United States · United States Congress · 2 January 2019
This resolution urges the President to work with allies to lead a multinational freedom of navigation operation in the Black Sea to push back against excessive Russian claims of sovereignty. It also calls for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to enhance allied maritime presence and capabilities in the Black Sea and for European governments to cancel the Nord Stream 2 pipeline due to its threat to European energy security. The resolution also urges the President to provide additional security assistance to Ukraine and states that the President is required by statute to impose mandatory sanctions on Russia.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018
Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2018 This bill imposes a fee on the carbon content of fuels, including crude oil, natural gas, coal, or any other product derived from those fuels that will be used so as to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The fee is imposed on the producers or importers of the fuels and is equal to the greenhouse gas content of the fuel multiplied by the carbon fee rate. The rate begins at $15 in 2019, increases by $10 each year, and is subject to further adjustments based on the progress in meeting specified emissions reduction targets. The bill also imposes a specified fee on fluorinated greenhouse gases. The bill includes: exemptions for fuels used for agricultural or nonemitting purposes, rebates for facilities that capture and sequester carbon dioxide, and border adjustment provisions that require certain fees or refunds for carbon-intensive products that are exported or imported. The fees must be deposited into a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund and used for administrative expenses and dividend payments to U.S. citizens or lawful residents. The fees must be decommissioned when emissions levels and monthly dividend payments fall below specified levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must evaluate the effectiveness of the fees at reducing emissions. If the targets specified in this bill have been met or exceeded, the EPA may review certain regulations related to the fuels and fluorinated greenhouse gases on which the fees have been imposed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2018
Calls on the President to reconsider the decision to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from Syria and urges any future withdrawal decision to be based on a robust interagency process and on conditions in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2018
This bill generally prohibits the cross-examination of a minor (i.e., an individual under the age of 18) by a pro se criminal defendant accused of sexual assault of the minor. A pro se criminal defendant is a defendant in a criminal case who represents himself or herself without a lawyer.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2018
Removing Excessive Dollars to Uproot and Cut Expensive Government Waste Act or the REDUCE Government Waste Act This bill amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to repeal the rules for peanuts under the nonrecourse marketing assistance loan program administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). (Under a nonrecourse marketing assistance loan, a farmer pledges a commodity as collateral and may deliver the pledged collateral to USDA to repay the loan.) The bill also prohibits federal funds from being used for the development of: (1) a beerbot or other robot bartender; or (2) insect-based foods for human consumption, including cricket farming and taste-testing of insect-based foods.
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 · 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 · 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
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 · 6 September 2018
Supports renaming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, after Senator John McCain in recognition of his long support for NATO.
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
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 · 16 August 2018
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Paul Laxalt, former Member of the Senate. Extends deepest condolences and gratitude to his family. Honors Paul Laxalt's legacy, life, service to the Senate, and commitment to the people of Nevada and the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 16, 2018, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Paul Laxalt.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018
Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of: one Congressional Gold Medal to Katherine Johnson, in recognition of her service to the United States as a mathematician; one Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Christine Darden, for her service to the United States as an aeronautical engineer; and two Congressional Gold Medals in commemoration of the lives of Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, in recognition of their service to the United States during the Space Race.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2018
Judicial Efficiency Improvement Act This bill divides the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into two judicial circuits: (1) the Ninth Circuit, and (2) a new Twelfth Circuit. The new Ninth Circuit shall be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and Northern Mariana Islands. The new Twelfth Circuit shall be composed of the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The bill creates five additional circuit court judgeships—four in the Ninth Circuit and one in the new Twelfth Circuit. It creates 52 additional district court judgeships in specified judicial districts in California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Puerto Rico, and Texas. Additionally, it converts eight temporary district court judgeships to permanent judgeships in specified judicial districts in Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2018
Recognizes Pioneer Day on the 171st anniversary of the arrival of the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Great Salt Lake Valley in Utah. Acknowledges the sacrifices of the Latter-day Saints pioneers in their pursuit of liberty and religious freedom. Commends the Latter-day Saints pioneers and their descendants for their significant contributions in facilitating the settlement of the West and for providing an example of courage, industry, and faith.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2018
