United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2020
Big Oil Bailout Prevention Unlimited Liability Act of 2020 This bill revises 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 removes the cap of $75 million on liability and 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 · 18 December 2020
Economic Justice Act This bill provides emergency funding to address economic disparities and the impact of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) in communities, particularly with respect to low-income and minority populations. Among other programs, the bill provides funding for child care, health services, job training, family support services, small businesses, and housing, as well as for hospital, school, and broadband infrastructure. The bill also includes provisions that raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, incentivize Medicaid expansion, establish a tax credit for first-time homebuyers, and institute clean water and air programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2020
College Athletes Bill of Rights This bill addresses issues of rights to compensation, health and safety standards, and educational opportunities for college athletes. Included among the bill's provisions are those that prohibit an institution of higher education, an intercollegiate athletic association, or a conference from restricting the ability of college athletes to market the use of their names, images, likenesses, or athletic reputations; set penalties for any such institution that violates specified protections for athletes; establish a Commission on College Athletics to protect the economic interests of college athletes and promote the health, wellness, and safety of college athletes and establish a medical trust fund to cover the cost of out-of-pocket expenses relating to any sports-related injury; and direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish health, wellness, and safety guidelines for intercollegiate athletic programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2020
Human-Services Emergency Logistic Program Act of 2020 or the HELP Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to allot funding to states and territories to improve 2-1-1 call systems. These systems connect callers seeking non-emergency assistance with appropriate local human services, such as homelessness and suicide prevention resources.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
This resolution mourns the death of former Senator Paul Spyros Sarbanes and requests that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2020
Housing Fairness Act of 2020 This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 the Fair Housing Initiatives Program and revises program reporting requirements and organization eligibility requirements. The bill also allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enter into agreements with certain organizations to test and investigate differential treatment and discriminatory housing practices based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, and familial status. The results of these tests and investigations may be used as the basis for an enforcement action under specified fair housing laws. Additionally, HUD must establish a grant program for public and private nonprofit organizations to study housing discrimination and implement pilot projects to test solutions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
COVID HCBS Relief Act of 2020 This bill temporarily increases the applicable Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) under Medicaid for certain approved home- and community-based services that are provided between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2022. As a condition for receiving the increased rate, a state must agree to undertake activities to improve the delivery of such services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2020
American Worker Holiday Relief Act of 2020 This bill revises and extends unemployment compensation eligibility requirements for workers affected by COVID-19. It also requires states to offer workers claiming compensation the option to withhold federal income tax from payments and requires states to report to the Department of Labor on backlogs of unemployment claims.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2020
Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a variety of assistance to address historical discrimination and disparities within USDA programs and the agricultural sector, including by providing land grants to Black farmers and assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and groups.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2020
EIDL Forgiveness Act This bill modifies the loan forgiveness determination for a paycheck protection loan by excluding from such determination any advance amount for an economic injury disaster loan that was made to the recipient in relation to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2020
Keeping All Students Safe Act This bill prohibits the use of seclusion and limits the use of physical restraint in schools and Head Start programs that receive federal funding. It also establishes enforcement provisions, including a private right of action for a student who has been subjected to unlawful seclusion or restraint, and creates a grant program for state educational agencies to implement the procedures required by the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2020
This bill nullifies the executive order titled Creating Schedule F in the Excepted Service , which was issued on October 21, 2020. The order places executive agency positions that are of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character, and that are not normally subject to change as a result of a presidential transition, in the excepted service instead of the competitive service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2020
Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2020 This bill allows owners of eligible dwelling units a new tax credit through 2023 for up to 50% of the lead hazard reduction activity costs for each such unit in a taxable year. An eligible dwelling unit is any unit located in the United States that was placed in service before 1978. The bill (1) specifies the types of lead hazard reduction activity costs eligible for the credit, including risk assessment and abatement costs; and (2) limits the amount of the credit in any taxable year to $3,000 for specified abatement measures and $1,000 for interim lead control measures.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2020
