United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
This resolution opposes and condemns the potential prosecution of U.S. and Israeli nationals by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Further, it declares that it should be U.S. policy to pursue a resolution by the United Nations Security Council prohibiting the ICC from prosecuting nationals of states, such as the United States and Israel, that are not parties to the treaty establishing the ICC.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Onshoring Rare Earths Act of 2020 or the ORE Act This bill allows permanent expensing of property used in the extraction of certain critical minerals and metals within the United States and of nonresidential real property used in extracting such minerals and metals. Expensing is the treatment of expenditures as operating costs deductible in full in the current taxable year. The bill allows a new tax deduction for 200% of the cost of purchasing or acquiring such critical minerals and metals extracted from deposits in the United States. The bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a pilot project grant program for the development of critical minerals and metals in the United States. A grant awarded under such program may not exceed $10 million. In awarding grants, DOD must give priority to projects determined to be economically viable over the long term and must allot 30% of grants funds to the secondary recovery of critical minerals and metals.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Stop Sending American Taxpayer Money To Governments Controlled By Terrorists Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the U.S. government from providing assistance to any Lebanese government (1) of which Hezbollah is a member; (2) over which Hezbollah exercises undue influence; or (3) in which a ministry, agency, or instrumentality of that government is controlled by Hezbollah.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020
This resolution commends and thanks the Department of State career professionals, the Repatriation Task Force, and the employees at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide for their work to address the challenges related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and to facilitate the repatriation of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
Protecting Our Pharmaceutical Supply Chain from China Act of 2020 This bill requires the federal government to maintain a registry of certain foreign-sourced drugs, prohibits federal health care programs from purchasing drugs containing Chinese ingredients, requires drugs to be labeled for country of origin, and offers domestic manufacturing facility tax incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020 This bill extends death benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) to survivors of public safety officers (e.g., law enforcement officers) who die as a result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty. Specifically, this bill creates a general presumption that a public safety officer who dies from COVID-19 or related complications sustained an injury in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2020
This bill provides $3 billion in appropriations to the Department of Energy for expenses related to the acquisition, transportation, and injection of domestic petroleum products for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The appropriations are available through FY2021 and are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Pandemic Healthcare Access Act This bill preserves the eligibility of health savings account (HSA) participants covered by any health plan during the coronavirus emergency period. The coronavirus emergency period is the period beginning on March 13, 2020, and ending on the later of (1) the last day on which a presidential declaration of emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) is in effect, or (2) the last day on which a presidential declaration of national emergency under the National Emergencies Act with respect to the coronavirus is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Creating Capacity for Communities in Need Act This bill provides for an exception, during the national emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), to provisions under the Stark law (i.e., the Physician Self-Referral Law) that prohibit physician-owned hospitals from expanding facility capacity. Specifically, the bill excludes from such restrictions any increase in operating rooms, procedure rooms, or beds for which a hospital is licensed or begins construction during the period of March 13, 2020, through the last day of the national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Reciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments for Coronavirus Patients Act of 2020 This bill establishes a reciprocal marketing approval process that allows for the sale of a drug, biological product, or medical device that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if the product is approved for sale in another country for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and there is an unmet need relative to certain diseases. Specifically, the bill requires the product's sponsor to demonstrate, among other things, that the product has been approved for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 or another disease of epidemic potential, the approval is in one of the specified countries, the FDA and listed countries have not withdrawn approval because of safety or effectiveness concerns, and there is a public health or unmet medical need for the product. The FDA may only decline approval if the FDA determines that the product is not safe or effective. The FDA must make such a determination not later than 30 days after receiving a request. Congress may pass a joint resolution to grant reciprocal marketing approval of a product that the FDA declines to approve through the reciprocal process.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Tax Filing Relief for America Act This bill extends the filing deadline for tax returns and the payment of tax to July 15, 2020, for taxable year 2019.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Protecting Our Pharmaceutical Supply Chain from China Act of 2020 This bill requires the federal government to maintain a registry of certain foreign-sourced drugs, prohibits federal health care programs from purchasing drugs containing Chinese ingredients, requires drugs to be labeled for country of origin, and offers domestic manufacturing facility tax incentives.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2020