Commends the Department of Justice for its investigation into the interference in the 2016 presidential election. Expresses agreement with the U.S. intelligence community's assessment that Russia interfered with the election. Calls for the implementation of mandatory sanctions to deter and punish Russia's election interference.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2018
Honors the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Encourages the Administration of President Donald Trump to foster the enduring relationship between the people and governments of South Africa and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2018
Commemorates the lives, careers, and service of the five victims of the Capital Gazette shooting in Annapolis, Maryland. Honors the survivors of the attack and the families of the victims and pledges continued support for their recovery. Thanks law enforcement officers and other emergency first responders for their heroic actions. Reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to defending the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2018
Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals Act or the DELTA Act This bill directs the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to develop a strategy, seeking to work with the governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries, with regard to natural resource protection, wildife protection, and economic development in the greater Okavango River Basin and the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area in Southern Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2018
Justice for Victims of Lynching Act of 2018 This bill specifies that an offense involving lynching is a criminal civil rights violation. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a prison term, a fine, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2018
Keep Families Together and Enforce the Law Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to extend protective custody over alien children under age 18 who are accompanied by a parent and apprehended at the border or are seeking admission to the United States at a port of entry. DHS must temporarily house an alien child under age 18 in a family residential center during the pendency of civil or criminal proceedings. DHS must increase the number of available beds in family residential centers. The Department of Justice must increase the number of immigration judge teams to conduct prioritized proceedings for accompanied alien children and families apprehended at the southwest border or who are seeking admission to the United States at a port of entry.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2018
Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act or the STATES Act This bill eliminates regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act for marijuana-related conduct and activities that are authorized by state or tribal law, subject to specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2018
This bill amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require congressional approval for a presidential adjustment of an import due to a national security threat. Specifically, the bill requires the President to submit a proposal to Congress, which Congress may approve by a joint resolution. Under current law, the President determines whether any adjustment of an import is necessary, and must submit to Congress the reasons for any action taken or not taken. The bill retroactively applies to any proposed action made two years before enactment of this bill. In general, any rate of duty modification occurring in the time period two years before enactment of this bill and the date before enactment of this bill must revert to the previous rate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2018
Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act This bill rescinds approximately $15 billion in budget authority over 2018-2028 that was proposed to be rescinded by the President under procedures included in the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. (A rescission is legislation enacted by Congress that cancels the availability of previously enacted budget authority before the authority would otherwise expire. Under current law, the President may propose rescissions to Congress, which must be enacted into law to take effect. Congress may rescind all, part, or none of the amounts proposed by the President. If Congress does not pass rescission legislation within 45 days of continuous session of Congress, the President must make the funds available.) The bill rescinds budget authority from specified programs and accounts within: the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Energy, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, the Department of State, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the U.S. Agency for International Development. the Department of Transportation, the Department of the Treasury, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Railroad Retirement Board.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2018
This bill amends the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2010 to specify that settlement funds may be used for the planning, design, and construction of the tribe's rural water system.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2018
Air Designation Actions in Areas of Pollutant Transport Act or the ADAAPT Act This bill amends the Clean Air Act to revise requirements for certain nonattainment areas, including provisions related to international border areas, marginal areas, and rural transport areas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2018
Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act of 2018 This bill amends the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 to establish additional pre- and post- election conditions that Zimbabwe must satisfy in order to remove Department of the Treasury opposition to: (1) international financial institution loan, credit, or guarantee extensions to Zimbabwe; or (2) cancellation or reduction of debt owed by Zimbabwe to the United States or any international financial institution. The bill includes Australia and the United Kingdom in consultations regarding Zimbabwe's political violence and any future removal of related sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2018
