United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2018
Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act This bill amends the Higher Education Opportunity Act to prohibit an institution of higher education or postsecondary educational institution from using revenues derived from federal educational assistance funds for recruiting or marketing activities. Federal educational assistance funds include federal student aid under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, education benefits for military personnel and veterans, and grants for workforce development programs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018
Venezuela TPS Act of 2018 This bill addresses the migration of Venezuelan nationals by permitting them to qualify for temporary protected status, which prevents their removal from the United States and allows them to obtain employment and travel authorization. The bill also provides assistance to the migration systems of nations surrounding Venezuela.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018
Big Oil Bailout Prevention Unlimited Liability Act of 2018 This bill amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to revise requirements governing the liability of parties that are responsible for oil discharges from offshore facilities into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. Under current law, responsible parties are liable for the total of all removal costs plus $75 million. The bill: (1) removes the cap of $75 million on liability, and (2) makes the responsible parties liable for all covered damages. Covered damages includes damages for: (1) loss of natural resources, property, revenue, or profits; or (2) costs of providing increased public services during or after removal activities, such as fire protection.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018
Big Oil Bailout Prevention Trust Fund Act of 201 8 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate: (1) the $1 billion per incident limitation on expenditures from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for cleanup of oil spills, (2) the $500 million per incident limitation on expenditures from the trust fund for natural resource damage assessments and claims in connection with oil spills, and (3) the limitation on the borrowing authority of the trust fund. The bill also amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the President to promulgate regulations to allow advance payments from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to states and localities to prepare for and mitigate substantial threats from the discharge of oil.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018
First Step Act of 2018 This bill makes changes to various aspects of the criminal justice system. Among other things, the bill does the following: modifies federal sentencing provisions, establishes a risk and needs assessment system at the Bureau of Prisons, and reauthorizes the Second Chance Act of 2007.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018
Data Care Act of 2018 This bill imposes various duties on online service providers with respect to to their handling of user data, including duties to (1) reasonably secure sensitive data from unauthorized access, (2) refrain from using such data in a way that will result in reasonably foreseeable harm to the end user, and (3) not disclose individual identifying data to another party unless that party is also bound by the duties established in this bill. The bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission and specified state officials to take enforcement actions with respect to breaches of such duties.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2018
Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of Officer Samuel Jimenez, Dr. Tamara O'Neal, and Dayna Less, who were the victims of the shooting on November 19, 2018, at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Honors the lives and memory of the victims, with gratitude for the service the victims provided as members of the law enforcement and medical communities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2018
Declares that the Senate: (1) notes with deep sorrow and solemn mourning the death of former President George H.W. Bush, (2) extends heartfelt sympathy to former President George W. Bush and the entire family of former President George H.W. Bush, and (3) honors and expresses deep appreciation for former President George H.W. Bush's outstanding and important service to his country. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 5, 2018, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of former President George H.W. Bush.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018
Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act of 2018 This bill addresses the humanitarian crisis in Burma (Myanmar) related to the displacement of the Rohingya people. Specifically, the bill authorizes humanitarian assistance and reconciliation programs in the region, establishes prohibitions on military and security assistance for Burma's armed forces, and places sanctions and visa or import restrictions on various Burmese officials and goods.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018
Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics (EtO is Toxic) Act of 2018 This bill updates requirements for chemicals that pose an adverse public health risk. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish an updated National Air Toxics Assessment once every two years. The assessment uses emissions data to estimate health risks from toxic air pollutants. The bill also requires the EPA to use data from its Integrated Risk Information System when conducting rulemaking with respect to chemicals that have been assessed in the system. For chemicals that are found to pose an adverse health risk, the EPA shall identify and do additional review on facilities that are significant sources of the chemical to determine whether the facility poses an adverse public health risk. Under the bill, chemicals identified as carcinogenic in the system must have a toxic chemical release form completed by the owner or operator of a facility. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consult with appropriate EPA offices regarding the future schedule of assessments of chemicals to be conducted under the system, the results or existing assessments, and concerns that may merit additional review. HHS must also administer personal exposure tests for chemicals that pose a new adverse public health risk to vulnerable populations, such as children. HHS must establish a Community Outreach Division to communicate risk assessments to affected communities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2018
Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2018 This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to condition each state's receipt of ESEA funds on the state's establishment of specified minimum requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions in school sports.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2018
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to amend its regulations to revise the standards for the emission of ethylene oxide. Specifically, regulations must be revised based on results from the National Center for Environmental Assessment report titled “Evaluation of the Inhalation Carcinogenicity of Ethylene Oxide.” The bill also requires revisions to apply maximum achievable control technology requirements to chamber exhaust vents. Maximum achievable control technology standards are established for sources of hazardous air pollutants to limit or control emissions. The EPA must notify the public of violations under the revised standards, and failure to do so will result in an investigation to assess the health risks and prevent a future failure of notification.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018
Strongly condemns Russia's actions against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait, including the attack and seizure of Ukrainian naval ships and sailors. Calls on Russia to release the sailors and ships and to stop its harassment of ships in the strait. Calls on the President to express his administration's opposition to Russia's attack at every opportunity, and affirms the Department of State's declaration that it is U.S. policy to never recognize Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea. Urges the international community to unite in opposition to Russia's actions in the strait.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018
Recognizes and accepts the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in the special report on the impacts of global warming and the findings of the U.S. Global Change Research Program in the Fourth National Climate Assessment report. Expresses the sense that immediate action by Congress and the Administration is needed to reduce greenhouse gases.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018
First Step Act This bill amends various provisions of law and sets forth new provisions: to require the Department of Justice to establish and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to implement a risk and needs assessment system; to modify the computation of good time credit; to allow federal correctional officers to securely store and carry concealed firearms on BOP premises outside the security perimeter of a prison; to limit the use of restraints on federal prisoners who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery; to reduce mandatory minimum prison terms for certain nonviolent repeat drug offenses; to broaden the existing safety valve to permit a sentence below the mandatory minimum for certain nonviolent, cooperative drug offenders with a limited criminal history; to make the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 retroactive; to require prisoners to be placed within 500 miles of their primary residence; to require low-risk prisoners to be placed on home confinement for the maximum amount of time permitted; to reauthorize through FY2022 and modify eligibility for an elderly offender early release pilot program; to require the BOP to help prisoners obtain identification documents prior to release, to incorporate de-escalation procedures into training programs, and to make tampons and sanitary napkins available free of charge; to authorize Federal Prison Industries to sell products to additional markets; to require probation and pretrial services officers to perform court-directed supervision of sex offenders conditionally released from civil commitment; to require the BOP to establish pilot programs on youth mentorship and service to abandoned, rescued, or vulnerable animals; and to limit juvenile solitary confinement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018
Great Lakes Water Protection Act This bill addresses sewage in the Great Lakes System by: (1) restricting publicly owned treatment works from discharging sewage into the system, (2) requiring the public to be immediately notified when sewage is discharged, and (3) establishing the Great Lakes Cleanup Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018
Condemns: (1) the anti-Semitic attack at the Tree of Life synagogue building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2018, in which 11 innocent people were killed and 6 were injured, and (2) rising anti-Semitism. Honors the memory of the victims and expresses the hope that their memory may be a blessing to their families and community. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to condemn anti-Semitism, protect the right of people in the United States to freely exercise their religious beliefs, and ensure their safety and security.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018
Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2018 This bill directs various U.S. government bodies to prepare reports on China's treatment of the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim Turkic ethnic group. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence shall report to Congress on issues including the security threats caused by the Chinese government's reported crackdown on the Uyghur population in Xinjiang province. The Federal Bureau of Investigation shall report on topics such as its efforts to protect ethnic Uyghurs and Chinese nationals in the United States from Chinese government intimidation. The U.S. Agency for Global Media shall report on media-related matters, including the reach of U.S. media into Xinjiang and assessments of Chinese propaganda strategies. The Department of State shall report on the scope of the reported crackdown in Xinjiang, including the number of detained individuals, an assessment of government surveillance in the province, and U.S. diplomatic efforts to address the crackdown.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2018
Recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October 2018 as: (1) a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans, and (2) a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2018
Commemorates October 3, 2018, as the 10th anniversary of the enactment of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Declares access to behavioral health services a priority. Expresses support for enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2018
Palestinian Partnership Fund Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of State to establish the Palestinian Partnership Fund to facilitate and finance: joint ventures in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, including between Palestinian entrepreneurs and companies in the United States, Israel, and countries in the Middle East to improve economic cooperation in research and development and in the technology industry; and people-to-people exchanges to further shared community building and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2018
Central America Reform and Enforcement Act This bill requires the Deaprtment of State to submit to Congress the United States Strategy for Engagement in Central America, a seven-year strategy to advance reforms in Central American countries that address the factors driving migration to the United States. The bill sets forth elements of such strategy, including strengthening the rule of law, combatting corruption, and confronting and countering violence and crime perpetrated by armed criminal gangs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2018
Prevention of Unconstitutional War with Iran Act of 2018 This bill prohibits funds from being used for military operations against Iran unless Congress authorizes such an action, with various exceptions such as in response to an imminent threat.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2018
Recognizes: (1) the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2018, through October 15, 2018; and (2) the integral role of Latinos and their manifold heritage in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2018
Get the Lead Out of Assisted Housing Act of 2018 This bill addresses the removal of lead from drinking water in federally assisted housing. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to require specified testing and remediation with respect to water service lines containing lead; authorizes HUD to inspect all sources of lead contamination in federally assisted housing and to mitigate sources of lead exposure; establishes a grant program for states and local governments to create inventories of water service lines containing lead and to test for lead in the drinking water at child care facilities, schools, and public water fountains; and allows recipients of certain HUD assistance to use such assistance to replace water fixtures and service lines containing lead.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2018
Recognizes that September 20, 2018, marks one year since the landfall of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Honors the victims of Hurricane Maria and those who contributed to saving lives in the hurricane's aftermath. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to support the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as they recover from the hurricane's devastation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2018
This joint resolution nullifies a Department of the Treasury rule (Rev. Proc. 2018-38) that modifies the requirements for information returns filed by certain tax-exempt organizations. The Treasury rule exempts certain tax-exempt organizations that are not 501(c)(3) organizations from the requirement to report the names and addresses of their contributors on returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The organizations must continue to collect and keep the information to make it available to the IRS upon request.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2018
Venezuela Humanitarian Relief, Reconstruction, and Rule of Law Act of 2018 This bill provides for humanitarian aid for the people of Venezuela, in light of the humanitarian and political crisis there. It also provides for (1) sanctions against those responsible for corruption and narcotics trafficking in Venezuela, (2) efforts to help rebuild the country's infrastructure and restructure its debt, and (3) efforts to otherwise address the humanitarian and political crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018
PEPFAR Extension Act of 2018 This bill amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to extend certain provisions related to the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a U.S. governmental initiative addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Specifically, the bill extends through FY2023 provisions that: require the Inspectors General of the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for Global Media, jointly with the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Agency for International Development, to coordinate and conduct oversight of PEPFAR programs; limit U.S. contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to 33% of funds contributed from all sources; require that certain fund contributions be withheld under specified circumstances; require that at least half of the PEPFAR budget be allocated for specified HIV/AIDS treatment and care; and require that at least 10% of such budget be expended for assistance to orphans and other children. The bill also extends through FY2024 annual reporting requirements relating to HIV/AIDS treatment providers and costs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018
Designates September 2018 as National Workforce Development Month. Expresses support for federal initiatives to promote workforce development. Acknowledges that workforce development plays a crucial role in supporting workers and growing the economy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018
Strengthening Minority-Serving Institutions Act of 2018 This bill permanently extends mandatory funding programs for historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions and increases the authorized funding levels for such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018
Improving Coverage for Substance Use Disorder Recovery Expansion Act This bill allows state Medicaid programs to cover certain inpatient substance-use disorder treatment services for individuals who are 21 to 64 years of age.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018
