United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2019
Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act of 2019 This bill appropriates funding to provide compensation to certain employees of contractors who lost pay or leave due to the lapse in appropriations that began on December 22, 2018. Each agency subject to such lapse shall adjust the price of any contract for which the contractor was ordered to suspend, delay, or stop work as a result of the lapse. The agency shall compensate the contractor for reasonable costs incurred to (1) provide compensation, at an employee's standard rate of compensation, to any employee who was furloughed or laid off, or who was not working, who experienced a reduction of hours, or who experienced a reduction in compensation, as a result of the lapse, for the period of the lapse; or (2) restore paid leave taken by any employee during the lapse, if the contractor required employees to use paid leave as a result of the lapse. The maximum amount of weekly compensation of an employee for which an adjustment may be made may not exceed the lesser of the employee's actual weekly compensation or $965.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2019
Raise the Wage Act This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage for regular employees over a 7-year period, for tipped employees, and for newly hired employees who are less than 20 years old. The bill sets forth a schedule of annual increases in the federal minimum wage for individuals with disabilities. The Department of Labor shall no longer issue special certificates for the payment of subminimum wages to such individuals after the final wage increase under this bill for such individuals takes effect. Labor shall provide, upon request, technical assistance and information to employers to: (1) help them transition their practices to comply with wage increases and other requirements under this bill for individuals with disabilities, and (2) ensure continuing employment opportunities for such individuals. The bill eliminates the separate minimum wage requirements for tipped, newly hired, and disabled employees. After a specified period, these employees shall be paid the same minimum wage as regular employees. Labor must publish any increase in the minimum wage in the Federal Register and on its website 60 days before it takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019
Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial Act This bill establishes the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument and authorizes the Department of Agriculture to establish the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial to honor the victims of the dam disaster of March 12, 1928. The monument comprises approximately 353 acres of National Forest System land in Los Angeles County, California. The memorial must be established at the dam site and be managed by the Forest Service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019
Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019 This bill provides for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their service during World War II. Following the award of the medal, it shall be given to the American Merchant Marine Museum, where it shall be available for display and research.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019
This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the city of Vallejo, California, to enter into an agreement to transfer Mare Island Naval Cemetery in Vallejo, California, to the VA to be maintained as a national shrine.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019
Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act of 2019 This bill expands the categories of persons who are prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm or ammunition. Specifically, it prohibits firearm sale or transfer to and receipt, possession, shipment, or transport by a person who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019
Modernizing Obstetric Medicine Standards Act of 2019 or the MOMS Act This bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration to contract with a national organization to (1) develop best practices relating to maternal mortality and morbidity prevention, and (2) establish a grant program for states to implement such best practices.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019
This resolution authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent the Senate in Texas v. United States , including to intervene as a party in the matter and any appellate or related proceedings, and to defend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2019
State Flexibility for Family First Transitions Act This bill provides states with the option to extend by two years a child-welfare demonstration project scheduled to end in FY2019. A state extending a demonstration project shall provide a plan to the Department of Health and Human Services specifying how the project will transition by FY2021 to comply with provisions in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 relating to childcare institutions, foster family homes, and assessment standards for qualified residential-treatment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2019
Contra Costa Canal Transfer Act This bill provides for the conveyance of the Contra Costa Canal and the Rock Slough fish screen facility from the Department of the Interior to the Contra Costa Water District in California.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2019
Creating a Reliable Environment for Veterans' Dependents Act of 2019 This bill addresses funding for care of dependents of homeless veterans. Grant recipients under the Department of Veterans Affairs comprehensive service program for homeless veterans receive per diem payments for services furnished to homeless veterans. The bill provides that furnishing care for a dependent in the care of a homeless veteran (who is receiving services from a grant recipient) may count as a service for which grant recipients can receive per diem payments.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2019
End Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act This bill prohibits tax deductions for expenses relating to direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. "Direct-to-consumer advertising" is any dissemination, by or on behalf of a sponsor of a prescription drug product, of an advertisement that is (1) in regard to the drug product, and (2) primarily targeted to the general public.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2019
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Chester Culver, former Member of the Senate; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on January 10, 2019, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable John Chester Culver.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2019
