United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2019
Patient Shared Savings Act This bill allows a prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsor under the Medicare prescription drug benefit to share realized savings from an enrollee's switch to a lower-cost therapeutic alternative with the enrollee, in accordance with specified requirements. Among other requirements, the enrollee must have been taking the original prescription drug for at least two months and must have consulted with a physician before making the switch. PDP sponsors must share the savings in a tangible form that directly benefits the enrollee (e.g., a monetary rebate).
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 · 2 December 2019
Data Care Act of 2019 This bill imposes various duties on online service providers with respect to their handling of individual-identifying data that can be reasonably linked to a specific user. Specifically, online service providers have a duty to (1) reasonably secure such data from unauthorized access, (2) refrain from using such data in a way that will result in reasonably foreseeable harm to the end user, and (3) not disclose such data to another party unless that party is also bound by the duties established in this bill. The bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission and specified state officials to take enforcement actions with respect to breaches of such duties.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2019 This bill establishes a presumption, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits and wartime disability compensation, that a veteran was exposed to certain toxins, chemicals, and hazards from burn pits if such veteran served on active duty in a covered location during a specified time frame. A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air. Specifically, the bill identifies the following covered locations and corresponding time periods Iraq, between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991, as well as from March 19, 2003, until burn pits are no longer used in this location; Southwest Asia (including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates), from August 2, 1990, until burn pits are no longer used in these locations; Afghanistan and Djibouti from September 11, 2001, until burn pits are no longer used in these locations; and other locations and time periods set forth by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry or determined by the VA. Under the bill, if an exposed veteran submits insufficient evidence to establish a service-connection for purposes of disability compensation, the VA shall provide a medical examination and request medical opinions regarding a causal link between the disability and a toxin, chemical, or hazard.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the tax exclusion for contributions to the capital of a corporation. Specifically, the bill allows an exclusion for certain amounts received by a regulated public utility that provides water or sewerage disposal services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education Act of 2019 or the RECYCLE Act This bill provides support for recycling programs. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to award grants to improve the effectiveness of residential and community recycling programs through public education and outreach. In addition, the EPA must develop a model recycling program toolkit for states, Native American tribes, and local governments. Finally, the bill specifies that the EPA's review of its federal procurement guidelines for purchasing certain recycled materials and items made with such materials must occur at least once every five years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Recognizing Education, Employment, New skills, and Treatment to Enable Reintegration Act of 2019 or the RE-ENTER Act This bill establishes procedures and requirements for U.S. district courts to issue federal certificates of rehabilitation. These certificates acknowledge that federal offenders have demonstrated a commitment to a law-abiding future and successfully reintegrated into society. The bill also establishes a presumption that an individual who has obtained a certificate is rehabilitated for purposes of regaining eligibility for federally assisted housing and other benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution recognizes and celebrates small businesses by (1) acknowledging the importance of promoting a business-friendly environment for small business owners, (2) encouraging young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and create more startup businesses, and (3) conveying appreciation for the ways small businesses support their communities and workers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution expresses support for National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day and encourages people to consider adoption to increase the number of children living in safe, permanent homes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019
Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2019 or the Nutrition CARE Act of 2019 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for individuals with eating disorders. Such services must be furnished by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional pursuant to a referral from a physician, psychologist, or other authorized mental health professional.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers Act of 2019 or the CONTRACT Act of 2019 This bill exempts certain air traffic controllers from a required reduction in their retirement annuity payment on account of earnings from certain work performed while entitled to such annuity. Under current law, retired Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers receive an annuity payment during the period between the mandatory retirement age of 56 and the social security minimum age of 62. Such annuity payment is required to be reduced by a certain percentage of any excess earnings during this period. The bill exempts from such reduction in annuity payments an air traffic controller who participates in the Air Traffic Control Contract Program (a public-private partnership for air traffic control services) following mandatory retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for hospitals that have addiction or pain medicine programs, with an aggregate increase of 1,000 positions over a five-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
Humane Cosmetics Act of 2019 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
Rural Broadband Investment Tax Credit Act This bill allows a new tax credit for up to 10% of investment in qualifying broadband projects, subject to specified limitations. The bill includes in the definition of qualifying broadband project any project that is designed solely to provide broadband service to one or more rural areas in which more than 50% of households lack access to adequate broadband service.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
