United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2016
Promoting Biomedical Research and Public Health for Patients Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise reporting requirements for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and certain national research institutes. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the NIH must review and revise policies, including policies on conflicts of interest and laboratory animals, to reduce the administrative burden on researchers while maintaining the integrity and credibility of research findings. The Office of Management and Budget must establish the Research Policy Board to make recommendations to minimize the administrative burden of federal research policies while maintaining responsible oversight. Contractors making substances and living organisms available for research on behalf of HHS may collect payments on behalf of HHS for incurred costs. HHS must revise the Vaccine Injury Table to include information on vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for pregnant women. The bill revises provisions regarding the clinical trial registry data bank to permit earlier publication of certain data and to categorize clinical trials for combination products. The Director of NIH is given the authority to appoint the directors of the national research institutes. Additional phases of clinical trials are made eligible for support from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2016
This bill prohibits the use of funds available to the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer or release to Libya, Somalia, Yemen, or a country that is a state sponsor of terrorism of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee who: is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the Armed Forces; and is or was held by DOD on or after January 20, 2009, at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2016
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the USA Science & Engineering Festival to promote scholarship in science and an interest in scientific research and development. Supports a festival, such as the USA Science & Engineering Festival, that focuses on the importance of science and engineering to the daily life of each individual in the United States through exhibits on topics including human spaceflight, medicine, engineering, biotechnology, physics, and astronomy. Designates April 11-17, 2016, as National Science and Technology Week.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2016
Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act of 2016 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a bid ceiling for durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs) under Medicare's competitive acquisition program, through which rates are set according to a bidding process rather than by an established fee schedule. Specifically, the bid ceiling for such an item shall not be less than the fee schedule amount that would otherwise be determined. Under current law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must use payment information from competitive acquisition programs to make payment adjustments for areas outside of such programs. The bill requires CMS, in making these adjustments, to account for stakeholder input. In addition, CMS must account for a comparison of competitive acquisition areas and other areas with respect to the following factors: average travel distance and cost associated with furnishing items and services, barriers to access, average delivery time, average volume of items and services furnished by suppliers, and number of suppliers. In addition, CMS shall delay by 15 months the full implementation of new Medicare payment rates for durable medical equipment. On a monthly basis, CMS must publish on its website the results of the monitoring of health outcomes and Medicare beneficiaries' access to durable medical equipment. The bill accelerates the applicability, from January 1, 2019, to October 1, 2018, of provisions of current law that limit federal Medicaid reimbursement to states for durable medical equipment to Medicare payment rates.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2016
Iran Terrorism and Human Rights Sanctions Act of 2016 This bill prescribes requirements for mandatory sanctions with respect to: Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and entities it owns in whole or in part, Mahan Air, Iran's support of terrorism, Iran's human rights abuses, certain Iranian individuals, persons who conduct transactions with or on behalf of certain Iranian individuals, and financial institutions that engage in certain transactions on behalf of persons involved in human rights abuses or that export sensitive technology to Iran. The Department of the Treasury shall establish and publish in the Federal Register an IRGC watch list. The bill prescribes prohibitions against Iran's direct and indirect access to the U.S. financial system. The Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 is amended to authorize a state or local government to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment in, any person that engages in investment or business activities with the IRGC or a person on the Treasury's list of designated nationals and blocked persons. The bill specifies additional requirements for removal of a person's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The Department of State may assist individuals and entities working in Iran for the purpose of supporting and promoting the rule of law, civil society, and economic opportunity. The President shall: (1) designate within the State Department a Special Coordinator on Human Rights and Democracy in Iran; and (2) report to Congress on U.S. citizens, including dual citizens, detained by Iran or Iranian-supported groups. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America shall increase programming to Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2016
Iran Ballistic Missile Sanctions Act of 2016 This bill amends the Iran-Iraq Arms Non-Proliferation Act of 1992 to cover ballistic missile or related technology. The Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 is amended to: (1) extend the Act through December 31, 2031, and (2) require sanctions on Iran and related entities and persons for actions to acquire or develop ballistic missiles and launch technology. The Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 is amended to direct the President to report to Congress biannually on: (1) identified persons that have knowingly aided Iran in developing its ballistic missile program, and (2) Iran-North Korea ballistic missile cooperation. The President shall block and prohibit all transactions in property and property interests in the United States of any identified person. An identified person, with certain exceptions, shall be excluded from U.S. entry. The President shall prohibit the opening and prohibit or impose strict conditions on the maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates a significant financial transaction for an identified person. The President shall block and prohibit all transactions in property and property interests in the United States of: any entity owned in part by the Aerospace Industries Organization, the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, or the Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group, or collectively by a group of individual investors in such groups; or any person that controls or is a board member of such an entity. The Department of the Treasury shall submit to Congress a list of entities (and their officers) in which the Aerospace Industries Organization, the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, the Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group, or any agent or affiliate has a specified minimum ownership interest. The President shall: certify to Congress biannually that each person listed in an annex of certain United Nations Security Council Resolutions is not involved with the development of or transfer to Iran of ballistic missiles, related technology, or components; but issue sanctions on any persons involved in those activities and prohibit associated financial transactions in the United States. The President shall report to Congress: (1) biannually a list of sectors of the Iranian economy involved with the development of or transfer to Iran of ballistic missiles or technology; and (2) annually a list of all foreign persons involved with the development of ballistic missiles, technology, or components in those sectors, namely: automotive, chemical, computer science, construction, electronic, energy, metallurgy, mining, petrochemical, research (including universities and research institutions), and telecommunications. The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 is amended to cover the acquisition or development of ballistic missiles, capabilities, and launch technology. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is amended to require each issuer of securities to disclose to the Securities and Exchange Commission whether it knowingly engaged in any activity involving sectors of Iran that support its ballistic missile program for which sanctions may be imposed.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2016
Reliable and Effective Growth for Regenerative Health Options that Improve Wellness or the REGROW Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conditionally approve certain cellular therapeutic products without initiation of large-scale clinical trials. A conditionally approved cellular therapy may be marketed if certain conditions are met, including conditions on the source, processing, and function of the cells in the product. The sponsor of a conditionally approved cellular therapy must apply for approval of the product as a biological product within five years. Unless the FDA has decided not to approve the product, the product may be marketed during this five-year period and the FDA may permit continued marketing while the application is being reviewed. An individual administering a conditionally approved cellular therapy must inform the recipient regarding conditional approval. The premarket report for a medical device used for cellular therapy must include specified information regarding the preparation or delivery of the cellular therapy. The approval of a medical device that is a cellular therapy must be based on laboratory performance testing and not clinical trials. A medical device used for cellular therapy is subject to medical device classification. The FDA must not limit the use of these devices to only specific cell types unless unique to the use of the device. The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research has primary jurisdiction for premarket review of combination products that act primarily through cellular components. The Department of Health and Human Services must work with stakeholders to promote the development of standards for regenerative medicine products.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2016
Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to allow two or more employers to be considered joint employers for purposes of the Act only if each shares and exercises control over essential terms and conditions of employment and such control over these matters is actual, direct, and immediate.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2016
Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) authorities, duties, centers, reports, and strategic planning. The bill creates the position of Chief Medical Officer within SAMHSA. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee. SAMHSA's Office of Policy, Planning, and Innovation is replaced by the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory. SAMHSA may provide support for: (1) the development of interventions for mental illness, serious emotional disturbances, and substance use disorders; and (2) integration of primary care and behavioral health care. The bill revises and extends through FY2021 SAMHSA support for various services and programs, including: (1) mental health and substance abuse services for homeless individuals, (2) mental and behavioral health education and training grants, and (3) substance use disorder treatment services for children and pregnant and postpartum women. The bill revises and extends block grants for community mental health services and transition from homelessness. SAMHSA must maintain the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program and National Treatment Referral Routing Service. HHS must ensure health care providers, patients, and others have access to resources regarding the protected health information of patients seeking or undergoing mental or substance use disorder treatment. HHS, the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury must take specified actions regarding requirements for health insurance to provide parity between mental health and substance use disorder benefits and medical and surgical benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2016
This bill amends the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act to revise the formula and requirements for distributing funds under the Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids (HOPWA) Program. A grantee that received an allocation in FY2016 shall continue to be eligible for such allocations in subsequent fiscal years, subject to approval by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the amounts available from appropriations Acts. HUD shall: redetermine a grantee's eligibility at least once every 10 years, and ensure that a grantee that received an allocation in the prior fiscal year does not receive an allocation 5% less than or 10% greater than the share of total available formula funds allocated to that grantee in the preceding fiscal year. HUD may also award such funds to an alternative grantee if the original grantee agrees in a written document meeting HUD approval. References to "cases of AIDS" and "AIDS cases" shall be replaced by "individuals living with HIV or AIDS," which means, with respect to the counting of cases in a geographic area during a period of time, the sum of: the number of living non-AIDS cases of HIV in the area, and the number of living cases of AIDS in the area.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2016