Verified Innovative Testing in American Laboratories Act of 2020 or the VITAL Act of 2020 This bill expressly shifts the regulation of laboratory-developed testing procedures from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Under current law, the FDA regulates the safety and effectiveness, as well as quality of design and manufacture, of laboratory-developed tests, while the CMS regulates clinical laboratories and testing processes. Historically, the FDA has exercised enforcement discretion and not enforced certain statutory and regulatory requirements with respect to these tests. The CMS must hold a public meeting to solicit recommendations to update existing regulations related to clinical laboratories, and the Department of Health and Human Services must report specified information to Congress, including an assessment of the availability and use of laboratory-developed testing procedures during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) response.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2600 Wesley Street in Greenville, Texas, as the "Audie Murphy Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act This bill imposes various restrictions related to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region, including by prohibiting certain imports from Xinjiang and imposing sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations there. Goods manufactured or produced in Xinjiang or by entities working under certain Xinjiang government programs shall not be entitled to entry into the United States unless Customs and Border Protection (1) determines that the goods were not manufactured by convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor under penal sanctions; and (2) reports such a determination to Congress and to the public. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign entities and individuals knowingly facilitating (1) the forced labor of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang; and (2) the importation of forced labor goods from Xinjiang. The President shall impose property-blocking sanctions on the listed individuals and entities and impose visa-blocking sanctions on the listed individuals. Securities issuers required to file annual or quarterly reports with the Securities Exchange Commission shall disclose in such reports certain information related to Xinjiang, including instances where the issuer knowingly (1) engaged in activities with an entity helping to create mass surveillance systems in Xinjiang, (2) engaged in activities with an entity running or building detention facilities for Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang, or (3) acquired a significant amount of textiles produced in Xinjiang. After being notified of such a disclosure, the President shall determine whether to investigate if sanctions or criminal charges are warranted.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Protect Our Military Families' 2nd Amendment Rights Act This bill broadens the scope of allowable firearm transactions involving active duty service members and their spouses. Specifically, the bill allows a licensed gun dealer, importer, or manufacturer to sell or ship a firearm or ammunition to the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States. (Current law already allows a licensed dealer, importer, or manufacturer to sell or ship a firearm or ammunition to a member of the Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States.) The bill also specifies that, for purposes of federal firearms laws, a member of the Armed Forces on active duty, or his or her spouse, is a resident of the state in which (1) the member or spouse maintains legal residence, (2) the permanent duty station of the member is located, and (3) the member maintains a home from which he or she commutes to the permanent duty station.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Transparency for Confucius Institutes This bill requires an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs to enter into a program participation agreement if a Confucius Institute operates on the IHE's campus. (Confucius Institutes are Chinese government-funded centers for language education and cultural programming at IHEs.) The agreement must be entered into with the Office of Chinese Language Council International (i.e., Confucius Institute Headquarters, Hanban) and be made publicly available online. Among other requirements, the Confucius Institute must be physically located apart from the IHE's own Chinese language, history, and cultural programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
This resolution ensures continued U.S. support for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the 30th anniversary of their independence. The resolution also reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act of 2020 or the EARN IT Act of 2020 This bill revises the framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children. Among other things, the bill does the following: establishes the National Commission on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Prevention; directs the commission to develop best practices for interactive online services providers (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) to prevent the online sexual exploitation of children; requires interactive online service providers to certify compliance with the best practices (or implement other reasonable practices to prevent the online sexual exploitation of children), or else they lose liability protections from claims alleging violations of child sexual exploitation laws; and replaces statutory references to child pornography with child sexual abuse material .
