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![Official portrait of Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000563_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
11,330 records where Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018
Recognizes the accomplishments and example of Cesar Estrada Chavez, pledges to promote his legacy, and encourages the people of the United States to commemorate his legacy and to always remember his rallying cry, "Si, se puede!" ("Si, se puede!" is Spanish for "Yes, we can!")
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2018
Student Non-Discrimination Act of 2018 This bill prohibits discrimination, under a federally assisted program, against public school students on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or that of their associates. The bill authorizes federal departments and agencies to terminate the educational assistance of recipients found to be violating this prohibition. An aggrieved individual may assert a violation of this bill in a judicial proceeding and recover reasonable attorney's fees. The Department of Justice is authorized to institute a civil action for a violation of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2018
Every Person Counts Act This bill modifies provisions regarding population and other census information to: (1) require that there be a tabulation of the total number of persons in each state, and (2) prohibit the Bureau of the Census from including any question or otherwise eliciting any information regarding U.S citizenship or immigration status.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2018
2020 Census Improving Data and Enhanced Accuracy Act or the 2020 Census IDEA Act This bill prohibits the Department of Commerce, in the 2020 decennial census of population and each decennial census thereafter, from: (1) implementing any major operational design that has not been researched, studied, and tested for a period of not less than three years before the date on which the applicable census occurs; or (2) including on the questionnaire for the census any subject, type of information, or question that was not submitted to Congress. The Government Accountability Office must determine that the subjects, types of information, and questions to be included in a decennial census have been adequately researched, studied, and tested to the same degree as in previous decennial censuses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2018
Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2018 This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit conduct, including bullying and harassment, that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to: (1) limit students' ability to participate in, or benefit from, school programs; or (2) create a hostile or abusive educational environment that adversely affects students' education. LEAs shall also provide: (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct, and report on, an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics shall collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2018
Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act This bill amends federal copyright law to implement the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled (Marrakesh Treaty). Specifically, it modifies the limitations and exceptions to federal copyright infringement that allow published works to be reproduced and distributed in accessible formats for individuals with print disabilities. The bill: makes such limitations and exceptions applicable only to activities in the United States, broadens the scope of published works that may be reproduced and distributed in accessible formats, and modifies certain terms and definitions to conform with the Marrakesh Treaty. Additionally, the bill adds a new section to allow published works in accessible formats to be exported and imported for individuals with print disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2018
Recognizes the 85th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine (Holodomor) of 1932-1933 and extends sympathies to the victims, survivors, and families of that tragedy. Encourages dissemination of information regarding the famine. Condemns the systematic violations of human rights of the Ukrainian people by the Soviet government. Recognizes the 1988 findings of the Commission on the Ukraine Famine that Joseph Stalin committed genocide against the Ukrainians in 1932-1933. Supports the continuing efforts of the people of Ukraine to work toward ensuring democratic principles, a free-market economy, and full respect for human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2018
Encourages the people of the United States to join in a national effort to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni and raise awareness about the importance of national and community service. Acknowledges the accomplishments of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and community partners and recognizes the important contributions made by members and alumni to the lives of the people of the United States. Encourages individuals of all ages to consider opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2018
Food for Peace Modernization Act This bill amends various provisions related to the Food for Peace Program administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development, including by (1) repealing provisions mandating funding for certain eligible organizations, (2) removing required minimum levels of spending on nonemergency assistance, and (3) extending authorities for micronutrient fortification programs and the John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2018
Opioid Quota Reform Act This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to require the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to consider additional factors—the impact on overall public health and rates of diversion, abuse, and overdose deaths—in setting and adjusting production and manufacturing quotas for fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone. Additionally, if the DEA increases the production quota of fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, or hydromorphone, then it must explain why the public health benefits of increasing the quota outweigh the consequences of potential diversion.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2018
Congratulates the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the 100th anniversary of their declarations of independence.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018