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has declared war on the United States; the Armed Forces are currently engaged in combat operations against ISIL; the United States has captured and detained individuals associated with ISIL and will likely capture and hold additional ISIL detainees; ISIL members captured by the United States during combat operations meet specified criteria for continued detention at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and all individuals captured by the United States during combat operations against ISIL who meet such criteria by their ISIL affiliation must be detained outside the United States and its territories and should be transferred to Guantanamo Bay.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2016
Congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 195th anniversary of the independence of Greece. Supports the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed. Notes Greece's important role in the wider European region and in the community of nations since gaining its independence 195 years ago.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2016
This bill directs the Department of State to consult with South Korean officials on potential opportunities to reunite Korean American families with family members in North Korea from whom such Korean American families were divided after the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement. At least every 180 days the State Department's Special Representative on North Korea Policy shall consult with representatives of these Korean American families regarding reunification efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2016
Global Respect Act The President shall submit to Congress a list of each foreign person that the President determines is responsible, or acted as an agent, for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against an individual in a foreign country based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. A listed foreign person shall be ineligible to enter or be admitted to the United States. Any visa issued for such person is revoked. The Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security shall waive this prohibition if in U.S. national security interests or if necessary for compliance with the Agreement between the United Nations (U.N.) and the United States regarding the U.N. Headquarters. Congressional notification before any such waiver is required. The Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor shall designate a senior officer or officers to track violence, criminalization, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in foreign countries based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to include information on sexual orientation or gender identity violence or restrictions in the annual country reports on human rights practices.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016
Supports the goals of International Women's Day. Recognizes that the empowerment of women is linked to a country's potential to generate economic growth, sustainable democracy, and inclusive security. Recognizes individuals in the United States and around the world, including women human rights defenders and civil society leaders, who have worked to ensure that women are guaranteed equality and basic human rights. Reaffirms the commitment to: (1) end discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensure their safety and welfare; (2) pursue policies that guarantee the basic human rights of women and girls worldwide; and (3) promote women's participation in every aspect of society and community.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016
American Discovery Trail Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to place on federal land at points along the American Discovery Trail (from Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, to Point Reyes National Seashore, California) acceptable signage donated to the United States for that purpose. No federal funding may be used to acquire the signage authorized for placement by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016
Condemns the terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on January 15, 2016. Honors the memory of Michael James Riddering, the U.S. citizen who was killed in the terrorist attack on the Cappuccino Cafe on January 15, 2016, in Ouagadougou. Recognizes the dedication of Michael James Riddering, who moved halfway across the world to work with orphans and widows in order to help them improve their lives and contribute to their communities. Extends condolences and prayers to Michael James Riddering's family, friends, and colleagues and to the individuals touched by his life. Pledges to work to counter violent extremism, including through education and community development, in the United States and abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016
Affirms that the U.S.-Israel economic partnership has benefitted both countries and is a foundational component of the strong alliance. Recognizes that science and technology innovation present promising new frontiers for U.S.-Israel economic cooperation, particularly in light of widespread drought, cybersecurity attacks, and other major challenges impacting the United States. Encourages the President to regularize and expand forums of economic dialogue with Israel and foster public and private sector participation. Supports the exploration of new agreements with Israel, including in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, medicine, neurotechnology and cybersecurity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016
Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise provisions regarding review and approval of generic drug applications or supplements to generic drug applications for drugs: (1) for which there is a shortage, or (2) that have not been recently introduced to the market by more than one manufacturer and for which tentative approval has not been granted to more than two applications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must prioritize the review of such submissions and act on them within 150 days. User fees are waived for such an application unless the drug is under patent. The FDA may expedite the inspection of a facility proposed to manufacture such a drug. The FDA must award a transferrable generic drug priority review voucher to the sponsor of such an application upon approval. A voucher may be used to have the FDA review and take action upon a generic drug application within 150 days of submission. The FDA may revoke a voucher awarded for a drug that is not marketed within one year of approval. This voucher program is terminated at the end of FY2022. The FDA must periodically report on generic drug applications filed before FY2016 that are still pending. For a new drug application to be eligible for a priority review voucher as a tropical disease product application, the application must include new, essential clinical investigations. The Government Accountability Office must study the FDA's program for drug risk evaluation and mitigation strategies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016
This joint resolution prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to any of the following proposed sales to Pakistan in Transmittal Numbered 15-80, including related defense articles and defense services: 8 F-16 Block 52 aircraft (2 C and 6 D models) with the Fl00-PW-229 increased performance engine, 14 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, 8 AN/APG-68(V)9 radars, and 8 ALQ-211(V)9 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (which currently is simply authorized) to disclose information about a veteran or dependent to a state controlled substance monitoring program to the extent necessary to prevent misuse and diversion of prescription medicines.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016
Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for railroad track maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016
Living Donor Protection Act of 2016 This bill prohibits discrimination based on an individual's status as a living organ donor in the offering, issuance, cancellation, coverage, price, or any other condition of a life insurance policy, disability insurance policy, or long-term care insurance policy. The bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to specifically include living organ donation as a serious health condition that entitles a covered employee to leave under that Act. The Department of Health and Human Services must update public service announcements, websites, and other media regarding live organ donation to educate the public on the benefits of live organ donation and access to insurance for living organ donors.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016
Acknowledges the lifetime of service of Antonin Scalia, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Commends his 29-year tenure on the Court and extends sympathy to his family and friends on his death.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016
Drinking Water Safety and Infrastructure Act This bill provides additional assistance for a public health emergency related to a contaminated public drinking water supply system. Assistance may be provided through grants under the drinking water state revolving fund and loans under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program. Upon the request of a state or local health official, the National Center for Environmental Health's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry must conduct voluntary surveillance activities to evaluate any adverse health effects on individuals exposed to lead from drinking water in affected communities. The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act by requiring public water systems to notify their customers of lead concentration levels in drinking water that exceed lead limits. The Environmental Protection Agency must notify the public within 15 days of the lead levels exceeding those limits if the public water system or the state does not notify the public. The EPA may notify the public or the local or state health department of the result of lead monitoring conducted by a public water system. The Department of Health and Human Services must establish a lead exposure registry to collect data on the lead exposure of residents of a city on a voluntary basis. The Treasury must transfer funds to: (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds for the childhood lead poisoning prevention program, (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for its Healthy Homes Initiative, and (3) the Health Resources and Services Administration for the Healthy Start Initiative. The bill prohibits further spending by the Department of Energy on or after October 1, 2020, for the subsidy costs of loans issued through the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2016
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Protection Act This bill prohibits the President from modifying, terminating, abandoning, or transferring the lease with the government of Cuba by which the United States acquired 45 square miles of land and waters that currently contain Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, unless: (1) the President notifies Congress of the proposed lease change, and (2) afterwards Congress enacts a law authorizing the change.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016
Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2016 This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit and punish the straw purchasing of firearms. A straw purchase occurs when: (1) a person buys a firearm from an unlicensed seller on behalf of a person prohibited by law from possessing one, or (2) a person buys a firearm from a licensed dealer on behalf of another person. Any person that commits, attempts, or conspires to commit a straw purchasing offense is subject to a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years (25 years if the firearm is used to commit a crime of violence). The bill expands the penalty for committing a firearms trafficking offense. Individuals who commit such an offense are subject to a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years. Under current law, the penalty is a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years. The U.S. Sentencing Commission shall amend the sentencing guidelines and policy statements to reflect increased penalties for persons convicted of straw purchasing firearms or firearms trafficking offenses. Under current law, it is unlawful to import firearms into the United States with the intent to engage in illegal activity. This bill extends the prohibition to the exportation of firearms. The bill makes it unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person intends to transfer the firearm or ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism, a crime of violence, or a drug trafficking offense. Neither the Department of Justice (DOJ) nor its law enforcement coordinate agencies shall facilitate the transfer of an operable firearm to an individual if any DOJ law enforcement officer involved knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the recipient is an agent of a drug cartel, unless U.S. law enforcement personnel continuously monitor or control the firearm at all times.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016
Combating BDS Act of 2016 This bill authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment of its assets in: (1) an entity that such government determines, using credible information available to the public, engages in a commerce or investment-related boycott, divestment, or sanctions activity targeting Israel; or (2) an entity that owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, such an entity. Such government shall provide written notice to such an entity before applying such a measure. Such a measure by a state or local government is not preempted by any federal law. The bill applies to any measure adopted by a state or local government before, on, or after the date of this Act's enactment. The bill amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to prohibit any person from bringing any civil, criminal, or administrative action against any registered investment company, or any officer or employee thereof, based solely upon such company divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by persons that such company determines, using credible information available to the public, engage in any commerce or investment-related boycotts, divestments, or sanctions activities targeting Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016
Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2016 This bill establishes a program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by designating consortiums as manufacturing communities and authorizing federal agencies to provide them with financial and technical assistance. The Department of Commerce must designate consortiums as manufacturing communities using a competitive process and specified criteria. An eligible consortium must: represent a region that is large enough to contain critical elements of the key technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium and small enough to enable close collaboration among the consortium's members; include at least one institution of higher education, a private sector entity, and a government entity; and have a lead applicant that is a district organization, an Indian tribe, a state or political subdivision of a state, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit organization or association cooperating with a political subdivision of a state. Specified federal agencies may support the manufacturing communities by awarding them financial or technical assistance, providing preferential consideration when members of the consortium apply for assistance, or providing a federal point of contact to help members access assistance. Recipients of the financial or technical assistance may use the funds to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing with investments that may include infrastructure, access to capital, promotion of exports and foreign direct investment, equipment upgrades, workforce training, energy or process efficiency, and other specified purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016
Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment Act or the Military SAVE Act This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to make eligible for treatment in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs entity any veteran who was the victim of a sexual trauma which occurred while the veteran was serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016
Army Arsenal Revitalization Act of 2016 This bill requires the Defense Logistics Agency to report to Congress regarding Department of Defense (DOD) legacy items with a contract value equal to $5 million or more. DOD shall use Army arsenals for the production of these legacy items. DOD shall: (1) report to Congress listing all sole source contracts for the procurement of manufactured items the lack of which would constitute a critical national security issue, and (2) establish Army arsenals as a second source for production of any such manufactured item. DOD shall report to Congress regarding: DOD contracts awarded during FY2011-FY2015 using noncompetitive procedures for the procurement of equipment, weapons, weapons systems, and components with a contract value of $3 million or more; plans to update practices on Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS), including through the use of the organic industrial base as a resource in the implementation of a DMSMS management plan; and critical capabilities and minimum workloads of the Army arsenals, and fundamental elements for implementing the United States Army Organic Industrial Base Strategic Plan 2012-2022. DOD shall establish a three-year pilot program to permit Army arsenals to adjust their labor rates periodically throughout the year based upon changes in workload and other factors.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016
Military Child Care Protection Act of 2016 This bill requires that the criminal background check of military child care system employees that is required pursuant to the Crime Control Act of 1990 be conducted pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Department of Defense in accordance with the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, which includes: searches of state criminal and sex offender registries and child abuse and neglect registries, a search of the National Crime Information Center, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint check. A provider of military child care services or youth program services must comply with criminal background check requirements under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 for the state in which such services are provided.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016
Adding Zika Virus to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add the Zika virus to the list of tropical diseases under the priority review voucher program, which awards a voucher to the sponsor of a new drug or biological product that is approved to prevent or treat a tropical disease. (A voucher entitles the holder to have a future new drug or biological product application acted upon by the Food and Drug Administration within six months.)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016
Recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year. Expresses the deepest respect of the Senate for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate this significant occasion. Wishes Asian Americans and all individuals who observe this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016
Strengthening Access to Valuable Education and Retirement Support Act of 2016 or the SAVERS Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the tax on prohibited transactions: (1) the provision of investment advice by a fiduciary to a pension plan, plan participant, or beneficiary which is a best interest recommendation; and (2) any transaction, including a contract for service, between an investment provider and the advice recipient if no more than reasonable compensation is paid for such investment advice and certain disclosures are made with respect to the cost of such advice. For purposes of this bill, "investment advice" is a recommendation that relates to: (1) the advisability of acquiring, holding, disposing, or exchanging any moneys or other property of a pension plan (or Individual Retirement Account) by the plan, plan participants, or plan beneficiaries, including any recommendation regarding whether to take a distribution of benefits from the plan or any recommendation relating to a rollover or distribution from such plan; (2) the management of moneys or other property of the plan, including recommendations relating to the management of plan assets to be rolled over or otherwise distributed from the plan; or (3) the advisability of retaining or ceasing to retain a person who would receive a fee or other compensation for providing investment advice. Investment advice must be rendered pursuant to either: (1) a written acknowledgment that the person is a fiduciary with respect to the provision of the recommendation; or (2) a mutual agreement, arrangement, or understanding that may include limitations on scope, timing, and responsibility to provide ongoing monitoring or advice services. The bill defines "best interest recommendation" as a recommendation: (1) for which no more than reasonable compensation is paid; (2) that is provided by a person acting with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the prevailing circumstances that a prudent person would exercise based on information obtained from an advice recipient; and (3) where the person giving such advice places the interests of the plan or advice recipient above the person's interests. A best interest recommendation may include a recommendation that is based on a limited range of investment options or may result in variable compensation to the person providing the recommendation. The bill prohibits the Department of Labor from amending any rules or administrative positions regarding investment advice promulgated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the prohibited transaction provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, or other Labor regulations, and no such rules or administrative positions promulgated prior to the enactment date of this Act, but not effective on January 1, 2015, may become effective unless a bill or joint resolution specifically approving such rules or positions is enacted not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016