Rural Broadband Financial Flexibility Act This bill allows the use of tax-exempt private activity bonds to finance qualified broadband projects. A qualified broadband project is any project that is designed solely to provide broadband service to one or more rural areas in which more than 50% of residential households do not have access to adequate broadband service. The bill also allows direct payments to issuers of broadband infrastructure bonds for 35% of the interest payable under such bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2019 This bill establishes an Office of Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a grant program to support regional greenhouse gas reduction programs, and an interagency task force. The office must support existing regional greenhouse gas reduction programs and facilitate the establishment of new regional greenhouse gas reduction programs. Such programs use market-based tools to reduce greenhouse gases across states at the regional level. In addition, the office must establish a program that awards grants to a state, local government, or regional consortium of such governments to take preliminary steps towards developing or participating in a regional greenhouse gas reduction program. Finally, the EPA must establish an interagency task force to support new and existing regional programs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2019
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2025 programs and activities under the Violence Against Women Act that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Among other things, the bill also authorizes new programs, makes changes to federal firearms laws, and establishes new protections to promote housing stability and economic security for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2019
Put Patients First Act This bill prohibits the application of the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services on May 21, 2019, that strengthens the enforcement of conscience and anti-discrimination laws related to the rights of covered health care providers to refuse to participate in certain procedures, such as abortions, sterilization, or assisted suicide.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2019
National Purple Heart Honor Mission Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the mission of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The bill limits the issuance of such coins to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2022. The bill prescribes surcharges for coin sales, which shall be paid to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, Inc., to support the mission of such organization, including capital improvements to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019
Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act of 2019 This bill requires public housing agencies (PHAs) that administer housing choice voucher programs to, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, extend tenant-based assistance for youth aging out of foster care under specified circumstances. Under current law, public housing assistance is available for up to 36 months for low-income youth who are 18 to 24 years old, left foster care at age 16 or older (or will soon leave foster care), and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The bill requires PHAs to extend such housing assistance for up to 24 months (subject to available funds) for youth who are (1) employed; (2) enrolled in a workforce development program; (3) pursuing postsecondary education, high school diploma, or equivalent; or (4) participating in a family self-sufficiency program. Youth who are (1) parents (or have a dependent under age 6), (2) participating in an addiction recovery program, or (3) unable to comply due to a medical condition must receive extended housing assistance without meeting these requirements. Further, youth receiving extended housing assistance are eligible for available supportive services. PHAs also must coordinate with local child welfare agencies to receive referrals for the housing assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019
Bring Our Heroes Home Act This bill establishes at the National Archives a collection of records that relate to the fate or status of missing Armed Forces personnel. Each government office must identify and locate such records in its possession and transmit them to the Archives. The bill establishes a temporary board to ensure and facilitate the review, transmission, and public disclosure of such records. The bill generally makes such records public, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Girls' Leadership, Engagement, Agency, and Development Act of 2019 or the Girls LEAD Act This bill directs the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to jointly report to Congress a strategy to strengthen the participation of adolescents, particularly girls, in democracy, human rights, and governance. The State Department and the USAID shall (1) implement activities to achieve this goal, including activities to increase adolescent girls' civic and political knowledge and skills and address barriers to political participation; and (2) prioritize foreign assistance funding for democracy, human rights, and governance programs toward achieving the goals in this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Stop the Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2019 or SIMSA This bill establishes a process and requirements for regulating substances that have a similar chemical structure and actual or predicted effect as a controlled substance that is currently subject to such regulation because of its potential for abuse or dependence.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Harmless Error Lesser Penalty for Small Businesses Act or the HELP for Small Businesses Act This bill prohibits an agency from imposing a civil fine on a small business for a first-time paperwork violation, with the exceptions that the agency may levy a fine for a violation that (1) interferes with the detection of criminal activity; (2) contravenes an internal revenue law; or (3) endangers public health, safety or interest.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution urges the United States to work with the international community to address the causes and effects of climate change and remain a party to the Paris Agreement and the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution recognizes October 2019 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
