United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2021
This resolution honors the memory of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick for sacrificing his life in the line of duty on January 6, 2021, and it calls for justice to be brought to those responsible for the attack on the Capitol and the death of Officer Sicknick.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020
This resolution affirms the Senate's support for the rights, liberties, and protections enshrined in the Constitution and commits to vigorously defend the right of all people of the United States to engage in the free exercise of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2020
Economic Empowerment for Underserved Communities Act This bill provides economic assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), including through (1) the designation of specified amounts for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, (2) the establishment of a Small Business and Domestic Production Recovery Investment Facility, and (3) the extension of the requirement that the Small Business Administration subsidize certain loan payments.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2020
Holding Sexual Predators and Online Enablers Accountable Act of 2020 This bill establishes a new criminal offense for owning, managing, or operating an interactive computer service (e.g., social media company) that promotes or facilitates the hosting or trafficking in materials that involve child sexual exploitation. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 25 years, or both. The bill also authorizes civil remedies such as damages. Additionally, the bill increases the mandatory minimum prison term for certain offenses involving child sexual exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
This resolution mourns the death of former Senator Paul Spyros Sarbanes and requests that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2020
This resolution expresses support for the use of certain technologies in detecting child sexual abuse material and exploitation online. The resolution also urges the European Parliament to pass an interim regulation to allow electronic service providers to continue to use technologies to detect child sexual exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
Public Servant Protection Act of 2020 This bill addresses the privacy of government officials related to their personal information. First, the bill makes it unlawful to publicly display on the internet the home address or home phone number of a government official or an immediate family member of a government official with the intent to cause bodily harm or other injury to such official or family member. Violators are subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term, or both. The bill also allows government officials to make written demands to individuals and interactive computer service providers related to the removal of their personal information.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
This resolution condemns the December 6, 2019, terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola and commemorates in sorrow the service members and civilians who lost their lives, or who were injured, and the harm caused to the surrounding community as a result of the terrorist attack. The resolution also expresses gratitude for the heroic actions that the civilians, uniformed personnel, and law enforcement performed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2020
This resolution expresses support for access to health insurance coverage that protects individuals with preexisting conditions, reduces the cost of prescription drugs and monthly premiums, protects individuals from surprise medical bills, and deters medical practices intended to reduce the risk of malpractice claims.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2020
Securing America's Future Elections and Votes Act or the SAFE Votes Act This bill establishes a bipartisan advisory committee within the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to study the integrity and administration of the November 2020 general election. The committee must also make recommendations to the EAC and Congress on best practices for administering federal elections, including best practices to prevent improper voting and increase the security of vote-by-mail ballots.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2020
This resolution expresses the sorrow of the Senate upon the death of former Senator Mark Andrews and requests that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2020
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act This bill establishes grant programs to address neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), and contains other related provisions. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall award grants to eligible entities to support research on and facilitate access to investigational drugs that diagnose or treat ALS. The Food and Drug Administration shall award grants to public and private entities to cover the costs of research and development of drugs that diagnose or treat ALS and other severely debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. HHS shall also establish the Collaborative for Neurodegenerative Diseases, which shall support the development and regulatory approval of drugs that address ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2020
Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act of 2020 This bill modifies certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and services for homeless veterans, including by authorizing the VA to increase the per diem rate for grant recipients that provide services to homeless veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2020
This resolution condemns China's campaign against religious freedom in Tibet. The resolution also calls for an investigation into China's use of forced labor and urges the United States to scrutinize economic partners that utilize Tibetan or other forced labor programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2020
Stop Suppressing Speech Act of 2020 This bill modifies a social media company's immunity from liability for screening and blocking offensive content on its platform. Under current law, the immunity applies for action taken to restrict content that is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable. The bill eliminates immunity for restricting content that is otherwise objectionable and applies such immunity when a company restricts content that is unlawful or that promotes violence or terrorism. Under current law, such immunity also applies to actions taken to enable or make available the technical means to restrict access to such content. The bill applies this immunity to actions taken that provide users with the option to restrict access to any material, regardless of whether such material is constitutionally protected.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020
This bill creates a point of order against considering legislation in the Senate that modifies the total number of Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill allows the point of order to be waived by a vote of two-thirds of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020
This resolution disapproves of statements and actions by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Democratic Caucus of the House of Representatives related to invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which provides for the accession of the Vice President to the powers and duties of the presidency upon a specified declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2020
Sanctioning and Highlighting Authoritarian Medicine and Eugenics Act of 2020 or the SHAME Act This bill imposes sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for carrying out coercive policies to limit births in China's Xinjiang province. Specifically, the Department of State shall annually report to Congress the identities of any Chinese government official or agency or any member of the Chinese Communist Party that knowingly orders, controls, or routinely carries out such coercive policies in Xinjiang, such as requiring involuntary abortions or mandatory contraception use. The State Department shall also publish a list of the named entities and individuals on its website in English and Mandarin Chinese. The President shall impose property-blocking sanctions on the individuals and entities named in the report, as well as visa-blocking sanctions on the named individuals. An individual or entity that violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to violate the sanctions provided under this bill may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Protect Parent Organized Direction of Students Act This bill prohibits states and localities that regulate the free formation of educational pods from receiving federal emergency education funding for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) relief. An educational pod refers to a small group of three or more students at the elementary or secondary school level who are from more than one family and learn together in person outside of the school. In addition, the bill temporarily expands the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers to include certain home educators.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020
