United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2017
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Pete V. Domenici, former member of the U.S.Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns September 13, 2017, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Domenici.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2017
Employee Rights Act This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to: (1) make it an unlawful labor practice for a labor organization to interfere (currently, restrain or coerce) with the rights of employees to organize and collectively bargain; (2) require union recertification after a turnover in the workforce exceeding 50% of the bargaining unit; (3) require the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to give 14 days advance notice before a hearing investigating an election petition; and (4) require an employer to provide the NLRB with a list consisting only of employee names and addresses of all eligible voters within seven days after an NLRB determination of the appropriate bargaining unit or an agreement on eligible voters. The bill: (1) grants union and nonunion employees the right to vote by secret ballot on whether to ratify a collective bargaining agreement or engage in a strike, (2) prohibits the use of union dues for any purpose not directly related to collective bargaining, (3) prohibits a strike without the consent of a majority of all represented employees determined by secret ballot, and (4) prohibits the use or threat of force or violence to obtain the right to represent employees.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2017
Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting Act of 2017 or the SAFER Act of 2017 This bill amends the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004 to require the Department of Justice (DOJ), in providing information about the role of forensic nurses to certain health-related entities, to provide information about the role of both adult and pediatric forensic nurses. DOJ must also provide additional information on the need for pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners in responding to the abuse of both children and adolescents. Additionally, the bill amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to reauthorize through FY2022 the requirement for DOJ to allocate a certain percentage of funds under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program for grants to audit backlogged rape kits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017
Calls on the government of Iran to: (1) release Siamak Namazi, Baquer Namazi, Xiyue Wang, Nizar Zakka, and any other U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident alien, or foreign national being unjustly detained in Iran; and (2) fulfill its promises to assist in locating and returning Robert Levinson. Urges the President to: (1) take whatever steps are in the national interest to secure the release of such individuals, and (2) make the release of U.S. citizens and legal permanent resident aliens held hostage by the Iranian government the highest of priorities. Requests the United States and its allies whose nationals and residents have been detained to consider establishing a multinational task force to work to secure the release of the detainees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017
CBO Show Your Work Act This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to make available to Congress and the public each fiscal model, policy model, and data preparation routine that the CBO uses to estimate the costs and other fiscal, social, or economic effects of legislation. For each estimate of the costs and other fiscal effects of legislation, the CBO must also disclose, in a manner sufficient to permit replication by individuals not employed by the CBO, the data, programs, models, assumptions, and other details of the computations used to prepare the estimate. For data that may not be disclosed, the CBO must make available to Congress and the public: a complete list of all data variables for the data; descriptive statistics for all data variables for the data, to the extent that the descriptive statistics do not violate the rule against disclosure; a reference to the statute requiring that the data not be disclosed; and contact information for the individual or entity who has unrestricted access to the data.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017
Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017 This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to specify that communications decency provisions protecting providers from liability for the private blocking or screening of offensive material shall not be construed to impair the enforcement of, or limit availability of victim restitution or civil remedies under, state or federal criminal or civil laws relating to sex trafficking of children or sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. The bill amends the federal criminal code to specify that the violation for benefiting from "participation in a venture" engaged in sex trafficking of children, or by force, fraud, or coercion, includes knowing conduct by any person or entity by any means that assists, supports, or facilitates the violation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017
Taylor Force Act This bill: (1) calls on the Palestinian Authority's (PA) to stop making payments to terrorists in Israeli prisons and to the families of deceased terrorists as an incentive to commit acts of terror, (2) calls on countries to cease providing direct budgetary assistance to the PA until it stops all such payments, (3) urges the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (U.N.) and the Department of State to highlight the issue and urge other nations to call for an end to such payments, and (4) expresses support for creation of a general welfare system for all Palestinian citizens. Certain assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that directly benefits the PA may not be made available for the West Bank and Gaza unless the State Department certifies that the PA: is taking steps to end acts of violence against U.S. and Israeli citizens perpetrated by individuals under its jurisdictional control, such as the March 2016 attack that killed former Army officer Taylor Force; has terminated payments for acts of terrorism against U.S. and Israeli citizens to any individual who has been fairly tried and imprisoned for such acts, to any individual who died committing such acts, and to family members of such an individual; and has revoked any law, decree, or document authorizing or implementing a system of compensation for imprisoned individuals that uses the sentence or incarceration period to determine compensation. Certain assistance under such Act for the West Bank and Gaza may not be made available unless the State Department certifies, every 180 days, that the PA is taking verifiable steps to end acts of violence against Israeli and U.S. citizens by individuals under its jurisdictional control.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2017
Restoring Board Immunity Act of 2017 or the RBI Act This bill grants antitrust immunity to state occupational licensing boards in states that satisfy occupational licensing law requirements, including: (1) requiring a board's actions to be authorized by a non-frivolous interpretation of the state's occupational licensing laws; and (2) using less restrictive alternatives to occupational licensing to address threats to public health, safety, or welfare. Such states must also establish an office to supervise boards or provide for judicial review of occupational licensing laws.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017
Javier Vega, Jr. Memorial Act of 2017 This bill designates the checkpoint of the U.S. Border Patrol located on U.S. Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the "Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint."
