United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2022
Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act or the PROVE Act This bill requires each state to implement a preregistration process under which individuals age 16 or older may apply to register to vote in federal elections. Further, states must ensure that eligible preregistered individuals are registered to vote in federal elections held on or after the date the individual turns age 18. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to increase the involvement of individuals under age 18 in public election activities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2022
This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, who was the first woman to serve as Secretary of State of the United States. The resolution also commends to future generations Albright's example as a patriot and public servant in the pursuit of a more peaceful, prosperous, and cooperative world order. Finally, the resolution extends its condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Madeleine Albright.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2022
Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Education to (1) award grants to Hispanic-serving institutions of higher education (IHEs) to improve and expand innovative collaboration agreements between local educational agencies and IHEs to better serve Hispanic and Latino students, (2) provide technical assistance to such IHEs, and (3) contract with a third party to conduct an independent evaluation of grant activities. Such grants must be used for specific activities, such as improving school-based and institutional practices to prepare students for postsecondary education and addressing nonacademic needs of students that are barriers to college enrollment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2022
Energy Security and Independence Act of 2022 This bill addresses domestic industrial base and manufacturing capabilities for specified energy-efficiency and renewable energy systems and technologies (e.g., electric transportation systems), including by establishing a program to provide financial assistance for the construction of new facilities that manufacture components of specified energy-efficiency and renewable energy systems and technologies (or to retool, retrofit, or expand such facilities).
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2022
This resolution designates April 16 through April 24, 2022, as National Park Week. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the treasured national parks of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2022
Educators Expense Deduction Modernization Act of 2022 This bill increases the tax deduction for the expenses of eligible educators from $250 to $1,000, An eligible educator is, with respect to any taxable year, an individual who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2022
Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education for Autumn Act of 2022 or the SHINE for Autumn Act of 2022 This bill authorizes grants and establishes other programs to improve data collection on stillbirths. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants for surveillance and data collection on stillbirths, and HHS must issue guidelines for health departments and vital statistics units concerning the collection of stillbirth data. HHS must also develop educational awareness materials about stillbirths and make them publicly available. Furthermore, HHS must implement a fellowship program to provide training in perinatal autopsy pathology and otherwise support research on stillbirths and fetal autopsies. The bill also requires HHS to issue a report with educational guidelines on stillbirths and stillbirth risk factors.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2022
Support Kids Not Red Tape Act of 2022 This bill extends and modifies the authority of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive certain requirements related to the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. Current law authorizes USDA to waive certain requirements, such as those related to nutritional content and congregate feeding, for the purpose of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this bill, USDA shall have authority through FY2023 to grant such a waiver, with no waiver having effect past FY2023. Currently, USDA's authority to grant a waiver expires on June 30, 2022, with no waiver having effect past the 2021-2022 school year. If a state elects to receive a waiver that modifies the operation of a school breakfast or lunch program for the 2022-2023 school year, the state must provide a transition plan to USDA. USDA must provide technical assistance to help school food authorities and states meet nutritional standards and resume regular meal program operations for the 2023-2024 school year. While a waiver is in effect during the 2022-2023 school year, the state subject to the waiver must provide technical assistance in lieu of fiscal action for meal pattern violations due to supply chain disruptions. The bill also appropriates funds as necessary to carry out this bill's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2022
This concurrent resolution supports the goals and ideals of the International Transgender Day of Visibility. It celebrates the accomplishments and leadership of transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and gender-diverse people.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2022
READ Act Reathorization [ sic ] Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes a law that requires the implementation of a strategy to promote quality basic education in partner countries by (1) expanding access to basic education for all children, particularly marginalized children and vulnerable groups; and (2) improving the quality of basic education and learning outcomes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2022
Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements in Public Health Act or the Improving DATA in Public Health Act This bill addresses the collection and reporting of public health data with a particular focus on electronic health information. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must designate data and technology standards for public health data systems no later than two years after enactment of this act. These standards must, among other requirements, align with standards designated by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). In addition, the ONC must study matters concerning the use of standards for certain laboratory information. Further, the CDC may require, subject to some limits, additional reporting of public health and health care data by health care providers, health departments, and other entities for public health surveillance. Additionally, the bill addresses agreements regarding access to, exchange of, and use of public health data, including for public health preparedness and response activities. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must develop or update interagency agreements while the CDC and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response may develop and update agreements with health departments and other nonfederal entities. The bill also requires HHS to award grants and other support for developing and disseminating best practices to collect electronic health information. Entities eligible for the awards include state, tribal, and local governments; health care providers; and nonprofits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2022
