United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2018
Electric Credit Access Ready at Sale Act of 2018 or the Electric CARS Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify and extend several tax credits related to electric cars. The bill extends the tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles through 2028. In addition, the bill modifies the credit to: remove the limitation on the number of vehicles per manufacturer that are eligible for the credit, allow a taxpayer to assign the credit to a financing entity, and allow an unused credit to be carried forward for five years. The bill also extends through 2028 the tax credits for: (1) alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, and (2) alternative motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018
Women's Pension Protection Act of 201 8 This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to: (1) extend spousal consent requirements that currently apply to defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution pension plans, and (2) allow certain long-term part-time workers to participate in pension plans that include either a qualified cash or deferred arrangement or a salary reduction agreement. Financial product or service providers who sell retirement financial products or services must provide purchasers of their products or services an easily accessible link to the website of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to obtain information relating to retirement planning or later life economic security. The Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor shall award grants to certain community-based organizations to: (1) improve the financial literacy of women who are working age or in retirement, and (2) assist low-income women and victims of domestic violence in obtaining qualified domestic relations orders and the benefits they are entitled to through the orders.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018
Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2018 This bill removes drug conviction questions form the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and encourages institutions of higher education to remove criminal and juvenile justice questions from their admission applications.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2018
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to state educational agencies to support school-based, mental-health-services providers at public elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018
Retirement Investments for a Sustainable Economy Act of 2018 or the RISE Act of 2018 This bill establishes a new fund—the Climate Choice Stock Index Fund—as an investment option under the Thrift Savings Plan. The Climate Choice Stock Index Fund must be invested in a portfolio that is designed to replicate the performance of a commonly recognized index comprised of common stock and to ensure that no investment in the portfolio is an investment in a fossil fuel entity.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018
Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a Docs-to-Doctors Program to recruit individuals separating from the Armed Forces who served in a health care capacity in the Armed Forces. The VA shall also implement a uniform credentialing process for certain health care employees of the Veterans Health Administration and advanced practice registered nurses.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018
Supports renaming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, after Senator John McCain in recognition of his long support for NATO.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2018
Affordable Medications Act This bill alters various provisions relating to prescription-drug pricing and affordability, including drug manufacturer reporting requirements, Medicare price negotiation, and drug exclusivity periods.
United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2018
This joint resolution nullifies a rule by the Department of Treasury, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans. Short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans are plans that may only offer coverage for a limited amount of time under law and that are exempt from the market requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (e.g., coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions). The rule increases the maximum authorized duration of such plans from less than 3 months (including renewals) to an initial maximum duration of less than 12 months (with a total duration of up to 36 months, including renewals). The rule takes effect October 2, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 28 August 2018
Fly Smart Act This bill establishes standards relating to airline travel by federal employees for official business, with a general ban on military aircraft for domestic travel, and with exceptions to such airline travel, such as to accommodate a disability or a special need that has been certified.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 2018
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Sidney McCain, III, a Senator from Arizona. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 27, 2018, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 2018
Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act This bill makes a postsecondary program designed to prepare students for a recognized occupation or profession requiring licensing or other entry pre-conditions ineligible to participate in a federal financial assistance program, unless it meets specified student consumer protection requirements within one year. Each program must: (1) fully prepare students to satisfy those entry pre-conditions in the metropolitan statistical areas and states in which the students reside and in any state the program claims a successful program graduate will be prepared to work in the particular occupation or profession involved; and (2) provide timely placement of students in required pre-licensure positions, such as clinical placements, internships, or apprenticeships.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2018
Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to submit to Congress: (1) a 10-year Global Initiative to Reduce Fragility and Violence aimed at reducing and addressing the causes of violence, instability, and fragility in at least six priority countries; and (2) a related implementing strategy. Funds made available in any Act making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for priority countries may be used to support this initiative and individual priority country plans. The Government Accountability Office shall review U.S. assistance activities in each priority country.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2018
Maternal Care Access and Reducing Emergencies Act or the Maternal CARE Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to health professional training programs for training that addresses implicit bias (e.g., racial bias) in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration must award grants to up to 10 states for pregnancy medical home programs that reduce adverse maternal health outcomes and racial disparities. Among other requirements, such programs must prioritize the care of Medicaid enrollees. The National Academy of Medicine must make recommendations for incorporating bias recognition in clinical skills tests at medical schools.
