United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act of 2020 This bill provides funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award additional grants under the Emergency Solutions Grant program to provide rental assistance for short-term and medium-term housing to homeless individuals or families, or those who are at risk of homelessness, and expands eligibility for such additional assistance. For assistance provided under the bill, the term at risk of homelessness shall include individuals and families that have an income below 80% of the median income for the area (rather than 30% of the area median income, as under current law). Rental assistance provided under the bill shall generally be limited to 120% of the HUD-established fair market rent for the area, whereas currently rental assistance under the program is generally limited to 100% of an area's fair market rent. Such assistance may not be conditioned on any prerequisite activities, such as receiving treatment. HUD may, with some limitations, waive requirements or establish alternative requirements related to such assistance if doing so is necessary to respond to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act This bill establishes and provides funds for the Emergency Higher Education Connectivity Fund. Specifically, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must use the fund to support institutions of higher education (IHEs) in providing broadband internet access service, videoconferencing systems and services used for distance learning, and equipment (e.g., computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other one-time costs) to enrolled students during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The bill requires the NTIA, in consultation with the Department of Education, to promulgate regulations within 14 days related to support for IHEs. Among other things, the regulations must prioritize support for IHEs that receive certain institutional grants, including historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and rural-serving institutions; require IHEs to prioritize support for students who are eligible for need-based financial aid; and establish a schedule of reasonable per-student funding amounts for eligible services and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Continuing Online Networking, Negating Economic Conditions on Technology at Home Act or the CONNECT at Home Act This bill prohibits a voice or internet service provider from terminating service to a customer during the national emergency declared due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and for 180 days thereafter. A provider that terminated voice or internet service to a customer following the emergency declaration and prior to the enactment of this bill must resume providing such service upon the date of enactment. Terminating or failing to resume providing such service will result in a forfeiture penalty, and the proceeds of any such penalties collected shall be used to provide assistance to low-income individuals who lack access to affordable broadband service due to COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Emergency Educational Connections Act of 2020 This bill establishes and provides funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, from which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must provide support for certain schools or libraries to purchase specified telecommunications equipment during the public health emergency declared because of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the FCC shall provide funds to certain elementary schools, secondary schools, or libraries to purchase telecommunications equipment or services (e.g., Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, and routers) for use by students, staff, or patrons at locations that include locations other than the schools or libraries. Priority must be given to students, staff, or patrons who do not have access to such equipment or services. Following the emergency period, funding recipients are authorized to use purchased equipment for appropriate purposes but may not sell or transfer such equipment for anything of value, except for upgraded equipment of the same type.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2020
21st Century Conservation Corps for Our Health and Our Jobs Act This bill provides supplemental appropriations for FY2020 to the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Commerce for expenses related to primarily for federal land management and other conservation purposes. The funding provided by this bill is designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill also establishes the Outfitters and Guides Relief Fund, establishes the Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program, establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps program, establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, and makes permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2020
COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Labor to promulgate both an emergency temporary occupational safety or health standard and a permanent standard to protect certain employees from occupational exposure to the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). These standards apply to health care sector employees, paramedic and emergency medical services employees, and other employees identified as having an elevated risk for exposure. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must collect and make public information regarding employee exposure in these occupations and provide guidance to further protect such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020
This resolution commends and thanks the Department of State career professionals, the Repatriation Task Force, and the employees at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide for their work to address the challenges related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and to facilitate the repatriation of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020
CARES Windfall for the Wealthiest Repeal Act This bill restores and makes permanent the disallowance of excess business losses of noncorporate taxpayers and limits to two years the carryback of net operating losses of small businesses arising in the first taxable year beginning after August 31, 2019. The bill also permits taxpayers who expect a net operating loss after August 31, 2019, to apply for an advance carryback adjustment of prior year taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020