This resolution designates March 2022 as Irish-American Heritage Month. The resolution also recognizes the significant contributions of Irish Americans in the history and progress of the United States. Finally, the resolution supports the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) and subsequent agreements or arrangements for implementation of that agreement to support peace in Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2022
Supporting Children's Mental Health Care Access Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and makes changes to grants for states, localities, and Indian tribes to promote the integration of behavioral health in pediatric primary care through statewide or regional telehealth access programs. Specific changes include allowing grant recipients to use funds to support schools and emergency departments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2022
Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation Act of 2022 or the MAGNET Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and expands the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP), which provides grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish and operate magnet schools that are operated under a court-ordered or federally approved voluntary desegregation plan. The bill authorizes a new grant program under MSAP to award grants to LEAs and state educational agencies for increasing diversity in magnet schools.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2022
This resolution congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 201st anniversary of Greece's independence. The resolution also expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of the United States and Greece are committed.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2022
Closing Health Coverage Gaps for Public Servants Act This bill eliminates the ability for nonfederal governmental group health plans to opt out of certain coverage requirements, such as parity in providing benefits for mental health and substance use disorder benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2022
Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act This bill imposes an excise tax on the windfall profits of crude oil on taxpayers who extracted and imported more than 300,000 barrels (a barrel equals 42 U.S. gallons) of taxable crude oil (i.e., crude oil, crude oil condensates, and natural gasoline) in 2019, or who extracted and imported that amount in the current calendar quarter. The bill requires rebates of the tax collected to be paid to individual taxpayers. The bill establishes the Protect Consumers from Gas Hikes Fund to finance such rebates.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2022
Pension Risk Transfer Accountability Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Labor to (1) review the fiduciary standards that apply to the selection of an annuity provider for certain defined benefit pension plans, and (2) assess any risk to plan participants from such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2022
This resolution congratulates Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 30th anniversary of its declaration of independence. The resolution also encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue pursuing membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union and urges the European Union to increase its efforts, cooperation, and assistance to swiftly advance the accession process.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2022
Promoting Public Health Information Act This bill sets out programs and activities to support the communication and dissemination of evidence-based public health information, with a particular focus on communication during public health emergencies. Specifically, it temporarily establishes an advisory committee to report on and make recommendations about, for example, the role and impact of misinformation on responses to public health emergencies and strategies to improve communication during such emergencies. The committee terminates four years after the bill's enactment. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must support the development of initiatives that promote fact-based public health and medical information to the public and educate the public on identifying misinformation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2022
Affordable Insulin Now Act This bill limits cost-sharing for insulin under private health insurance and the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the bill caps cost-sharing under private health insurance for a month's supply of selected insulin products at $35 or 25% of a plan's negotiated price (after any price concessions), whichever is less, beginning in 2023. The bill caps cost-sharing under the Medicare prescription drug benefit for a month's supply of covered insulin products at (1) $35 between October 1, 2022, and January 1, 2024; and (2) $35 or 25% of a plan's negotiated price, whichever is less, beginning in 2024. The bill provides funds for FY2022 for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement the bill. Currently, the CMS is testing a voluntary model under the Medicare prescription drug benefit (the Part D Senior Savings Model) in which the copayment for a month's supply of insulin is capped at $35 through participating plans. The model is set to expire on December 31, 2025.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2022
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2022
Diaper Inclusion in Accounts for Parental Expense Reduction Act or the DIAPER Act This bill allows the cost of diapers as an allowable medical expense for purposes of health savings accounts (HSAs) and health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs).
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2022
This resolution supports the designation of February 2022 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2022
Schedules That Work Act This bill provides employees with the right to request changes to their work schedules related to the number of hours they are required to work or be on call, the location of the work, the amount of notification about work schedule assignments, and fluctuations in work hours. Employers must negotiate in good faith with employees who make such requests and comply with certain work schedule notice and split shift pay requirements for retail, food service, cleaning, hospitality, or warehouse employees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2022
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2022 This bill exempts certain aliens with advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field from direct limitations on the number of immigrant visas granted per year. Specifically, the alien must (1) have earned a master's level or higher degree in certain STEM fields while in the United States attending an accredited higher education institution, (2) be employed (or have a job offer) in a field related to the degree and earn at least the median wage for that occupation, and (3) meet certain labor certification requirements. The bill also allows an alien seeking a nonimmigrant F-1 (student) visa to obtain an advanced STEM degree to have dual intent. Specifically, such an alien may obtain the nonimmigrant visa or change nonimmigrant status even if the alien intends to seek lawful permanent resident status. (Generally, an alien may be denied a nonimmigrant visa if the alien actually intends to seek immigrant status, unless dual intent is allowed for that type of visa.)
