Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

I CAN Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act or the I CAN Act This bill allows other health care providers besides physicians (e.g., nurses) to provide certain services under Medicare and Medicaid. Among other changes, the bill (1) allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for Medicare coverage of special shoes for diabetic individuals; (2) expedites the ability of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise Medicare cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs; and (3) allows nurse practitioners to certify the need for inpatient hospital services under Medicare and Medicaid.

A concurrent resolution urging all countries to outlaw the dog and cat meat trade and to enforce existing laws against such trade.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

This concurrent resolution calls for an end to the consumption and trade of dog and cat meat and urges nations to adopt and enforce laws banning that trade.

Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

WATCH Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act of 2023 or the WATCH Act This bill subjects foreign laboratories that receive federal funds and that conduct animal research to U.S. animal welfare regulations. The National Institutes of Health must establish a process to inspect these laboratories on a quarterly basis to ensure compliance with U.S. animal welfare regulations, such as the use of animal care committees and evaluations of animal care and treatment. Laboratories that are found to be noncompliant, and that do not take appropriate corrective action, are subject to funding revocation.

Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act This bill requires state Medicaid programs to establish a process through which qualifying out-of-state providers may enroll as participating providers for five years without undergoing additional screening requirements, unless the state has an agreement with other states that governs coverage of children with medically complex conditions that is in accordance with specified guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Among other requirements, a qualifying provider must (1) serve individuals under the age of 21; (2) have previously been screened for Medicare participation or for participation in the Medicaid program of the state in which the provider is located; and (3) have been determined by the CMS or state Medicaid program to pose a limited risk of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a final rule that prohibits certain discharges of plastic pellets and other preproduction plastic into waters of the United States.

Freedom to Vote Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

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.

A resolution designating July 2023 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month".

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This resolution designates July 2023 as Plastic Pollution Action Month.

A concurrent resolution recognizing that the climate crisis disproportionately affects the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children, expressing the sense of Congress that leadership by the United States is still urgently needed to address the climate crisis, and acknowledging the need of the United States to develop a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions, protect and enhance natural carbon sequestration, and put the United States on a path toward stabilizing the climate system.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This concurrent resolution calls for U.S. leadership in addressing the climate crisis that is disproportionately affecting the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children. It also recognizes the need for a climate recovery plan that puts the United States on a trajectory consistent with reducing global atmospheric carbon dioxide to below 350 parts per million by the year 2100.

VET PFAS Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act or the VET PFAS Act This bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services to veterans and their family members (including those in utero) who have specified conditions and resided at a military installation where individuals were exposed to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. Hospital care and medical services may not be furnished for a condition that is found to have resulted from a cause other than the exposure to PFAS at a military installation. The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to a family member only after the family member or provider has exhausted all claims and remedies otherwise available for payment of such care. For disability compensation purposes, the bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions in veterans who served at a military installation at which individuals were exposed to PFAS. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

A joint resolution requiring the advice and consent of the Senate or an Act of Congress to suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty and authorizing related litigation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

This joint resolution requires either the advice and consent of the Senate or an act of Congress before the President may suspend, denounce, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty. No funds may be used to support any decisions to suspend, denounce, or withdraw the United States from the treaty unless (1) both the House and the Senate pass a joint resolution approving withdrawal by a two-thirds vote, or (2) the funds are used pursuant to an act of Congress. The President shall notify Congress in writing of any deliberation or decision to suspend, denounce, or withdraw from the treaty at least 180 days before taking such action. The President must also consult with Congress before providing such written notification. Upon adoption of a resolution by the appropriate chamber, the joint resolution also allows the Senate Legal Counsel and the General Counsel of the House of Representatives to represent Congress in judicial proceedings related to actions that are inconsistent with this resolution.

Stop Predatory Investing Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Stop Predatory Investing Act This bill denies taxpayers owning 50 or more single family properties any tax deduction for interest paid or accrued in connection with any single family residential rental property. It also disallows depreciation of residential rental property owned by such taxpayers.

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act This bill expands the scope of the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to include research and activities to prevent stillbirths.

Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take a series of actions relating to palliative-care training. Specifically, HHS must provide support for Palliative Care and Hospice Education Programs. The programs must support the training of health professionals in palliative and hospice care, including through traineeships or fellowships. In addition, HHS may provide support to medical schools, teaching hospitals, and graduate medical-education programs for training physicians who plan to teach or practice palliative medicine. HHS must also (1) provide Palliative Care and Hospice Academic Career Awards to health professional schools to promote the career development of academic hospice and palliative care specialists, (2) support individuals in specified fields who are pursuing an advanced degree in palliative care or related fields, and (3) award grants to nursing programs to train individuals in providing palliative care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must provide for a national education and awareness campaign to inform patients, families, and health professionals about the benefits of palliative care. The National Institutes of Health must expand national research programs in palliative care.

Gender-Affirming CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

Gender-Affirming Care Access Research for Equity Act or the Gender-Affirming CARE Act This bill authorizes appropriations for FY2024-FY2029 for the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct or support research on barriers to gender-affirming care and related health outcomes.