Affordable Retirement Advice Protection Act This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to define "investment advice," as it relates to fiduciary duties under such Act, as a recommendation that relates to: (1) the advisability of acquiring, holding, disposing, or exchanging any moneys or other property of a pension plan (or Individual Retirement Account) by the plan, plan participants, or plan beneficiaries, including any recommendation regarding whether to take a distribution of benefits from the plan or any recommendation relating to a rollover or distribution from such plan; (2) the management of moneys or other property of the plan, including recommendations relating to the management of plan assets to be rolled over or otherwise distributed from the plan; or (3) the advisability of retaining or ceasing to retain a person who would receive a fee or other compensation for providing investment advice. Investment advice must be rendered pursuant to either: (1) a written acknowledgment of the obligation of the investment advisor to act in accordance with fiduciary standards under ERISA; or (2) a mutual agreement, arrangement, or understanding that may include limitations on scope, timing, and responsibility to provide ongoing monitoring or advice services. The bill allows an exemption from ERISA prohibited transactions rules for investment advice: (1) for which no more than reasonable compensation is paid; or (2) that is based on a limited range of investment options or may result in variable income to the investment advisor if a clearly-stated notice is provided to the advice recipient that the same or similar investments may be available at a greater or lesser cost from other sources. The bill prohibits the Department of Labor from amending any rules or administrative positions regarding investment advice promulgated under ERISA and no such rules or administrative positions promulgated prior to the enactment date of this Act, but not effective on January 1, 2015, may become effective unless a bill or joint resolution specifically approving such rules or positions is enacted not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016
Health Savings Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the taxation of health savings accounts (HSAs), to: rename high deductible health plans as HSA-qualified health plans; allow spouses who have both attained age 55 to make increased catch-up contributions to the same HSA; make Medicare Part A (hospital insurance benefits) beneficiaries eligible to participate in an HSA; allow individuals eligible for hospital care or medical services under a medical care program of the Indian Health Service or of a tribal organization to participate in an HSA; allow individuals eligible to receive medical benefits under certain TRICARE plans to participate in an HSA; allow members of a health care sharing ministry to participate in an HSA; allow individuals who receive primary care services in exchange for a fixed periodic fee or payment, or who receive health care benefits from an onsite medical clinic of an employer, to participate in an HSA; include amounts paid for prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines or drugs as "qualified medical expenses" for which distributions from an HSA or an Archer Medical Savings Account may be used; and allow HSA distributions to be used to purchase health insurance coverage. The bill amends the federal bankruptcy code to exempt HSAs from creditor claims in bankruptcy. The bill amends the Social Security Act to reauthorize the use of Medicaid health opportunity accounts. The bill allows a medical care tax deduction for: (1) exercise equipment, physical fitness programs, and membership at a fitness facility; (2) nutritional and dietary supplements; and (3) periodic fees paid to a primary care physician and amounts paid for pre-paid primary care services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016
Retail Investor Protection Act This bill prohibits the Secretary of Labor from prescribing any regulation under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) defining the circumstances under which an individual shall be considered a fiduciary until 60 days after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issues a final rule governing standards of conduct for brokers and dealers under specified law. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is amended to prohibit the SEC from promulgating a rule establishing an investment adviser standard of conduct as the standard of conduct of brokers and dealers before it reports to certain congressional committees whether: retail investors and other customers are being harmed by brokers or dealers operating under different standards of conduct than those applicable to investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; alternative remedies will reduce any confusion or harm to retail investors due to brokers or dealers operating under such different standards of conduct; adoption of a uniform fiduciary standard of conduct for brokers, dealers, and investment advisers would adversely impact their commissions and the availability of proprietary products offered by brokers and dealers, as well as the ability of brokers and dealers to engage in principal transactions with customers; and adoption of a uniform fiduciary standard of conduct for brokers or dealers and investment advisers would adversely impact retail investor access to personalized, cost-effective investment advice and recommendations. The SEC shall: (1) publish in the Federal Register formal findings that such rule would reduce retail customer confusion or harm due to different standards of conduct applicable to brokers, dealers, and investment advisers; and (2) consider, when proposing rules, the differences in the registration, supervision, and examination requirements applicable to brokers, dealers, and investment advisers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Marlow Cook, former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on February 4, 2016, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Cook.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016
