United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety Act of 2020 or the HAULS Act of 2020 This bill modifies exemptions with respect to commercial motor vehicle safety regulations involving the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies. The bill allows the federal hours-of-service rules exemption regarding maximum driving and on-duty time for drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies to apply year-round. Current law provides an exception from the federal hours-of-service rules for the transportation of agricultural commodities within a 150 air-mile radius of the normal work reporting location only during planting and harvest periods which are determined by each state. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must revise the definition of agricultural commodity to include specific commodities that are covered by the federal hours-of-service rules exception.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Safeguarding Awards for Victims and Enforcement Settlements Act of 2020 This bill imposes limitations on settlement agreements to which the United States is a party. With certain exceptions, the United States may not enter into a settlement agreement requiring a payment or loan to an individual or to an entity other than the United States. Exceptions to this prohibition include payments or loans that (1) are intended to directly remedy the harm caused by the paying party and suffered by the recipient, (2) are for services rendered in connection with the case, and (3) are going to a third party for claims against that same third party.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
This resolution declares that the Pledge of Allegiance has been a valuable part of life for the people of the United States for generations and defends its constitutionality.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
This resolution congratulates Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Israel and Bahrain on reaching their respective historic agreements. Further, it encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel, and it urges the President to continue engaging with Israel and U.S. Arab partners in reaching such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
Women's Public Health and Safety Act This bill allows a state to exclude from participation in the state's Medicaid program a provider that performs an abortion, unless (1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or (2) the woman suffers from a physical issue that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. (Under current law, a state plan for medical assistance must provide that any individual eligible for medical assistance may obtain required services from any provider qualified to perform them.)
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Protect and Serve Act of 2020 This bill establishes a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer and causing serious bodily injury (or attempting to do so) in circumstances that affect interstate commerce. It imposes criminal penalties—a prison term, a fine, or both—on a violator.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
This resolution recognizes General Thomas P. Stafford's immense contribution to the Space Race and the United States' advancement in space policy and exploration. The resolution also commends General Stafford for his extraordinary dedication and service to the United States throughout his distinguished career.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Contact Lens Rule Modernization Act This bill (1) requires prescribers of contact lenses to conspicuously post notice that the prescriber is required to provide a copy of the contact lens prescription to the patient, (2) prohibits prescribers from requiring patients to acknowledge a contact lens prescription release in writing or electronically, and (3) prohibits automated telephone calls to verify a prescription.
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 · 16 September 2020
This resolution expresses gratitude to the brave law enforcement officers who serve their communities and condemns individuals who commit violence against them. It also calls on the people of the United States to denounce the September 2020 attack on deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2020
This bill provides statutory authority under the Clean Water Act for activities authorized in the reissued final rule titled Issuance and Reissuance of Nationwide Permits and specifies requirements and criteria for subsequent reissuances of such permits. Nationwide permits are issued for periods of up to five years by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to authorize activities that have minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2020
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Lewis, a late Member of the House of Representatives; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on July 28, 2020, it will stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable John Lewis.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2020
Taiwan Fellowship Act This bill directs the Department of State to establish a program to provide two-year fellowships in Taiwan to qualifying U.S. government employees. Each program fellow shall work in (1) a Taiwanese government agency; or (2) a nongovernmental organization, such as the American Institute in Taiwan, whose interests are associated with the interests of the fellow's employing U.S. government agency. (The United States does not have official relations with Taiwan as a result of China's position that Taiwan is part of China. The American Institute in Taiwan is a private organization that has a contract with the State Department to represent U.S. interests in Taiwan and provide consular services.) The State Department and the American Institute in Taiwan shall select a nonprofit organization to implement the fellowship program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2020
Safeguarding America's Frontline Employees To Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart the Economy Act or the SAFE TO WORK Act This bill limits liability for injuries related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Generally, an individual alleging harm from exposure to coronavirus or related medical treatment occurring before October 1, 2024, may sue only under the causes of action created by this bill, with limited exceptions. However, the bill does not preempt any law that imposes stricter limits on liability or otherwise provides greater protections to defendants. An individual or entity engaged in business or other activities may be liable for injuries resulting from coronavirus exposure only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the defendant did not make reasonable efforts to comply with government standards and guidance, (2) the defendant's actions constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (3) actual exposure caused the plaintiff's injury. (The clear and convincing evidence standard is a higher standard of proof than is typically required in a civil action.) Similarly, a health care provider may be liable for injuries connected to coronavirus-related services only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the provider's actions constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (2) such actions directly caused the injury. The bill also contains various coronavirus-related protections for defendants, including protections that (1) exempt an employer or operator of public accommodations that meets certain requirements from liability under certain federal laws, (2) impose limitations on coronavirus-related class action lawsuits, and (3) limit liability for certain injuries related to workplace coronavirus testing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2020