United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2018
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should support Canada by calling upon Saudi Arabia to release Samar Badawi, Nassima al-Sada, Raif Badawi, Waleed Abu al-Khair, and other detained human rights activists, journalists, and religious minorities; and (2) the arrest of women's rights activists is contrary to Saudi Arabia's stated goals. Requests that the Department of State submits to Congress a statement regarding human rights and fundamental freedom in Saudi Arabia.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2018
Aretha Franklin Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill instructs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Aretha Franklin in recognition of her outstanding artistic and historical significance to the culture of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 2018
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Paul Laxalt, former Member of the Senate. Extends deepest condolences and gratitude to his family. Honors Paul Laxalt's legacy, life, service to the Senate, and commitment to the people of Nevada and the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 16, 2018, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Paul Laxalt.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 2018
Simplifying Financial Aid for Students Act of 2018 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to simplify the financial aid application process for students and make unlawful aliens eligible for higher education benefits under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 2018
Medical Debt Relief Act of 2018 This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to modify requirements related to the reporting of medical debt. Specifically, a consumer reporting agency may not add certain medical debt information to a consumer credit report. Also, a debt collector may not report certain medical debt information to a consumer reporting agency within a specified time period and must notify the consumer prior to reporting such medical debt.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 2018
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) condemns all forms of violence against children globally, (2) recognizes the impact of violence upon the healthy development of children, and (3) should develop a strategy for ending such violence.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018
Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of: one Congressional Gold Medal to Katherine Johnson, in recognition of her service to the United States as a mathematician; one Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Christine Darden, for her service to the United States as an aeronautical engineer; and two Congressional Gold Medals in commemoration of the lives of Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, in recognition of their service to the United States during the Space Race.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018
Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2018 This bill bars the Department of Agriculture from allowing the construction of roads, reconstruction of roads, or logging in an inventoried roadless area where those activities are prohibited by the Roadless Rule.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018
Medicare and Medicaid Protection Act of 2018 This bill prohibits the Senate from considering any budget reconciliation bill or resolution that would affect the Medicare or Medicaid programs in one of several specified ways (e.g., by increasing the Medicare eligibility age or converting Medicaid into a block grant program).
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018
Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act or the SAFE Kids Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the use of flavored products in an electronic nicotine delivery system (e.g., e-cigarettes, e-hookah, e-cigars, vape pens, advanced refillable personal vaporizers, and electronic pipes), except for in specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018
Designates the first week of August 2018 as World Breastfeeding Week and designates August 2018 as National Breastfeeding Month. Expresses support for policies and funding to ensure that all mothers who choose to breastfeed can access a full range of support.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018
Expresses support for the existing One National Program with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and oil usage, protecting national security, and protecting human health and welfare. Expresses support for politics that will: (1) achieve maximum feasible oil-use reductions and reduce GHG emissions from mobile sources; (2) recognize the rights and importance of states to set and follow stronger vehicle emissions standards under the Clean Air Act; and (3) ensure that the Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency solicit input from states impacted by changes to existing standards for emissions and fuel economy.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2018
Predation Reduction of Salmon Act This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue permits allowing Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to kill sea lions in a portion of the Columbia River and certain tributaries in order to protect specified fish from sea lion predation. Specifically, the permits may be issued to protect: (1) endangered or threatened species of salmon, steelhead, or eulachon; and (2) species of lamprey or sturgeon that are listed as a species of concern. Those states may enter into memoranda of understanding with Indian tribes with legal or historic interests in the protection of the species in such area for deterrence and removal of sea lions. Permits may be issued to kill sea lions only if the sea lions are part of a population that is not categorized as depleted or strategic. The cumulative annual taking of sea lions each year under all such permits is limited to 10% of the annual potential biological removal level. In addition, the takings must be humane. NOAA must suspend the issuance of the permits if, after five years, lethal removal authority is no longer necessary to protect fish from sea lion predation. The Department of the Interior must study the effectiveness of the permits on the recovery of salmon and steelhead stocks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2018