This resolution expresses the Senate's affirmation of and commitment to the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme on the occasion of its being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2020
This resolution expresses the sorrow of the Senate upon the death of former Senator Mark Andrews and requests that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2020
Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2020 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and expands the Full-Service Community Schools program. The program provides support for full-service community schools that serve children and their families, particularly for children who attend high-poverty elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to eligible entities to plan, implement, expand, and support full-service community schools. An eligible entity is a consortium of (1) one or more local educational agencies or the Bureau of Indian Education; and (2) one or more community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, or other entities. A community school refers to a public elementary or secondary school that incorporates the four pillars of community schools. These four pillars are defined by the bill as (1) integrated student supports that address out-of-school barriers to learning (e.g., medical care and assistance with housing, transportation, or nutrition); (2) expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities (e.g., before- and after-school programs); (3) family and community engagement (e.g., adult education); and (4) collaborative leadership and practices, which must include a school-based leadership team, a community school coordinator, and a community-wide leadership team. Further, the bill directs ED to award grants to states to plan, implement, and expand community schools. A state educational agency that receives a grant must meet certain requirements, such as providing subgrants to local educational agencies, establishing a state-level steering committee, and establishing goals for the implementation and expansion of community schools throughout the state.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2020
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act This bill establishes grant programs to address neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), and contains other related provisions. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall award grants to eligible entities to support research on and facilitate access to investigational drugs that diagnose or treat ALS. The Food and Drug Administration shall award grants to public and private entities to cover the costs of research and development of drugs that diagnose or treat ALS and other severely debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. HHS shall also establish the Collaborative for Neurodegenerative Diseases, which shall support the development and regulatory approval of drugs that address ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Heroes Small Business Lifeline Act This bill provides economic support to small business affected by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) by extending and expanding existing initiatives such as the Paycheck Protection Program, establishing a new lifeline grant program, and providing dedicated assistance for industries such as restaurants and live entertainment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2020
Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and others to undertake efforts to reduce health disparities. For example, the bill (1) requires more detailed reporting of demographic and health disparities data, (2) directs certain components of HHS to support health workforce diversity, and (3) increases access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care. The bill also modifies eligibility and other requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, and other programs to reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations. The bill includes specific provisions with respect to noncitizens; maternal, infant, and child health; mental and behavioral health; and specified conditions that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, such as certain cancers, HIV/AIDs, kidney disease, and diabetes. Additionally, the bill (1) revises health information technology programs to address health disparities; (2) establishes an Office of Health Disparities within HHS, as well as civil rights compliance offices within HHS agencies; and (3) supports health impact assessments and other efforts pertaining to environmental justice and social determinants of health. The Government Accountability Office must report on health workforce diversity and other specified issues related to health care and health disparities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2020
Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act of 2020 This bill addresses maternal health during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency by supporting data collection, development of COVID-19 therapeutics and workplace protections, and other activities. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services must issue guidance for states and local health departments on collecting data on pregnancy and postpartum status in conjunction with COVID-19 tests. In addition, the bill provides funds for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand particular maternal health surveillance programs. The CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must also publish pregnancy and postpartum data related to COVID-19, and the CDC and the Indian Health Service must consult with tribes about collecting this data for tribal populations. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration must collect information about the effects of COVID-19 therapeutics on pregnant and postpartum individuals. The NIH must also ensure that at least one vaccine will be suitable for that population and must support related research. In addition, the Department of Labor must implement an emergency temporary standard to protect employees from workplace exposures to the virus that causes COVID-19 that specifically addresses pregnant and postpartum individuals. Certain regulatory requirements shall not apply in developing this standard. The CDC must also carry out an education campaign about pregnancy and COVID-19 and must establish a task force that addresses maternity care during the COVID-19 emergency. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on maternal health and public health emergency preparedness.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020