Building Businesses Back Act of 2020 This bill allows taxpayers an election to increase the amount of their general business tax credit for taxable years ending in 2019 or 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2020
Agricultural Security Risk Review Act This bill expands the membership of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to include the Secretary of Agriculture. The committee reviews the national security implications of certain foreign investments in U.S. businesses or real estate, including critical infrastructure or technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Airport Infrastructure Readiness Act of 2020 or the AIR Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to apportion Airport Improvement Program funding for FY2022 and FY2023 to an airport sponsor based on the number of passenger boardings at such airport that would result in the highest apportioned amount during either calendar year 2018, calendar year 2019, or the full calendar year prior to the current fiscal year. Additionally, DOT shall not calculate a benefit-to-cost ratio with respect to an air traffic control tower participating in the Contract Tower Program on the basis of an annual aircraft traffic decrease in FY2020 and FY2021. Under the Contract Tower Program, air traffic control towers are staffed by employees of private companies rather than by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees. The FAA is required to perform a benefit-cost analysis to determine eligibility for participation in the program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Flexible Financing for Rural America Act of 2020 This bill allows rural utility service providers to submit to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) a request to adjust the interest rate or modify the terms of certain loans. The request shall include a report summarizing how the adjustment or modification will assist the borrower in providing critical utility services to a rural community. Specifically, on receipt of a request, USDA must adjust the interest rate on the loan to match certain interest rates in effect when the bill is enacted for obligations of comparable maturity to the term remaining on the loan (or a higher rate requested by the borrower), and make modifications to the loan terms as necessary to address changes in the financial position of the borrower due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency and to promote the financial sustainability of the borrower. In carrying out the adjustments or modifications, USDA shall not impose or collect any fee from, or impose any penalty on, a borrower. The bill also provides funding to implement the adjustments and modifications.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Responding to Epidemic Losses and Investing in the Economic Future for Producers Act of 2020 or the RELIEF for Producers Act of 2020 This bill establishes requirements and provides funding for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make payments to livestock and poultry producers to offset losses related to the intentional depopulation of livestock and poultry due to insufficient access to meat or poultry processing during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The bill also provides additional funding to USDA for animal disease prevention and management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020
Lifting Our Communities through Advance Liquidity for Infrastructure Act or the LOCAL Infrastructure Act This bill reinstates tax provisions relating to advance refunding bonds. An advance refunding bond is a tax-exempt bond issued by a state or municipality to refinance or consolidate existing bond obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020
Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act This bill modifies loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill provides for automatic forgiveness of a paycheck protection loan that is not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. Further, it prohibits any enforcement or other action against a lender relating to loan origination, forgiveness, or guarantee based on the lender's reliance on certifications or documentation submitted by a loan applicant or recipient.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2020
Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act of 2020 This bill revises the definition of Vietnam era for purposes of the laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, the bill adjusts the start date of the era to November 1, 1955 (currently February 28, 1961), when relating to veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020
DOE EPSCoR Modernization Act This bill revises the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program of the Department of Energy (DOE). The objectives of the EPSCoR must include (1) increasing the number of researchers in specified jurisdictions (i.e., the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), especially at institutions of higher education (IHEs), capable of performing nationally competitive science and engineering research in support of the mission of DOE in the areas of applied energy research, environmental management, and basic science; and (2) improving science and engineering research and education programs at IHEs in such states and enhancing their capabilities to develop, plan, and execute research that is competitive. The EPSCoR must provide grants to such jurisdictions to carry out and support applied energy research and research in all areas of environmental management and basic science sponsored by DOE. DOE must contract with a federally funded research and development center, the National Academy of Sciences, or a a similar organization to carry out an assessment of the effectiveness of EPSCoR, including an assessment of the progress made towards achieving the objectives of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2020
Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act This bill allows local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the Impact Aid Program to use the student count and federal property valuation data from their FY2021 program applications for their FY2022 program applications. The program provides funding to LEAs that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property or to those that have experienced increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military bases).