Census Equality Act This bill requires the Bureau of the Census to collect data concerning sexual orientation and gender identity as part of the decennial census and the American Community Survey.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2018
Ensuring Scott Pruitt is Accountable Act of 2018 or the EPA Act of 2018 This bill prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing or implementing a rule signed by former Administrator Scott Pruitt until the EPA publishes a report on certain investigations of Scott Pruitt.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2018
Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to state library administrative agencies to enable them to award subgrants to eligible local educational agencies for summer early reading programs held at schools with a summer lunch site.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2018
3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2018 This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful to intentionally publish digital instructions for programming a three-dimensional printer to make a firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018
Recognizes the 29th anniversary of the Tribal Canoe Journey. Acknowledges that the Tribal Canoe Journey is a vital part of the fabric and culture of the Tribal Nations of the Pacific Northwest. Congratulates the Puyallup Tribe of Indians for hosting the 2018 Power Paddle to Puyallup.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018
Spotlight Act This bill repeals an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revenue procedure (Rev. Proc. 2018-38) that exempts certain tax-exempt organizations that are not 501(c)(3) organizations from the requirement to report the names and addresses of substantial contributors (persons who contribute more than $5,000 per year) on information returns that are filed with the IRS. The bill requires tax-exempt organizations that fall under sections 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), and 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code (e.g., social welfare organizations, labor organizations, business leagues) to disclose the names and addresses of all substantial contributors on their returns. The information must also be made available to the public. The bill also eliminates the authority of the IRS to provide exceptions to the disclosure requirements for tax-exempt organizations. This provision does not apply to determinations made by the IRS before July 16, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2018
Expresses the sense of the Senate that President Trump should: (1) not meet with President Putin or any Russian official without another senior U.S. official present; and (2) report to Congress on the substance of the President's meeting with President Putin, including any agreements or commitments made on behalf of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2018
Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018 This bill modifies U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs to provide targeted assistance for women. USAID strategies and projects shall be shaped by analysis to address gender differences, including how results may be different for men and women due to issues such as gender roles and structural barriers. The President is authorized to provide programs in developing countries for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, particularly those owned, managed, and controlled by women. Previously, authorization for such programs was largely limited to microenterprises. The President is also authorized to provide targeted assistance programs that promote economic empowerment of women, including through increased access to financial resources, improving property and inheritance rights, and other legal protections. For sustainable poverty-focused programs, half of resources targeting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises shall be for activities that reach the very poor. Half of resources for programs for small and medium-sized enterprises shall be for activities targeting enterprises owned, managed, or controlled by women. The bill directs USAID to modify its system for monitoring its programs to include outcomes broken down by gender, when feasible. The President is authorized to expand the micro and small business development credit program to provide such assistance to medium-sized businesses as well. The bill also directs USAID to break down various information in its annual report by gender and income level. USAID shall also report to Congress on the implementation of this bill. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress an assessment of the effect of development assistance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries, and the extent to which such aid benefits women and the very poor.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2018
Rent Relief Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for individuals who pay rent for a principal residence that exceeds 30% of the individual's gross income for the taxable year. The amount of the credit ranges from 25% to 100% of the excess rent, depending on the gross income of the taxpayer. The credit is not available for taxpayers with gross income that exceeds $100,000 ($125,000 for a taxpayer whose principal residence is located in a high-cost area, as defined by the bill). Rent that exceeds 150% of the fair market rent (including the utility allowance) for the residence may not be taken into account for the purpose of determining the amount of the credit. For individuals who reside in government-subsidized housing, the bill allows a credit equal to 1/12 of the rent paid by the taxpayer (and not subsidized under the program) during the year with respect to the residence.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2018