Puppy Protection Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; appropriate and nutritious food; continuous access to potable water; and meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Climate Planning, Resilience, and Enhanced Preparedness Act of 2020 or the Climate PREP Act This bill addresses climate change preparedness by establishing a council and a task force and requiring each executive agency (excluding the Government Accountability Office) to submit a climate change adaptation plan containing specified elements to the Office of Management and Budget and the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Care Corps Demonstration Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to certain public entities and private nonprofits to implement care corps programs through which volunteers provide long-term services and supports to older adults and people with disabilities. Volunteers who participate in these programs receive benefits, such as living and travel allowances and post-service educational awards.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
This bill requires the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain, and the Architect of the Capitol to permanently install in the U.S. Capitol or on the U.S. Capitol Grounds, a monument honoring Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Women's History and Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Quarter Dollar Coin Program Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue, beginning January 1, 2022, quarter-dollar coins in commemoration of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote. Treasury may issue quarter dollars, beginning January 1, 2026, with up to five different designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial. One of the quarter dollar designs must be emblematic of a woman's or womens' contribution to the birth of the nation or the Declaration of Independence or any other monumental moments in American history. Beginning January 1, 2027, Treasury shall issue quarter dollars that have designs on the reverse that are emblematic of sports played by American youth. Beginning January 1, 2027, Treasury shall issue half dollars that have designs on the reverse that are emblematic of a sport tailored to athletes with a range of disabilities, including physical impairment, vision impairment and intellectual impairment (i.e., a Paralympic sport). Treasury is authorized to design and manufacture medals for award at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
This resolution reaffirms the Senate's commitment to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution and expresses the Senate's intention that there be no disruptions by the President or any person in power to overturn the will of the people.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
This bill requires senior government officials to report certain payments received from the federal government by the officials or certain immediate family members, and it revises availability requirements for certain financial disclosures. Specifically, the bill requires senior government officials, including the President, Members of Congress, and certain government employees, to file a report of certain payments made or promised to be made by the federal government (e.g., loan agreements, contracts, and grants). This report must include (1) an identification of the type of payment or thing of value applied for or received, (2) the name of the recipient and the recipient's relation to the person required to file the report, (3) the dates of the application for and receipt of the payment or thing of value, and (4) the amount of the payment or thing of value. Further, the bill requires that certain financial disclosure reports that must be filed by senior government officials be available in a manner that (1) allows the public to search, sort, and download report data using specified criteria; (2) allows access through an application programming interface (i.e., a mobile application); and (3) complies fully with accessibility guidelines for online content.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week each year as Buddy Check Week for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks. The VA shall ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan for handling the potential increase in calls that may occur during such week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
Small Business Debt Relief Extension Act of 2020 This bill extends the Small Business Debt Relief Program, under which the Small Business Administration (SBA), in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), was authorized to make six months of payments for certain SBA-backed loan products on behalf of the recipients of these loans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, a taxpayer subsidy provided by a state or local government to a resident for the purchase or installation of any wastewater management measure intended solely for the taxpayer's principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act) This bill requires states to ensure that voters wait no more than 30 minutes at any polling place to cast their vote in a federal election, establishes a private right of action for voters who experience longer waiting times, and directs the Election Assistance Commission to make payments to eligible states to prevent unreasonable waiting times. The bill also prohibits a chief state election administration official from taking an active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any federal election over which the official has supervisory authority, with certain exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020