All Dependents Count Act of 2020 This bill extends the 2020 recovery rebates of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to all taxpayer dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020
COVID-19 International Response and Recovery Act of 2020 This bill addresses the role of the United States in the global response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and future pandemics. Specifically, the bill authorizes measures to facilitate the repatriation of U.S. nationals who are abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides support for international organizations, including through (1) providing payments to organizations that address global humanitarian needs, and (2) advocating for the establishment of a World Bank Trust Fund to aid countries responding to epidemics and pandemics. Further, the bill establishes measures related to refugee, humanitarian, and migration matters during the pandemic, such as those facilitating humanitarian assistance to countries affected by COVID-19, addressing threats to women and girls, and restricting deportation of foreign nationals. The bill establishes leadership roles for the U.S. Agency for International Development, the State Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should an infectious disease with pandemic potential break out outside the United States. The bill also creates the role of Special Advisor to the President for Global Health Security, who shall coordinate the U.S. response to global health security emergencies. Further, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to automatically extend certain immigration-related statuses, such as employment authorizations, that would otherwise expire during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also allows a Peace Corps volunteer whose period of service was terminated due to COVID-19 to file for pandemic-related unemployment benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020
This resolution celebrates the successes of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and the contributions they have made in the United States. The resolution also recognizes the importance of supporting equity, providing safety, and upholding the interests of these women.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to purchase from a wet market in China any live animal or animal product. The bill defines a wet market as a marketplace (1) where fresh meat and live animals are bought, sold, and slaughtered; and (2) that is not subject to health regulations comparable to U.S. regulations on similar establishments.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
Pandemic Response and Opportunity Through National Service Act This bill expands, and modifies the priorities and administration of, national service programs, including AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, to address the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and its recovery period. Among other changes, the bill increases the number of national service positions, as well as the living allowances and other benefits associated with these positions. The living allowance is also excluded from gross income for federal tax purposes. In addition, the Corporation for National and Community Service must (1) establish a pilot project to allow state service commissions to directly place individuals, and (2) disseminate national service opportunities through a promotional campaign and other means.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
This resolution designates March 2020 as National Women's History Month. The resolution also recognizes the celebration of such month as a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act This bill provides for the procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies needed to combat COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill sets forth responsibilities for the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including that the NRCC must (1) direct the national production and distribution of critical medical equipment and supplies; (2) communicate with states, local governments, and Native American tribes regarding the availability and delivery schedule of equipment and supplies; and (3) make specified information publicly available. The Department of Defense may detail members of the armed forces on active duty or civilian employees to support the NRCC. The President, using authorities provided under the Defense Production Act of 1950, must establish a fair and reasonable price for and procure needed equipment and supplies. The Government Accountability Office must annually submit a report to Congress assessing the Strategic National Stockpile. The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall designate an inspector general to oversee this bill's implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to continue to update, on an annual basis, and make available to the public an environmental justice mapping and screening tool, such as EJScreen.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
Health Heroes 2020 Act This bill appropriates funds for, and makes other changes to, scholarship and loan repayment programs for health care providers who agree to a period of obligated service in a health professional shortage area. Specifically, the bill provides funds through FY2026 for the National Health Service Corps and otherwise modifies the program, including by (1) authorizing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), subject to certain limitations, to reassign corps members to alternative sites during a declared public health emergency; and (2) establishing a demonstration project that allows corps members to fulfill their service obligations through a period of reserve status, during which HHS may deploy them to respond to a declared emergency. The bill also provides FY2020 funds for the Nurse Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs. These funds are designated as an emergency requirement, which exempts the funds from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
