United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2017
Urges: (1) the President and the international community to join in supporting bilateral talks between the Israelis and Palestinians, and (2) the President to adopt a policy of opposing and vetoing if necessary one-sided Security Council resolutions targeting Israel. Expresses support for individuals and organizations working to bring about peace and cooperation between the Israelis and Palestinians. Calls on all parties to return to negotiations without preconditions. Opposes the use of the United Nations to impose external remedies to challenges between the Israelis and Palestinians. Objects to the December 2016 abstention and declination by the United States to veto U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334. (Such resolution characterizes Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as illegal and demands cessation of settlement activities.) Declares that the Senate regrets and seeks to reverse the negative public criticism of Israel by U.S. diplomats. Rejects international efforts to delegitimize Israel's right to exist. Expresses support for Israel's right to self-defense. Condemns acts of terrorism and violence targeted at Israeli civilians. Reiterates that Palestinian political goals will never be achieved through violence.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2016
Declares that the Senate: (1) extends its deepest condolences and gratitude to the family of John Glenn; and (2) honors his legacy and life, commitment to the United States, and service to the Senate and the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 10, 2016, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late John Glenn.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2016
Applauds the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for 75 years of continuous service. Recognizes the critical emergency services, training support, and mission capabilities that the CAP offers state and national homeland security agencies, as well as the Armed Forces. Commends the more than 23,500 youth and 32,500 adult volunteers of the CAP.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2016
This joint resolution approves the location within Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area of the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial authorized to be established under the Carl Levin and Howard P. `Buck' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2016
Condemns the attack in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 17, 2016. Honors the memory of the law enforcement officers who lost their lives. Recognizes the bravery, heroism, and dedication of law enforcement officials, emergency medical responders, and other individuals who offered support and assistance. Offers condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims. Expresses hope for the full recovery of individuals who were wounded. Stands united against violence and in support of individuals who work to protect communities and keep the United States safe.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2016
Overtime Reform and Review Act This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) with respect to exemptions from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements for executive, administrative, professional and outside sales employees to increase over a five-year period the salary threshold for such exemptions, beginning on December 1, 2016, with a subsequent increase on December 1, 2018, and each December 1 through 2021. The Government Accountability Office shall conduct, and submit to Congress, a study of the implementation of the 2016 initial salary threshold. The rule submitted by the Department of Labor entitled "Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees" shall cease to have any force or effect. This bill amends the FLSA, with respect to requirements for updating the salary threshold, to direct Labor, for any change to the salary threshold, to: (1) propose a specific and enumerated rate of compensation required for an employee to be exempt from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements, and (2) issue a rule through notice and comment rulemaking.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the special depreciation rules for property used predominantly within an Indian reservation and to permit a taxpayer to revoke an election to exclude any class of property from the rules for any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016
Export Control Reform Act of 2016 This bill requires all of the following items that are on the United States Munitions List and the import or export of which is controlled by the President under the Arms Export Control Act on the date of this bill's enactment to be transferred to the Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations: non-automatic and semi-automatic firearms, including all rifles, carbines, pistols, revolvers and shotguns; non-automatic and non-semi-automatic rifles, carbines, revolvers, or pistols of a caliber greater than .50 inches (12.7 mm) up to and including .72 inches (18.0 mm); ammunition for such firearms excluding caseless ammunition; silencers, mufflers, and sound and flash suppressors; rifle scopes; barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames), or complete breech mechanisms; and related components, parts, accessories, attachments, tooling, and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016
Taiwan Travel Act This bill states that it should be U.S. policy to permit: officials at all levels of the U.S. government to travel to Taiwan to meet their Taiwanese counterparts; high-level Taiwanese officials to enter the United States under respectful conditions and to meet with U.S. officials; and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, and any other instrumentality established by Taiwan, to conduct business in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016
This bill prohibits U.S. funds from being made available to the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization if, on or after September 16, 2016, the U.N. Security Council adopts a resolution that obligates the United States or affirms a purported obligation of the United States to refrain from actions that would run counter to the treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016
Declares that the Senate joins with the Small Business Administration in: recognizing and encouraging the observance of Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2016; and supporting efforts to encourage consumers to shop locally, and to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses and their impact on the U.S. economy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2016
Relief from Obamacare Mandate Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to exempt individuals with certain premium increases from the requirement under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to maintain minimum essential health coverage. The exemption applies to any individual for any month during a year that the individual resides in a state in which the average premium for self-only or family coverage under the second lowest cost silver plans within the state has increased by more than 10% from the prior year. The bill also requires the cost of annual deductibles to be taken into account in applying the exemption for individuals who cannot afford coverage. The bill repeals provisions added to the IRC by PPACA that: (1) restrict payments from health savings accounts (HSAs), Archer medical savings accounts (MSAs), and health flexible spending and reimbursement arrangements for medications to prescription drugs and insulin only (thus allowing payments for over-the-counter medications); (2) impose a $2,500 limitation on salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan; and (3) impose an additional tax on HSA and Archer MSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2016
