United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2020
Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act This bill more closely aligns the federal privacy standards applicable to substance-use disorder patient records with the relevant privacy and de-identification standards applicable to other records that contain personal health information for the purposes of (1) treatment, payment, and health care operations by health plans, providers, or clearinghouses; and (2) disclosures to public health authorities. The bill requires patients to give affirmative, written consent; once given, that consent applies to future disclosures. Such consent may be revoked by written request. The bill also (1) aligns criminal penalties for certain violations involving substance-use disorder patient records with the penalties that apply to violations involving other types of records containing personal health information; (2) expands the current prohibition against using substance-use disorder patient records in criminal proceedings to include any use in specified federal, state, and local criminal and civil actions; and (3) prohibits certain discrimination based on the release of such patient information with respect to access to treatment, employment, housing, and certain social services and benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act This bill alters certain requirements relating to inspection and certification of Medicare skilled nursing facilities that are also state veterans homes. Specifically, the bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to treat state veterans homes that are inspected and determined to meet applicable standards set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as also meeting applicable standards for skilled nursing facilities under Medicare. The CMS must also use VA inspection reports for such facilities in lieu of state inspection reports for purposes of the Nursing Home Compare website.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Gold Star Families Parks Pass Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at no cost to members of Gold Star Families.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Battery and Critical Mineral Recycling Act of 2020 This bill generally provides for the reuse and recycling of batteries, including by directing the Department of Energy to award grants (1) to entities for battery recycling and reuse research, development, and demonstration projects; and (2) to state and local governments for battery collection, recycling, and reprocessing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution commemorates the 150th anniversary of the historic seating of Hiram Rhodes Revels, Senator of Mississippi, as the first African American Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Voter Choice Act This bill directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to establish a program to support state and local governments in the transition to ranked choice voting (a system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference). Specifically, the EAC must provide technical assistance to state and local governments that are considering whether to make, or that are in the process of making, the transition to a ranked choice voting system for their elections. The EAC must also award grants to support such transition, including through the acquisition of voting equipment and tabulation software, appropriate ballot design, educational materials, and voter outreach.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
This resolution recognizes the 75th anniversary of the amphibious landing on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima that began on February 19, 1945, and ended on March 26, 1945, and encourages the people of the United States to honor the veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Global Health Security Act of 2020 This bill establishes a permanent, presidentially appointed position to manage outbreak response efforts. Specifically, the bill establishes the role of Special Advisor for Global Health Security who shall (1) serve as the President's principal advisor on global health security and global health emergencies (2) coordinate U.S. efforts to carry out global health security activities, and (3) convene the Global Health Security Interagency Review Council. The bill establishes such council to provide policy guidance to participating agencies on global health security matters and to facilitate the implementation of the existing Global Health Security Agenda. The Special Advisor must also develop a strategy to advance global health security and other specified policy objectives and coordinate a whole-of-government approach to the implementation of such strategy. In addition, the Department of State must coordinate and facilitate interagency, multi-sectoral activities outside of the United States in response to a declared global health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act This bill modifies funding mechanisms for the Public Health Emergency Fund and requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report specified information to Congress related to public health emergencies that are infectious disease outbreaks, bioterrorist attacks, or disasters. Specifically, HHS must, upon determination of a public health emergency, convene a group of federal officials to prepare monthly reports concerning such matters as funding, collaboration, and best practices. The GAO must (1) report on, among other topics, the capacity of the public health system to respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks and how funds for public health emergencies have been expended within the last two years; and (2) issue a post-emergency report on response efforts by government entities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
Clean Economy Act of 2020 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt and implement a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the United States with the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
Preventive Home Visit Act This bill expands Medicare coverage to include biennial preventive home visits, in which a qualified professional conducts a risk assessment of an individual's home and provides appropriate referrals for interventions or modifications to improve physical activity, fall prevention, and nutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
Wellness and Education for Longer Lives for Seniors Act of 2020 or the WELL Seniors Act of 2020 This bill includes balance screenings and services to address certain social determinants of health (e.g., food and housing security) as elements that may be covered in annual wellness visits under Medicare. The bill also provides incentive payments for visits that cover such elements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
Fiscal State of the Nation Resolution This concurrent resolution requires the congressional budget committees to conduct an annual joint hearing to receive a presentation from the Comptroller General regarding (1) the Government Accountability Office's audit of the financial statement of the executive branch, and (2) the financial position and condition of the federal government.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp and honors victims of the Holocaust. The resolution also calls on the United States to continue to work to end genocide and recommits to combatting all forms of anti-Semitism.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
This bill addresses wireless network technology, including by allocating proceeds from spectrum auctions to be used for wireless technology supply chain innovation and multilateral telecommunications security.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act of 2020 This bill prohibits direct-to-consumer advertising of a drug in the first three years after the drug's approval. The Food and Drug Administration may (1) waive the third year of this prohibition for a drug if direct-to-consumer advertising of the drug would have an affirmative value to public health, or (2) extend the prohibition if the drug has significant adverse health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a congressional declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2020
Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to include data on certain maternal health outcomes in its broadband health mapping tool (an online platform that allows users to visualize, overlay, and analyze broadband and health data at national, state, and county levels). The FCC must consult with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine which maternal health outcomes should be incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This bill nullifies any collective bargaining agreement between federal employees and agencies that is effective on or after April 30, 2019, if the agreement was not mutually and voluntarily agreed to by all parties or ordered after the completion of binding arbitration. A prior agreement continues to apply until a new agreement that meets the bill's requirements takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Labor to award grants to certain national youth-serving organizations for comprehensive workforce readiness programs provided to youth that take place before or after school, during summer vacation or holiday, or on the weekend (i.e., out-of-school-time programs). Such grants must be used to develop and implement youth workforce readiness programs, including for activities such as on-the-job and leadership opportunities, internships, and other supportive services. The bill also requires local workforce development boards to establish youth councils as subgroups of the boards.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This resolution designates January 2020 as National One Health Awareness Month and recognizes the importance of the One Health approach to protecting the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. One Health is a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that (1) it is the civic duty of the people of the United States to help ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible; (2) the federal government, state and local governments, civil society, businesses, religious institutions, libraries, and other national and local organizations should work together as partners to inform the public that the 2020 Census is safe, easy, and important; (3) individuals who want to help administer the 2020 Census should apply for a job at 2020census.gov/jobs; and (4) U.S. residents should plan to respond to the 2020 Census to ensure that all people living in a household in the United States are included.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019 This bill articulates the policy of the United States with respect to the Arctic. Specifically, it shall be the policy of the United States to prioritize Navy and Coast Guard missions, infrastructure and capability development, training, and stationing of assets in the Arctic. The Department of Defense, in consultation with the Coast Guard, shall submit a report on the development and execution of a strategic plan that focuses on addressing U.S. Arctic policy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction In the Nation Act or the NOPAIN Act This bill temporarily establishes separate payments for certain non-opioid treatments under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services and the payment system for ambulatory surgical center services. The bill applies to pain management treatments that are able to replace or reduce opioid consumption, as shown through clinical trials or data.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
Cybersecurity Vulnerability Identification and Notification Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue a subpoena for the production of information to identify and notify an entity that is put at risk by cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Specifically, the bill requires the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to detect, identify, and receive information about security vulnerabilities relating to critical infrastructure in the information systems and devices of public and private entities. To do this, the bill authorizes CISA, upon identification of a system determined to have such a security vulnerability, to issue a subpoena for the production of information that is necessary to identify and notify the at-risk entity.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2019
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2019 This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if any of the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect. The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if both chambers of Congress have not passed the appropriations bills for the year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2019
Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2019 This bill establishes a competitive grant program for up to 40 hospitals with emergency departments and certain on-site professionals to help connect patients in emergency departments who are at risk of suicide with treatment and mental health services. Grants may be used to train emergency department providers and establish certain policies and procedures related to the identification, assessment, and treatment of, and care coordination for, individuals who are at risk of suicide. In awarding the grants, the Department of Health and Human Services may give preference to specified types of hospitals, such as critical access hospitals and hospitals in areas with suicide rates higher than the national average.
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
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 · 19 November 2019
This resolution expresses support for (1) the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month, including encouraging individuals to fight diabetes through public awareness about prevention and treatment options and enhancing education about the disease; and (2) decreasing the prevalence of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention.
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
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
Smarter Sentencing Act of 2019 This bill modifies mandatory minimum prison terms for defendants who commit certain drug-related offenses. First, the bill reduces the mandatory minimum prison term for defendants who manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Specifically, it reduces mandatory minimums from 10 years to 5 years for a first-time high-level offense (e.g., one kilogram or more of heroin), from 15 years to 10 years for a high-level offense after one prior felony drug offense, from 5 years to 2 years for a first-time low-level offense (e.g., 100 to 999 grams of heroin), and from 10 years to 5 years for a low-level offense after one prior felony drug offense. Additionally, the bill modifies the application of mandatory minimum prison terms for certain defendants who import or export a controlled substance. Specifically, it makes existing mandatory minimums inapplicable to a defendant who functions as a courier; and establishes new, shorter mandatory minimum prison terms for a courier. The Department of Justice must report on and publish all federal criminal statutory offenses. Specified federal agencies, departments, and entities must report on and publish criminal regulatory offenses that they enforce.
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
Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish an initiative to build upon and accelerate previous or ongoing work to develop and demonstrate new technologies in electric aircraft concepts that are capable of reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and noise emissions from aircraft by at least 50%. The goal of the initiative shall be to deploy new technologies developed pursuant to the initiative on (1) regional transport aircraft intended to enter into service by 2030, and (2) single-aisle aircraft designed to accommodate more than 125 passengers intended to enter into service by 2040.
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 · 7 November 2019
This resolution requires the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to establish a McCain-Mansfield Fellowship Program through which certain veterans may participate in a two-year fellowship in the personal office of a Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019
TOD Advancement Act of 2019 This bill revises and extends until December 4, 2021, the Railroad Rehabilitation Improvement and Financing program. Specifically, the bill revises the eligible purposes under the program to include financing economic development and infrastructure that (1) incorporates private investment of greater than 20% of total project costs; (2) is physically connected to, or within a half mile walking distance from, a passenger rail station or multimodal station that includes rail service; (3) will commence construction within 90 days after the loan or loan guarantee is obligated for the project; and (4) demonstrates the ability to generate new financial assistance for the relevant passenger rail station or service.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019
Primary Care Patient Protection Act of 201 9 This bill modifies the requirements for the high deductible health plans that are required for tax-preferred health savings accounts. The bill requires the plans to offer coverage with no deductible for primary care services provided during the first two visits during a year to an individual's designated primary care provider. The primary care provider must be a general practitioner, family physician, general internist, obstetrician, gynecologist, pediatrician, geriatric physician, or advanced practice registered nurse acting in accordance with state laws.
![Official portrait of Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000383_200.jpg)