PUMP Technical Correction Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

PUMP Technical Correction Act This bill extends the rights and protections of the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act), enacted in 2022, to congressional employees and other legislative branch staff. Under the act, a covered employee must be provided with break time and private space for expressing breast milk during work hours.  

IDEA Full Funding Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

IDEA Full Funding Act This bill provides permanent, mandatory funding for the grant program that assists states and outlying areas in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.

Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2023

Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act of 2023 This bill modifies several tax provisions that refer to married couples to make the provisions equally applicable to legally married same-sex couples.

Urban Canal Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Urban Canal Modernization Act This bill expands the Bureau of Reclamation's responsibility under the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to address aging irrigation and water resources infrastructure in western states to include additional work for urban canals of concern. Specifically, the bill directs Reclamation or the operating entity of a transferred work (i.e., infrastructure owned by Reclamation, but maintained by a nonfederal entity) to carry out any necessary extraordinary operation and maintenance work for urban canals of concern, which are certain transferred works the failure of which would result in loss of life and property in the vicinity of the canal. Reclamation must also provide federal funds to transferred works on a nonreimbursable basis sufficient to cover 35% of the cost of extraordinary operation and maintenance work for (1) urban canals of concern, and (2) certain project facilities which are in proximity to urbanized areas and which could pose a risk to public safety or property if the facilities failed. The bill further specifies that any reimbursable funds provided under the bill must be considered a nonfederal source of funds for purposes of federal grant cost-sharing requirements.

Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act This bill allows an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending disposition of charges (i.e., pretrial detainees) to receive health care benefits through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A resolution recognizing June 2023 as "LGBTQ Pride Month".

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

This resolution expresses support for the rights, freedoms, and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. The resolution r ecognizes that LGBTQ rights are human rights and protected by the laws of the United States and international treaties. Additionally, the resolution encourages the celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month in June.

A resolution expressing opposition to the use of State power against people in the United States seeking essential health care, including criminalization of the full range of sexual and reproductive health care such as abortion, gender-affirming care, and contraceptive care, and disapproving of State punishment of people for their pregnancy outcomes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

This resolution expresses condemnation for criminalizing the provision of and access to reproductive health care services, including abortion, contraception, and gender-affirming care. It further expresses support for efforts to expand access to such services.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2050.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

This resolution (1) commits to advancing policies that will end roadway fatalities by 2050, and (2) calls on Congress and the Department of Transportation to commit to working together to achieve zero roadway fatalities by the year 2050.

Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2023 This bill authorizes a grant program to provide assistance with travel-related expenses for those seeking an abortion. Specifically, the Department of Treasury may award grants to nonprofit or community-based organizations to provide assistance to those seeking abortions with round-trip travel, lodging, meals, and other travel-related expenses. Priority must be given to organizations that serve individuals who are in jurisdictions that have banned or severely restricted abortion access or who travel to another jurisdiction for an abortion, or organizations that have or plan to have programs in place that help individuals access abortion services. In order to qualify for a grant, organizations must assist individuals seeking abortions through unbiased and medically and factually accurate programs, services, or activities. Organizations may not discourage individuals from seeking abortions. Additionally, federal entities that implement the grant program may not participate in any state, tribal, or local antiabortion proceedings (e.g., prosecutions) in connection with grant services.  

Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

A resolution to provide for the approval of final regulations relating to Federal service labor-management relations that are applicable to the Senate and the employees of the Senate, and that were issued by the Office of Compliance, now known as the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, on August 19, 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

This resolution extends collective bargaining rights prescribed in the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to employees of the Senate.

Expanding Access to Family Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Expanding Access to Family Planning Act This bill provides, subject to specified conditions, funding through FY2033 for federally funded family planning services and clinics. In particular, the funds must be used for (1) grants and contracts that support the provision of family planning services, and (2) clinic infrastructure (e.g., construction and renovation of clinics). Clinics that receive funding to provide family planning services must offer each patient with a positive pregnancy test the opportunity for nondirective counseling on (1) prenatal care and delivery; (2) infant care, foster care, and adoption; and (3) pregnancy termination. This counseling must include referrals if requested by a patient. Additionally, if a funding recipient makes subawards for the provision of family planning services, the recipient may not prohibit an entity from participating in a subaward program for reasons other than the entity's inability to provide family planning services.

Pollinator-Friendly Plant Labeling Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Pollinator-Friendly Plant Labeling Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a voluntary pollinator-friendly plant labeling and certification program. Specifically, a producer (i.e., a nursery or farmer growing a plant or cultivating a seed for sale) may submit an application to USDA for approval to sell or label a plant as a USDA pollinator-friendly plant. To qualify, a plant must (1) be living; (2) have a Natural Resources Conservation Service determination that it is native to the United States and known to be beneficial to pollinators (including providing habitat and forage for pollinators); and (3) be produced without any pesticide or substance prohibited from being used in the production or handling of organic products under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. USDA must approve an application for certification if the producer meets the requirements and has been third-party certified. Further, a plant labeled as USDA pollinator-friendly must comply with additional labeling requirements (e.g., include the name of the plant producer and an instruction specifying that distributors and retailers are not permitted to apply any pesticide product to the plant). The bill also provides for USDA investigation and enforcement authority. Any person who knowingly mislabels a plant as USDA pollinator-friendly is subject to a civil penalty.

