United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Paid Sick Days for Public Health Emergencies and Personal and Family Care Act This bill expands the availability of paid sick time by requiring employers with at least one employee to provide a minimum amount of accrued paid sick time per work week and additional paid sick time in the event of a public-health emergency such as the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). Specifically, the bill requires employers to grant at least 1 hour of accrued paid sick time to each employee for every 30 hours worked, up to a minimum of 56 hours, or 7 days, of paid sick time per year. Accrued paid sick time may be used for, among other reasons, an absence from work that is taken (1) due to a medical condition or illness or for the diagnosis, care, or prevention thereof; (2) to care for a child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, or other close relative with a medical condition or illness, or for the diagnosis or prevention thereof; (3) during a public-health emergency when the employee's workplace has been closed or the employee has been exposed to a communicable disease and may pose a risk to others; or (4) to care for a child or close relative during such public-health emergency, if such relative has been exposed to a communicable disease or the child's school has been closed. Further, employees are immediately entitled to up to 14 days of additional paid sick time if a public-health emergency is declared. This additional paid sick time may be used during the public-health emergency for the same purposes as accrued paid sick time.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020
This bill allows a veteran with a combat-related disability and fewer than 20 years of creditable service to receive retirement pay, without reduction, concurrent with disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2020
Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget to establish a separate category within the Standard Occupational Classification system for direct support professionals (i.e., individuals who provide services to promote independence in individuals with a disability) for data reporting purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
CEO and Worker Pension Fairness Act This bill limits tax benefits for deferred compensation of highly compensated employees (e.g., corporate chief executive officers) and increases disclosure requirements for such compensation. The bill includes such deferred compensation in taxable income when there is no substantial risk of forfeiture (i.e., when vested) of the rights of the person entitled to such compensation rather than at distribution. The bill transfers revenue from this revised tax treatment of deferred compensation from the Treasury to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to increase insurance coverage of multiemployer pension plans. The bill requires the Department of Labor to report on nonqualified deferred compensation plans of highly compensated employees known as top hat plans . The Department of the Treasury must disclose amounts deferred under such plans on W-2 forms
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2020 This bill indefinitely extends Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients for individuals who do not have other coverage. Under current law, Medicare coverage is limited to 36 months following a transplant. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the bill's implementation, including any related program integrity issues.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 199th anniversary of their country's independence. The resolution recognizes Greece's commitment to democratic principles and the important role that Greece has played both regionally and internationally.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution calls upon the United Nations Security Council to extend certain expiring restrictions placed on Iran and on arms technology suppliers to Iran, including an export ban prohibiting Iran from exporting weapons and an embargo preventing the sale of arms to Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020
Restoring Military Priorities Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to restore certain funds that were transferred from various DOD accounts to be used for the construction of a wall along the southern border of the United States. The bill also reduces the amount of funding that DOD is permitted to transfer between certain appropriations accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Data Protection Act of 2020 This bill establishes in the executive branch an independent Data Protection Agency (DPA) to regulate the processing of personal data. The DPA shall seek to protect individuals' privacy and limit the collection, disclosure, processing, and misuse of individuals' personal data by a covered entity (i.e., a person that collects, processes, or otherwise obtains personal data other than an individual processing personal data in the course of personal or household activity). The DPA must examine and oversee high-risk data practices, which include a systematic or extensive evaluation of personal data that is based on automated processing; any processing of biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying an individual; processing which involves tracking an individual's geolocation; or the use of personal data of children or other vulnerable individuals for marketing purposes, profiling, or automated processing. The DPA is authorized to (1) enforce federal privacy law, and (2) take specified actions to prevent a covered entity from committing or engaging in an unfair or deceptive act or practice. The DPA shall establish procedures to provide consumers with a timely response to complaints against, or inquiries concerning, a covered entity. The DPA may engage in joint investigations and requests for information and may issue subpoenas. The bill provides for civil monetary penalties for violations of privacy law and the use of such penalties, including as monetary relief for individuals affected by violations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Tiahrt Restrictions Repeal Act This bill amends several appropriations laws to remove limitations on the authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to conduct activities related to the administration of federal firearms laws. Specifically, the bill removes provisions that limit the use of firearms tracing data, prohibit the imposition of a requirement that firearms dealers conduct a physical inventory, and require national instant criminal background check records to be destroyed within 24 hours.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
This bill requires the Department of Defense to establish a safe-to-report policy for members of the Armed Forces (including members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces) and cadets and midshipmen at the military service academies. The policy must generally allow an alleged victim of sexual assault to report the assault without fear or receipt of discipline for minor collateral misconduct.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020
Nationwide Right To Unionize Act This bill provides authorization for labor agreements to require membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment regardless of state law (thus preempting state laws that prohibit such agreements).