DOTGOV Online Trust in Government Act of 2019 or the DOTGOV Act of 2019 This bill transfers the .gov internet domain program from the General Services Administration to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and provides support for expanding .gov usage among public entities. The bill directs CISA to make .gov domain name registration services, as well as supporting services, generally available to any federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government entity, or other publicly controlled entity that complies with the policies for registration developed by CISA. CISA shall inventory all host names and services in active use within the .gov domain and provide the data to domain registrants at no cost. CISA shall develop and submit to Congress (1) a strategy to utilize information collected for countering malicious cyber activity; (2) an outreach strategy to local, tribal, and territorial governments and other publicly controlled entities to inform and support migration to the .gov domain; and (3) a .gov domain security enhancement strategy and implementation plan. The bill allows recipients of State Homeland Security grants or Urban Area Security Initiative grants to use grant funds for migrating any online service to the .gov domain.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2019 or the CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 This bill expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare. Among other things, the bill allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain restrictions, such as geographic restrictions, for services provided in high-need health professional shortage areas; excludes mental health and emergency medical services, as well as services provided at rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and Indian Health Service facilities, from such geographic restrictions; and allows the CMS to generally waive coverage restrictions during national emergencies. Additionally, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must report on information relating to the access of Medicare beneficiaries to telehealth services at home. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation may also test alternative payment models relating to expanded telehealth services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Fast Track To and Through College Act This bill provides grants for the establishment of fast track pathways that enable students to earn up to one year of college credits while still in high school. Grant recipients (i.e., certain partnerships that include states' educational agencies) shall use awarded funds to support statewide implementation of early college fast track pathways and early high school graduation fast track pathways. Early college fast track pathways are programs of advanced coursework resulting in credit that (1) is equivalent to two semesters of full-time postsecondary enrollment, and (2) satisfies the requirements for a high school diploma. Early high school graduation fast track pathways are scholarships for students who graduate high school early, do not require remedial coursework in postsecondary education, and attend a public two- or four-year institution of higher education. A grant recipient may also use grant funds to offer scholarships to students who graduate high school early, provide training or professional development for faculty who teach courses in an early college fast track pathway, or provide students with transportation to and from advanced courses in an early college fast track pathway. The bill also makes certain high school students participating in an early college fast track pathway eligible to receive Pell Grants.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Kay Hagan, former Member of the Senate; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on October 30, 2019, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Kay Hagan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019
This bill requires the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, to award grants for states, tribal nations, localities, and community-based organizations to establish response teams to address adverse childhood experiences associated with exposure to trauma.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019
Global Child Thrive Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes for FY2020-FY2025 programs to provide assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. The bill also requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to direct relevant executive branch agencies to incorporate early childhood development into current programs and promote inclusive early childhood development in partner countries. Such actions to promote early childhood development shall build on existing U.S. plans and strategies and aim to (1) prevent unnecessary family-child separation, (2) assist families with children with disabilities, and (3) help countries transition from child care protection systems that rely on residential care (such as orphanages and children's homes) to ones focused on family-based care.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Retirement Security Week and acknowledges the need to raise public awareness of a variety of tax-preferred retirement vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2019 This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of each foreign person or instrumentality that knowingly assists, provides significant support or services to, or is involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of any of the targeted groups. The President shall impose two or more sanctions on the named persons. Specifically, such a person may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution, or (6) subject to property-blocking restrictions. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar such governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of Treasury shall instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose the provision of assistance to an identified government for one year. The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests. The President shall report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as where such groups secure financing and surveillance equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to designate 9–8–8 as the universal telephone number for a national suicide prevention and mental-health crisis hotline. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs must jointly report on how to make the use of 9–8–8 operational and effective across the country.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
