A recipient shall be eligible for forgiveness of a second draw loan in the same manner as an initial paycheck protection loan. Further the bill modifies the Paycheck Protection Program by, among other things, (1) expanding forgivable expenses, (2) allowing borrowers to select an eight-week period to use their paycheck protection loan, (3) simplifying the forgiveness application for smaller loans, (4) expanding eligibility to certain chambers of commerce and destination marketing organizations, and (5) establishing a specific loan calculation for farmers and ranchers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2020
This resolution designates September 21-September 25, 2020, as National Falls Prevention Awareness Week, encourages raising public awareness about preventing falls among older adults, and recognizes the agencies and organizations that work to reduce the incidence of such falls.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
This resolution designates the week of October 5-October 9, 2020, as Malnutrition Awareness Week and recognizes the work of nutrition professionals and others in advancing awareness and prevention of malnutrition. It also recognizes the importance of federal nutrition programs and other efforts in preventing and treating malnutrition, particularly during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
This resolution establishes the Senate Human Rights Commission to (1) serve as a forum for bipartisan discussion of international human rights issues and promotion of internationally recognized human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; (2) raise awareness of international human rights violations through regular briefings and hearings; and (3) collaborate with congressional entities, the executive branch, human rights entities, and nongovernmental organizations to promote human rights initiatives within the Senate. In addition, the resolution prohibits the commission from (1) having legislative jurisdiction; (2) having authority to take legislative action on any bill or resolution; or (3) encroaching upon the jurisdiction of any standing, select, or special committee of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises Act or the PREPARE Act This bill permanently reauthorizes the pre-disaster mitigation loan program of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Under this program, the SBA may loan up to $500,000 in a 12-month period to small businesses so that such businesses may use mitigation techniques to protect their commercial real estate, equipment, inventory, supplies, and materials from damages related to disasters. The SBA must submit a report on the program that includes information such as (1) the geographic areas in which loan recipients are located, (2) the number and dollar value of loans made, and (3) the estimated aggregate value resulting from the use of funded mitigation techniques. The bill also authorizes the SBA to increase the amount of a disaster loan by up to 30% of the aggregate costs of any damage or destruction to enable a business to take mitigating measures that protect from possible future disasters.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Federal Firefighter Flexibility and Fairness Act This bill provides that any hours worked by a firefighter under a qualified trade-of-time arrangement shall be disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for, or the amount of, any overtime pay. The bill defines qualified trade-of-time arrangement as an arrangement under which two firefighters who are employed by the same agency agree, solely at their option and with the approval of their employing agency, to substitute for one another during scheduled work hours in the performance of work in the same capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Women's History and Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Quarter Dollar Coin Program Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue, beginning January 1, 2022, quarter-dollar coins in commemoration of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote. Treasury may issue quarter dollars, beginning January 1, 2026, with up to five different designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial. One of the quarter dollar designs must be emblematic of a woman's or womens' contribution to the birth of the nation or the Declaration of Independence or any other monumental moments in American history. Beginning January 1, 2027, Treasury shall issue quarter dollars that have designs on the reverse that are emblematic of sports played by American youth. Beginning January 1, 2027, Treasury shall issue half dollars that have designs on the reverse that are emblematic of a sport tailored to athletes with a range of disabilities, including physical impairment, vision impairment and intellectual impairment (i.e., a Paralympic sport). Treasury is authorized to design and manufacture medals for award at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
National Coronavirus Commission Act of 2020 This bill establishes, in the legislative branch, the Commission on the Coronavirus Pandemic in the United States and sets forth its powers, duties, funding, and membership. Among other activities, the commission shall investigate the facts and circumstances of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and make recommendations on preventing a similar outbreak from occurring in the future. The commission terminates 120 days after the submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020
Medication Access and Training Expansion Act of 2020 or the MATE Act of 2020 This bill requires prescribers of controlled substances, as a condition of obtaining or renewing their registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, to complete specified education or training on the prevention, treatment, and management of opioid-use and other substance-use disorders. This education and training shall also satisfy the training requirements currently needed to obtain waivers to prescribe certain medication-assisted treatments for opioid-use disorders in settings other than opioid treatment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020
Air Carrier Worker Support Extension Act of 2020 This bill extends authority for the Department of the Treasury to provide financial assistance to passenger air carriers, cargo air carriers, and contractors of passenger air carriers for the continuation of payment of employee wages, salaries, and benefits. The maximum amounts of financial assistance that may be provided by Treasury for this purpose are $25.5 billion for passenger air carriers, $300 million for cargo air carriers, and $3 billion for contractors . The bill provides specific deadlines and procedures under which Treasury must provide financial assistance to air carriers and contractors. To be eligible for financial assistance, an air carrier or contractor must (1) agree not to reduce pay and benefits or conduct involuntary furloughs until March 31, 2021; and (2) agree, through March 31, 2022, not to repurchase stock, pay dividends, or make other capital distributions. Additionally, Treasury may require carriers that receive assistance to maintain service to points served before March 1, 2020. Such authority terminates on April 1, 2022. The bill limits the maximum allowable compensation of an officer or employee of an air carrier or contractor that receives assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Protect and Serve Act of 2020 This bill establishes a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer and causing serious bodily injury (or attempting to do so) in circumstances that affect interstate commerce. It imposes criminal penalties—a prison term, a fine, or both—on a violator.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
This resolution calls for free and fair 2020 elections in Burma (Myanmar) and expresses support for the people of Burma. The resolution also urges the United States and the international community to ensure a safe, participatory, and transparent electoral process in Burma through various measures.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Contact Lens Rule Modernization Act This bill (1) requires prescribers of contact lenses to conspicuously post notice that the prescriber is required to provide a copy of the contact lens prescription to the patient, (2) prohibits prescribers from requiring patients to acknowledge a contact lens prescription release in writing or electronically, and (3) prohibits automated telephone calls to verify a prescription.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain are historic achievements. Further, it encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel, and it reaffirms the Senate's support for a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
This resolution supports the designation of National Concussion Awareness Day on September 18, 2020, and encourages efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of mild traumatic brain injuries.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020
Caring for the Survivors and Families of Veterans Act of 2020 This bill adjusts the amount that the Department of Veterans Affairs pays to surviving spouses and children of veterans who were rated as totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death. Additionally, the bill authorizes the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses who remarry after the age of 55.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020 This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. After the award the medal shall be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
This concurrent resolution (1) calls on the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to observe September 11, 2020, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001, attacks and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need and to the defense of the United States; and (2) recognizes the heroic actions of first responders and other citizens in New York, New York, the District of Columbia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020
This resolution: finds the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus to be undemocratic; stands with the people of Belarus in their pursuit of democracy and human rights; calls on Belarus to uphold its human rights obligations; and urges the United States to respond to the events in Belarus, including through sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2020
This resolution designates September 25, 2020, as National Lobster Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act This bill establishes a mechanism for compensating certain victims of the bombing of Pan American Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on December 21, 1988. The Office of Aviation and International Affairs must determine whether the bombing was a proximate cause of Pan American's bankruptcy. If the office finds such proximate cause, then the Department of the Treasury must establish a fund to compensate qualifying victims of the bombing (generally, former employees of Pan American who were part of an earlier lawsuit seeking compensation from Libya for the bombing). The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission must establish a process for claimants to apply for compensation from the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 2020 as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne. It recognizes the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and a cure for PCOS. It also acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS.