United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2022
This bill extends through FY2021 the inapplicability of the requirement for counties to elect to receive certain payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. That act provides compensation to counties for the presence of untaxable federal land within their borders.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2022
Department of Energy Science for the Future Act This bill supports specified research and development activities of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science. The bill establishes various programs, including a basic energy sciences research and development program; a Carbon Oxide Sequestration Research and Geologic Computing Initiative; a biological systems science and climate and environmental science research and development program; earth and environmental systems science research; a coastal zone research initiative; a Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program or QUEST program; a research program on the fundamental constituents of matter and energy and the nature of space and time; research activities on the nature of the primary contents of the universe, including the nature of dark energy and dark matter; a research program to discover and understand various forms of nuclear matter; a high intensity laser research initiative; and an Emerging Biological Threat Preparedness Research Initiative. The DOE Office of Science shall continue to leverage U.S. participation in the Large Hadron Collider and prioritize expanding international partnerships and investments in the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. DOE shall broaden its recruitment pool to increase participation from underrepresented institutions of higher education, including historically Black colleges and universities. DOE may not carry out certain gain-of-function research.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2022
Affordable Insulin Now Act This bill limits cost-sharing for insulin under private health insurance and the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the bill caps cost-sharing under private health insurance for a month's supply of selected insulin products at $35 or 25% of a plan's negotiated price (after any price concessions), whichever is less, beginning in 2023. The bill caps cost-sharing under the Medicare prescription drug benefit for a month's supply of covered insulin products at (1) $35 between October 1, 2022, and January 1, 2024; and (2) $35 or 25% of a plan's negotiated price, whichever is less, beginning in 2024. The bill provides funds for FY2022 for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement the bill. Currently, the CMS is testing a voluntary model under the Medicare prescription drug benefit (the Part D Senior Savings Model) in which the copayment for a month's supply of insulin is capped at $35 through participating plans. The model is set to expire on December 31, 2025.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2022
This resolution congratulates Yellowstone National Park, spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, on its sesquicentennial anniversary. The resolution also celebrates 150 years of the unique cultural heritage and natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2022
This resolution supports the designation of February 2022 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2022
Preventing Illicit Paraphernalia for Exchange Systems Act or the PIPES Act This bill restricts the use of funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for community-based overdose prevention programs, syringe services programs, and other harm reduction programs. First, the bill prohibits the use of the act's funding to procure or distribute pipes or other paraphernalia that can be used to smoke, inhale, or ingest narcotics. Second, the bill applies to the act's funding the conditions that apply to other funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for syringe services programs and needle exchange programs. The conditions require that programs (1) operate in a jurisdiction experiencing (or at risk for) increased transmission of hepatitis and HIV infections due to injection drug use, (2) use nonfederal funds for the purchase of syringes or needles, and (3) otherwise follow applicable laws.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022
Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2027 programs and activities under the Violence Against Women Act that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The bill also authorizes new programs, makes changes to federal criminal 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 · 1 February 2022
Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period. The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service. Among other requirements, the VA must also provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances; analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates; conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans; publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2022
This resolution expresses gratitude for the personnel of the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Capitol Police for their bravery and service to the United States and reaffirms the dedication of the Senate to strengthening the rights of and support to those personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022
Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022 This bill authorizes security assistance for Ukraine, requires sanctions against Russia if it escalates hostilities in or against Ukraine, and addresses related issues. The bill (1) authorizes the Department of Defense to use various authorities to provide and expedite the delivery of defense articles to support Ukraine's armed forces, (2) allows the President to exercise drawdown authority to provide defense articles to Ukraine, and (3) authorizes the Department of State to provide International Military Education and Training assistance to Ukraine. The President must periodically determine whether Russia's government is significantly escalating hostilities in or against Ukraine and whether such an escalation has the aim or effect of undermining Ukraine's government or interfering with Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity. If the President determines that Russia's government has engaged in such escalation, the President must impose sanctions on (1) certain government officials, including Russia's president and prime minister; (2) certain Russian financial institutions; (3) entities involved in certain transactions involving Russian debt; (4) entities (and corporate officers of such entities) involved in constructing or operating Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline; and (5) certain entities involved in Russian resource extraction industries. The President may terminate such sanctions after certifying to Congress that Russia's government has taken certain actions, such as entering into an agreed settlement with Ukraine's legitimate democratic government. The bill also authorizes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach new audiences on Russia's periphery. The State Department must establish an initiative to deepen and foster ties with the Baltic states.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2021
National Heritage Area Authority Extension Act of 2021 This bill extends through FY2036 the authority for, and increases the amount that may be appropriated for, various national heritage areas. The bill also extends through FY2036 (1) the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, and (2) the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission. Further, the deadline is extended for the completion of proposed management plans for certain national heritage areas.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Fission for the Future Act of 2021 This bill supports the commercial deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. Specifically, the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program that provides financial assistance for the commercial planning, licensing, development, and construction of (1) advanced nuclear reactors, or (2) supply chain infrastructure associated with such reactors or related technologies. In addition, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and revises a DOE program designed to strengthen university research and training in nuclear science and engineering.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
National Heritage Area Authority Extension Act of 2021 This bill extends through FY2036 the authority for, and increases the amount that may be appropriated for, various national heritage areas. The bill also extends through FY2036 (1) the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, and (2) the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission. Further, the deadline is extended for the completion of proposed management plans for certain national heritage areas.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2021
Department of Defense Principal Cyber Advisor Empowerment Act of 2021 This bill requires specified cyber officials in the Department of Defense to be designated from among the personnel of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The bill applies to the officer to serve as Principal Cyber Advisor and the officer to serve concurrently as the Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy and as the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month and decreasing the prevalence of diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