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017
Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Bob Dole in recognition for his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator, and statesman.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017
Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017 This bill amends the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 to impose specified sanctions on: (1) foreign persons that knowingly assist in or provide support for fund raising or recruitment activities for Hizballah; (2) agencies of foreign governments that provide Hizballah with financial support, arms, or other assistance; and (3) Hizballah by reason of its narcotics trafficking and significant transnational criminal activities. The bill prescribes reporting requirements or reporting modifications with respect to: (1) foreign persons that knowingly assist or provide significant financial, material, or technological support for foreign persons assisting Hizballah; (2) financial institutions that are owned or organized under the laws of state sponsors of terrorism; (3) Hizballah's racketeering activities; (4) combating illicit tobacco trafficking networks used by Hizballah and other foreign terrorist organizations to finance their operations; (5) the estimated net worth of senior Hizballah officials and how their funds were acquired and used; and (6) revenue from Hizbollah's global logistics networks and legal measures available to target such networks.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017
Daniel Webster Congressional Clerkship Act of 2017 This bill establishes the Daniel Webster Congressional Clerkship Program for the appointment of individuals who are graduates of accredited law schools to serve as congressional clerks in the Senate or House of Representatives. The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Administration must each select at least six individuals for a one-year term to serve for a clerkship with an office in their respective chambers. The committees shall ensure that congressional clerks selected under this bill are apportioned equally between majority and minority party offices.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017
Protecting American Jobs Act This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act, with respect to the authority of the National Labor Relations Board, to: repeal the authority of the General Counsel of the board, to issue, and prosecute before the board, complaints of unfair labor practices; limit the board's rulemaking authority to rules concerning the internal functions of the board; prohibit the board from promulgating regulations affecting the substantive or procedural rights of any person, employer, employee, or labor organization, including rules concerning unfair labor practices and representation elections; repeal the board's authority to prevent persons from engaging in unfair labor practices, limiting such authority to the investigation of allegations of such practices; and repeal the board's authority to petition courts for enforcement of its orders, seek injunctions, or hold hearings on jurisdictional strikes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017
This joint resolution nullifies a rule submitted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding arbitration agreements. (The rule regulates the use of arbitration agreements in contracts for specific consumer financial products and services. It prohibits the use of a predispute arbitration agreement to prevent a consumer from filing or participating in certain class action suits. The rule also requires consumer financial product and service providers to furnish the CFPB with particular information regarding arbitrations.)