Federal Employees Civil Relief Act This bill establishes a framework to temporarily suspend certain judicial and administrative proceedings against a federal employee or contractor during a lapse in appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2019
Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act This bill codifies certain Department of Justice (DOJ) regulations that govern the appointment, oversight, and removal of a special counsel. Additionally, the bill provides new statutory limitations and requirements with respect to the removal from office of a special counsel. Finally, the bill requires DOJ to notify Congress when a special counsel is appointed, before a special counsel is removed, and after a special counsel's investigation concludes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2019
Smart Choices Act This bill requires the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission to publish annually a report regarding the effects of Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The report must include funding and coverage information for states participating in Medicaid expansion, as well as information on the potential effects of expansion for states that have not elected to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2019
California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2019 This bill provides for conservation, additional recreational opportunities, and renewable energy development in the California Desert Conservation Area. Specifically, the bill, among other things establishes or designates wilderness areas, a special management area, off-highway vehicle recreation areas, and a national scenic area; releases specified wilderness study areas; adjusts national park and preserve boundaries; and specifies land withdrawals, transfers, and conveyances. Specified federal land shall be taken into trust for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. Lands and interests in land, including improvements, outside the boundary of Joshua Tree National Park in California may be acquired for the purpose of operating a visitor center. The bill makes amendments to the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 regarding the California State School lands and designates specified segments of rivers and creeks as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2019
Assault Weapons Ban of 2019 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; or (4) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2019
Ensuring Diverse Leadership Act of 2019 This bill requires that in making the appointment of a president, a Federal Reserve Bank must interview at least one individual reflective of gender diversity and one reflective of racial or ethnic diversity. The bill amends numerous banking-, finance-, and trade-related Acts to make references to officials (including those to the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) gender-neutral.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2019
Natural Resources Management Act This bill sets forth provisions regarding various programs, projects, activities, and studies for the management and conservation of natural resources on federal lands. Specifically, the bill addresses, among other matters land conveyances, exchanges, acquisitions, withdrawals, and transfers; national parks, monuments, memorials, wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, historic and heritage sites, and other conservation and recreation areas; wildlife conservation; helium extraction; small miner waivers of claim maintenance fees; wildland fire operations; the release of certain federal reversionary land interests; boundary adjustments; the Denali National Park and Preserve natural gas pipeline; fees for medical services in units of the National Park System; funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund; recreational activities on federal or nonfederal lands; a national volcano early warning and monitoring system; federal reclamation projects; and search-and recovery-missions. In addition, the bill reauthorizes the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Preservation Program and the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2019
Background Check Expansion Act This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. The prohibition does not apply to certain firearm transfers, such as a gift between spouses in good faith.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2019
Cambodia Trade Act of 2019 This bill directs the President to report on Cambodia's classification under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a U.S. trade preference program that provides duty-free access to imports on products from certain developing countries. (Currently, Cambodia is a beneficiary of the GSP program.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2019
Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 This bill requires employees of the federal government or a District of Columbia public employer who are furloughed or required to work during a lapse in appropriations beginning on or after December 22, 2018, to be compensated for the period of the lapse. The employees must be compensated 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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2019
Vote by Mail Act of 2019 This bill requires states to allow voting in federal elections to be by mail without additional conditions or requirements, except a deadline for returning the ballot. States must mail ballots to individuals registered to vote in a federal election not later than two weeks before the election. The U.S. Postal Service must carry ballots mailed by a state expeditiously and free of postage. This bill authorizes automatic voter registration of individuals through state motor vehicle authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2019
Presidential Tax Transparency Act This bill requires the President and certain candidates for President to disclose federal income tax returns for the three most recent taxable years in reports filed with either the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) or the Federal Election Commission (FEC), in the case of a candidate. The OGE or the FEC must make the disclosed tax returns publicly available after making appropriate redactions. If the income tax returns are not disclosed as required by this bill, the OGE or the FEC must request the returns from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The bill requires the IRS, upon receiving a written request from the FEC or the OGE, to provide any income tax return that is required to be disclosed under this bill. The bill also establishes civil and criminal penalties for failing to file or falsifying income tax returns that are required to be disclosed pursuant to this bill.