This bill provides funds for assistance to homeowners to prevent mortgage defaults, foreclosures, and displacements of individuals and families experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. The Department of the Treasury must disburse the funds to state housing finance agencies and Indian tribes for the provision of such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week. It also recognizes the contributions of nurses to the U.S. health care system.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020 This bill amends the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to provide that tax deductions for ordinary business expenses and other tax incidents shall not be affected by the exclusion from gross income of amounts related to loan forgiveness received in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Relief for America's Small Farmers Act This bill provides loan forgiveness of up to $250,000 for certain borrowers who are actively engaged in farming, have an average annual adjusted gross income of $300,000 or less over the previous five years, and have certain Department of Agriculture farm loans. The loan forgiveness is subject to the condition that the applicable borrower must continue to be actively engaged in farming for at least two years after receiving such forgiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Resources for Workforce Investments, Not Drilling Act or the ReWIND Act This bill limits the financial assistance that fossil fuel companies may receive from programs that provide relief to businesses affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, the Department of Interior's authority with respect to fossil fuels, the types and amount of oil that may be placed in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), and the issuance or modification of rules until the COVID-19 national emergency terminates. Specifically, it prohibits fossil fuel businesses from receiving financial assistance, loans, and loan guarantees under specified provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act. Further, certain financial institutions (e.g., banks) that receive funding under the CARES Act may not operate or invest in such businesses for two years. In addition, Interior may not (1) conduct lease sales for oil or natural gas; (2) issue leases for oil, natural gas, or coal; (3) modify regulations related to fossil fuel; or (4) reduce or eliminate royalty rates for fossil fuel leases on federal lands and in federal waters. The bill decreases the storage cap on the SPR and declares that privately-owned oil may not be stored in the SPR. Finally, the bill suspends the issuance of new rules until the national emergency terminates unless the rules are specifically required to respond to, or recover from, COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020
Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act This bill addresses immigration issues related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and otherwise makes changes to certain COVID-19 response activities, benefits, and programs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must temporarily limit in-person immigration proceedings, and, during the COVID-19 emergency, DHS, DOJ, and the Department of State shall not take certain adverse immigration actions. In addition, an individual's use of certain assistance related to COVID-19 may not be considered in current or future immigration determinations concerning that individual. The bill includes pandemics within the scope of specified disaster and emergency laws and modifies nutrition and other benefits during such emergencies. For example, states may receive Medicaid payments for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment for certain unlawful aliens, and individuals who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may receive cash assistance related to the COVID-19 response. In addition, individuals may not be excluded from participating in COVID-19 response programs due to actual or perceived immigration status. To ensure the availability of information related to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must (1) establish programs for eligible community-based organizations to develop preparedness materials that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and (2) translate materials and operate telephone hotlines in specified languages. Agencies that receive funding under a law enacted in response to COVID-19 must also provide information about programs and opportunities in such languages.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
This bill directs certain actions to procure equipment necessary to prevent, identify, and mitigate cases of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The National Response Coordination Center of the Federal Emergency Management Agency must, within seven days, submit a report to Congress and the President that (1) assesses the need for equipment, including personal protective equipment and ventilators, across the United States; and (2) identifies the industry sectors and manufacturers capable of fulfilling purchase orders for such equipment, as well as government-owned and privately owned stockpiles of such equipment that could be refurbished. Within 24 hours, the President must issue a purchase order with the highest priority rating under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) for a specified number of N-95 respirators and face masks. (DPAS is used to prioritize national defense-related contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders.) Within seven days of receiving the center's report, the President must also issue priority purchase orders for the equipment identified in the report under authorities provided by the Defense Production Act of 1950. (That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods for the national defense.) The bill waives certain requirements under the act related to congressional notification and authorization and makes specified funds available for these efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Keeping Critical Connections Act of 2020 This bill provides funds with which the Federal Communications Commission shall reimburse small business broadband providers for costs incurred during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period to voluntarily (1) provide free or discounted service to students in need of distance learning capacity, or (2) refrain from disconnecting low-income households that cannot afford to make a full payment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2020