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2017
Recognizes and commemorates the legacy of Oswaldo Paya Sardinas on the fifth anniversary of his death on July 22, 2017, and honors his commitment to democratic values and principles. Calls on the government of Cuba to allow an impartial, third-party investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Urges the United States to continue to support policies and programs that promote respect for human rights and democratic principles in Cuba. Urges the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States to continue reporting on human rights issues in Cuba and to request a visit to Cuba to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Oswaldo Paya Sardinas. Calls on the Cuban government to cease its violations of human rights and to begin providing democratic political freedoms to Cuban citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2017
Banking Restrictions Involving North Korea (BRINK) Act of 2017 This bill requires the President to: (1) submit to Congress a list of financial institutions that are providing financial or banking support to the government of North Korea; (2) impose specified financial and asset blocking sanctions on an institution that has knowingly engaged in such conduct, and (3) impose specified civil penalties upon a U.S. institution based upon whether it has taken steps to prevent a recurrence of such conduct. The President: (1) may suspend, renew, or terminate sanctions subject to prior congressional notification and review; and (2) may not take an action if Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval of such action. The President shall prohibit, with specified exceptions, transactions involving the manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer, import, or export of certain North Korean goods, services, or technology (covered property) by a U.S. person or such transactions that are conducted in the United States. The President may impose specified sanctions with respect to: (1) persons providing specialized financial messaging services to North Korean financial institutions or sanctioned persons, and (2) governments that fail to take specified actions against North Korean financial institutions or persons designated under a United Nations Security Council resolution. A state or local government may divest its assets from, or prohibit investment of its assets in, any person engaging in investment activities involving North Korean covered property valued at more than $10,000. The bill expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) blocking of property of North Korean officials, (2) divestiture of certain employee benefit plan funds involving North Korean covered property, and (3) the Kaesong Industrial Complex and North Korean nuclear disarmament.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2017
Recognizes the life and accomplishments of Liu Xiaobo. Calls for the Chinese government to release his wife and allow her to settle in a place or country of her own choosing.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2017
Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2017 This bill replaces the deference given to an agency's interpretation of a statute with a requirement that courts decide all relevant questions of law without giving deference to the agency's interpretation. Thus, this bill overturns Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2017
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act, in the event that the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 is enacted, to make plans made available by the federal government to Members of Congress and congressional staff subject to state waivers of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirement for health insurance to cover the essential health benefits and PPACA restrictions on premium variation by age and health status.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017
North Korean Enablers Accountability Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to: (1) impose property-blocking sanctions against the North Korean government, business entities that trade with North Korea, including specified Chinese entities, and affiliated persons or entities; (2) prohibit the opening, and strictly control the maintaining in the United States, of correspondent or payable-through accounts by a foreign financial institution that assisted in the importation, sale, or transfer of North Korean goods or services; and (3) impose specified sanctions against a person that imports, purchases, or transfers goods or services from the North Korean government or from such entities or affiliates. The President may waive the application of these sanctions for humanitarian or national security purposes. The bill prohibits the U.S. entry of goods mined, produced, or manufactured by North Korean labor, and directs the President to apply property-blocking sanctions against a person or entity that mines, produces, or manufactures such prohibited goods. Such prohibition shall not apply if U.S. Customs and Border Protection finds that the goods were not produced with trafficked, convict, forced, or indentured labor. The Securities and Exchange Commission shall require issuers of stock and other securities to disclose annually any investments in North Korea and activities potentially sanctionable under this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2017
Expresses solidarity with Falun Gong practitioners and their families for the lives, freedoms, and rights they lost for adhering to their beliefs and practices. Emphasizes to the government of China that freedom of religion includes the right of Falun Gong practitioners to practice freely in China. Condemns the practice of non-consenting organ harvesting in China. Calls upon: (1) the Communist Party of China (CPC) to cease its campaign to persecute Falun Gong practitioners and release all such practitioners who have been confined, detained, or imprisoned for pursuing their right to exercise their spiritual beliefs; (2) the government of China and the CPC to end the practice of organ harvesting from all prisoners of conscience; and (3) China to allow an independent and transparent investigation into organ transplant abuses.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2017
Calls on the government of Iran to: (1) release Siamak Namazi, Baquer Namazi, Nizar Zakka, and any other U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident alien, or foreign national being unjustly detained in Iran; and (2) fulfill its promises to assist in locating and returning Robert Levinson. Encourages the President to: (1) take meaningful action to secure the release of such individuals if Iran does not do so, and (2) make the release of U.S. citizens and legal permanent resident aliens held hostage by the Iranian government the highest of priorities. Requests the United States and its allies whose nationals have been detained to consider establishing a multinational task force to secure the release of the detainees.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017