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 This bill authorizes FY2021 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation. The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for Procurement, including aircraft, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and missiles; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation; Operation and Maintenance; Working Capital Funds; Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction; Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Defense Inspector General; the Defense Health Program; the Armed Forces Retirement Home; Overseas Contingency Operations; and Military Construction. The bill authorizes the FY2021 personnel strengths for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding military personnel; acquisition policy and management; Space Force matters; international programs; National Guard and Reserve Forces facilities; compensation and other personnel benefits; health care; DOD organization and management; civilian personnel matters; matters relating to foreign nations; and strategic programs, cyber, and intelligence matters. The bill authorizes appropriations for base realignment and closure activities, and maritime matters. The bill also authorizes appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Energy national security programs, including the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020
Save American Vital Energy Jobs Act or the SAVE Jobs Act This bill extends energy-related tax provisions and expands incentives for job creation in the energy sector during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Specifically, the bill extends for one year the construction period for carbon oxide sequestration facilities for purposes of the tax credit, suspends capitalization rules in 2020 to permit immediate expensing of certain inventory costs, reduces the required deposit of certain motor fuel excise taxes from 95% to 25%, allows expensing of intangible drilling costs in 2020, permits extensions and suspensions of production and operations under onshore and offshore leases during the COVID-19 emergency period, requires a royalty rate reduction during the COVID-19 emergency period for a maximum 180-day period, and requires the Department of the Interior to delay until July 1, 2022, the effective date for compliance with the 2016 final rule titled Consolidated Federal Oil & Gas and Federal & Indian Coal Valuation Reform.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020
This resolution designates June 20, 2020, as American Eagle Day and applauds the issuance of bald eagle commemorative coins to generate funds for the protection of the bald eagle.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020
Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020 or the JUSTICE Act This bill addresses policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. The bill funds state and local grants, incentivizes state and local reporting on the use of certain policing practices, creates new federal offenses for certain misconduct, establishes a commission to study the conditions affecting Black men and boys, and establishes best practices and training requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2020
This resolution expresses the sense the Senate that foster care services should make every effort to place siblings in the same foster home and provide siblings who are not placed together with opportunities to remain connected.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
Reviving the Economy Sustainably Towards A Recovery in Twenty-twenty Act or the RESTART Act This bill extends the Paycheck Protection Program, established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), for certain businesses, and it establishes a loan program whereby the Small Business Administration (SBA) shall guarantee loan amounts to certain businesses affected by COVID-19. Specifically, the bill provides a paycheck protection loan recipient with 16 weeks to use such funds if the recipient has (1) less than 500 full-time employees, and (2) suffered a decline in revenues of at least 25%. The bill also establishes a loan program whereby the SBA shall guarantee 100% of program loan amounts made to certain small businesses that have not more than 5,000 full-time employees. The terms for such loans shall include (1) a maximum duration of not more than seven years; (2) an amount that is not greater than 45% of 2019 gross receipts, up to $12 million; and (3) no payment on principal for the first two years of the loan. A lender that is otherwise approved to make paycheck protection loans may make and approve loans established by the bill, and a recipient may use loan funds for specified allowable expenses including payroll costs, rent, utilities, and personal protective equipment. Such loans may be forgiven up to the amount of total losses incurred by the recipient in the taxable year 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