This resolution recognizes the work of former First Lady Rosalynn Smith Carter on behalf of those affected by mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
This resolution declares that the Pledge of Allegiance has been a valuable part of life for the people of the United States for generations and defends its constitutionality.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Act of 2020 This bill establishes in the legislative branch the Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Commission to make recommendations and propose legislation for modification, consolidation, harmonization, or repeal of regulations to reduce compliance costs, encourage growth and innovation, improve competitiveness, and protect public safety. The commission must give priority to regulations (1) the repeal or modification of which may assist recovery or response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and future pandemics, (2) that impose disproportionately high costs on a small entity, (3) that create substantial recurring paperwork burdens or transaction costs, or (4) that could be made more effective while reducing regulatory costs. The bill sets forth reporting requirements for the commission and procedures for congressional consideration of commission reports, recommendations, and proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2020
Women's Public Health and Safety Act This bill allows a state to exclude from participation in the state's Medicaid program a provider that performs an abortion, unless (1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or (2) the woman suffers from a physical issue that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. (Under current law, a state plan for medical assistance must provide that any individual eligible for medical assistance may obtain required services from any provider qualified to perform them.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2020 This bill makes it a violation of federal law for a recipient of federal funds who operates, sponsors, or facilitates athletic programs or activities to permit a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls. The bill specifies that sex shall be recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020
Defend Our Defenders Act of 2020 This bill establishes federal criminal offenses involving the murder of federal, state, or local law enforcement officers. Violators are subject to life in prison or death. The bill sets forth aggravating factors (e.g., intent to ambush or prior history of promoting violence against a law enforcement officer) to be considered in determining whether to impose the death penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Protect and Serve Act of 2020 This bill establishes a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer and causing serious bodily injury (or attempting to do so) in circumstances that affect interstate commerce. It imposes criminal penalties—a prison term, a fine, or both—on a violator.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2020 This bill provides for the portability of professional licenses of service members and their spouses who are relocated under military orders to a location that is not within the jurisdiction of the license. Specifically, a professional license in good standing of a service member or spouse shall be considered valid and in good standing in the new jurisdiction for the duration of such military orders. To establish and maintain eligibility, a service member or spouse must (1) provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which the new residency is located; (2) remain in good standing with the licensing authority that issued the license; and (3) submit to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain are historic achievements. Further, it encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel, and it reaffirms the Senate's support for a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020
This resolution expresses gratitude to the brave law enforcement officers who serve their communities and condemns individuals who commit violence against them. It also calls on the people of the United States to denounce the September 2020 attack on deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
Training our Prosecutors Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 a Department of Justice grant program to provide training to state and local prosecutors. Further, it revises the program to include comprehensive continuing legal education in preventing and prosecuting violent crimes and crimes involving property destruction.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2020, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. The percentage increase in benefits shall be the same as the cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2020
Choice for Every Child Act This bill allows certain federal funds for elementary and secondary education to follow low-income students and students with disabilities to the school that they attend (i.e., public, private, or home school). These funds may be used for educational and instructional materials, tutoring, and tuition.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and members of the Armed Forces and expresses gratitude to Gold Star families who have suffered the loss of loved ones.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
Rioting Restitution Act This bill allows individuals who are personally injured by a riot, or who suffer property damage because of a riot, to sue those responsible in federal court and receive triple damages. Specifically, the bill allows victims to sue any person that (1) caused the injury or property damage; (2) traveled from out of state or used, for example, the internet, telephone, television, or mail with the intent to incite, organize, or participate in the riot; and (3) did incite, organize, or participate in the riot or attempted to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
Support Peaceful Protest Act This bill requires an individual who is convicted of a federal offense related to the individual's conduct (e.g., rioting) during the course of a public gathering to pay the cost of federal policing activity during the public gathering. In addition, such an individual is ineligible for pandemic unemployment assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
No Catch-and-Release for Rioters Act This bill creates a rebuttable presumption that an individual who is charged with an offense related to rioting or civil disorder shall be detained pending trial.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2020
Verification Alignment and Service-disabled Business Adjustment Act or the VA-SBA Act This bill transfers responsibility for verifying that a small business concern is owned and controlled by a veteran or service-disabled veteran, for the purposes of eligibility for certain procurement programs, from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Specifically, the bill transfers maintenance of the database of veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses to the SBA. For the purposes of procurement programs for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, the SBA must certify the status of such businesses, require their periodic recertification, and penalize any small business that misrepresents its status. Accordingly, the bill also abolishes the Center for Verification and Evaluation of the VA and transfers all of its functions to the SBA.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 2020 as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne. It recognizes the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and a cure for PCOS. It also acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Campus Free Speech Restoration Act This bill generally prohibits public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student-aid programs from restricting noncommercial expressive activities (e.g., peacefully assembling, distributing literature, or carrying signs) on campus. It also requires private IHEs that receive federal funds to provide students with their policies related to expressive rights.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2020
Protect Our Prosecutors and Judges Act of 2020 This bill allows active and retired criminal prosecutors and federal judges to carry a concealed firearm if they meet specified eligibility requirements, which include passing certain firearms qualification tests.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020
Securing Commerce and Protecting Businesses Act of 2020 This bill makes looting or destroying property during a riot a federal crime in certain instances. Specifically, it shall be unlawful to affect commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce through the (1) destruction of the property of a commercial enterprise in connection with a riot, or (2) unlawful taking of goods or property of a commercial enterprise in connection with a riot. A person in violation of this bill shall be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020
Connecting Minority Communities Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives, the Connecting Minority Communities Task Force, and the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program to facilitate, foster, and fund broadband internet access service and digital literacy in minority communities.