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020
Schedules That Work Act This bill provides employees with the right to request changes to their work schedules related to the number of hours they are required to work or be on call, the location of the work, the amount of notification about work schedule assignments, and fluctuations in work hours. Employers must negotiate in good faith with employees who make such requests and comply with certain work schedule notice and split shift pay requirements for retail, food service, cleaning, hospitality, or warehouse employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020
This resolution supports (1) observing National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 5, 2020, to recognize (1) the female athletes who represent schools, universities, and the United States in their athletic pursuits; and (2) the vital role that the people of the United States have in empowering girls and women in sports. The resolution supports (1) marking the observation of such day with legislative efforts to ensure equal pay for female athletes and to protect young athletes from sexual abuse; and (2) efforts to promote equality in sports, including equal pay and equal access to athletic opportunities for girls and women, and to support the U.S. commitment to expanding athletic participation for all girls and future generations of women athletes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2020 This bill establishes a process to vacate convictions and expunge arrest records for certain criminal offenses committed by victims of human trafficking that directly result from or relate to having been a trafficking victim. It defines the offenses eligible to be vacated or expunged and sets forth procedures for filing a motion. The Government Accountability Office must assess the impact of this process, including the number of human trafficking survivors who file motions to vacate convictions or expunge records. Finally, it permits certain grants for legal representation to be used to seek post-conviction relief.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
Hemophilia SNF Access Act This bill includes certain treatments for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders as high-cost, low-probability ancillary services that may be paid for separately, rather than under the prospective payment (i.e., per diem) system for skilled nursing facilities, under Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
Promoting Local Arts and Creative Economy Workforce Act of 2020 or the PLACE Act This bill establishes or amends programs and activities to provide for opportunities for education or job training in a creative industry or occupation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
This resolution reaffirms the United States' proud history of refugee resettlement, recognizes January 27, 2020, as the anniversary of the first refugee and Muslim ban, and calls on the United States to resettle a robust number of refugees to meet global needs in FY2020 and FY2021.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp and honors victims of the Holocaust. The resolution also calls on the United States to continue to work to end genocide and recommits to combatting all forms of anti-Semitism.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
Ensuring Access to Direct Support Professionals Act This bill allows state Medicaid programs to cover certain home- and community-based services, self-directed personal assistance services, and home- and community-based attendant services that are provided in acute care hospitals. The bill specifies, among other criteria, that such services may not be duplicative of, or serve as a substitute for, necessary or obligatory hospital services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
Protecting Community Television Act This bill revises the definition of a franchise fee that is paid by a cable operator or cable subscriber to encompass only a tax, fee, or other monetary assessment that is imposed by a franchising authority or other governmental entity.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020
Public Housing Emergency Response Act This bill authorizes additional assistance from the Public Housing Capital Fund to public housing agencies for the development, financing, and modernization of public housing developments and for management improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020
Accessible Voting Act of 2020 This bill increases voting accessibility for individuals with disabilities and older individuals, including by establishing an office of accessibility within the Election Assistance Commission, requiring states to expand access to absentee registration procedures and no-excuse mail-in absentee voting in federal elections, and permanently reauthorizing and expanding a grant program for increasing accessibility to polling places.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Canada should not allow a permanent nuclear waste repository to be built within the Great Lakes Basin and that the President and the Department of State should work with Canada to (1) prevent the construction of such a repository, and (2) craft a solution for the long-term storage of nuclear waste that is safe, responsible, and does not threaten the Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2020 This bill provides for security assistance to Israel and authorizes actions to further U.S.-Israel cooperation. Specifically, under the Foreign Military Financing Program, the bill makes no less than $3.3 billion annually available to Israel through FY2028. The bill also extends through FY2025 (1) authority to stockpile war reserves in Israel, and (2) loan guarantees to Israel for up to $9 billion. The President is authorized to transfer munitions from reserve stocks to Israel for its self-defense. Further, the President must report on steps to include Israel in the list of countries eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception, which authorizes exports, reexports, and in-country transfers in lieu of a license that would otherwise be required. Lastly, the President must establish and update contingency plans to provide Israel with defense articles and services necessary for its defense. The Department of State is authorized to (1) enter into memoranda of understanding with Israel with a focus on strengthening mutual ties and cooperation with nations throughout the world; and (2) establish a program between the United States, Israel, and other countries or territories to provide for cooperation in the Middle East region by financing and cooperating in programs related to innovation and advanced technologies. Further, the United States is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with Israel and developing countries to identify and support local solutions for addressing sustainability challenges. The Department of Defense is authorized to carry out activities with Israel to establish directed energy capabilities that address threats to the United States, deployed forces of the United States, or Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