Electronic Warfare Capabilities Enhancement Act of 2016 This bill permits the use of appropriations authorized for electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems and electronic warfare in order to develop and field electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems and electronic warfare capabilities. The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 is amended to include electronic warfare programs in the rapid acquisition authority program. Electronic warfare is military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy, and includes electromagnetic spectrum warfare, which encompasses military communications and sensing operations that occur in the electromagnetic operational domain. The Department of Defense shall delegate to the senior electronic warfare executive the authority to review and validate all Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System documents for electronic warfare acquisition programs. The Electronic Warfare Executive Committee shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategic plan with measurable and timely objectives to achieve its mission according to specified metrics.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016
Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act or the CONNECT for Health Act This bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand and modify the use of telehealth and remote patient monitoring services under Medicare. The bill establishes a telehealth and remote patient monitoring services "bridge" demonstration waiver program, through which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall waive certain limitations as a condition of Medicare payment to eligible providers of telehealth services. CMS shall also waive such limitations as a condition of Medicare payment for telehealth services with respect to providers participating in qualifying alternative payment models. With regard to individuals with certain chronic conditions, telehealth services shall be covered under Medicare as medical and other health services, rural health clinic services, or federally qualified health center (FQHC) services, as the case may be. A Medicare beneficiary determined to have end stage renal disease (ESRD) and receiving home dialysis may elect to receive certain required monthly ESRD-related visits via telehealth if the beneficiary receives an in-person examination at least once every three months. For purposes of Medicare payment for telehealth services: (1) a rural health clinic or FQHC may serve as a distant site whose clinician furnishes such services, and (2) certain requirements for originating sites shall not apply with respect to specified stroke-related services or to specified Native American health service facilities. A Medicare Advantage (MA) plan may use telehealth services to provide benefits under the original Medicare fee-for-service program option. Specified limitations are waived with regard to such services furnished under an MA plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016
Fair Treatment of Israel in Product Labeling Act of 2016 This bill requires that, for goods produced or originating in the areas known as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, proper markings for country of origin include: (1) Israel, (2) Product of Israel, (3) Made in Israel, (4) West Bank, (5) Gaza, (6) Gaza Strip, (7) West Bank/Gaza, or (8) West Bank/Gaza Strip. Neither the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, nor any competent official of another federal department or agency shall prohibit the use of any such markings for purposes of country of origin marking requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2016
401(Kids) Education Savings Account Modernization Act of 201 6 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) limit the requirement for an income-based reduction in allowable contributions to a Coverdell education savings account to an individual who is the custodial parent of an account beneficiary (thus exempting non-custodians of the beneficiary from such reduction), (2) increase the annual contribution limit for such accounts, (3) allow the use of such an account to pay home school expenses, and (4) allow tax-free rollovers of amounts in a Coverdell education savings account to a Roth individual retirement account. The Department of Education shall establish a website (to be known as 401Kids.gov) to provide free information on tax-favored education savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2016
Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the objectives for the civilian nuclear energy research and development programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). DOE shall carry out a specified program to enhance U.S. capabilities to develop new reactor technologies and related systems technologies through high-performance computation modeling and simulation techniques. DOE shall: (1) determine the mission need for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a national user facility; and (2) submit a plan to Congress for establishment of such a facility. DOE may enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish a National Nuclear Innovation Center that: enables the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts to be proposed and funded by the private sector, establishes and operates a database to store and share data and knowledge on nuclear science between federal agencies and private industry, and establishes capabilities to develop and test reactor electric and nonelectric integration and energy conversion systems. DOE shall submit to Congress three alternative 10-year budget plans for civilian nuclear energy research and development. The NRC shall report to Congress on: the extent to which it is capable of licensing advanced reactor designs developed under this bill by the end of a specified four-year period, and any organizational or institutional barriers it will need to overcome to be able to license such designs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2016
This bill prohibits the use of funds by the United States to make a payment to the government of Iran or an Iranian national relating to the settlement of any claim before the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal until the President certifies to Congress that Iran has paid all compensatory damages awarded to a U.S. person or entity in a final judgment of a federal or state court arising from an act of international terrorism for which the government of Iran was determined not to be immune from the court's jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2016
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Dale Bumpers, former member of the U.S. Senate. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on January 11, 2016, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Bumpers.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2015