American Savings Act This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new retirement option for all employees and self-employed individuals to be known as the American Savings Account Fund. This fund operates in a manner similar to the Thrift Savings Fund, which is available to federal employees. The bill establishes an American Savings Account Board of Directors to establish policies for fund investment and management. The board shall select or establish a list of investment funds and options similar to those in the Thrift Savings Fund, among which participants may choose. The board shall establish an American Savings Account Fund Advisory Council to advise the board on matters relating to investment policies. The American Savings Account Fund is tax-exempt and contributions to, or distributions from, it are excludible from gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2018
Honors the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Encourages the Administration of President Donald Trump to foster the enduring relationship between the people and governments of South Africa and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2018
Reunite Every Unaccompanied Newborn Infant, Toddler and other children Expeditiously Act or the REUNITE Act This bill directs the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Health and Human Services (HHS), after consultation with humanitarian organizations, child welfare agencies, and states bordering Mexico, to promulgate and publish a rule describing efforts that DHS and HHS will undertake to aid apprehended parents or legal guardians in locating and reuniting with any children (under age 18 with no permanent immigration status) separated from them at or near the port of entry, or within 100 miles of the border. DHS, HHS, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must provide apprehended parents or legal guardians separated from their children with written notice, in a language understandable to them, of any rules or guidance that may assist them in locating and reuniting with their children. The bill permits DHS and HHS to use DNA testing to determine family relationships subject to certain requirements, after using other commonly-used techniques for determining such relationships. DHS must establish secure alternative programs that incorporate case management services in each DHS field office to ensure appearances by alien parents and children at immigration proceedings and public safety and to provide for community-based alternatives to detention. DHS, DOJ, and HHS shall establish an interagency Office for Locating and Reuniting Children with Parents for facilitating the reunification of children and apprehended parents or legal guardians after entering the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2018
Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from detaining a woman during pregnancy or postpartum recovery and must immediately release any detainee found to be pregnant, unless such woman presents an immediate and serious threat of hurting herself or others A DHS detention facility may not use a restraint on a detainee who is known to be pregnant, including during labor, transport to a medical facility or birthing center, and delivery, or during postpartum recovery, except for medical or safety purposes. The bill prohibits DHS detention officers from being present during a pelvic exam of a detainee, labor, delivery, or treatment relating to a pregnancy, unless specifically requested by medical personnel. If a detention officer is requested by medical personnel, such officer shall be female, if practicable, and remain at a reasonable distance from the detainee. The bill requires that a pregnant detainee shall have access to health care services, including comprehensive services relating to reproductive health care and pregnancy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2018
Commemorates the lives, careers, and service of the five victims of the Capital Gazette shooting in Annapolis, Maryland. Honors the survivors of the attack and the families of the victims and pledges continued support for their recovery. Thanks law enforcement officers and other emergency first responders for their heroic actions. Reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to defending the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2018
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: climate change is real and human activity is the main driver of it; it is in the public interest that broadcast meteorologists knowledgeably communicate scientifically-based climate information; and fossil fuel companies, public-relations firms, and foundations should cease their misinformation campaigns concerning the dangers of climate change.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2018
Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2018 This bill caps the monthly prescription-drug cost-sharing permitted under qualified health plans and group health plans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2018
Contaminant and Lead Electronic Accounting and Reporting Requirements (CLEARR) for Drinking Water Act of 2018 This bill assists communities in complying with and reporting on drinking water requirements, including to reauthorize through FY2023 a grant program for assisting the public water systems of small or disadvantaged communities comply with drinking water requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2018
Income-Based Repayment Debt Forgiveness Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual any income that is attributable to the discharge of a federal student loan pursuant to a federal program or law that provides for income contingent or income-based repayment of the loan.
![Official portrait of Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001176_200.jpg)