Supports the goals of International Women's Day. Recognizes that the empowerment of women is linked to a country's potential to generate economic growth, sustainable democracy, and inclusive security. Recognizes individuals in the United States and around the world, including women human rights defenders and civil society leaders, who have worked to ensure that women are guaranteed equality and basic human rights. Recognizes the unique cultural, historical, and religious differences throughout the world and urges the U.S. government to act with respect and understanding toward legitimate differences when promoting any policies. Reaffirms the commitment to: (1) end discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensure their safety and welfare; (2) pursue policies that guarantee the basic human rights of women and girls worldwide; and (3) promote women's participation in every aspect of society and community. Supports sustainable global development that seeks to achieve gender equality.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018
Celebrates the successes and contributions of Latinas in the United States and recognizes the changes still to be made to ensure Latinas can realize their full potential as equal members of society.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2018 This bill amends federal bankruptcy law to modify provisions related to Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which typically involves the reorganization of a debtor company's assets and debts. Specifically, the bill modifies provisions governing: (1) employee and retiree recoveries and losses, and (2) executive compensation programs. With respect to employee and retiree recoveries and losses, the bill does the following: increases the maximum value and age of specified wage and benefit claims entitled to priority payment; allows certain claims for losses related to defined contribution plans, if the employer or plan sponsor has committed fraud or otherwise breached its fiduciary duty; allows, as an administrative expense of the estate, severance pay owed to employees; establishes certain restrictions regarding the rejection or amendment of a collective bargaining agreement; revises specified procedures related to the reduction or denial of retiree benefits; requires a court, in approving a sale of business assets, to consider the extent to which a bidder has offered to maintain existing jobs and assume benefit obligations; and modifies other provisions. With respect to executive compensation, the bill does the following: establishes specified limitations related to executive compensation enhancements, prohibits executives from receiving certain retiree benefits if such benefits were reduced or eliminated for other employees or retirees, and revises other requirements related to court approval of such compensation. In addition, the bill grants creditor status to labor organizations for purposes of filing a proof of claim.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018
America's College Promise Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states and Indian tribes to waive tuition and fees at community colleges. To receive a grant, states and Indian tribes must agree to waive tuition and fees at all their community colleges and for all eligible students. The bill appropriates $1.5 billion in FY2019, an increasing annual amount through FY2027, and $15.7 billion for FY2028 and each succeeding fiscal year for grants under this community college program. This bill also requires ED to award grants to four-year historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to waive or reduce tuition and fees for up to 60 credits for low-income students. HBCUs and MSIs that participate must: (1) enroll a student body that contains at least 35% low-income students; (2) maintain or adopt reforms and practices to improve completion rates and student outcomes; (3) set performance goals; and (4) execute an articulation agreement with community colleges, if accepting transfer students. It appropriates $61 million for FY2019, an increasing annual amount through FY2027, and $1.6 billion for FY2028 and each succeeding fiscal year for grants under this HBCU/MSI program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018
Designates March 2, 2018, as Read Across America Day. Honors all authors for their successes in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. Honors the 21st anniversary of Read Across America Day. Encourages parents, educators, and communities to read with their children for at least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018
Condemns the attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2018
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting Yemen, except those engaged in operations directed at Al Qaeda, within 30 days unless: (1) the President requests and Congress authorizes a later date, or (2) a declaration of war or specific authorization for the use of the Armed Forces has been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2018
Granting Release And Compassion Effectively Act of 2018 or the GRACE Act The bill amends the Second Chance Act of 2007 to modify provisions that authorize the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to reduce the prison term (i.e., release early) certain federal prisoners. Specifically, in the case of a defendant diagnosed with a terminal illness, the bill requires the BOP to comply with new requirements. Among other things, the BOP must notify the defendant's representatives of the terminal illness and opportunity to request a reduced sentence, and allow family members to visit the defendant.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2018
This bill requires the Joint Committee on the Library to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of Shirley Chisholm. The committee may authorize the Architect of the Capitol to enter into the agreement as well as related contracts. The committee shall place the statue in a suitable permanent location in the U.S. Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