Designates June 19, 2017, as Juneteenth Independence Day. Recognizes the historical significance and supports the continued celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017
Commemorates the victims killed in the heinous attack in Dallas, Texas, on July 7, 2016, and offers heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims. Honors the survivors of the attack and pledges continued support for the recovery of the survivors.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017
Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act or the SHUSH Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code: (1) to remove silencers from the list of firearms subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA), and (2) to specify that a person who lawfully acquires or possesses a silencer under provisions of the federal criminal code meets the registration and licensing requirements of the NFA. Additionally, the bill amends the federal criminal code: to preempt state or local laws that tax or regulate firearm silencers, to exclude a muffler or silencer from the list of firearms subject to regulation, to eliminate mandatory minimum prison terms for a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense in which a defendant uses or carries a firearm equipped with a silencer, and to permit active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed silencer.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2017
Recognizes Liu Xiaobo for his decades of peaceful struggle for basic human rights and democracy in the People's Republic of China. Urges the Chinese government to unconditionally release Liu Xiaobo and his wife, Liu Xia, and the President to seek their humanitarian transfer from China so that Liu Xiaobo can seek medical treatment in the United States or elsewhere overseas.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2017
Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Restructuring Act of 2017 This bill establishes in the Office of the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the position of Chief Information Officer of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), who shall: (1) serve at the Central Office of the VA; and (2) be responsible for, and report to the Under Secretary on, all matters regarding the procurement, acquisition, and management of information technology systems and services for the VHA.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017
Natural Gas Export Expansion Act This bill amends the Natural Gas Act regarding natural gas imports or exports to expand the expedited application and approval process to any nation, even if not a party to a free trade agreement with the United States, that is not specifically excluded by this bill. The bill excludes any nation subject to sanctions or trade restrictions imposed by the United States or excluded by the President or Congress for national security reasons.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017
Protecting the Second Amendment Act This bill prohibits subjecting a licensed gun dealer to a reporting requirement based on the geographic location of the gun dealer's business or the sale of multiple rifles or shotguns to the same person.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2017
Commercial Balloon Pilot Safety Act of 2017 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to revise federal regulations to apply medical certificate of physical fitness requirements that are applicable to operators of other aircraft to operators of air balloons.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2017
Recognizes: U.S. Capitol Police Special Agents David Bailey, Crystal Griner, and Henry Cabrera for responding to and ultimately ending the threat to Members of Congress, their staff, and others during the shooting at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria, Virginia, on June 14, 2017; the Police Department, the Office of the Sheriff, and the Fire Department of Alexandria, Virginia, and the first responders who reported to the scene; victims Steve Scalise, Zachary Barth, and Matthew Mika, who survived the shooting; and the U.S. Capitol Police for their professionalism, vigilance, and self-sacrifice in protecting Members of Congress and congressional employees, visitors, and facilities. Recognizes that threats to Members of Congress also threaten the foundations of our representative democracy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017 This bill expands the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) authority to issue public safety and community policing grants to include funds for training of school resource officers in the prevention of human trafficking offenses. DOJ may bring a civil action in a federal court to enjoin persons from violating federal laws pertaining to the trafficking of persons and the sexual exploitation of children. The bill amends the purposes for which the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children may spend funds from grants issued by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Protection. The bill formally establishes in Immigration and Customs Enforcement the Office of Victim Assistance and delineates the functions of that office. DOJ's Office of Victims of Crimes may use not more than 1% of the amount to be distributed from the Crime Victims Fund to provide and improve direct assistance services for crime victims. DOJ, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Labor shall periodically implement improvements to the training programs on human trafficking for their employees. DOJ shall ensure that each human trafficking program operated by DOJ includes training on screening all adults and children suspected of engaging in commercial sex acts to determine whether individuals are victims of human trafficking. DOJ shall issue a screening protocol for use during all anti-trafficking law enforcement operations in which DOJ is involved.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2017
Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017 This bill sets forth a variety of measures to address the prevention and punishment of human trafficking and to assist trafficking victims. Included among these are provisions concerning: restitution for victims; funding of investigations of offenses relating to sexual abuse of children; grants to states and localities and other entities for victim service assistance; training of health, victim service, and federal law enforcement personnel, including through the use of a victim screening protocol by the Department of Homeland Security; penalties imposed for slavery offenses, sex trafficking of children, and repeat convictions for transportation for illegal sexual activity and related crimes; travel for the purpose of engaging in any illicit sexual conduct; designation of additional Department of Justice resources for prosecution and service coordination; penalties for offenses involving organized human trafficking, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or transportation for prostitution or any illegal sexual activity; and studies of the physical and psychological effects of serious harm to victims.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2017
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Jim Bunning, former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on June 5, 2017, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Bunning.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2017
Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act This bill requires the President to include in the annual budget proposal the total level of means-tested welfare spending by the federal, state, and local governments for the most recent fiscal year for which such data is available, and estimated levels for the current and 10 ensuing fiscal years. For each of FY2019-FY2029 each state that receives means-tested welfare spending by the federal government shall report annually to the Congressional Budget Office on the total amount of such spending by the state for the fiscal year. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended to define means-tested welfare spending as spending for any federal program designed specifically to give assistance or benefits exclusively to low-income Americans. The refundable portion of certain tax credits shall also be means-tested welfare spending, as well as the refundable portion of the premium and out-of-pocket health care subsidies to be paid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. The bill revises work eligibility requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to create the work preparation program for TANF families. The bill eliminates separate participation rate requirements for two-parent families. No federal funds shall be made available to carry out any means-tested housing program, but states may receive grants to fund their own housing programs. The bill prohibits funding for abortions and for health benefits that cover abortion, including certain tax credits, except where the pregnancy results from rape or incest or in certain other health cases.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017
Recognizes the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem's reunification and extends the Senate's friendship and hopes for peace to Jerusalem's residents and Israel's people. Reaffirms support for Israel's commitment to religious freedom and administration of holy sites in Jerusalem. Supports strengthening the mutually beneficial American-Israeli relationship. Commends Egypt and Jordan, former combatant states of the Six Day War, for embracing a vision of peace and coexistence with Israel and continuing to uphold their respective peace agreements. Reaffirms: (1) that it is long-standing U.S. bipartisan policy that the permanent status of Jerusalem remains a matter to be decided between the parties through final status negotiations towards a two-state solution; and (2) the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 as U.S. law, and calls upon the President and all U.S. officials to abide by its provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2017
Due Process Guarantee Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to limit the detention authority of the United States. Current law prohibits the indefinite detention of a U.S. citizen by the United States unless it is authorized by an act of Congress. This bill prohibits the indefinite detention of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident by the United States unless it is consistent with the Constitution and expressly authorized by an act of Congress. Additionally, it specifies that a general authorization to use military force or similar measure, on its own, does not authorize the indefinite detention of a citizen or lawful permanent resident who is arrested in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2017
Advancing America's Missile Defense Act of 2017 This bill directs the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to use Department of Defense (DOD) policies to accelerate the development, testing, and fielding of the redesigned kill vehicle, the multi-object kill vehicle, the C3 booster, a space-based sensor layer, an airborne laser on unmanned aerial vehicles, and an additional missile defense site, including the completion of any outstanding environmental impact statements for an additional missile defense site on the east coast or in the midwest regions of the United States. DOD shall, subject to National Missile Defense funding, increase the number of U.S. ground-based interceptors by 28. The MDA shall report to Congress on: (1) infrastructure requirements to increase the number of ground-based interceptors at Missile Field 1 and Missile Field 2 at Fort Greely to 20 ground-based interceptors each, (2) increasing the capacity of the ground-based mid-course defense element of the ballistic missile defense system, (3) the status of the integrated layers of missile defense radars, and (4) a revised missile defense testing campaign plan that accelerates the development and deployment of new missile defense technologies. DOD, by December 31, 2021, shall: (1) execute any requisite construction to ensure that such missile fields or alternative fields at Fort Greely are capable of supporting and sustaining additional ground-based interceptors, (2) deploy 14 additional ground-based interceptors to field 1 or an alternative field at as soon as technically feasible, and (3) identify a ground-based interceptor stockpile storage site for a minimum of 14 ground-based interceptors. The MDA shall develop, test, and deploy a highly reliable space-based missile defense sensor architecture for the ground-based midcourse defense system that provides specified functions and capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2017
This bill designates as "Liu Xiaobo Plaza" the area between the intersections of International Drive Northwest and Van Ness Street Northwest and International Drive Northwest and International Place Northwest in Washington, DC.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2017