This resolution designates the Hong Kong national security law proposed by China as a violation of China's international obligations. The resolution calls on the United States to use all diplomatic means available to dissuade China from passing the law and rally free nations to stand with the people of Hong Kong.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Foster Care Month and for the designation of May 31, 2020, as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This resolution declares that the Senate (1) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Thomas Allen Coburn, former member of the U.S. Senate; (2) recognizes his life and achievements; and (3) expresses condolences to the family of the former Senator on his passing. Furthermore, this resolution declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 19, 2020, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Thomas Allen Coburn.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This resolution designates the week of May 17-May 23, 2020, as National Public Works Week and recognizes the contributions of public works professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 This bill imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region and requires various reports on the topic. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list identifying foreign individuals and entities responsible for such human rights abuses. The President shall impose (1) property-blocking sanctions on the identified individuals and entities, and (2) visa-blocking sanctions on the identified individuals. The bill requires reports to Congress on (1) human rights abuses in Xinjiang; (2) efforts to protect U.S. citizens and residents, including ethnic Uyghurs and Chinese nationals studying or working in the United States, from harassment and intimidation by the Chinese government; and (3) the Chinese government's acquisition and development of technology to facilitate internment and mass surveillance in Xinjiang. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence shall submit a classified report to Congress on (1) Chinese government policies in Xinjiang that constitute gross violations of human rights, and (2) the scope and scale of the detention and forced labor of Muslim minority groups in China.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Dust Off Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the Dust Off crews (helicopter air ambulance crews) of the Vietnam War in recognition of their heroic military service.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
This resolution condemns Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the international covenants on human rights. Further, it calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned or detained Baha'is, and it urges the President and the Department of State to impose sanctions on Iranian officials and others who are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against Iran's Baha'i community.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Spectrum IT Modernization Act of 2020 This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and certain other federal agencies to outline plans for modernizing the information technology infrastructure used for the management of federal spectrum. Specifically, the NTIA shall identify a process to establish goals, including parameters to measure the achievement of those goals, for the modernization of such infrastructure and submit to Congress a modernization plan. The bill requires each agency to submit to the NTIA and the Policy and Plans Steering Group a report that describes the agency's plan to modernize its federal spectrum infrastructure so that such infrastructure is interoperable with that of the NTIA. The Government Accountability Office shall review the federal spectrum infrastructure of agencies and oversee the implementation of the modernization plans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review and update, if necessary, certain best practices, replication guides, and other training materials for law enforcement, judicial officials, and others whose work may bring them in contact with elder abuse. Specifically, DOJ must address victims and witnesses who have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in these materials. Additionally, in creating or compiling these materials, DOJ must consult with the Department of Health and Human Services and, as appropriate, other entities with relevant expertise in elder abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Parental Notification and Intervention Act This bill prohibits a person or organization from performing, facilitating, or assisting in the performance of an abortion on an unemancipated minor under age 18 without first complying with parental notification requirements, subject to exceptions and limitations. It establishes penalties—a fine, up to one year in prison, or both—for each willful violation. A parent who is required to be notified of an abortion of an unemancipated minor may bring an action in federal district court to prohibit the abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2020
This bill addresses education programs and assistance for veterans during emergency situations. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue paying work-study allowances during the COVID-19 public health emergency period. The VA is also authorized to continue paying educational assistance and subsistence allowances between March 1-December 21, 2020, for programs of education that are suspended due to an emergency situation or school closure. An educational assistance payment shall not be charged against an individual's entitlement to educational assistance if an individual was unable to complete a course or program due to the temporary closure of an educational institution or the temporary termination of a program by reason of an emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. This includes assistance related to training and rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill when institutions are closed due to an executive order or emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. It also extends the time limitation for participation in a vocational rehabilitation program when such participation is prevented due to an executive order or emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. The bill authorizes the VA to pay a subsistence allowance for two additional months to a veteran following a program of employment services from March 1-December 21, 2020, for full-time training for the type of program the veteran was pursuing.
![Official portrait of Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/i000024_200.jpg)