This joint resolution nullifies the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission entitled "Restoring Internet Freedom." The rule published on February 22, 2018: (1) restores the classification of broadband Internet access service as a lightly-regulated "information service"; (2) reinstates private mobile service classification of mobile broadband Internet access service; (3) requires Internet service providers to disclose information about their network management practices, performance characteristics, and commercial terms of service; and (4) eliminates the Internet Conduct Standard and the bright-line rules.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Sunlight in Workplace Harassment Act This bill amends the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to require disclosure of settlements and complaints related to sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and other types of discrimination. Specifically, certain issuers of securities must annually disclose this information to shareholders and the public. Issuers must also describe the measures taken to prevent employees from committing further abuse, harassment, or discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Designates February 2018 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Designates March 2, 2018, as National Speech and Debate Education Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Calls on the Venezuelan government to postpone the presidential election and any concurrent National Assembly, state legislative council, or municipal council elections scheduled for April 22, 2018, until: (1) credible election observers are allowed to observe the electoral process; (2) the National Electoral Council is led by trusted nonpartisan members; (3) opposition parties and candidates are free to peacefully compete in the election without threat of arrest or retribution; (4) arrangements are made for all Venezuelan voters, including those residing outside of Venezuela, to participate in the election; and (5) there is no link between an individual's vote and his or her receipt of food rations. Condemns Venezuelan President Maduro's authoritarian steps to undermine democratic institutions. Rejects the Venezuelan government's efforts to blame the country's economic, humanitarian, and political crisis on other actors instead of recognizing its own malfeasance and criminality. Urges the Venezuelan government to permit the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to stop using food as a tool of political coercion. Condemns the Venezuelan government for failing to credibly participate in internationally mediated negotiations to restore democracy, free political prisoners, and permit the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Supports: (1) Peru's decision, as host of the Eighth Summit of the Americas, to not invite President Maduro; and (2) efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to examine Venezuela's use of torture and arbitrary detentions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
Recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. Calls for the United States to: (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018
Commends human rights defenders for their critical work, condemns threats to them, and welcomes the imposition of sanctions by the President on December 21, 2017, and under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, with respect to human rights abusers and corrupt actors.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018
Restoring Education And Learning Act of 2018 or the REAL Act of 2018 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to restore Pell Grant eligibility for individuals incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution and for sex offenders subject to civil commitment following incarceration.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018
Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic Lending Act of 2018 or the SAFE Lending Act of 2018 This bill amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and the Truth in Lending Act. The bill revises requirements related to consumer financial protection and small-dollar lending, including matters concerning remotely created checks, electronic fund transfers, registration of small-dollar lenders, overdraft fees, and the collection of personal information.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2018
Calls for: (1) the President, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of State to impose sanctions with respect to activities of the Russian Federation undermining cybersecurity, corruption in the Russian Federation, or other sanctionable conduct; and (2) the President to work with Congress to protect U.S. democratic institutions in advance of the 2018 elections.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018
Cambodia Accountability and Return on Investment Act of 2018 This bill prohibits assistance for the government of Cambodia unless the Department of State certifies to Congress that Cambodia is taking steps to: (1) strengthen regional security and the enforcement of international sanctions against North Korea, and (2) respect Cambodia's Constitution. The State Department shall continue to restrict the U.S. entry of individuals involved in undermining democracy in Cambodia. The President may prohibit transactions of such individual's U.S.-sited or -controlled property and property interests. The United States shall oppose international financial institution loans and assistance to Cambodia, other than to meet basic human needs, until restrictions on Cambodian officials undermining democracy in Cambodia terminates. Funds are authorized for Khmer-language broadcasting.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018
Supports: (1) observing National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 7, 2018, to recognize: (1) the female athletes who represent schools, universities, and the United States in their athletic pursuits; and (2) the vital role that the people of the United States have in empowering girls and women in sports. Supports: (1) marking the observation of such day with legislative efforts to protect young athletes from sexual abuse, and (2) efforts to promote equality in sports and access to athletic opportunities for girls and women and to support the U.S. commitment to expanding athletic participation for all girls and future generations of women athletes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018
Designates February 5-February 9, 2018, as National School Counseling Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018
Recognizes: (1) January 2018 as National Mentoring Month, and (2) the staff and volunteers at quality mentoring programs who help young people reach their full potential. Acknowledges that mentoring is beneficial in that it supports educational achievement and self-confidence, reduces juvenile delinquency, improves life outcomes, and strengthens communities. Expresses support for: (1) the creation and expansion of quality mentoring programs across the United States, and (2) initiatives to increase the percentage of young people who have a mentor.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018
