United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2019
American Energy Opportunity Act of 2019 This bill establishes a process for expediting and standardizing the permitting process for certain distributed energy systems. The bill defines such systems as equipment or materials installed in, on, or near a building to support onsite or local energy use, such as solar energy, batteries, and charging systems for electrical vehicles. Specifically, the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish or designate a Distributed Energy Opportunity Board to carry out a voluntary program to (1) expedite the process for local permitting and inspection of qualifying distributed energy systems, and (2) facilitate the certification of distributed energy system installers. In addition, DOE must recognize and certify communities as Distributed Energy Opportunity Communities if they adopt and implement a permit-to-build protocol that is established by the board. DOE may award grants to encourage communities to adopt the protocol and standardized inspection processes established by the board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2019
Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act of 2019 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of certain audiologist services. Specifically, the bill expands coverage to include diagnostic and treatment services that are furnished by audiologists and that would otherwise be covered if provided by a physician, including incidental services, regardless of whether such services are provided pursuant to a referral from, or under the supervision of, a physician or other health care practitioner.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
CHP Support Act of 2019 This bill redesignates the Department of Energy's Clean Energy Application Centers as the CHP Technical Assistance Partnership Program and reauthorizes the program through FY2024. The program (1) encourages deployment of combined heat and power, heat to power, and efficient district energy technologies; and (2) provides project specific support to building and industrial professionals through economic and engineering assessments and advisory activities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
Trademark Licensing Protection Act of 2019 This bill establishes that licensing a trademark or trademark registration for use by a related company does not contribute to establishing an employment relationship between the licensor and the licensee, nor does a licensor's exercise of control over how the licensed trademark is used.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2019 This bill directs the President to establish new goals for U.S. efforts to cure and prevent all forms of tuberculosis by updating the United States Government Tuberculosis Strategy (2015-2019) and the National Action Plan for Combating Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis. The President shall (1) coordinate with international organizations and partnerships such as the World Health Organization; and (2) provide bilateral assistance to support tuberculosis research, prevention, and treatment efforts. The Government Accountability Office shall periodically report to the U.S. Agency for International Development and Congress on the impact of such bilateral assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2019 This bill establishes the National Criminal Justice Commission. The commission must conduct a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system; make recommendations for criminal justice reform; and disseminate findings and guidance to the federal government and to state, local, and tribal governments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
Women's History and Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Quarter Dollar Coin Program Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue quarter-dollar coins in commemoration of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote. The design on the reverse of each coin shall be emblematic of the accomplishments and contributions of a prominent woman who was a resident of a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory. Such coins shall be issued in alphabetical order of the area represented, starting with the state of Alabama. Treasury shall initiate a program to promote collection of the coins and recognition of their subjects, and strike and make available for sale silver bullion coins that are the exact duplicates of the coins.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2019 This bill establishes requirements and procedures for the Department of the Treasury to transfer ownership of matured, unredeemed savings bonds and related records to states.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act of 2019 or the PFAS Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to limit or prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. 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. FEMA shall (1) develop and issue guidance on alternative foams, personal protective equipment, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFASs; and (2) create an online public repository on tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
This concurrent resolution commemorates, on December 16, 2019, the 75th anniversary of World War II's Battle of the Bulge. The resolution also recognizes the valiant efforts of the Allied Forces and expresses remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Allied victory in the European Theater.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
Save Our Seas 2.0: Enhanced Global Engagement to Combat Marine Debris Act This bill directs the Department of State and the President to make efforts to reduce marine debris. The State Department shall implement the U.S. policy to cooperate with foreign governments and the private sector to combat marine debris, which includes support for (1) strengthening systems for processing and reusing waste plastic, (2) developing and using reusable alternatives to disposable plastic products, and (3) deploying technology for capturing value from post-consumer materials and municipal solid waste streams. The President shall direct U.S. representatives to various international bodies to support U.S. marine debris policies. The Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to build partnerships in support such policies. The State Department shall report to Congress on the potential for entering into new agreements or creating a new forum to reduce land-based sources of marine debris and derelict fishing gear.