Family Support Services for Addiction Act of 2020 This bill directs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award grants to certain nonprofits to develop or expand services for individuals with substance use disorders and their families. Activities may include (1) developing education, resources, and trainings on issues related to substance use disorders and family support; (2) reducing stigma; and (3) educating health care providers about substance use disorders in families.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a congressional declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers Act or the PROSPECT Act This bill establishes various grant programs to increase the supply of, and access to, high-quality, early-childhood care. Specifically, grants are established for planning and developing expanded access to free infant and toddler child care for student parents attending community college or minority-serving institutions; providing free infant and toddler child care to such student parents, including developing on-campus child care centers that meet specified requirements; training, mentorships, and technical support to community child care agencies and the professional development of licensed and unlicensed child care professionals; and increasing the workforce pipeline of high-quality infant and toddler child care providers, particularly in locations with a low supply of affordable care. The bill also revises the formula for providing federal matching funds to states providing child care assistance. Further, the bill requires the Department of Education’s college cost calculator to include information about the dependent care allowance with respect to the cost of attendance and financial aid.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2019 or the CROWN Act of 2019 This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style. The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
No War Against Iran Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran unless Congress has either declared war or enacted specific statutory authorization for such use. An exception is made for a presidential exercise of power to introduce Armed Forces into hostilities (or situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated) when there is a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States. The bill further states that no prior authorizations of military force (e.g., against Iraq) may be construed to authorize the use of military force against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students to Improve Outcomes For Youth Act or the Diversify Act This bill raises the maximum amount for grants made under the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program. The TEACH program awards grants to college students who plan to teach in low-income areas. The bill also exempts the TEACH program from sequestration, which is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2020
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a congressional declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This bill nullifies any collective bargaining agreement between federal employees and agencies that is effective on or after April 30, 2019, if the agreement was not mutually and voluntarily agreed to by all parties or ordered after the completion of binding arbitration. A prior agreement continues to apply until a new agreement that meets the bill's requirements takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education Act or the AIM HIGH Act This bill creates a commission to develop voluntary guidelines for postsecondary electronic instruction materials and related technologies. Specifically, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Secretary of Education must establish an independent commission to (1) develop and issue voluntary accessibility guidelines for postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies, (2) develop a model framework for pilot testing such materials and technologies, and (3) produce an annotated list of information technology standards. The Department of Education must review and, as appropriate, update the voluntary guidelines, pilot testing framework, and information technology standards every five years.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Local Expertise is Vital for Effective Embankments Act or the LEVEE Act This bill provides that, upon request of a community that has received emergency flood-fighting assistance involving the construction of a temporary structure, the U.S. Department of the Army shall evaluate whether the structure should be made permanent. If the Army makes such a determination, it (1) shall begin planning, design, and construction of a permanent feature if the total construction cost of the project is not expected to exceed $25 million; and (2) shall seek congressional authorization if construction cost is expected to be in excess of that amount.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
Safe Gun Storage Act of 2019 This bill requires safety standards for firearm locks and safes. Under such standards, firearm locks must be reasonably designed to (1) prevent the firearm from discharging while the lock is activated, and (2) prevent unauthorized access to the firearm. Further, firearm safes must be reasonably designed to (1) secure firearms, and (2) prevent unauthorized access to the safe through physical manipulation or damage.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2019