Finds that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), its affiliated organizations, and supporters are parts of an expanding worldwide criminal network. Finds that ISIS and its affiliated organizations maintain publishing and social media networks that seek to attract others to join their efforts and to incite the murder of Christians, Shia and Sunni Muslims, Jews, and any religious believers who refuse to convert to their jihadist ideology. Declares that ISIS and its leaders should be charged with genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Calls upon: the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute any U.S. citizens or residents alleged to be perpetrators of or complicit in these crimes; and the Department of the Treasury to investigate and sanction any person, organization, business, or financial institution alleged to be perpetrators of or complicit in these crimes. Calls on the President, the Department of State, and the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, working through the Security Council and its member states, to provide humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, and help reestablish livelihoods for displaced and persecuted persons in their communities of origin. Calls upon the contracting parties to the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and other similar international agreements to join with the United States to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individual and organizational perpetrators responsible for such crimes. Calls upon the Secretary-General to urge member states to cooperate in an international effort to investigate, try, and prosecute all cases in which the accused have committed such crimes. Appeals to the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to collaborate on establishment of domestic, regional, and hybrid international tribunals with jurisdiction to punish the individuals and organizations responsible for or complicit in such crimes. Commends the governments of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and every other country sheltering individuals fleeing the violence of ISIS.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2015
This bill directs the Department of State to: (1) develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and at other related activities, and (2) instruct INTERPOL Washington to request observer status for Taiwan in INTERPOL and urge INTERPOL members to support Taiwan's observer status and participation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2015
Defend America Act of 2015 This bill prohibits, until the President certifies that specified provisions of this Act have been carried out, the refugee admission of any alien (covered alien) who is: applying for admission to the United States as a refugee, and is a national or resident of Iraq or Syria, has no known nationality and whose last habitual residence was in Iraq or in Syria, or has been present in Iraq or in Syria at any time on or after March 1, 2011; not a citizen of Iraq who is or was employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq on or after March 20, 2003, for at least one year, and provided documented, valuable service to the U.S. government; not the spouse or child of such alien; and not an infant child without living parents who is younger than four years of age. In addition to any Department of State or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) screenings, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shall ensure that each covered alien receives a background investigation before U.S refugee admission. A covered alien may: not be admitted as a refugee until the FBI certifies to DHS and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) that he or she has received a background investigation sufficient to determine whether the person is a U.S. security threat, and whether the person has provided support to any foreign terrorist organization; and only be admitted to the United States after DHS, with the unanimous concurrence of the FBI and the DNI, certifies to Congress that the person is not such a threat. The Inspector General of DHS shall conduct annual risk-based reviews of all certifications. The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended to require the State Department, before a refugee's resettlement in a state, to give the governor specified personal information about the person. The use of social media to promote terrorism shall be a grounds for inadmissibility. Any alien shall be ineligible for visa waiver program participation who: has been present, at any time on or after March 1, 2011, in Iraq or Syria, in a country designated as one that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or in any other country or area of concern designated by DHS; and regardless of whether the alien is a national of a visa waiver program country, is a national of Iraq or Syria, a country designated as a country that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, or any other country or area of concern. Such prohibitions shall not apply to an alien who was present in such a country to perform military or official government service for a program country. DHS may waive such prohibitions if in U.S. law enforcement or national security interests. DHS shall review annually whether such prohibitions shall apply to any country or area, based on specified considerations. A program country shall: screen travelers to determine if they are using stolen or lost travel documents; report the loss or theft of one of its national's passports to the United States within 24 hours; with certain exceptions, certify to DHS that it is screening each entering or departing non-citizen or non-national for unlawful activity by using Interpol databases and notices, or other means designated by DHS; enter into and comply with an agreement with the United States to assist in the operation of an air marshal program; comply with U.S. aviation and airport security standards; and certify that it issues to its citizens machine-readable, electronic passports that comply with the biometric and document identifying standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. DHS may terminate a country's program status for noncompliance, subject to specified conditions for reinstatement. By April 1, 2016, every citizen or national of a visa waiver program country who is cleared to travel to the United States under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) shall possess a valid, unexpired, tamper-resistant, machine-readable passport that incorporates complying biometric and document authentication identifiers. In determining whether to designate a country as a program country or whether a program country should retain its designation, DHS shall consider specified questions. DHS shall: evaluate program countries to identify those from which the admission of nationals would present a high risk to U.S. national security; research opportunities to incorporate anti-fraud/deception technology into ESTA; and collect from an applicant information on any additional or previous countries of citizenship, and consider such information when making admissions determinations. The bill expresses the sense of Congress concerning establishment of electronic passport standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The State Department shall prioritize the issuance of special immigrant visas for certain Iraqi and Afghan translators who worked with the U.S. government or Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2015
Ending Iran's Nuclear Weapon Program Before Sanctions Relief Act of 2015 This bill requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to report to Congress on the military dimensions of of Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. government shall not provide any sanctions relief to Iran until 90 days after: (1) the report's submission; (2) the DNI, the Department of Energy, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense certify jointly to Congress that Iran has ended all military dimensions of its nuclear program; and (3) a joint resolution has been enacted into law approving such sanctions relief.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kirk, Mark Steven [R-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000360_200.jpg)