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2019 This bill establishes stand-alone criminal offenses for trafficking in firearms and straw purchasing of firearms. It expands the categories of prohibited persons (i.e., persons barred from receiving or possessing a firearm or ammunition) to include persons who intend (1) to sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition to a prohibited person; (2) to sell or transfer a firearm to further a crime of violence, a federal crime of terrorism, or a drug trafficking offense; or (3) to unlawfully export. It increases the maximum prison term for the sale or transfer of a firearm to or the receipt or possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. It broadens the scope of and increases the maximum prison term for violating existing prohibitions on (1) transferring a firearm knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense, and (2) smuggling a firearm into the United States with the intent to unlawfully import or to promote a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense. It makes it a crime to smuggle a firearm or ammunition out of the United States, or to conspire or attempt to do so, with the intent to unlawfully export or to promote a crime of violence, a federal crime of terrorism, or a drug trafficking offense. Finally, it generally prohibits the Department of Justice and its related agencies from facilitating the transfer of an operable firearm to agents of drug cartels.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services Act or the Rural MOMS Act This bill expands initiatives to address maternal health in rural areas. The bill provides funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish rural obstetric networks for improving outcomes in birth and maternal morbidity. Specifically, these networks must (1) connect individuals with care providers, (2) identify successful maternal-care models, (3) facilitate collaboration among rural providers, (4) provide training and guidance, (5) collaborate with academic institutions that have regional expertise, and (6) measure and address inequities in birth outcomes among rural residents. HRSA also must award five-year demonstration program grants to (1) train physicians, medical residents, and other practitioners to provide maternal and obstetric services in rural communities; and (2) support academic programs that develop or provide training to improve maternal care in rural areas. Further, the bill adds maternal-health services as part of the telehealth network and telehealth resource-centers grant programs. The bill also makes a series of changes to the research and reporting requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Government Accountability Office with respect to data on maternal-health outcomes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
Commonsense Reporting Act of 2019 This bill addresses the eligibility verification process for the premium assistance tax credit and cost-sharing subsidy under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It requires the Department of the Treasury to develop and implement a reporting system that allows employers to voluntarily report information about their health plans for the current plan year prior to the beginning of open enrollment. The bill also allows electronic transmission of employee and enrollee statements and permits Treasury to accept full names and dates of birth in lieu of dependents' and spouses' Social Security numbers. The Government Accountability Office must evaluate (1) for the period beginning on January 1, 2015, and ending on December 31, 2018, the notification of employers by PPACA exchanges of the eligibility of employees for advance payments of the premium assistance tax credit or cost-sharing subsidies; and (2) for calendar year 2020, the functionality of the prospective reporting system established by this bill, including the accuracy of information collected.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
Save Our Seas 2.0: Enhancing the Domestic Marine Debris Response Act This bill generally addresses efforts to reduce marine debris and establishes (1) the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to respond to marine debris events, (2) the Marine Debris Foundation nonprofit organization, and (3) the Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
Wise Investment in Children Act of 2019 or the WIC Act of 2019 This bill expands eligibility for children to receive benefits under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Specifically, the bill allows states to extend eligibility for the program until the period that ends on the earlier of the sixth birthday of a child or when the child enters kindergarten; extends the certification period under the program for infants to two years, instead of the current one year; and authorizes states to increase the certification time under the program for breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women to two years postpartum.
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 (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
Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act of 2019 This bill establishes safeguards to protect amateur athletes from abuse, including sexual abuse, by coaches and employees in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. The bill establishes (1) legislative mechanisms by which Congress can dissolve the Board of Directors of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and decertify national governing bodies; and (2) a duty of care that USOPC owes to amateur athletes, including protecting athletes by requiring it to ensure that any allegation of child abuse of an amateur athlete who is a minor is immediately reported to law enforcement. The bill revises duties of the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the pursuit of abuse claims by the U.S. Center for Safe Sport, confidentiality, and retaliation against an employee or member for disclosing information or seeking assistance in mediation. The USOPC and the national governing bodies shall not interfere in or attempt to influence the outcome of an investigation. The center shall report to Congress within 72 hours of an attempt to interfere in, or influence the outcome of, an investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial 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 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Negro National League, a professional baseball league that was formed in response to African-American players being banned from baseball's major leagues. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and its mission to promote tolerance, diversity, and inclusion. All surcharges from sales of these coins shall be paid to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Super Pollutants Act This bill generally provides for the reduction of emissions of black carbon, methane, and certain hydrofluorocarbons (also referred to as short-lived climate pollutants) through policy initiatives of specified federal agencies. The bill also requires the President to establish the Interagency Task Force on Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Mitigation.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Animal Freedom from Testing, Experiments, and Research Act of 2019 or the AFTER Act of 2019 This bill requires agencies or instrumentalities operating federal research facilities to promulgate regulations that facilitate and encourage the adoption of animals that are suitable for retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