Recognizes that September 20, 2018, marks one year since the landfall of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Honors the victims of Hurricane Maria and those who contributed to saving lives in the hurricane's aftermath. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to support the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as they recover from the hurricane's devastation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018
Calls for the release of imprisoned journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, and expresses concern about the crackdown by Burma (Myanmar) on journalists and freedom of the press. Calls on the President and the Department of State to engage with the government of Burma regarding these issues.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should take all appropriate measures to ensure that the U.S. Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the federal government and is not subject to privatization in whole or in part.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018
Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2018 This bill removes drug conviction questions form the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and encourages institutions of higher education to remove criminal and juvenile justice questions from their admission applications.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018
Nuclear Energy Leadership Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to (1) establish a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement pilot program; (2) advance the research and development of domestic advanced, affordable, and clean nuclear energy; (3) develop a 10-year strategic plan for its Office of Nuclear Energy; (4) provide for a versatile, reactor-based fast neutron source; and (5) establish a program to make available high-assay, low-enriched uranium for use in commercial or noncommercial advanced nuclear reactors. DOE, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must jointly establish a University Nuclear Leadership Program to provide financial assistance for scholarships, fellowships, and research and development projects at institutions of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2018
Affordable Medications Act This bill alters various provisions relating to prescription-drug pricing and affordability, including drug manufacturer reporting requirements, Medicare price negotiation, and drug exclusivity periods.
United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2018
This joint resolution nullifies a rule by the Department of Treasury, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans. Short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans are plans that may only offer coverage for a limited amount of time under law and that are exempt from the market requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (e.g., coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions). The rule increases the maximum authorized duration of such plans from less than 3 months (including renewals) to an initial maximum duration of less than 12 months (with a total duration of up to 36 months, including renewals). The rule takes effect October 2, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 2018
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Sidney McCain, III, a Senator from Arizona. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 27, 2018, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018
Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act This bill makes a postsecondary program designed to prepare students for a recognized occupation or profession requiring licensing or other entry pre-conditions ineligible to participate in a federal financial assistance program, unless it meets specified student consumer protection requirements within one year. Each program must: (1) fully prepare students to satisfy those entry pre-conditions in the metropolitan statistical areas and states in which the students reside and in any state the program claims a successful program graduate will be prepared to work in the particular occupation or profession involved; and (2) provide timely placement of students in required pre-licensure positions, such as clinical placements, internships, or apprenticeships.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018
Calls upon the government of Kenya and President Kenyatta to: (1) ensure that extrajudicial killings and other violations are investigated and prosecuted by an independent judicial inquiry, and (2) safeguard human rights and civil and political freedoms. Calls upon the President and other senior U.S. officials, as well as international partners, to support the development of democratic institutions in Kenya.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2018
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should support Canada by calling upon Saudi Arabia to release Samar Badawi, Nassima al-Sada, Raif Badawi, Waleed Abu al-Khair, and other detained human rights activists, journalists, and religious minorities; and (2) the arrest of women's rights activists is contrary to Saudi Arabia's stated goals. Requests that the Department of State submits to Congress a statement regarding human rights and fundamental freedom in Saudi Arabia.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2018
Aretha Franklin Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill instructs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Aretha Franklin in recognition of her outstanding artistic and historical significance to the culture of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 2018
Missing Children's Assistance Act of 2018 This bill amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act: to revise the definition of "missing child" to mean an individual under 18 years of age whose whereabouts are unknown to the individual's parent (currently, legal custodian), to specify that a parent includes a legal guardian or an individual who functions as a parent (e.g., a grandparent), to revise the functions and duties of the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and to require the NCMEC to make publicly available the annual report on missing children and the incidence of attempted child abductions. The bill reauthorizes through FY2023: programs and activities for missing and exploited children, and audit requirements for grant recipients.
![Official portrait of Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000563_200.jpg)