Science and Transparency Over Politics Act This bill directs the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to appoint a task force to investigate political interference with decisions made by scientific agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, such as pressure placed on the Food and Drug Administration to reach a certain outcome related to a drug or device to treat or prevent COVID-19. This committee, which is made up of inspectors general of certain federal agencies, conducts and supports oversight of the federal government's COVID-19 response efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
This resolution calls for free and fair 2020 elections in Burma (Myanmar) and expresses support for the people of Burma. The resolution also urges the United States and the international community to ensure a safe, participatory, and transparent electoral process in Burma through various measures.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Postal Banking Act This bill grants the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) the power to provide basic financial services, including low-cost, small-dollar loans, in specified amounts; small dollar lending servicing, which shall ensure that the customer's access to the products and the public interest is given significant consideration; small checking accounts and interest-bearing savings accounts in specified amounts; transactional and remittance services; and other basic financial services in the public interest. It grants the USPS the power to set interest rates and fees for the financial instruments and products provided by the USPS that meet specified requirements. The USPS (1) shall not be granted a bank charter or become an insured depository institution for the purpose of capital requirements; and (2) shall be subject to the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code regarding bank deposits and collections. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors shall transfer to the USPS such sums as necessary to carry out the services described in this bill, which shall (1) be sufficient to ensure that the products substantially decrease the number of people who do not have a bank account or use alternative financial products such as payday lending, check cashing, prepaid debt cards, and overdraft fees; and (2) be provided to the USPS through a separate account. The Government Accountability Office shall submit to Congress an annual report that includes the demographics, number of participants, and average balances and uses for such products.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain are historic achievements. Further, it encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel, and it reaffirms the Senate's support for a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2020 This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to open burn pits (an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) and other toxins by veterans who meet certain criteria. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. The bill also makes disability or death from certain diseases due to service in support of a military operation for at least 15 days in a specified location compensable as a work injury.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
Collaborative Academic Research Efforts for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2020 or the CARE for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2020 This bill requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH research on Tourette syndrome. The NIH must (1) develop a system to collect data on Tourette syndrome, including epidemiological information and data on the availability of medical and social services for individuals with Tourette syndrome and their families; (2) support Collaborative Research Centers for Tourette Syndrome to conduct basic and clinical research; (3) award grants for research on Tourette syndrome symptoms and treatment options for particular patient subpopulations; and (4) designate funding to carry out Tourette syndrome programs and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the federal government has a duty to develop a holistic agenda to respond to racial injustice, unemployment, the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, and climate change. The resolution further outlines the goals of this agenda to build a society with greater racial, economic, and gender justice; dignified work; healthy communities; and a stable climate. Additionally, the resolution identifies efforts to support these goals.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
This concurrent resolution (1) calls on the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to observe September 11, 2020, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001, attacks and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need and to the defense of the United States; and (2) recognizes the heroic actions of first responders and other citizens in New York, New York, the District of Columbia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2020
Russia Bounty Response Act of 2020 This bill requires various actions in response to the influence of Russia's government in South and Central Asia and contains other related provisions. The Department of State shall report to Congress a strategy for using U.S. diplomacy to counter such Russian influence. The bill imposes sanctions on various individuals and entities, including (1) Russian President Vladimir Putin or any person acting on his behalf, (2) any senior Russian government official involved in a program to provide bounties for killing members of the U.S. Armed Forces or certain North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Afghanistan, and (3) individuals and entities that facilitate illicit or corrupt activities on behalf of Putin or other specified persons. The bill imposes civil and criminal penalties related to violations of such sanctions. The bill also authorizes various activities, including (1) rewards for information about Russian bounties against U.S. Armed Forces anywhere in the world, and (2) State Department activities to counter Russian influence in South and Central Asia. The State Department shall seek to establish a working group involving officials from the government of Afghanistan to address threats to Afghanistan's security posed by Russia's government. The State Department must also create a Deputy Assistant Secretary position tasked with coordinating efforts to counter Russian influence in South and Central Asia. The President shall also appoint a special envoy tasked with countering Russian influence