Protection from ObamaCare Monopolies Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health coverage any individual residing in a county with fewer than two health insurance issuers offering qualified health plans on an exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2016
No Ransom Payments Act of 2016 This bill prohibits the President from paying final judgments, awards, or compromise settlements to Iran using specified Department of Treasury funds (specified funds) until the President certifies that: (1) Iran has returned any money from such funds paid to it by the United States after January 1, 2016, (2) Iran has satisfied all outstanding judgments against it awarded to U.S. plaintiffs by U.S. courts, and (3) individuals taken hostage and held for 444 days following the U.S. Embassy seizure in Iran on November 4, 1979, have been compensated from the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. The President must certify before providing or authorizing payment of any funds to Iran that: (1) the funds will not be used to support international terrorism, and (2) Iran or Iran-supported groups are not unjustly detaining U.S. citizens. The President, within 60 days after enactment of this bill, shall impose property transaction and U.S. entry sanctions against any Iranian person: involved in the kidnapping or unjust detention of a U.S. citizen on or after March 9, 2007; that engages, or attempts to engage, in an activity or transaction that materially contributes to such kidnapping or unjust detentions; and owned or controlled by such a person, acting on behalf of such a person, or providing support for such a person. The Director of National Intelligence shall report within 60 days on whether funds paid to Iran by the United States after January 1, 2016, have been used by Iran to support international terrorism. The President and U.S. government officers shall not: make a payment to a government or person to secure the release of unjustly detained U.S. citizens (a payment to assist arrested U.S. citizens is excluded from such prohibition), or use specified funds to make any payment to a state sponsor of acts of international terrorism (a specific payment or a specific payee is excluded from such prohibition if Congress has passed a joint resolution waiving the application of such prohibition).
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016
Condemns the attack on police officers that occurred in Dallas, Texas, on July 7, 2016. Expresses the belief that an attack upon a police officer is an affront to the rule of law and the promise of justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, and general welfare and the blessings of liberty secured by the Constitution. Offers condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were killed and expresses hope for the quick and complete recovery of those who were wounded. Applauds the bravery and dedication of the law enforcement officials, emergency medical responders, and others who offered their support and assistance. Declares that the Senate stands united against violence and hatred and in support of the police officers who work to keep the country safe.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016
Taking Action Against Drunk Drivers Act This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the mandatory detention of an alien who: (1) was not lawfully admitted into the United States, held a revoked nonimmigrant visa, or violated his or her nonimmigrant status; and (2) has a pending federal or state charge of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, regardless of whether the offense is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. An alien convicted of three or more federal or state offenses for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, regardless of whether the offenses are classified as felonies or misdemeanors, is: (1) inadmissible, or (2) deportable if at least one of such offenses occurred after the enactment of this bill. The definition of "aggravated felony" is expanded for purposes of such Act to include a third conviction under federal or state law for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, regardless of whether the offense is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor, for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year. An alien who was convicted two or more times before the enactment of this bill for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not be removed for the commission of an aggravated felony based upon such convictions until conviction of another such offense after the enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016
Volunteer Pilot Protection Act of 2016 This bill amends the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 to provide liability protection to volunteers of a volunteer pilot nonprofit organization that arranges flights for public benefit in the case of harm caused by an act or omission of a volunteer on behalf of the organization. Volunteers shall not be liable if they: (1) were operating an aircraft in furtherance of the purpose of, and acting within the scope of their volunteer responsibilities on behalf of, the nonprofit organization; (2) were properly licensed and insured for the operation of the aircraft; (3) were in compliance with all requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration for recent flight experience; and (4) did not cause the harm through willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016
This bill exempts retired air traffic controllers from a reduction to their Federal Employees Retirement System annuity supplement (on account of their earnings for work performed while entitled to the annuity after their separation from federal service) during any period in which they are employed full time as air traffic control instructors under contract with the Federal Aviation Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2016
Judgment Fund Transparency and Terrorism Financing Prevention Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to disclose details after payments are made from the Judgment Fund. (The Judgment Fund is a permanent and indefinite appropriation to pay judgments against the United States.) Unless the disclosure is prohibited by law or a court order, Treasury must disclose to the public on a website: the agency or entity whose actions gave rise to the claim or judgment, the plaintiff or claimant, the counsel for the plaintiff or claimant, the amount paid, a description of the facts that gave rise to the claim, and the agency that submitted the claim. If the payment is made to a foreign state, Treasury must also disclose: the method of payment; the currency denomination used for the payment; and the name and location of each financial institution owned or controlled by a foreign state or an agent of a foreign state through which the payment passed, from which the payment was withdrawn, or that is holding the payment. No payments from the fund may be made to a state sponsor of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2016
