United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019
Private Prison Information Act of 2019 This bill specifies that a record related to a non-federal prison, correctional, or detention facility must be considered a federal agency record for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). A non-federal prison, correctional, or detention facility must disclose information under FOIA unless the information is exempt from disclosure or the disclosure is prohibited by law. The term "non-federal prison, correctional, or detention facility" means (1) a private prison, correctional, or detention facility; or (2) a state or local prison, jail, or other correctional or detention facility.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Stop the Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2019 or SIMSA This bill establishes a process and requirements for regulating substances that have a similar chemical structure and actual or predicted effect as a controlled substance that is currently subject to such regulation because of its potential for abuse or dependence.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution urges the United States to work with the international community to address the causes and effects of climate change and remain a party to the Paris Agreement and the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution recognizes the October 2019 celebration of Filipino American History Month as a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to reflect on and remember the many notable contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution recognizes October 2019 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
This bill requires the President to report to Congress a strategy to secure the enduring defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al Qaeda in the Middle East. The report shall contain certain elements including (1) a description of U.S. interests and long-term goals for Syria; and (2) an analysis of threats to U.S. interests from ISIS, Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Russia, Iran, and non-state actors in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2019 This bill addresses the use and regulation of fluorinated compounds in products and manufacturing, including by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to establish specified production and consumption baselines for the phase-down of specified fluorinated compounds.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Don't Break Up the T-Band Act of 2019 This bill repeals the requirement for the Federal Communications Commission to reallocate and auction the 470-512 MHz band (referred to as the "T-Band spectrum"). The T-Band spectrum is a frequency range currently utilized by public-safety entities in certain urban areas.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2019 or the CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 This bill expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare. Among other things, the bill allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain restrictions, such as geographic restrictions, for services provided in high-need health professional shortage areas; excludes mental health and emergency medical services, as well as services provided at rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and Indian Health Service facilities, from such geographic restrictions; and allows the CMS to generally waive coverage restrictions during national emergencies. Additionally, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must report on information relating to the access of Medicare beneficiaries to telehealth services at home. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation may also test alternative payment models relating to expanded telehealth services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Kay Hagan, former Member of the Senate; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on October 30, 2019, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Kay Hagan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019
Global Child Thrive Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes for FY2020-FY2025 programs to provide assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. The bill also requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to direct relevant executive branch agencies to incorporate early childhood development into current programs and promote inclusive early childhood development in partner countries. Such actions to promote early childhood development shall build on existing U.S. plans and strategies and aim to (1) prevent unnecessary family-child separation, (2) assist families with children with disabilities, and (3) help countries transition from child care protection systems that rely on residential care (such as orphanages and children's homes) to ones focused on family-based care.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
Stopping Executive Overreach on Military Appropriations Act This bill requires congressional approval for military construction projects commenced pursuant to a declaration of a national emergency, prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from expending funds for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, requires the return of DOD funds shifted to wall construction, and requires an ethics review of private contracts related to such construction.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
This resolution highlights the nonpartisan nature of the Foreign Service and the oath taken by Foreign Service members to defend the Constitution and serve the people of the United States. It also condemns political retaliation against Foreign Service members.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
SOAR Permanent Authorization Act This bill permanently reauthorizes and amends the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Program, which provides education funding for the District of Columbia, including for private school vouchers, public schools, and public charter schools. The bill requires participating private schools to be fully accredited by (1) an accrediting body with jurisdiction in the District that is recognized by the Student and Visitor Exchange English Language Program administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or (2) any international accrediting body designated by the Department of Education (ED). The bill revises the manner in which tutoring services provided under the program are funded. The bill revises several requirements concerning SOAR evaluations, including concerning (1) frequency; (2) ED's and the Institute of Education Sciences' duties; and (3) the issues to be evaluated, including high school and college performance measurements.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2019 This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of each foreign person or instrumentality that knowingly assists, provides significant support or services to, or is involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of any of the targeted groups. The President shall impose two or more sanctions on the named persons. Specifically, such a person may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution, or (6) subject to property-blocking restrictions. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar such governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of Treasury shall instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose the provision of assistance to an identified government for one year. The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests. The President shall report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as where such groups secure financing and surveillance equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act This bill establishes that a foreign-born child of a U.S. citizen member of the Armed Forces or government employee may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship even if the child is not residing in the United States. Currently, a foreign-born child automatically acquires U.S. citizenship if the child (1) has at least one parent who is a citizen, (2) is less than 18 years old, and (3) is residing in the United States in the citizen parent's legal and physical custody pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence. Under this bill, the third requirement is fulfilled if a foreign-born child is (1) living in the legal and physical custody of the citizen Armed Services member or government employee who has been stationed abroad (or the accompanying spouse of such a citizen), and (2) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Investing in 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish grant programs for educational or career training programs for students. First, ED must establish a career pathways innovation grant program. Under the program, ED must award grants to address the specialized skill needs of business and industry by carrying out programs that support career pathways in high school or career exploration in the middle grades. Second, ED must award grants for partnerships—between certain educational entities and employers—that provide educational or career training programs leading to recognized postsecondary credentials.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2019 This bill (1) directs the Government Accountability Office to study the barriers to providing, and opportunities for improving, training for workers in industries that have, or are likely to have, high rates of job loss due to automation; (2) directs the Department of Labor to award grants to eligible partnerships to support demonstration and pilot projects relating to the training needs of workers who are, or are likely to become, dislocated workers as a result of automation; (3) expands training programs for such workers, including activities that prepare the individuals for occupations in the technology sector; (4) authorizes the award of national dislocated worker grants to provide employment and training assistance to workers affected by advances in automation technology; and (5) expands funding for national dislocated worker grants.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
This resolution urges the federal government to establish a goal of conserving at least 30% of the land and 30% of the ocean within its territory by 2030.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
This resolution designates October 2019 as National Bullying Prevention Month and designates October 23, 2019, as Unity Day. The resolution acknowledges that the prevention of bullying of children should be a national priority.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2019
This resolution expresses support for Red Ribbon Week, which promotes a commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles. It also encourages participation in drug prevention activities and the development of drug-free communities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Syrian Allies Protection Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide certain Syrian nationals with special immigrant status. To qualify, a Syrian national must (1) have worked directly with the Armed Forces in a role that was vital to the success of the U.S. military mission in Syria for at least six months during a specified time period, (2) have a favorable written recommendation from a general or flag officer in the chain of command of the unit that the alien was supporting, and (3) pass a background check. The spouse or child of a qualifying alien shall also qualify if accompanying the qualifying alien. To receive special immigrant status, a qualified alien must apply to DHS and be otherwise eligible for an immigrant visa and admissible for permanent residence, except that an alien shall not be inadmissible on the grounds that the alien will likely become a public charge. Aliens granted special immigrant status under this bill shall qualify for benefits available to refugees for six months. Up to 250 principal aliens may receive special immigrant status each fiscal year under this bill. For applicants whose lives are at risk while awaiting background checks, the Department of Defense shall implement a framework to temporarily resettle such applicants in a safe third country or grant them humanitarian parole. DHS may provide lawful permanent resident status to an alien paroled or admitted as a nonimmigrant and who otherwise qualifies for special immigrant status under this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2019
Voluntary Water Partnership for Distressed Communities Act of 2019 This bill allows a community water system that is not in compliance with drinking water standards to enter into a partnership with other community water systems or other entities to bring the system into compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This joint resolution nullifies a rule issued by the Department of Education (ED) on September 23, 2019. The rule revised the process for a student loan borrower to obtain a discharge from a student loan if an institution of higher education misrepresented a material fact. Among other requirements, the 2019 rule requires each borrower to apply to ED for a defense to repayment. However, under the previous 2016 rule, an application could be submitted on behalf of an entire group (e.g., veterans).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Greg LeMond 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 presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Greg LeMond, in recognition of his contributions to the United States as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Fair Sugar Policy Act of 2019 This bill makes several modifications to the Department of Agriculture's sugar program. Among other modifications, the bill decreases the rate for price support loans, repeals the marketing allotments, revises the administration of import quotas, and repeals the Feedstock Flexibility Program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Captive Primate Safety Act This bill revises requirements governing the trade of wildlife species, including to add nonhuman primate species to the list of wildlife species that may not be imported, exported, transported, sold, received, acquired, or purchased in interstate or foreign commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Big Cat Public Safety Act This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including to restrict direct contact between the public and big cats.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This resolution recognizes September 24, 2019, as National Voter Registration Day and encourages those eligible to vote to register, verify their personal information on record with local election officials, and vote.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This resolution recognizes (1) the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, 2019; 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 2019
Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2019 This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit conduct, including bullying (including cyberbullying through electronic communications) and harassment, that (1) limits students' ability to participate in, or benefit from, school programs; or (2) creates 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 · 25 September 2019
Hurricanes Florence and Michael and California Wildfire Tax Relief Act This bill provides for tax relief for individuals in areas affected by Hurricanes Florence and Michael and the California wildfires. Specifically, it allows tax-free distributions from tax-preferred pension plans for disaster-related expenses, increases the limit on allowable loans from pension plans, allows employers in disaster areas a tax credit to assist in retaining employees affected by disasters, suspends the limitation on the tax deduction for charitable contributions for disaster relief, allows nonitemizing taxpayers to claim personal casualty losses, and allows the use of earned income for the preceding year for claiming the earning income and child tax credits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
This resolution (1) designates Malnutrition Awareness Week, (2) recognizes the work of nutrition professionals and others in advancing awareness and prevention of malnutrition, and (3) recognizes the importance of federal nutrition programs in preventing and treating malnutrition and the need to reauthorize certain programs to provide nutrition assistance to vulnerable populations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations Act of 201 9 This bill authorizes advance appropriations for the following Indian Health Service appropriations accounts: Indian Health Services, Indian Health Facilities, and Contract Support Costs. The advance appropriations provide new budget authority that first becomes available in the first fiscal year after the budget year. The bill requires the President's budget request to include information on estimates for the advance appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019 This bill modifies and reauthorizes various programs and provisions related to Tibet and China. The President shall provide grants to nongovernmental organizations for projects supporting Tibetan communities in Tibet in areas such as sustainable economic development, cultural preservation, and education. The Department of State shall (1) seek to establish a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Tibet; (2) establish a Tibet section in the U.S. embassy in Beijing; (3) make diplomatic efforts on issues such as water security in the region; and (4) encourage Nepal to provide legal documentation to certain Tibetan residents in Nepal. The State Department shall not authorize any additional Chinese consulates in the United States until the U.S. consulate in Lhasa is established. The bill reauthorizes the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues and expands the office's duties to include additional tasks, such as pursuing international coalitions to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed solely by the Tibetan Buddhist faith community. The bill also adds China-related topics to an existing annual report on international religious freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
Clean Air, Healthy Kids Act This bill reinstates a variety of rules regarding climate change that were repealed, suspended, delayed, withdrawn, or replaced and prohibits the implementation of certain policies and proposed rules. Specifically, the bill nullifies Executive Order 13783 titled Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth . In addition, the bill nullifies the following rules: the Repeal of the Clean Power Plan; Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Electric Utility Generating Units; Revisions to Emission Guidelines Implementing Regulations rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation; Delay and Suspension of Certain Requirements rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management; the Energy Conservation Program: Definition for General Service Lamps rule issued by the Department of Energy (DOE); and the Adopting Requirements in Emission Guidelines for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills rule issued by the EPA. The bill prohibits agencies from finalizing the following proposed rules: the Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review proposed rule issued by the EPA; the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle Rules for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks proposed rule issued by the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and the Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Incandescent Lamps proposed determination issued by DOE. Finally, the bill nullifies a rescission of a waiver granted to California to enforce standards, which are more stringent than federal standards, for air pollution emissions from vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 2019 as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne. It recognizes the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and a cure for PCOS. It also acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
This concurrent resolution supports existing regulations with the goals of (1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions and oil usage, and (2) protecting national security and human health and welfare. The concurrent resolution also supports policies that will help meet these goals, such as policies that achieve maximum feasible reductions in oil use.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Protect America’s Wildlife and Fish In Need of Conservation Act of 2019 or the PAW and FIN Conservation Act of 2019 This bill nullifies several 2019 rules that revise regulations relating to the listing of endangered or threatened species and the designation of critical habitats. The restored rules automatically give threatened species the same protections as endangered species; revise requirements governing when an agency must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service about endangered species, threatened species, or their habitats; prohibit economic assessments from being considered in listing decisions; and revise the criteria used for designating critical habitats for the species. Rulemakings related to these regulations must incorporate climate change impacts.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Heightened Oversight of Travel, Eating, and Lodging Act of 2019 or the HOTEL Act This bill prohibits federal agencies from using U.S. government funds to pay for expenses at lodging establishments that are owned by or employ certain public officials or their relatives, including by providing travel reimbursement or a per diem allowance for the cost of lodging, with exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Protect American Values Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to implement the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds , published August 14, 2019, which expands the definition of a public charge for immigration purposes. (An alien who is a public charge may be denied certain immigration benefits, such as lawful permanent residence. Currently, a public charge is generally interpreted as an individual who is primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. The DHS rule would define a public charge to mean an individual who receives more than 12 months' worth of designated public benefits in a 36-month period.)
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2019
PILT Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill extends the payment in lieu of taxes program through FY2029. "Payments in Lieu of Taxes" (PILT) are federal payments to local governments that help offset losses in property taxes due to the existence of nontaxable federal lands within their boundaries
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Methane Emissions from Transmission Harm American Neighborhoods and the Environment Act or the METHANE Act This bill requires operators of distribution pipelines to use advanced leak detection technology to detect and repair leaking pipelines, including high sensitivity methane detectors mounted on a vehicle or aircraft that is equipped with global positioning system technology. The bill also requires operators to report to the Department of Transportation any event that involves a release of gas from a pipeline facility that results in an unintentional estimated gas loss of 50,000 cubic feet or more.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
E-Cigarette Tax Parity Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the taxation of electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products at rates applicable to other tobacco products. An "alternative nicotine product" is defined as any product containing nicotine which is suitable for and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, a consumer for the inhalation, ingestion, absorption, or consumption of nicotine, but does not include tobacco, processed tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco, or any product approved by the Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
Arctic Refuge Protection Act of 2019 This bill designates approximately 1,559,538 acres of land within Alaska in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2019
This resolution urges Russia to present credible evidence of wrongdoing against U.S. citizen Paul Whelan or immediately release him. It also urges Russia to provide unrestricted consular access to Whelan and to ensure that he is afforded due process and universally recognized human rights.
![Official portrait of Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000062_200.jpg)