This resolution designates October 2019 as National Bullying Prevention Month and designates October 23, 2019, as Unity Day. The resolution acknowledges that the prevention of bullying of children should be a national priority.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Promoting American National Security and Preventing the Resurgence of ISIS Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of State to develop a strategy to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), authorizes humanitarian assistance for Syrian civilians, restricts arms sales to Turkey, and imposes sanctions against Turkey and Russia. As part of the strategy to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, the bill requires the State Department to report on (1) the Turkish incursion into Syria; (2) Turkey's participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; (3) the estimated net worth of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; and (4) foreign persons determined to have knowingly provided defense articles, services, or technology to Turkey that could be used in its operations in Syria. Further, the State Department must brief Congress on Russian and Iranian influence in Syria, U.S. activities to counter such influence, and the ability of ISIS to reconstitute. The President must oppose loans to Turkey from international finance institutions and impose sanctions against identified foreign persons that provided Turkey with defense articles, services, or technology for its operations in Syria. The bill also authorizes the President to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria, and it requires the State Department to give priority designation to certain Syrian Kurds as refugees of special humanitarian concern. Additionally, the bill prohibits the sale of arms to Turkey for its operations in Syria, and it imposes sanctions against persons providing arms to Turkish forces in Syria. It also imposes sanctions against senior Turkish government officials, financial institutions that facilitate transactions for Turkish Armed Forces, and Russian persons supporting the Assad regime.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2019 This bill directs the President to impose sanctions related to Turkey. The President shall impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on specified officials of Turkey's government, such as the president and vice president of Turkey. The President shall also impose property-blocking sanctions on (1) Turkiye Halk Bankasi AS, a Turkish state-owned bank; (2) any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates transactions for Turkey's armed forces or defense industry relating to military operations in Syria; (3) any foreign person that knowingly sells to, provides support to, or conducts a transaction with Turkey's armed forces; (4) any foreign person that supplies goods or services that support petroleum production for use by Turkey's armed forces; and (5) any foreign person that sells or provides support that significantly facilitate Syrian energy production for use by Russia, Iran, Turkey, or Syria's government. The President shall also prohibit any U.S. person from (1) engaging in any transaction with such sanctioned persons, or (2) purchasing Turkey's sovereign debt. The President shall impose additional sanctions on Turkey based on Turkey's purchase of a surface-to-air defense system from Russia. No funds may be obligated or expended to transfer to Turkey's armed forces any U.S. defense articles, services, or technology. The President may terminate such sanctions and prohibitions upon certifying to Congress that Turkey and affiliated groups have met certain conditions, such as stopping their attacks on the Syrian Kurdish community and withdrawing from certain locations in Syria.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Advancing Competency-Based Education Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Education to select institutions of higher education (IHE) to voluntarily carry out competency-based education demonstration projects. A competency-based education program is an alternative postsecondary program that measures academic progress and credential attainment by the assessment of student learning and the mastery of competencies instead of, or in addition to, credit hours. A participating IHE must take certain transparency and accountability measures including (1) providing information comparing the success of students in competency-based education programs to similar students in traditional programs; (2) submitting to an annual evaluation of each competency-based education program to determine quality, progress of students toward earning a degree, and students' ability to pay off loans and find employment upon graduation; and (3) aligning their courses with career pathways and the needs of local employers in order to prepare students for the workforce. The bill also establishes the Competency-Based Education Council to study the ongoing innovation and development of competency-based education programs and to develop recommendations for the authorization of such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2019
New Home Energy Efficiency Act This bill reinstates and extends the new home energy efficiency tax credit through 2022. It also increases to $2,500 in 2021 and through 2022, the amount of such credit for new homes meeting the revised energy efficiency standards set forth in the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Home Energy Savings Act This bill reinstates and extends the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property through 2019. It also increases the rate of such credit from 10% to 15% and the amount of its lifetime limitation. The bill revises limitations on such credit relating to insulation material, windows, and the Energy Star program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Continuation of Useful Resources to States Act or COURTS Act This bill extends funding through FY2023 for (1) the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, and (2) a formula-based grant program to improve foster-care and adoption proceedings in state courts. In addition, the bill makes changes to the latter program, including by requiring grantees to expend a portion of funds on data collection and data sharing activities and by reserving funding for a competitive grant program for tribal courts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This joint resolution nullifies a rule issued by the Department of Education (ED) on September 23, 2019. The rule revised the process for a student loan borrower to obtain a discharge from a student loan if an institution of higher education misrepresented a material fact. Among other requirements, the 2019 rule requires each borrower to apply to ED for a defense to repayment. However, under the previous 2016 rule, an application could be submitted on behalf of an entire group (e.g., veterans).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Criminalizing Abused Substance Templates Act of 2019 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly possess a pill press mold with the intent to manufacture a counterfeit substance in schedule I or II of the Controlled Substances Act. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a prison term of not more than 20 years and a fine.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Greg LeMond, in recognition of his contributions to the United States as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Fair Sugar Policy Act of 2019 This bill makes several modifications to the Department of Agriculture's sugar program. Among other modifications, the bill decreases the rate for price support loans, repeals the marketing allotments, revises the administration of import quotas, and repeals the Feedstock Flexibility Program.