State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into an agreement or a contract with each state home to pay for medical supervision model adult day health care for a veteran for whom the home is not receiving VA nursing home care payments. The veteran must need such care either specifically for a service-connected disability, or, if not specifically for one, the veteran must have a service-connected disability rated 70% or more. Payment under each agreement or contract between the VA and a state home must equal 65% of the payment that the VA would otherwise pay to the state home if the veteran were receiving nursing home care. "Medical supervision model adult day health care" means adult day health care that includes the coordination of physician services, dental services, the administration of drugs, and such other requirements as the VA may determine.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016
Extends condolences to the family of Elie Wiesel, an award-winning author who helped the world understand the horrors of the Holocaust and gave a voice to those who suffered and perished in Nazi death camps. Honors Wiesel's lifelong commitment to advancing human dignity, freedom, and respect throughout the world. Expresses continued support for human rights and protection of religious liberty. Expresses admiration for Wiesel's legacy as an example and advocate of the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of evil.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016
Reaffirms that the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom will not be affected by the outcome of the June 23, 2016, European Union membership referendum or by changes to the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union. Recognizes that continued defense and intelligence cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom is vital to the national security of both countries. Expresses support for the continued political and military leadership displayed by both nations in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Urges the President to commence discussions with the government of the United Kingdom, at its request, to ensure the continuance of the current bilateral trade relationship and, as necessary, negotiations for the development of a free-trade agreement between the two countries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2016
Taking Responsibility Using Secured Technologies Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should have any security clearance she holds revoked and should be denied access to classified information unless she earns the legal right to such access, and (2) any of her colleagues who demonstrated extreme carelessness in their handling of classified information should no longer have access to that information. The bill prohibits granting a security clearance to, and requires revocation of the security clearance of, any federal officer or employee who has exercised extreme carelessness in the handling of classified information. The bill also amends a provision of the federal criminal code that subjects to criminal penalties anyone entrusted with, or having lawful possession or control of, national defense information who, through gross negligence, permits that information to be removed from its proper place of custody or delivered to anyone or to be lost, stolen, abstracted, or destroyed. The bill explicitly states that "gross negligence," for these purposes, includes extreme or reckless carelessness.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2016
Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act This bill prohibits a sanctuary jurisdiction from receiving grants under certain Economic Development Assistance Programs and the Community Development Block Grant Program. A sanctuary jurisdiction is a state or political subdivision that has a statute, policy, or practice in effect that prohibits or restricts: (1) information sharing about an individual's immigration status, or (2) compliance with a lawfully issued detainer request or notification of release request. A state or political subdivision that complies with a detainer is deemed to be an agent of the Department of Homeland Security and is authorized to take actions to comply with the detainer. The bill limits the liability of a state or political subdivision, or an officer or employee of such state or political subdivision, for actions in compliance with the detainer.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016
Designates June 2016 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2016, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. Supports efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, as well as the medical community, to educate members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their families, and the public about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of post-traumatic stress. Welcomes the efforts of the VA's National Center for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and local Vet Centers to assist veterans suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress. Encourages Armed Forces commanders to support appropriate treatment of Armed Forces personnel diagnosed with PTSD.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016
Designates June 19, 2016, as Juneteenth Independence Day. Recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and supports the continued nationwide celebration of such Day as an opportunity to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the United States. Recognizes that the observance of the end of slavery is a part of the history and heritage of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016
Condemns the terrorist attack on the Pulse Orlando nightclub on June 12, 2016. Honors those who were killed and expresses hope for the recovery of those who were injured. Applauds the dedication and bravery of the law enforcement and counterterrorism officials who responded to the attack. Declares that the House of Representatives stands together with all people of the United States in the face of terror and hate. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States and its allies to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other terrorist groups at home and abroad and to address the threat posed by homegrown terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016
Recognizes more than 100 years of service and leadership development by the Boy Scouts of America. Encourages the continued emphasis of the Boy Scouts of America on character building, responsible citizenship, and outdoor stewardship. Applauds the Boy Scouts of America for instilling the values of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law in young people of the United States. Congratulates the Boy Scouts of America on the 100th anniversary of the granting of a federal charter to such organization on June 15, 1916.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2016
Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from requiring a tax-exempt organization to include in annual returns the name, address, or other identifying information of any contributor. The bill includes exceptions for: (1) required disclosures regarding prohibited tax shelter transactions; and (2) contributions by the organization's officers, directors, or five highest compensated employees (including compensation paid by related organizations).