This bill amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to limit federal crop insurance premium subsidies provided to agricultural producers to $40,000. The limit applies to the total amount of premiums paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation on behalf of a person or legal entity for all policies issued for a crop year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2018
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Melcher, Senator from Montana. Declares that when the Senate adjourns April 18, 2018, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator Melcher.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2018
Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2018 This joint resolution authorizes the President to use all necessary and appropriate force against the Taliban, al Qaeda, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Al Shabaab, Al Qaeda in Syria (including Al Nusrah Front), the Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Mahgreb, and other non-state associated forces designated by the President. The joint resolution provides for related congressional review and oversight. The Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243) are repealed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2018
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Daniel K. Akaka, Senator from Hawaii. Declares that when the Senate adjourns April 10, 2018, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2018
Extends deepest condolences and gratitude to the family of Zell Bryan Miller, the former governor and Senator of Georgia. Honors his legacy and life, his commitment to the people of Georgia and the United States, and his service to the Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns April 10, 2018, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Miller.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2018
Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act of 2018 This bill establishes pre- and post- election conditions that Zimbabwe must satisfy in order to remove Department of the Treasury opposition to: (1) international financial institution loan, credit, or guarantee extensions to Zimbabwe; or (2) cancellation or reduction of debt owed by Zimbabwe to the United States or any international financial institution. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress on past atrocities and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and steps that the government of Zimbabwe might take to improve ties with the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2018
Water Supply Infrastructure and Drought Resilience Act of 2018 This bill establishes a pilot project to adjust flood control rule curves at Bureau of Reclamation facilities. The bill amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to increase access to Reclamation's WaterSMART program by including within the definition of "eligible applicant" any state, regional, or local authority the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority. The bill provides Reclamation with increased flexibility to recharge aquifers. The conveyance of water through a project facility that crosses Bureau of Land Management land for the purpose of aquifer recharge shall not require a new or additional permit or authorization if: (1) the existing project facility has a valid agreement that allows conveyance of water for a purpose other than aquifer recharge, (2) that conveyance does not result in a substantial change to the operation of the project facility, and (3) the entity operating the facility consents to such conveyance. In developing any rule, policy, directive, management plan, or similar federal action relating to the issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement, Reclamation shall: (1) recognize the longstanding authority of the states relating to evaluating, protecting, allocating, regulating, permitting, and adjudicating water use; and (2) coordinate with the states to ensure that any such action is consistent with, and imposes no greater restriction or regulatory requirement, than applicable state water law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2018
Providing Responsible Oversight of Trusts to Ensure Compensation and Transparency for Asbestos Victims Act of 2018 or the PROTECT Asbestos Victims Act of 2018 This bill modifies several aspects of the asbestos bankruptcy trust system. An asbestos bankruptcy trust is established when a company subject to asbestos-related liability files for bankruptcy under chapter 11 (reorganization). Among other things, the bill does the following: provides statutory authority for the U.S. Trustee Program within the Department of Justice to investigate the administration and operation of asbestos bankruptcy trusts; and creates new criminal offenses for making a false representation to, or a false claim for payment by, an asbestos bankruptcy trust.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018
This bill amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require all of the producers on a farm to elect to receive for the 2018 crop year either: (1) price loss coverage or agriculture risk coverage, as determined by the election of the producers on the farm required under current law for the 2014-2018 crop years; or (2) federal crop insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2018
United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018 This bill extends security assistance to Israel. Specifically, it extends: foreign military financing assistance to Israel through FY2028, loan guarantees through FY2023, and authority for the war reserves stockpile through FY2023. The President may: enter into a cooperative agreement with Israel for research and joint production of anti-drone defense articles; conduct a joint assessment with Israel regarding which precision guided munitions Israel needs in a sustained armed confrontation with Hezbollah, Hamas, or other groups; and transfer precision guided munitions and defense articles to such stockpile. The bill directs the Department of Defense to provide for the rapid acquisition and deployment of precision guided munitions for U.S. counterterrorism missions or to assist an ally under missile threat from a terrorist organization or a country that supports international terrorism. The President shall report to Congress describing the steps taken to include Israel in the list of countries eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception. Such exception allows a controlled item to be exported without a transaction-specific license. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall continue to work with the Israel Space Agency to pursue peaceful space exploration and science initiatives. The bill also requires the periodic reports on Israel's qualitative military edge to include information about Israel's ability to defend itself from regional state and non-state actors and from drone, cyber, and asymmetric threats.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2018
Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act of 2018 or the BUMP Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to generally prohibit the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of a device that is primarily designed, or redesigned, to increase the rate of fire when attached to a semiautomatic firearm; a device, part, or combination of parts that is designed and functions to increase the rate of fire of a firearm; or a semiautomatic firearm that has been modified to increase the rate of fire. Additionally, the bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to add semiautomatic firearms to the list of firearms subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2018
Age 21 Act This bill raises the minimum age to purchase a large capacity ammunition feeding device or semiautomatic assault weapon from 18 to 21 years of age.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Three-Year Border and DACA Extension Act This bill: (1) authorizes funding in FY2018-FY2020 for improving border security; (2) establishes a Border Security Enforcement Fund to provide for border security-related costs; and (3) requires transfers from the fund to construct, replace, or plan physical barriers along the border. The bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to grant three-year (beginning after the enactment of this bill) provisional protected presence and employment authorization to an alien who: (1) was born after June 15, 1981, entered the United States before age 16, and has continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007; (2) was physically but unlawfully present in the United States on June 15, 2012; (3) has met certain educational requirements or has been honorably discharged from military service; (4) has not been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors; and (5) does not pose a threat to national security or public safety. An alien who is in the deferred action for childhood arrivals program (DACA) is deemed to have protected presence through the expiration date of his or her deferred action status.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018
Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deny the transfer of a firearm or explosive, or the issuance of an explosives license or permit, to known or suspected terrorists. Specifically, DOJ may deny a transfer to, or deny a license or permit for, an individual who is included on the No Fly list or the Selectee list. The No Fly and Selectee lists are subsets of the Terrorist Screening Database—the U.S. government's consolidated database of individuals known or reasonably suspected to be involved in terrorist activities. DOJ and federal, state, and local law enforcement must be notified immediately of requests to transfer a firearm or explosive to a person who is, or in the last five years was, identified on the database. The bill establishes a judicial review process for appealing a denial by DOJ.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018
Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act or the CLOUD Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to specify that an electronic communication service (ECS) or remote computing service (RCS) provider must comply with existing requirements to preserve, backup, or disclose the contents of an electronic communication or noncontent records or information pertaining to a customer or subscriber, regardless of whether the communication or record is located within or outside the United States. An ECS or RCS provider may challenge a domestic warrant that compels disclosure of the contents of an electronic communication if: the customer or subscriber is not a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, corporation, or other unincorporated entity; the customer or subscriber does not reside in the United States; and the required disclosure creates a material risk that the provider violates the laws of a foreign government with which the United States has in effect an executive agreement on data access. In response to an order from a foreign government with which the United States has an executive agreement on data access, an ECS or RCS provider may: intercept or disclose the contents of an electronic communication, and disclose the contents of a stored electronic communication or noncontent records or information pertaining to a subscriber or customer. It establishes a framework to allow the United States to enter into executive agreements with foreign governments to govern data access. To be valid, an executive agreement must meet certain requirements, including that the foreign government affords robust procedural privacy protections and adopts minimization procedures. This bill does not preclude a foreign authority from obtaining assistance in a criminal investigation or prosecution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2018
Expresses concern that: (1) the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) failed to hold elections in 2016 or 2017; and (2) the growing security, humanitarian, and human rights crisis in the DRC is exacerbated by the lack of a duly elected leadership. Recognizes that impunity and lack of effective rule of law undermine democracy and that the arrest and detention of civil society activists and the harassment of political opponents close political space and repress peaceful dissent. Calls on: (1) such government to complete specified concrete steps towards holding elections by December 23, 2018; and (2) the opposition to take all steps possible within the DRC to support and promote immediate free, fair, and inclusive elections. Urges the President of the United States, in close coordination with regional and international partners, to: (1) provide appropriate electoral assistance to support the organization of credible elections as soon as possible, and (2) use appropriate means to deter further electoral calendar slippage and abuses against the Congolese people.
![Official portrait of Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000444_200.jpg)