This resolution designates September 25, 2019, as National Lobster Day and encourages the observance of the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Clean Industrial Technology Act of 2019 or the CIT Act of 2019 This bill provides incentives for the nonpower industrial sector to reduce nonwater greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish an industrial emissions reduction technology research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program. Under the program, DOE must award grants and fund demonstration projects to develop and evaluate technologies designed to increase (1) the industrial competitiveness of the United States, and (2) the emission reductions of nonpower industrial sectors. DOE may also enter into contracts and cooperative agreements for these purposes. In addition, DOE must establish an Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee to provide advice to DOE and the Office of Science and Technology Policy about the program. Finally, DOE must establish a technical assistance program to achieve emission reductions in nonpower industrial sectors.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Restore Environmental Sustainability To Our Renewable Energy Act or the RESTORE Act This bill revises the renewable fuel program to eliminate the annual renewable fuel standard. The existing standard requires 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel that is produced from renewable biomass to be blended into transportation fuel by 2022. The renewable fuel standard includes fuels that are produced from renewable biomass, such as corn. The bill would not affect the standards under the program for advanced biofuel, cellulosic biofuel, or biomass-based diesel.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank through FY2029. It also provides for a temporary board of directors of the Export-Import Bank if the existing board fails to constitute a quorum for 90 consecutive days during the term of a President.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Battery Storage Innovation Act of 2019 This bill makes certain battery storage technologies eligible for loan guarantees provided by the Department of Energy for innovative technology.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act of 2019 or the WHERA Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement programs and authorize policy to reduce emissions from wood heaters. Specifically, the bill requires the EPA to establish a grant program to provide funding for programs designed to (1) incentivize homeowners to replace old wood heaters with more efficient, cleaner-burning heaters; (2) achieve significant reductions in emissions from wood heaters; (3) help homeowners transition to safer and more efficient heating sources; and (4) support retailers, installers, and manufacturers that sell and make more efficient certified clean heaters. The EPA must also establish a program to (1) inform stakeholders of the benefits of replacing wood heaters that do not meet specified emission reductions standards, (2) develop nonfinancial incentives to promote the proper installation and use of certified clean heaters, and (3) consult with Indian tribes to implement programs and actions to reduce wood heater emissions. Finally, the bill authorizes the EPA to accept wood heater emissions reductions Supplemental Environmental Projects.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
Expedited Disability Insurance Payments for Terminally Ill Individuals Act of 2019 This bill allows an individual diagnosed with a terminal illness to receive disability payments under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program during the waiting period for such payments (which typically lasts five months). It also establishes a phased-in payment schedule for such payments. These provisions shall expire January 1, 2025.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2019
This resolution designates July 26, 2019, as United States Intelligence Professionals Day and acknowledges the courage, fidelity, sacrifice, and professionalism of the men and women of the U.S. intelligence community.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2019
Save Our Seas 2.0: Improving Domestic Infrastructure to Prevent Marine Debris Act This bill seeks to address plastic waste in water by establishing grants, loans, and other programs for states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and local postconsumer materials management entities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2019
Butch Lewis Act of 2019 This bill establishes the Pension Rehabilitation Administration within the Department of the Treasury and a related trust fund to make loans to certain multiemployer defined benefit pension plans. To receive a loan, a plan must be either in critical and declining status (including any plan with respect to which a suspension of benefits has been approved) or insolvent, if the plan became insolvent after December 16, 2014, and has not been terminated. Treasury must issue bonds to fund the loan program and transfer amounts equal to the proceeds to the trust fund established by this bill. The Pension Rehabilitation Administration may use the funds, without a further appropriation, to make loans, pay principal and interest on the bonds, or for administrative and operating expenses. The bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow the sponsor of a multiemployer pension plan that is applying for a loan under this bill to also apply to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for financial assistance if, after receiving the loan, the plan will still become (or remain) insolvent within the 30-year period beginning on the date of the loan. The bill also appropriates to the PBGC the funds that are necessary to provide the financial assistance required by this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) for cause, (2) because the veteran died, or (3) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act This bill requires all presidential campaign officials to report any contacts (i.e., offers of contributions or services) by foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2019 This bill prohibits third-party hotel-booking websites from marketing, or selling reservations for, a hotel room if the booking site states or implies that it is affiliated with the hotel owner or operator when it is not.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2019 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of length of service award plans as eligible deferred compensation plans for retirement plan purposes. It also exempts such length of service award plans from requirements relating to employee pension benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