Small Business and Consumer Debt Collection Emergency Relief Act of 2020 This bill places restrictions on the collection of consumer and small business debts during a major disaster or emergency, including during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Among other things, debt collectors may not during such a period enforce a security interest through a repossession or foreclosure, commence or continue litigation to collect a debt, terminate utility service, seize assets, commence or continue an eviction, or charge fees or apply a higher interest rate as a result of nonpayment. After such a period, debt collectors must provide certain repayment options including extending the repayment period for debts. Violations of these provisions are subject to civil enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2020
This bill requires the Farm Service Agency to provide payments to producers that sold feeder cattle or live cattle during any month in calendar year 2020 to offset losses due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, payments must be provided (1) in the case of feeder cattle, if the average national sale price per hundredweight for feeder cattle for that month is less than $150; and (2) in the case of live cattle, if the average national sale price per hundredweight for live cattle for that month is less than $121. A producer may receive payments for not more than 10,000 head of cattle in calendar year 2020. Additionally, a producer must have owned the feeder cattle or live cattle for not less than 30 days before the date on which the cattle were sold.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act of 2020 This bill expands support programs for older adults and individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, the bill provides supplemental appropriations for (1) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for quality improvement and laboratory certification activities; (2) the Administration on Community Living to expand nutrition and other programs for older adults; and (3) the Department of Agriculture to provide food packages to low-income, elderly individuals. The funds are designated as an emergency requirement and are therefore exempt from discretionary funding limits and other budget enforcement rules. In addition, the bill (1) temporarily requires state Medicaid programs to provide Medicare cost-sharing assistance to certain individuals who qualify for, or are enrolled in, the low-income subsidy program under the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and (2) authorizes a grant program to support Medicaid home- and community-based services during the public health emergency. The bill also allows states to transfer funds, in greater amounts and without prior approval, between congregate and home-delivered nutrition programs, The Department of Health and Human Services must prioritize home-delivered nutrition services for individuals who are unable to obtain nutrition as a result of the emergency, such as those under quarantine, just as it prioritizes delivery to individuals who are homebound by illness.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Tax Filing Relief for America Act This bill extends the filing deadline for tax returns and the payment of tax to July 15, 2020, for taxable year 2019.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2020
Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020 This bill revises and establishes voting procedures for federal elections. Specifically, the bill requires each state and jurisdiction to, within 30 days, establish and publish a contingency plan to enable voters to vote in federal elections during an emergency. Such plan must (1) include initiatives related to the safety and recruitment of poll workers, and (2) permit registered voters to submit online requests for absentee ballots and vote by mail or by drop-off location. Additionally, for all federal elections, a state must ensure that voters have 20 days to vote through early in-person voting or by mail; begin processing ballots cast during early voting or by mail at least 14 days before the date of the election; provide self-sealing return envelopes with prepaid postage for voter registration applications, absentee-ballot applications, and blank absentee ballots; allow voters to cure certain signature discrepancies; accept voter registration applications at least 21 days before the date of the election; and provide certain accommodations to voters residing on Indian lands. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must create a uniform domestic downloadable and printable absentee ballot for use in federal elections. Until the EAC creates such a ballot, states must permit certain voters to use those ballots provided to overseas and military voters. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must create an update service to inform voters of their voter registration applications, absentee-ballot applications, and absentee ballots. States must be reimbursed for implementing the provisions of the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Affordable Housing Opportunities Made Equitable Act or the Affordable HOME Act This bill addresses housing affordability and availability as well as housing for low-income and homeless individuals. Among other things, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide grants for down payment assistance to qualifying home purchasers. Further, the bill establishes a tax credit for homeowners equal to 15% of annual mortgage interest paid or accrued on a mortgage for a primary residence. In addition, HUD must establish programs for constructing and preserving certain low-income multifamily rental housing projects in rural areas. HUD must also provide grants to entities to acquire and preserve manufactured housing communities. Further, the bill provides additional FY2020 appropriations for the Housing Trust Fund, which provides assistance to states to produce and preserve affordable housing. Additionally, the bill specifies the number of low-income housing choice vouchers HUD must provide in FY2021-FY2030. Further, the bill provides FY2021-FY2030 appropriations for HUD to assist permanent supportive housing. The bill also provides for various protections for renters, including by (1) prohibiting landlords from evicting tenants, with certain exceptions; (2) prohibiting housing discrimination against individuals based on source of income; and (3) requiring certain landlords to give the tenant of a rental property an opportunity to purchase that property before selling or transferring the property.