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
This resolution censures and condemns Senator Schumer of New York for certain statements against Associate Justice Gorsuch and Associate Justice Kavanaugh on March 4, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2020 This bill phases in a new funding formula for determining benefit amounts under the windfall elimination provision (WEP). (The WEP reduces Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits for those who receive pensions for certain non-covered employment.) The new formula adjusts an individual's total lifetime earnings based on the proportion of those earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes. It applies to individuals who (1) become eligible for old-age or disability benefits after 2060, and (2) have earnings from non-covered service performed in a year after 1977. Beneficiaries who become eligible for benefits between 2022 and 2060 receive the higher of their benefit calculated under the existing WEP or the new formula. In addition, certain beneficiaries currently impacted by the WEP receive an additional payment. The Social Security Administration must include non-covered earnings in Social Security account statements and must study the feasibility of partnering with certain pension systems to address data sharing issues related to non-covered pensions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
This resolution honors the members of Las Damas de Blanco, a group composed of wives and relatives of political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, and peaceful dissidents in Cuba, for their peaceful efforts to stand up to the Cuban regime and defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. Further, it expresses solidarity with the Cuban people and calls on the Cuban regime to release all political prisoners.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020
Protecting America From Foreign Investors Compromised by the Chinese Communist Party Act of 2020 This bill requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to consider whether and how the connection of a foreign person to the telecommunications infrastructure of a foreign country or government may affect U.S. national security. In addition, the President must report on U.S. coordination with trade and investment partners to develop alternatives to telecommunications infrastructure that is supported by China.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020
This resolution expresses support for Australia, as well as greater collaboration between the United States and Australia to promote wildfire mitigation and prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2020
This resolution calls on Nicaragua to release all political prisoners and cease all acts of repression against dissenting voices, urges and encourages efforts to advance electoral reforms in Nicaragua, and exhorts the U.S. government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the death of U.S. citizen Eddy Montes, who was shot and killed while in the custody of Nicaraguan police.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution commemorates the 150th anniversary of the historic seating of Hiram Rhodes Revels, Senator of Mississippi, as the first African American Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 199th anniversary of their country's independence. The resolution recognizes Greece's commitment to democratic principles and the important role that Greece has played both regionally and internationally.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution commends the people of Taiwan for the holding of democratic elections and congratulates President Tsai Ing-wen on her reelection. The resolution calls on the United States to advocate for Taiwan's active participation in international organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2020
Zero Tolerance for Unlawful Detentions of United States Citizens in Lebanon Act This bill imposes sanctions on certain Lebanese government officials who are involved in or facilitated the wrongful arrest, detention, or abuse of a U.S. citizen in Lebanon. The bill requires the Department of State to develop a list of such persons. The State Department shall deny a visa to a listed person, their family, or their associates, and the President shall freeze the assets of a listed person if such assets are in the United States or the posssession of a U.S. person.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
This resolution recognizes the 75th anniversary of the amphibious landing on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima that began on February 19, 1945, and ended on March 26, 1945, and encourages the people of the United States to honor the veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Financial Defense for Industrial Contractors Act or the FDIC Act This bill requires the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to begin proceedings for terminating the insured status of large depository institutions that deny banking services to federal contractors that otherwise qualify for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty (SOS) Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of State and the Department of Defense to permit representatives from Taiwan's government and armed forces to display Taiwan's flags and military insignia at U.S. government-hosted functions. (China considers Taiwan a province of China and, as a result, the United States has an unofficial relationship with Taiwan.)
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act or the ALIGN Act This bill makes permanent the expensing of certain new business equipment. Expensing allows the deduction of the full amount of an expense item in the same taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020
Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act This bill prohibits a state from receiving certain federal law enforcement grants if it takes certain immigration-related actions. Specifically, a state is barred from receiving such grants if it (1) issues a driver license to an individual who does not have proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States, or (2) prohibits a local or state government entity or official from sharing immigration enforcement information with the Department of Homeland Security.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020
Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects Act This bill makes an entity seeking assistance under a hazard mitigation assistance program eligible to receive such assistance for certain projects already in progress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act This bill establishes a new criminal offense for performing or attempting to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus is 20 weeks or more. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. The bill provides exceptions for an abortion (1) that is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2020
Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for purposes outside the United States related to abortion. Specifically, the bill prohibits funding to certain foreign or domestic organizations that perform or promote abortions, furnish or develop items intended to procure abortions, or provide financial support for an entity that conducts such activities. Current U.S. policy prohibits the provision of federal funds to a foreign nongovernmental organization unless it agrees to not perform or actively promote abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2020
Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2020 This bill restricts the use of telehealth for chemical abortions (also known as medication abortions). Specifically, it requires a provider who dispenses or prescribes medication for a chemical abortion to physically examine the patient, be physically present at the location of the chemical abortion, and schedule a follow-up visit. The bill provides an exception for a chemical abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, injury, or condition. The bill establishes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both—for a provider who does not comply with the requirements. A patient who undergoes a chemical abortion may not be prosecuted.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
This resolution recognizes the Senate's observation of Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month in April 2020. It also urges the United States to lead in raising awareness about the devastating impact of international child abduction.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp and honors victims of the Holocaust. The resolution also calls on the United States to continue to work to end genocide and recommits to combatting all forms of anti-Semitism.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
This resolution condemns the violence by the Iranian government against protesting Iranian citizens and demands that Iranian leadership be held accountable for its actions against these protestors. Further, it affirms that the Senate stands with the people of Iran and calls on all peaceful and law-abiding nations to support the protests by the Iranian people.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
This resolution calls on the Speaker of the House of Representatives to immediately appoint impeachment managers and transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate for disposition.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
This resolution commends the President, U.S. Armed Forces, and intelligence community in leading a strike against Qasem Soleimani, leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to countering global terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2020
This resolution amends Rule I of the Rules of Procedure and Practice in the Senate When Sitting on Impeachment Trials. Specifically, the resolution requires the House of Representatives to notify or otherwise provide to the Senate the adopted articles of impeachment within 25 calendar days from their adoption. Such articles shall be deemed presented to the Senate if this requirement is not met. Furthermore, it shall be in order for any Senator to offer a motion (required to be adopted) to dismiss the articles with prejudice.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This resolution calls on the President and the Department of State to (1) make the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws a priority in bilateral relationships between the United States and countries that have such laws; (2) designate countries that enforce such laws as countries of particular concern for religious freedom; and (3) oppose efforts by the United Nations to implement an international anti-blasphemy norm. The resolution also calls on the governments of countries that enforce such laws to amend or repeal them and to release anyone imprisoned pursuant to them.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act This bill revises criminal provisions related to the interstate transportation of firearms and ammunition. An individual may transport a firearm between two places (e.g., states) where it is legal to possess, carry, or transport the firearm. During transport, the firearm must be unloaded and secured or securely stored. Additionally, an individual may transport ammunition, or a detachable magazine or feeding device, between two places where it is legal to possess, carry, or transport the ammunition, magazine, or feeding device. During transport, the ammunition, magazine, or feeding device must not be loaded into a firearm and must be securely stored. The term transport includes staying in temporary lodging overnight; stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, an emergency, or medical treatment; and any other activities that are incidental to the transportation. The bill prohibits the arrest or detention of an individual for a state or local firearm or ammunition violation unless there is probable cause to believe the individual failed to comply with the provisions of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Personalized Care Act of 2019 This bill revises provisions relating to health savings accounts (HSAs), including to redefine eligible individual for HSA purposes to allow increased participation in HSAs, increase the limit on contributions to HSAs, permit the payment of health insurance premiums from HSAs, include within the definition of qualified medical expenses periodic fees paid for medical services and amounts paid by a member of a health care sharing ministry, treat periodic provider fees as deductible medical expenses, allow payment of over-the-counter medicines or drugs from HSAs, and lower the 20% penalty for nonqualified distributions from HSAs to 10%. .
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
Support And Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act of 2019 or the SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving any new drug (either as a brand-name drug or a generic) intended to terminate a pregnancy and imposes additional restrictions on such drugs that are already approved. Under the bill, an already-approved drug intended to terminate a pregnancy may be dispensed to a patient only with a prescription. Furthermore, the FDA may not approve any labeling change that would authorize (1) using the drug after 70 days of gestation, or (2) dispensing the drug by any means other than in-person administration by the prescribing health care practitioner. The FDA must also impose additional restrictions on such already-approved drugs, including by (1) requiring the prescribing health care practitioner to receive a special certification, (2) prohibiting the practitioner to also act as the dispensing pharmacist, and (3) requiring the practitioner to have the ability to provide surgical intervention to the patient. The bill also rescinds any investigational use exemption already granted to such a drug if the bill would have prohibited the FDA from granting the exemption. (Currently, the FDA may grant an exemption to certain market approval requirements if a drug is intended solely for use in safety and effectiveness investigations.)
![Official portrait of Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001098_200.jpg)