This resolution honors John Paul Stevens, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Specifically, the resolution commends his decades of service, acknowledges his enormous contributions, and extends sympathies to his family and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2019
Insulin Price Reduction Act This bill prohibits health insurance plan issuers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from receiving rebates or discounts for insulin from manufacturers who certify that its current insulin list price has been reduced to an amount no greater than what the list price was for the same insulin on July 1, 2006. This restriction does not apply to discounts provided to insurance plan holders at retail sale or to flat-rate fees for service paid to PBMs. Further, insurance plans are prohibited from applying a deductible to insulin that has received such price certification. A manufacturer may certify insulin prices by submitting to the Department of Health and Human Services data about the list price of any insulin the manufacturer has produced since January 1, 2000, and by setting the current list price for an insulin product at the 2006 rate. To remain certified, a manufacturer may not increase the list price of insulin by more than the annual increase in the medical care consumer price index. A manufacturer may certify the price of an insulin product for which it did not have a list price in 2006 by reducing the list price of such insulin to the weighted average list price in 2006 of specified insulin categories. This bill also applies to Medicare prescription drug benefits. The bill sets the rebate for insulin under Medicaid based on the average manufacturer price of insulin during the last fiscal quarter of 2019, increasing by the medical care consumer price index thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act This bill establishes the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys within the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Office of the Staff Director to conduct a systematic study of the conditions affecting black men and boys.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
Regional Ocean Partnership Act This bill provides a mechanism for coastal states to participate in a Regional Ocean Partnership with one or more other coastal states that share a common ocean or coastal area. Specifically, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may designate a partnership as a Regional Ocean Partnership if it (1) is established to coordinate the management of coastal resources, (2) focuses on the environmental issues affecting the ocean and coastal areas of the coastal states participating in the partnership, (3) does not have a regulatory function, and (4) is not duplicative of an existing Regional Ocean Partnership. A Regional Ocean Partnership may use provided federal funds to award grants and enter into contracts for certain purposes, including to monitor the water quality and living resources of multistate ocean and coastal ecosystems.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident To Safety Act of 2019 or the CO ALERTS Act of 2019 This bill requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in each unit of specified federally assisted housing, in accordance with certain standards. Specifically, the requirement applies to (1) supportive housing for the elderly and for persons with disabilities, (2) public housing, (3) rental housing for which the owner receives low-income voucher assistance, and (4) certain rural housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must provide guidance to public housing agencies on how to educate tenants on health hazards in the home. HUD must also report on the inclusion of carbon monoxide detectors in federally assisted housing not covered by the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill expands and reauthorizes through FY2024 various programs related to the screening of newborns for heritable diseases, including (1) grants to local public health agencies, (2) the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children, (3) assessments of the effectiveness of such screenings, and (4) research into new screening technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2019 This bill revises a variety of programs to encourage energy efficiency in buildings, industry, and the federal government, including by encouraging energy efficiency in residential, commercial, federal, or school buildings; energy-efficient technologies and processes for industrial applications; sustainable manufacturing; energy-efficient electric motors or transformers; or federal use of energy-efficient and energy-saving information technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
Anti-Spoofing Penalties Modernization Act of 2019 This bill doubles the penalties for providing inaccurate caller identification information and extends the statute of limitations for penalizing persons who commit such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
Helping Entrepreneurs Affects Regulatory Decisions Act of 2019 or the HEARD Act of 2019 This bill permits agencies to convene required review panels through electronic participation when conducting the initial regulatory flexibility analysis of a proposed rule. It also requires agencies to facilitate the electronic participation of small businesses in such panels.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2019
Huawei Prohibition Act of 2019 This bill restricts the Department of Commerce from removing Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. (Huawei) from the list of entities subject to license requirements for exports. Commerce may remove Huawei from the list only after certifying to Congress that (1) Huawei has neither violated U.S. or U.N. sanctions for five years nor stolen U.S. intellectual property during that time, and (2) Huawei poses no ongoing threat to U.S. telecommunications or infrastructure or the infrastructure of U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019
This bill prohibits smoking on the premises of any Veterans Health Administration facility. The bill defines smoking as the use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes (i.e., the heating or combustion of tobacco), as well as the use of any electronic nicotine delivery system.
![Official portrait of Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001035_200.jpg)