America's Red Rock Wilderness Act This bill designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin, (2) Grand Staircase-Escalante, (3) Moab-La Sal Canyons, (4) Henry Mountains, (5) Glen Canyon, (6) San Juan-Anasazi, (7) Canyonlands Basin, (8) San Rafael Swell, and (9) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin. The bill sets forth administrative requirements for (1) the exchange of state-owned lands within such areas, (2) federal reservation of water rights, (3) measurement of setbacks for roads with adjacent wilderness, (4) authorized livestock grazing, and (5) withdrawal of such lands from disposition under certain public land laws.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
TAA for Automation Act of 2019 This bill makes trade adjustment assistance, which provides adversely affected workers with the skills and support to obtain new employment, available to workers whose jobs are displaced through automation. The bill also requires the Department of Labor to specify the basis for eligibility when certifying a group of workers as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
Territories Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Equity Act of 2019 This bill makes certain subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit available to beneficiaries who reside in Puerto Rico or another U.S. territory. Current law makes such beneficiaries ineligible for premium and cost-sharing subsidies, but establishes a process for U.S. territories to apply for financial assistance with respect to the provision of Medicare prescription drugs. The bill eliminates this process and makes the subsidies available to beneficiaries who reside in a U.S. territory and are otherwise eligible.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
This joint resolution expresses disapproval of the recommendation by the Federal Aviation Administration to realign Binghamton, NY (BGM) TRACON operations and Elmira, NY (ELM) TRACON operations to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (AVP) TRACON.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019
Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies Act of 2019 or the PACT Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the Trans-National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pediatric Research Consortium to coordinate pediatric research across national health research institutions. The consortium, chaired by the director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, must develop priorities for the NIH to award research grants to early career pediatric researchers, including physician-scientists and researchers from underrepresented populations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019
Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into a contract with a state in order to carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, and outreach by the VA and the state. The VA is authorized to award a grant to a state to (1) carry out, coordinate, improve or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, outreach activities, or activities to assist with benefits claims for veterans; or (2) hire additional county veterans service officers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2019
This resolution congratulates and expresses pride in Dr. Jessica U. Meir and Christina H. Koch for successfully completing the first all-female spacewalk in history. The resolution also supports the efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to (1) fully integrate women into the astronaut corps, and (2) ensure that one of the next humans to walk on the Moon shall be a woman.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2019
Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to report on the deaths of covered veterans who died by suicide during the last five years, regardless of whether information relating to such deaths has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A covered veteran is any veteran who received VA hospital care or medical services during the five-year period preceding the veteran's death. Among other elements, the report shall include the total number of covered veterans who died by suicide, violent death, or accidental death, as well as certain demographic information.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019
Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2019 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review certain point sources that discharge perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Based on this review, the EPA must establish effluent limitations and pretreatment standards, as well as publish water quality criteria, for certain PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019
Female Body Armor Modernization Act of 2019 This bill requires each department of the U.S. Armed Forces to provide specified data and assessment concerning personal protection equipment. In addition, the Defense Health Agency must track and report on injuries among service members during the use of such equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2019 This bill provides that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may, under specified circumstances, request access to a concentrated animal-feeding operation (i.e., a stabled or confined animal-feeding operation) to conduct microbial sampling. Specifically, the bill allows the FDA to request access if the FDA determines that sampling is necessary to facilitate an investigation of a foodborne-illness outbreak, determine the cause of the outbreak, or address other public health needs. The bill provides that such an operation shall be subject to penalties for refusing such a sampling.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
National Heritage Areas Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes certain National Heritage Areas and increases the total amount that may be made available for certain National Heritage Corridors. The bill increases the total amount that may be appropriated for (1) the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor (formerly the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor) in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and (2) the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in New York. The bill reauthorizes through FY2022 (1) the National Aviation National Heritage Area in Ohio and Indiana, and (2) the Oil Region National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania.
![Official portrait of Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000555_200.jpg)