in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 This bill recognizes the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for purposes of developing and implementing a horseracing anti-doping and medication control program and a racetrack safety program. The authority shall establish an anti-doping and medication control standing committee and a racetrack safety standing committee to provide guidance to the authority on the development and maintenance of the programs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall have oversight over the authority. The authority shall submit to the FTC any proposed rule, standard, or procedure developed by the authority to carry out the horseracing anti-doping and medication control program or the racetrack safety program. The authority shall seek to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency or an entity equal in qualification under which the entity acts as the anti-doping and medication control enforcement agency under this bill. Among the required elements of the horseracing safety program are sets of training and racing safety standards consistent with the humane treatment of horses, a system to maintain track surface quality, programs for injury and fatality analysis, investigation and disciplinary procedures, and an evaluation and accreditation program. The bill sets forth other provisions regarding (1) funding, conflicts of interest, and jurisdiction; (2) registration with the authority; (3) program enforcement; (4) rule violations and civil sanctions; (5) testing laboratories; (6) review of final decisions of the authority by an administrative law judge; (7) unfair or deceptive acts or practices; and (8) agreements with state racing commissions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
Abiding by United States Commitments Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of State to pay the full FY2020 U.S. assessment for certain international organizations, and it makes $118.9 million available to the World Health Organization (WHO) for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) response. Such funds made available to the WHO may not be used for advance payment to withdraw the United States from the WHO.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
This resolution honors service members and veterans, condemns the President's denigration of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and demands that the President defend members of the Armed Forces against hostile actions by Russia.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Strengthening Social Connections Act of 2020 This bill provides FY2021 supplemental appropriations to the Administration for Community Living for various activities to address the health effects of extended social isolation and loneliness among older individuals due to factors such as the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
This resolution (1) calls on the President to extend the New START Treaty until 2026 in order to secure limitations on two new types of Russian weapons, (2) urges Russia to cease the production of hazardous new weapons systems, and (3) expresses support for a U.S. initiative to negotiate with China for the conclusion of an arms control treaty or agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Make Billionaires Pay Act This bill establishes a tax on the wealth increases of individuals with more than $1 billion in net assets during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to pay the out-of-pocket expenses of individuals receiving medically-necessary care or services for a period of one year. First, the bill requires individuals with net assets of more than $1 billion on December 31, 2020, to pay a tax of 60% on the amount equal to the lesser of (1) the increase in value of their net assets during the period beginning on March 18, 2020, through such date, or (2) the value of their net assets that is greater than $1 billion. The Department of the Treasury must establish rules for the application of this tax to married individuals and this tax is not deductible for the purpose of federal income tax. Further, the bill covers the costs for services provided through public or private health insurance and to uninsured individuals, including prescription drugs and care related to COVID-19, for a period of one year beginning on the date of enactment of this bill. Health insurance plans are prohibited from increasing the cost-sharing requirements of plans while this program is in effect and HHS must report to Congress on the program on a weekly basis.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Federal Reserve Racial and Economic Equity Act This bill requires the Federal Reserve Board to carry out its duties in a manner that supports the elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in employment, income, wealth, and access to affordable credit. The board must report on disparities in labor force trends as well as on plans and activities of the board to minimize and eliminate these disparities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2020
Make Medications Affordable by Preventing Pandemic Price gouging Act of 2020 or the MMAPPP Act of 2020 This bill imposes licensing and price restrictions on federally supported drugs and other medicines intended to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) or other public health emergencies. With respect to a COVID-19 drug patent developed using certain types of federal support, any license granted by the federal government shall be open and nonexclusive. Similarly, a licensee or assignee for such a patent shall grant open nonexclusive licenses for the patent. An entity that receives a license shall pay reasonable royalties to (1) the patent holder, or (2) the owner of marketing exclusivity rights granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were terminated under this bill. The bill requires that such drugs be offered at a fair and reasonable price based on certain considerations, such as access. If the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finds that the price of any drug to address a public health emergency is excessive, HHS must void any FDA-granted exclusivity for the drug and grant open and nonexclusive licenses to other manufacturers. Such licenses are subject to reasonable royalty requirements.
![Official portrait of Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000555_200.jpg)