Designates the week of May 15-May 21, 2017, as National Police Week. Expresses support for law enforcement officers across the United States for their efforts to build safer and more secure communities. Recognizes: (1) the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety; and (2) the members of the law enforcement community for their selfless acts of bravery. Honors and remembers law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Expresses condolences to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2017
Veterans' Health Care Integrity Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the director of each VA medical facility annually certifies that: (1) the facility is in full compliance with all provisions of law and regulations relating to scheduling appointments for veterans hospital care and medical services, and (2) any official data on appointment wait times is accurate. The VA may not waive any applicable provision of such laws or regulations. If unable to make such certification, a director shall provide the VA with an explanation of any noncompliance and a description of compliance actions being taken. If a director does not make a certification for any year, each covered official may not receive specified awards or bonuses during the subsequent year. "Covered officials" are a facility's director, chief of staff, associate director, associate director for patient care, and deputy chief of staff. The VA shall ensure that its directives and policies apply to, and are implemented by, each VA office or facility in a uniform manner. The following VA positions shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate: (1) Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management, (2) Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Services, (3) Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, (4) Deputy Under Secretary for Disability Assistance, and (5) Deputy Under Secretary for Field Operations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2017
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, and (2) the U.S. Embassy should be relocated to Jerusalem.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2017
Back the Blue Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code: to establish new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer; to expand 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; and to broaden the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms. The bill amends the federal judicial code to limit federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge. It amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to limit the recovery of compensatory damages and prohibit the recovery of attorney's fees by an individual for a violation of rights that occurs 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 · 16 May 2017
Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2017 This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 to repeal specified limitations, for purposes of Medicare participation, on self-referrals by newly constructed or expanded physician-owned hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2017
North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the President, through the Department of State, to: (1) provide grants to distribute information receiving devices, electronically readable devices, and other informational sources in North Korea; and (2) establish a grant program to develop and/or distribute new products or methods to allow North Koreans easier access to outside information. The Broadcasting Board of Governors may broadcast American, Korean, Chinese, and other popular music, television, movies, and popular cultural references as part of its programming. The Board shall broadcast to North Korea in the Korean language information on rights, laws, and freedoms afforded through the North Korean Constitution and through other applicable treaties or international agreements. The President is authorized to provide grants for research on North Korea's denial of human rights. The bill extends through 2022 the requirements for annual reports from: (1) the Special Envoy on North Korean human rights issues, (2) the U.S. Agency for International Development on U.S. humanitarian assistance activities both inside North Korea and for North Koreans outside of North Korea, and (3) the State Department and Department of Homeland Security on North Korean refugees and immigration. The North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 is amended to authorize appropriations through FY2022 for: (1) programs that promote human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and the development of a market economy in North Korea; (2) actions to promote freedom of information in North Korea; and (3) humanitarian assistance to North Koreans who are outside of North Korea without the permission of the government.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2017
Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to promoting religious freedom as a fundamental human right. Calls for the President to: (1) strengthen U.S. foreign policy on behalf of individuals persecuted in foreign countries on account of religion; (2) develop an action plan on international religious freedom and integrate that plan into U.S. diplomatic, development, and national security strategies; and (3) develop a strategic plan to direct grants for implementing innovative programs in key countries to train and work with local religious leaders on the importance of pluralistic societies, rights guaranteed under international law, and reporting mechanisms available within international institutions. Urges the State Department to: (1) implement Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act provisions that direct the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center to conduct training on religious freedom for all Foreign Service officers and all outgoing deputy chiefs of mission and ambassadors, and (2) develop a training curriculum for American diplomats in international religious freedom policy. Urges: (1) the President, the State Department, and relevant agencies to develop a comprehensive response to protect victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes and to provide humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery assistance to affected individuals from religious and ethnic groups in Iraq and Syria; (2) the President and the State Department to reestablish the Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group; and (3) the President, State Department, and U.S. Trade Representative to ensure that trade negotiations include religious freedom conditions mandated by the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2017
Thin Blue Line Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to expand 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.
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