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2016
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of George Voinovich, former member of the Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on June 14, 2016, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Voinovich.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2016
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016 This bill prohibits government officials from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement resolving a civil action on behalf of the United States that provides for a payment to any person or entity other than the United States. The bill provides exceptions for payments that remedy actual harm (including to the environment) caused by the party making the payment or that constitute payment for services rendered in connection with the case. Government officials or agents who violate this prohibition may be removed from office or required to forfeit to the government any money they hold for such purposes to which they may otherwise be entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016
Welfare Reform and Upward Mobility Act This bill requires the President to include in the annual budget proposal the total level of means-tested welfare spending by the federal, state, and local governments for the most recent fiscal year for which such data is available, and estimated levels for the current and 10 ensuing fiscal years. For each of FY2018-FY2028 each state that receives means-tested welfare spending by the federal government shall report annually to the Congressional Budget Office on the total amount of such spending by the state for the fiscal year. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended to define means-tested welfare spending as spending for any federal program designed specifically to give assistance or benefits exclusively to low-income Americans, including certain targeted community and economic development programs, unless they: are based on earned eligibility, are not need-based, are designed exclusively or primarily for veterans of military service, or offer universal or near universal eligibility to the working population and their dependents. The bill specifies federal cash assistance, medical, food, housing, energy, education training, child care, services, and community development programs deemed means-tested welfare spending, as well as federal programs that are not so deemed, including Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, unemployment insurance, Social Security retirement and survivor benefits, and military service veterans programs. The refundable portion of certain tax credits shall also be means-tested welfare spending, as well as the refundable portion of the premium and out-of-pocket health care subsidies to be paid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 is amended to specify, as an additional purpose for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), promoting prosperous self-sufficiency, which means the ability of households to maintain an income above the poverty-level without services and benefits from the federal government. The bill revises work eligibility requirements under SNAP As a condition of receiving SNAP funds, a state agency shall operate a work activation program for adults with dependent children. Part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to create the work preparation program for TANF families. The bill eliminates separate participation rate requirements for two-parent families. A family with a child under age 6 shall be deemed to meet work participation requirements if any parent is engaged in work for at least 20 hours per week. No federal funds shall be made available to carry out any means-tested housing program, but states may receive grants to fund their own housing programs. The bill prohibits funding for abortions and for health benefits that cover abortion, including certain tax credits, except where the pregnancy results from rape or incest or in certain other health cases.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2016
This joint resolution disapproves the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Interpretation of the 'Advice' Exemption in Section 203(c) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act." The joint resolution declares that such rule shall have no force or effect. (Under section 203 of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, an employer must report any agreement or arrangement with a third party consultant to persuade employees as to their collective bargaining rights or to obtain certain information concerning the activities of employees or a labor organization in connection with a labor dispute involving the employer. The consultant, also, is required to report concerning such an agreement or arrangement with an employer. Statutory exceptions to these reporting requirements are set forth in LMRDA section 203[c], which provides, in part, that employers and consultants are not required to file a report by reason of the consultant's giving or agreeing to give "advice" to the employer.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2016
This joint resolution declares that: Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to defining and delimiting the exemptions from minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for executive, administrative, professionals, outside sales, and computer employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; and such rule shall have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2016
This bill permits veterans to use Department of Veterans Affairs post-9/11 educational assistance for an accredited independent study program leading to a certificate that reflects completion of a course of study offered by at an educational institution that is not an institution of higher learning, such as an area career and technical education school providing postsecondary level education.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2016
Expresses appreciation to the European Union (EU) for the progress made in countering Hizballah since the EU designated Hizballah's military wing as a terrorist organization. Supports cooperation between the United States and the EU in thwarting Hizballah's criminal and terrorist activities. Urges the EU to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization and increase pressure on the group, including through: better cross-border cooperation among EU members, issuing arrest warrants against Hizballah members and active supporters, freezing Hizballah's assets in Europe, and prohibiting fund raising activities in support of Hizballah.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016