This bill authorizes Hershel Woodrow Williams, who is the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor for acts performed during World War II, to lie in state in the Capitol rotunda upon his death.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021
VA Electronic Health Record Transparency Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the costs of its Electronic Health Record Modernization Program, including by describing all expenses driven by the program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2021
Opioid Quota Openness, Transparency, and Awareness Act of 2021 or the Opioid QuOTA Act of 2021 This bill requires the Drug Enforcement Administration to make publicly available on its website certain information regarding opioid procurement quotas. The term opioid procurement quota means the maximum quantity of opioid analgesics that a registered manufacturer may procure.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2021
Outdoor Recreation Act This bill provides for additional recreation opportunities and facilitates greater access to federal public lands. If the public does not need to obtain a permit or reservation to access an existing picnic area, neither the Department of the Interior nor the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may require an outfitter or guide serving fewer than 40 clients to obtain a permit to access that site. Interior and USDA shall construct and designate shooting ranges on National Forest System land and public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management for the public to use for recreational target shooting. Interior and the Forest Service shall enter into an agreement with the Rural Utilities Service to install or construct broadband internet infrastructure at recreation sites on federal land. The Bureau of Reclamation shall establish a competitive grant program to provide grants to conduct inspections and decontamination of watercraft in reservoirs operated and maintained by Interior, including to purchase and operate a watercraft inspection and decontamination station. Interior and USDA shall establish a pilot program under which Interior or USDA may enter into an agreement with a private entity providing for capital improvements (including the construction of structures and improvements), management, and maintenance by the private entity of a campground on federal land.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2021
Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act This bill establishes requirements related to long-distance bike trails. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails; identify not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete long-distance bike trails; and coordinate with stakeholders on the feasibility of, and identifying any resources necessary for, completing the development of such trails.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021
This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor emergency temporary standard for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 in employment settings. Under the standard issued on November 5, 2021, employers with 100 or more employees must require their onsite employees to either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2021
USACE Military Personnel Augmentation Act of 2021 This bill expands the types of Army personnel entitled to receive certain pay and allowances while assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on nonmilitary public works projects. Currently, regular Corps officers and reserve Army officers assigned to the Corps are entitled to receive pay and allowances from funds appropriated for the project that they are working on. The bill entitles warrant officers and enlisted members of the Army, whether regular or reserve, to receive such pay and allowances when assigned to the Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2021
This resolution designates October 30, 2021, as a national day of remembrance for the workers of the nuclear weapons program, including uranium miners, millers, and haulers, plutonium producers, and on-site participants at atmospheric nuclear weapons tests.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2021
Reaching Every Homeless Veteran Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Labor, in administering homeless veterans reintegration programs, to (1) consider grant applications from entities in all states (to the maximum extent practicable), and (2) conduct an outreach and education program in states where no entity has been awarded a grant to ensure communities are aware of homeless veterans reintegration programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021
This resolution supports the designation of October 3-October 9, 2021, as National 4-H Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of 4-H in youth development and education, and (2) encourages all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact the organization and members have made and continue to make by empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021
Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2021 or the HELPER Act of 2021 This bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. Specifically, these individuals may be eligible for a one-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance premium.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2021
Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2021 This bill extends liability protection for harm caused by acts or omissions by volunteer health care professionals in the course of providing certain health care services during specified public-health or national emergencies or major disasters. However, such liability protection shall not apply if (1) the harm was caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed; or (2) the health care professional provided services under the influence of alcohol or an intoxicating drug.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2021
American Broadband Buildout to Eliminate America's Digital Divide Act of 2021 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a program to provide funding to states for expanding access to broadband service in unserved areas. States must distribute these funds to certain broadband service providers for projects that offer a low-cost broadband service option for low-income subscribers. The bill also provides funding to carry out this program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2021
This resolution recognizes the importance of education to prevent substance use disorders and expresses gratitude for family members and others who support individuals in recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2021
Providing Officers With Electronic Resources Act or the POWER Act This bill authorizes the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice to make grants to law enforcement agencies to purchase a chemical screening device and to train personnel to use, and interpret data collected by, such device.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2021
Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2021 This bill establishes requirements and procedures for the Department of the Treasury to transfer ownership of certain matured, unredeemed savings bonds and related records to states.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021
America's Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration Act of 2021 This bill addresses climate change through efforts to sequester, mitigate, or store carbon dioxide, such as salvage logging, revegetation, or reforestation efforts, on National Forest System land and other land as specified by the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021
Black Lung Benefits Disability Trust Fund Solvency Act of 2021 This bill extends until December 31, 2031, the excise tax on coal from U.S. mines. This tax is a source of funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2021
This bill posthumously provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of the 13 service members who died on August 26, 2021, while stationed at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021
Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 or the RPM Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the modification of a vehicle's air emission controls for vehicles that are not legal for operation on a street or highway and are used solely for competition. In relation to the exemption of competition vehicles from anti-tampering provisions, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is prohibited from creating or authorizing a database of vehicle registration information that is required to be consulted at the point of manufacture, sale, installation, or use of parts or components. Additionally, the EPA may not require the registration of a vehicle, or part or component of a vehicle, by the manufacturer, seller, purchaser, installer, or user of the vehicle. The regulation prescribed by the EPA regarding the exemption must include certain components, including a description of the reasonable conditions for the applicability of the exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021
Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2021
Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021 This bill gives the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) the authority to subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses as necessary to carry out the duties of the office. The bill prohibits the VA OIG from subpoenaing the attendance and testimony of current federal employees or witnesses as part of any criminal proceeding. Under the bill, the VA OIG must notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the intended witness of the intent to issue a subpoena. If DOJ objects to the subpoena because it will interfere with an ongoing investigation, the VA OIG may not issue the subpoena.