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Correct the Census Count Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce, beginning with the 2030 decennial census, to attribute an individual incarcerated in a correctional center to such individual's last place of residence before incarceration.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from suspending, waiving, or reducing rents or royalties that the government receives for the production of certain mineral resources (e.g., fossil fuel) on leased public land, including royalties or net profit shares received from oil and gas exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act This bill imposes various restrictions related to China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region, including by prohibiting certain imports from Xinjiang and imposing sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations there. Goods manufactured or produced in Xinjiang or by entities working under certain Xinjiang government programs shall not be entitled to entry into the United States unless Customs and Border Protection (1) determines that the goods were not manufactured by convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor under penal sanctions; and (2) reports such a determination to Congress and to the public. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign entities and individuals knowingly facilitating (1) the forced labor of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang; and (2) the importation of forced labor goods from Xinjiang. The President shall impose property-blocking sanctions on the listed individuals and entities and impose visa-blocking sanctions on the listed individuals. Securities issuers required to file annual or quarterly reports with the Securities Exchange Commission shall disclose in such reports certain information related to Xinjiang, including instances where the issuer knowingly (1) engaged in activities with an entity helping to create mass surveillance systems in Xinjiang, (2) engaged in activities with an entity running or building detention facilities for Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang, or (3) acquired a significant amount of textiles produced in Xinjiang. After being notified of such a disclosure, the President shall determine whether to investigate if sanctions or criminal charges are warranted.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Providing Financial Assistance to States for Testing and Treatment Act of 2020 or the PFAS Testing and Treatment Act of 2020 This bill expands the allowed use of existing grants for certain water systems to address emerging contaminants, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. Specifically, these grants may be used for activities such as investing in compliance for public water systems and underground sources of drinking water, and to provide household water quality testing. The bill also establishes additional grants for states to address groundwater contamination by certain perfluoroalkyl substances.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Free COVID–19 Testing Act This bill requires specified public health care programs and private health insurance to cover testing for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) without imposing cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments) for the duration of the public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020. This coverage includes the cost of administering such approved tests and related visits to health care providers. Specifically, these requirements apply to COVID-19 testing and office visits for individuals covered through (1) Medicare, (2) Medicare Advantage, (3) Medicaid, (4) the Children's Health Insurance Program, (5) the Department of Defense (i.e., TRICARE), (6) the Department of Veterans Affairs, (7) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, or (8) the Indian Health Service. Additionally, state Medicaid programs may cover COVID-19 testing and related visits for uninsured individuals during the emergency, and the Department of Health and Human Services must reimburse laboratories for the cost of such tests.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act This bill establishes and provides funds for grant programs to respond to safety and health risks presented by qualifying emergencies, including COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and (2) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to agencies that administer Child Care Development block grants and Head Start agencies. ED grant recipients must award subgrants to BIE schools, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education (IHEs). HHS grant recipients must award subgrants to early care and education programs. Subgrants under each grant program must be used for certain activities, such as coordinating preparedness and response efforts with public health departments; purchasing supplies to sanitize and clean facilities to minimize the spread of infectious diseases; and providing mental health services and supports to children, students, and staff. Additionally, ED must award grants to IHEs for creating and expanding emergency financial-aid grant programs that address the unexpected expenses related to basic needs (e.g., housing, food, and certain one-time costs) of enrolled students during a qualifying emergency. IHEs must use grant funds to make emergency financial-aid grants to eligible students. HHS must also award supplemental grants for certain organizations to address emergency-related child traumatic stress. ED may waive certain financial-aid requirements for students affected by qualifying emergencies. Such requirements include those related to subsidized usage limits, leaves of absence, and satisfactory progress. The bill also authorizes ED to permit foreign IHEs to offer distance education during an emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2020 This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Act of 20 20 This bill requires executive agencies to represent compliance with specified labor and other laws in the solicitation of contracts and subcontracts for property and services in excess of $500,000. Each executive agency entering into such a contract or subcontract must provide employees with information concerning hours worked and overtime and additions to or subtractions from pay. Further, each executive agency must designate a senior official to act as the agency's Labor Compliance Advisor. Additionally, the Department of Defense, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must reissue the final rule titled Federal Acquisition Regulation; Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces dated August 25, 2016. The GSA also must establish a website for federal contractors to use for all federal contract reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2020
Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other agencies to address maternal health outcomes among minority populations. HHS must (1) establish task forces to address social determinants of health, maternal mental and behavioral health, and other topics; and (2) award grants for maternal mortality review committees, innovative maternity care models, and other purposes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must establish a perinatal payment demonstration project. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation must report on the impact of housing and transportation during prenatal and postpartum periods, respectively. The Department of Veterans Affairs must submit a plan for maternity care coordination for women veterans, and the Bureau of Prisons must establish programs and award grants to certain prisons and jails to improve maternal health outcomes among incarcerated individuals. The Government Accountability Office must report on the perinatal health workforce, maternity care compliance offices, and maternal health outcomes among veterans and incarcerated individuals. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine must report on specified topics, including training programs to reduce bias, racism, and discrimination. The Medicaid and CHIP Payment Access Commission must report on the impact of Medicaid ineligibility on pregnant and postpartum individuals who are incarcerated. The bill also (1) expands eligibility for certain nutrition programs by increasing the postpartum and breastfeeding periods, and (2) reduces certain funding to states without laws restricting the use of restraints on pregnant women who are incarcerated.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
Great American Outdoors Act This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies. Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
This resolution ensures continued U.S. support for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the 30th anniversary of their independence. The resolution also reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
This resolution expresses support for International Women's Day and recognition that women's empowerment is inextricably linked to generating economic growth and self-reliance, sustainable peace and democracy, and inclusive security. The resolution also reaffirms the Senate's commitment to end discrimination and violence against women and to pursue policies that guarantee fundamental human rights for women worldwide.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act This bill prohibits all pre-dispute arbitration agreements and pre-dispute joint-action waivers with respect to consumer and civil rights disputes between the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and its customers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Inspiring New STEM Professionals by Investing in Renovation of Education Spaces Act or the INSPIRES Act This bill directs the Department of Education to establish grant programs (1) for the modernization, renovation, or repair of career- and technical-education facilities; and (2) to enable secondary schools that are located in rural areas or that serve Native American students to improve facilities that provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and to support high-speed internet in STEM facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020
Immigrants' Mental Health Act of 2020 This bill directs Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to take steps to address mental health issues among immigrants and CBP agents and officers. It also restricts the sharing of mental health information for use in certain immigration proceedings. CBP shall develop training to enable its agents and officers to (1) identify mental health issues and risk factors in immigrants and refugees, (2) provide crisis intervention using a trauma-informed approach, and (3) better manage work-related stress and psychological pressures. CBP shall assign at least one qualified mental or behavioral health expert to each Border Patrol station, port of entry, checkpoint, forward operating base, secondary inspection area, and short-term custody facility. The Department of Health and Human Services may not provide to the Department of Homeland Security information about the mental health of an alien that was obtained by a mental health professional while the alien was in federal government custody if the information will be used for (1) an asylum determination, (2) an immigration hearing, or (3) a deportation hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2020
Connecting America's Active Transportation System Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to carry out an active transportation infrastructure investment program to provide competitive grants for states, Indian tribes, multi-county special districts, and local or regional government organizations to construct certain projects to provide safe and connected active transportation facilities, including for sidewalks, bikeways, and trails that connect between destinations within a community or between communities, metropolitan regions, or states. DOT must select grant recipients within 150 days after funds become available under this bill. The bill sets forth various limitations on the use of funds, including that DOT must obligate at least 30% of funds to certain projects, including projects that connect people with public transportation, businesses, workplaces, schools, residences, recreation areas, and other community activity centers; set aside at least $3 million to provide planning grants for eligible organizations to develop plans for active transportation networks and active transportation spines; and set aside at least $2 million to cover the costs of administration, research, technical assistance, communications, and training activities under the program. The federal share of grants must not exceed 80% of the total project cost.
![Official portrait of Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001176_200.jpg)