Open Skies Treaty Compliance Assurance Act This bill prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to aid the certification or approval of any new sensor, including to carry out an initial or exhibition observation flight of an observation aircraft, for use by the Russian Federation on observation flights under the Treaty on Open Skies unless the President certifies to Congress that: the new sensor's capabilities do not exceed capabilities imposed by the treaty and safeguards are in place to prevent the sensor or any information obtained from being used in any way not permitted by the treaty; mitigation measures are in place regarding collection by such sensor of high-value U.S. assets and critical infrastructure; each covered state party has been briefed on intelligence concerns regarding upgraded sensors used under the treaty, Russian Federation war fighting doctrine, and related intelligence collection; and the Russian Federation is in compliance with all of its treaty obligations, including the obligation to permit properly notified covered state party observation flights over all of Moscow, Chechnya, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Kaliningrad. Certification is required for each sensor and platform for which the Russian Federation has requested approval under the treaty. The President may waive the requirement of Russian compliance with treaty obligations by certifying that sensor certification or approval is in U.S. national security interests. Such certification must include the date such compliance is expected and a description of U.S. efforts to achieve it. "Covered state party" means a foreign country that is a state party to the treaty and a U.S. ally.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2016
Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act or the FUELS Act This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ease the application of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule on certain farms. The rule requires certain non-transportation-related facilities to prevent, prepare, and respond to oil discharges that may reach navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. Among other requirements, the rule requires those facilities to: (1) certify compliance with their SPCC plans; and (2) based on the plan, construct containment facilities that would hold the contents of aboveground oil storage tanks if they should spill. The bill increases the oil storage thresholds that necessitate compliance with those requirements by raising the aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity thresholds for: (1) farms required to have an SPCC plan, (2) farms that self-certify their SPCC plan, and (3) farms that require a certification of their SPCC plan from a professional engineer. The bill also raises the aboveground oil storage capacity of containers that must be included in calculating the aggregate aboveground storage capacity. The calculations of the aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity of a farm and the aboveground storage capacity of an individual oil tank on a farm must not include containers holding animal feed ingredients that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in livestock feed.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2016
Expresses the sense of the Senate that a carbon tax would be detrimental to U.S. families and businesses and is not in the best interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2016
This bill increases the micro-purchase threshold for activities by institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, or independent research institutes under federal procurement contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements to: (1) $10,000; or (2) a higher threshold determined by the head of the relevant executive agency consistent with clean audit findings, internal institutional risk assessment, or state law. Micro-purchases at or below the threshold are exempt from certain: (1) requirements under the Small Business Act and contracting goals of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to award contracts to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, historically black colleges and universities, or other minority institutions; (2) competitive quotation and price evaluation standards; and (3) Buy American requirements for the use of supplies manufactured in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016
Affirms that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances are both cornerstones of U.S.-Taiwan relations. Urges the President and Department of State to publicly, proactively, and consistently affirm the Six Assurances as a cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2016
Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, half-dollar clad, and proof silver coins in recognition and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first manned landing on the moon. Treasury may issue coins minted under this bill for only a one-year period, beginning January 1, 2019. All sales of these coins shall include a surcharge of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin, $5 per half-dollar clad coin, and $50 per proof silver coin. All of the surcharges received from the sale of such coins shall be paid as follows: one-half to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum's "Destination Moon" exhibit; one-quarter to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; and one-quarter to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, to aid its missions by providing college scholarships for the very best and brightest students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2016
Supports designation of National Foster Care Month, and recognizes it as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that children face in the foster-care system.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016
Limiting Contributions to the United Nations and Affiliated Organizations that Accord the Palestine Liberation Organization the Same Standing as Member States Act This bill directs the Department of State to ensure that the use of federal funding supporting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, including the Green Climate Fund, complies with applicable federal law, including: provisions of the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 authorizing appropriations for the U.S. annual payment to the U.N. and for necessary salaries and expenses of U.S. representatives to the U.N., provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 prohibiting making funds authorized under such Act available to the U.N. or any specialized agency that accords the Palestine Liberation Organization the same standing as member states, and provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 prohibiting contributions to the U.N. or to any affiliated U.N. organization that grants full state membership to a group that does not have internationally recognized attributes of statehood.