ASPIRE Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Assisting Seekers in Pursuit of Integration and Rapid Employment Act or the ASPIRE Act This bill addresses issues related to asylum applicants and migrants, including by directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide employment authorization for eligible asylum applicants. Currently, asylum applicants are not entitled to employment authorization but may be granted such by the Department of Justice. Such employment authorization is valid until the applicant receives a final denial of the application, including any administrative and judicial review. The bill also shortens the waiting period for receiving employment authorization to 30 days from the filing of the asylum application. In addition, the bill authorizes U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to take actions to address the asylum backlog, including by hiring additional asylum officers. The bill also authorizes DHS to provide funding to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations for support services for migrants (e.g., food and shelter).

Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Smoke Exposure Research Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Smoke Exposure Research Act of 2023 This bill directs the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to conduct research relating to smoke exposure and wine grapes. This research must be done in coordination with land-grant colleges and universities that are located in California, Oregon, and Washington and have researched the effects of smoke exposure on viticulture and enology operations and practices. Specifically, ARS must conduct research to identify the compounds responsible for smoke taint, conduct research to establish standard methodologies for sampling and testing smoke-exposed wine grapes and smoke-affected wines, establish a reliable database of background levels of smoke taint compounds that occur naturally in wine grapes, develop risk assessment tools or mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke taint, and study compounds that can act as a barrier between wine grapes and smoke compounds.

Refund Equality Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Refund Equality Act of  2023 This bill permits legally married same sex couples to amend their tax returns to file as married filing jointly for returns outside of the statute of limitations.

Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the National Firefighter Registry. This is a voluntary registry maintained by the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health that collects relevant health and occupational information to better understand and reduce cancers among firefighters.

Work Without Worry Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

Work Without Worry Act This bill modifies eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for individuals who have a disability that began before age 22. Under current law, these individuals may obtain SSDI benefits based on the work record of a retired, disabled, or deceased parent. However, an individual with earnings after age 22 that exceed a specified monetary limit (i.e., constitute substantial gainful activity) permanently loses eligibility for such benefits. This bill allows individuals to retain eligibility for such benefits regardless of the amount of earnings after age 22. Additionally, individuals who apply for SSDI benefits on a parent's record and also independently qualify for Social Security benefits on their own record will receive the larger of the two benefit amounts.

A resolution commemorating June 19, 2023, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" in recognition of June 19, 1865, the date on which news of the end of slavery reached the slaves in the Southwestern States.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

This resolution commemorates June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth National Independence Day to recognize and observe the end of slavery in the United States.

Equality Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

Water for Conservation and Farming Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act This bill allows for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and that are used to screen for cancer across many cancer types, if the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services determines such coverage is appropriate.

Audit the Pentagon Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2023

A resolution reaffirming the importance of the United States promoting the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and displaced persons in the United States and around the world.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2023

This resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to protect the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers. The resolution calls upon the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to partner with the international community to solve existing conflicts, prevent new conflicts from emerging, and tackle the root causes of involuntary migration.

Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2023

Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2023 This bill prohibits anyone from interfering with a person's ability to access out-of-state reproductive health care. ( Reproductive health care is defined as medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services and care related to pregnancy, including the prevention or termination of a pregnancy, and other reproductive care.) Specifically, the bill prohibits anyone from restricting, discriminating against, or otherwise disadvantaging anyone who receives, provides, or assists with out-of-state reproductive health care that is legal in the state in which it is provided. The bill allows the Department of Justice to bring a civil action and establishes a private right of action for violations. The bill specifically waives any applicable governmental immunity and preempts any contravening state laws.

Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2023

Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act This bill removes limitations on the civil liability of gun manufacturers and the disclosure of gun trace data in civil actions. Specifically, the bill repeals the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which prohibits civil actions against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, seller, importer, dealer, or trade association for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm. Additionally, the bill states that firearms trace data maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is not immune from legal process. Such data is subject to discovery; is admissible as evidence; and may be used, relied on, or disclosed in a civil action or administrative proceeding.

End Price Gouging for Medications Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2023

End Price Gouging for Medications Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set maximum prices for prescription drugs under specified federal health programs. Specifically, HHS must establish reference prices based on certain factors, including the lowest retail price for a drug among specified reference countries. Retail prices of covered drugs under specified federal health programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) may not exceed the established reference prices. Drugs must also be available at such prices to uninsured individuals and to individuals with private health insurance.

Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill (1) reauthorizes the Deschutes River Conservancy Working Group through FY2032, (2) increases from 5% to 10% the amount authorized to be provided to the working group, and (3) changes the composition of the members of the working group.

Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental and oral health services, including routine diagnostic and preventive services, basic and major dental services, and emergency care; dental prostheses are also covered. Currently, such services are excluded from Medicare coverage.