Creating American Investment, Redevelopment, and Opportunity Task Force Act This bill establishes the Creating American Investment, Redevelopment, and Opportunity Task Force. The goals of the task force shall include expanding affordable housing, improving infrastructure, and spurring investment in Alexander County, Illinois.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018
America's Natural Treasures of Immeasurable Quality Unite, Inspire, and Together Improve the Economies of States Act of 2018 or the ANTIQUITIES Act of 2018. This bill directs the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to administer each specified national monument under their joint or exclusive jurisdiction, including the Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Gold Butte, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monuments and the Rose Atoll and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monuments in accordance with: (1) the one or more presidential proclamations that apply to the applicable covered monument; (2) any Act of Congress enacted before December 4, 2017, that provides for an adjustment to the boundary or administration of such monument; and (3) this bill. The bill establishes the National Monument Enhancement Fund to furnish funding: (1) to such federal agencies to develop management plans for their national monuments that were designated under current federal law, (2) for federal acquisition and development of certain land and other areas, and (3) to develop and enhance recreational infrastructure on such designated lands. The bill designates: (1) specified BLM lands within the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and Rio Grande del Norte National Monuments in New Mexico and in the Gold Butte National Conservation Area in Nevada as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System; and (2) approximately 100 acres of BLM land in New Mexico as a potential wilderness area and, when specified conditions have been met, for incorporation into the Robledo Mountains Wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018
Reaffirms: (1) the proud U.S. history of refugee resettlement, and (2) the strong bipartisan commitment to promote the safety, health, and well-being of refugees. Recognizes: (1) January 27, 2018, as the anniversary of the first refugee and Muslim ban; and (2) the profound consequences faced by refugees and their families who have been stranded, separated, and scarred by current U.S. policies. Underscores the importance of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program as a critical tool for U.S. global leadership. Calls upon the U.S. government to: (1) resettle 45,000 refugees in FY2018 and at least 75,000 refugees in FY2019, (2) uphold its international leadership role in responding to displacement crises with humanitarian assistance and protection of the most vulnerable populations, and (3) recommit to offering freedom from oppression and to resettling the most vulnerable refugees regardless of their country of origin or religious beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2018
Expresses support for the designation of a Women's Health Research Day. Supports efforts to: (1) recognize the importance of biomedical and clinical research to women's health, (2) increase awareness of the value of sex- and gender-based biomedical research, and (3) encourage individuals to advocate on behalf of sex- and gender-inclusive research.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2018
Music Modernization Act of 2018 This bill amends the copyright law to create a statutory blanket license for making and distributing nondramatic musical sound recordings, including through digital delivery. The blanket license allows digital music services to distribute sound recordings covered by the license without negotiating for the rights for each individual recording, as long as the music service complies with the license's requirements, such as paying the required royalties.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2018
Condemns: (1) the violence and displacement inflicted on Burma's (Myanmar's) Rohingya and other ethnic minorities, and (2) the attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army militant group. Calls for an immediate halt to all hostilities by Burmese authorities. Calls on: the government of Burma to allow full access to Rakhine State and to ensure the full participation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and that the voices of refugees are represented, the UNHCR and international nongovernmental organizations to play a role in monitoring repatriation efforts by the governments of Bangladesh and Burma, and the United Nations to consider the feasibility of Bangladesh's proposal for a safe zone or for a peacekeeping mission to protect vulnerable communities under international supervision. Commends: (1) the positive role of the government of Bangladesh in receiving Rohingya refugees and urges that government to continue allowing the full participation of the UNHCR and human rights organizations in accessing refugee camps, and (2) the Bangladesh's efforts to provide shelter and relief for such refugees. Calls for any return of Rohingya to include specified guarantees. Recognizes that any forced relocation of Rohingya refugees into areas not of their choosing is unacceptable. Calls on the government of Burma to: allow for a flexible and practical approach to dealing with evidence of Rohingya residence in Burma; address root causes consistent with the Rakhine Advisory Commission recommendations and fully implement such recommendations; address the issue of statelessness for the Rohingya, the deprivation of rights, and institutionalized and pervasive discrimination; and release journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. Calls on the government of Bangladesh to ensure that all refugees have freedom of movement and are not subject to unsafe, involuntary, precipitous, or uninformed returns to Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2018
Pay Our Military Act of 2018 This bill provides FY2018 appropriations for military pay and death benefits during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2018 are not in effect. In the event of a government shutdown, the bill provides continuing appropriations for: pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service (including drill) during the period; payments of death benefits for individuals who die during the period; and pay and allowances to civilian personnel or contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) who are providing support to members of the Armed Forces and payments in connection with death benefits. The appropriations provided by this bill are available until the earlier of: (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) September 30, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2018