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 · 13 December 2018
Condemns the deadly mass shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, that occurred on November 7, 2018, and cut short the lives of 12 people. Reaffirms the continuing commitment of the Senate: (1) to protect the public safety of the American people, and (2) to support the recovery of people impacted by the attack.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2018
Recognizes: (1) the dedication of Rebecca Teresa Weichhand to the children in the world who are in need of a permanent, safe, and loving family; and (2) her accomplishments and advocacy on behalf of those children.
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 · 5 December 2018
Finds that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be held accountable for his complicity in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and calls on Saudi Arabia to release political prisoners and to negotiate solutions to its conflicts in Yemen and Qatar.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2018
Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2018 This bill revises the criminal prohibition on the shipment, transport, possession, or receipt of a biological agent or toxin by a restricted person. Specifically, it updates references to the lists of agents and toxins covered by the prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2018
Robocall Elimination At Last Protecting Every American Consumer's Ears Act of 2018 or the REAL PEACE Act of 2018 This bill allows the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate the activities of common carriers engaged in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio. Under current law, common carriers are regulated exclusively by the Federal Communications Commission and are exempt from regulation by the FTC. The bill removes this exemption and subjects common carriers to FTC regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2018
Prevention of Arms Race Act of 2018 This bill restricts funding for the procurement or deployment of missiles banned by the Treaty between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty). Before such funding may be appropriated, the Department of Defense shall submit to Congress a report that (1) confirms U.S. efforts to resolve Russia's violation of the INF Treaty, (2) identifies the ramifications of a collapse of the treaty and of a U.S. withdrawal from the agreement, and (3) addresses other related issues.
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
Hurricanes Florence and Michael and California Wildfire Tax Relief Act This bill allows various tax credits, tax deductions, and modifications to existing tax rules for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Michael, and wildfires in California.
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 · 15 November 2018
Recognizes the important contribution women entrepreneurs make to the economy of the United States. Commemorates the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2018
Families, Not Facilities Act of 2018 This bill amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 regarding the treatment of minor aliens that enter the United States unaccompanied by a guardian. When placing an unaccompanied alien child with a proposed custodian, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall not consider the proposed guardian's immigration status. This bill also limits the use of information obtained for placing an unaccompanied alien child with a custodian, if such information was obtained from the child or the Department of Health and Human Services. DHS shall not use such information to apprehend, detain, or deport: the child, a proposed or current custodian or sponsor, or a person living with the proposed or current custodian or sponsor. The Office of Refugee Settlement shall provide case management services for unaccompanied alien children after they have been released and facilitate efforts to connect the children with legal representation for immigration proceedings. This bill also establishes the Office of Refugee Resettlement Advisory Committee on Shelters for Accompanied Alien Children. The advisory committee may conduct unannounced inspections of Office of Refugee Settlement shelters that hold unaccompanied alien children. The advisory committee shall issue a report on its investigations and recommendations regarding the shelters.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2018
This resolution honors Lodi Gyari's leadership and accomplishments in promoting freedom, human rights, and justice for the Tibetan people. It also calls for a political solution for Tibet that satisfies the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the Tibetan people.
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 · 3 October 2018
Native American Voting Rights Act of 2018 This bill updates the voting rights of Native American and Alaska Native voters. These updates include, but are not limited to: expanding the types of facilities that can be used as voter registration agencies, increasing polling site accessibility, providing enforcement power to citizens and attorneys general, requiring approval for actions like moving a polling place, validating certain tribal identification for voting or registering, and expanding requirements for bilingual voting accessibility. The bill establishes a Native American voting task force grant program for the purpose of increasing voter outreach, education, registration, turnout, and accessibility for Native American communities.
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000062_200.jpg)