Supports the right of all Iranian citizens to have their voices heard. Calls on the government of Iran to respect the rights of the people of Iran to freedoms of speech, press, religion, association, and assembly. Condemns Iran's human rights violations. Warns Iran against any violence or retribution targeting peaceful protestors. Objects to acts of censorship, intimidation, and other restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, and expression. Encourages the President, the Department of State, and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.) to work to convene emergency sessions of the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. Human Rights Council to condemn Iran's ongoing human rights violations and establish a related Security Council monitoring mechanism. Calls on Iran to cooperate with and allow visits of the U.N. Special Rapporteurs for Human Rights and the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Urges the President and State Department to work with the international community to ensure that human rights violations are part of all multilateral or bilateral discussions with and regarding Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2018
Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to adjust to permanent resident status a qualifying Liberian national who: (1) has been continuously present in the United States between November 20, 2014, through the date of status adjustment application; or (2) is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of such an alien. Adjustment applications must be filed not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
Federal Employee Fair Treatment Act of 201 7 This bill requires federal employees furloughed or required to work during a lapse in appropriations beginning on or after December 22, 2017, to be compensated for the period of the lapse on the earliest date possible after the lapse ends, regardless of scheduled pay dates. Employees required to work during the lapse in appropriations may use leave. The bill addresses a lapse in appropriations scheduled to occur if FY2018 appropriations legislation is not enacted prior to the expiration of the continuing resolution that currently funds federal agencies through December 22, 2017.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2017 This bill amends the Global Food Security Act of 2016 to: (1) extend through FY2023 the program to carry out those portions of the global food security strategy that relate to the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development, and (2) expand requirements for reporting by the President regarding strategy implementation. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to extend through FY2023 the assistance program for international disaster relief and rehabilitation, including the set-aside for the emergency food security program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017
Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act (NICA) of 2017 This bill directs the President to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at each international financial institution to oppose a loan for budget support for the government of Nicaragua unless the Department of State reports that Nicaragua is taking effective steps to (1) hold free elections; (2) promote democracy; (3) strengthen the rule of law; (4) combat corruption; (5) protect the right to freedom of expression; (6) protect the rights of indigenous people; and (7) protect the rights of political opposition parties, journalists, and other civil society activists to operate without interference.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2017
Expresses concern about the humanitarian impacts of the crisis suffered by the people of Venezuela. Urges President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro to permit the delivery of international humanitarian assistance. Calls on the government of Venezuela to release all political prisoners, respect internationally recognized human rights, ensure the neutrality and professionalism of all security forces, and respect the Venezuelan people's rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Supports the review by the Organization of American States (OAS) of whether human rights abuses in Venezuela warrant an investigation by the International Criminal Court. Urges the President of the United States to: (1) provide full support for OAS efforts in examining the human rights situation in Venezuela, and (2) instruct appropriate federal agencies to hold Venezuelan government officials accountable for violations of U.S. law and abuses of internationally recognized human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2017
Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the detention authority of the United States. Specifically, it adds a provision to prohibit the detention or imprisonment of an individual based solely on an actual or perceived protected characteristic of that individual. A protected characteristic includes race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017
Congressional Harassment Reform Act This bill amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA) to: (1) require certain discrimination and harassment awareness and prevention training for Members of Congress, officers, employees, interns, fellows, and detailees; (2) extend CAA nondiscrimination requirements and remedies to legislative interns, fellows, and detailees; (3) revise CAA procedures for certain harassment and discrimination complaints; (4) require a Member of Congress to reimburse the Treasury if an employee receives an award or settlement for the Member's alleged act of discrimination or harassment, unless the Member's request for a nonreimbursement determination is approved; and (5) rename the Office of Compliance the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2017
Ensuring Medicaid Provides Opportunities for Widespread Equity, Resources, and Care Act or the EMPOWER Care Act This bill amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to extend funding through FY2022 for the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Program and to otherwise revise the program. (Under this program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must award grants to state Medicaid programs to assist in rebalancing states' long-term care systems.)