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022
Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2027 programs and activities under the Violence Against Women Act that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The bill also authorizes new programs, makes changes to federal criminal laws, and establishes new protections to promote housing stability and economic security for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2022
First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022
African American History Act This bill authorizes the National Museum of African American History and Culture to carry out educational programs and related activities. Such activities include developing and making available accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to promote the understanding of African American history; and expanding the collection acquisition and collection access processes, including conservation and digitization. The museum may also develop and maintain on its website content designated for educators, students, and families to improve their awareness and understanding of African American history.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2022
Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act This bill authorizes through FY2027 specified provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for early childhood education. Specifically, the bill authorizes Part B, Section 619 (grants to states for preschool programs serving children with disabilities ages three to five) and Part C (grants to aid states in implementing early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families).
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2022
This resolution celebrates 100 years of continuous diplomatic relations between the United States and Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (the Baltic States). The resolution also commits to providing continued support for the Baltic States through economic and security cooperation, including through the Baltic Security Initiative.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2022
This resolution expresses gratitude for the personnel of the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Capitol Police for their bravery and service to the United States and reaffirms the dedication of the Senate to strengthening the rights of and support to those personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2022
Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2022 This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Constance Baker Motley in recognition of her contributions and service to the United States in advancing civil rights as an attorney, elected official, and judge.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2022
Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022 This bill authorizes security assistance for Ukraine, requires sanctions against Russia if it escalates hostilities in or against Ukraine, and addresses related issues. The bill (1) authorizes the Department of Defense to use various authorities to provide and expedite the delivery of defense articles to support Ukraine's armed forces, (2) allows the President to exercise drawdown authority to provide defense articles to Ukraine, and (3) authorizes the Department of State to provide International Military Education and Training assistance to Ukraine. The President must periodically determine whether Russia's government is significantly escalating hostilities in or against Ukraine and whether such an escalation has the aim or effect of undermining Ukraine's government or interfering with Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity. If the President determines that Russia's government has engaged in such escalation, the President must impose sanctions on (1) certain government officials, including Russia's president and prime minister; (2) certain Russian financial institutions; (3) entities involved in certain transactions involving Russian debt; (4) entities (and corporate officers of such entities) involved in constructing or operating Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline; and (5) certain entities involved in Russian resource extraction industries. The President may terminate such sanctions after certifying to Congress that Russia's government has taken certain actions, such as entering into an agreed settlement with Ukraine's legitimate democratic government. The bill also authorizes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach new audiences on Russia's periphery. The State Department must establish an initiative to deepen and foster ties with the Baltic states.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2022
Safe Equitable Campus Resources and Education Act of 2022 This bill requires the annual campus security report provided by institutions of higher education to current and prospective students and employees to address the needs of individuals with disabilities. Among other requirements, the report and its related materials must (1) be made available free of charge, in a timely manner, and in accessible formats to individuals with disabilities; (2) include current campus policies that ensure that their needs are included in emergency response and evacuation procedures; and (3) include an assurance that campus security personnel and others receive training about working with these individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2022
Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now Through Opening Opportunities to Leverage Science Act of 2022 or the GAIN TOOLS Act of 2022 This bill expands the definition of a qualified infectious disease product (QIDP) to include eligible biological products. Under current law, the first application (or supplement) for a specific product and indication to be designated a QIDP shall receive priority review for market approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Generally, a biological product designated as a QIDP is one that acts on bacteria or fungi and is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening infection. However, a biological product with a QIDP designation shall not receive the market exclusivity extension currently available to drugs that receive the designation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2022
This resolution supports the annual recognition of Interscholastic Athletic Administrators' Day on December 14, 2021. In addition, the resolution commends (1) athletic administrators for their commitment to secondary school student athletes, and (2) the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association for providing continuous learning and preparation to athletic administrators.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2022
Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act of 2022 This bill restricts the authority of the President with respect to presidential pardons, including by prohibiting the President from pardoning himself or herself and requiring the Department of Justice to conduct oversight and submit materials to Congress regarding certain pardons, such as those arising from an investigation in which the President is a target, subject, or witness.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Protecting Patients from Counterfeit Medical Devices Act This bill expands provisions in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act pertaining to counterfeit drugs to also cover counterfeit medical devices and addresses related issues. (Current law prohibits trafficking in counterfeit goods generally.) The bill prohibits certain actions, such as selling counterfeit devices or forging labels to make counterfeit medical devices. An individual or entity that makes or sells a counterfeit medical device shall be subject to fines, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Counterfeit medical devices, packaging and labeling for counterfeit medical devices, and items used for making counterfeit medical devices may be seized pursuant to a federal court proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2021 This bill establishes programs, grants, and other activities to address substance use disorders. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a program for purchasing and distributing opioid overdose reversal drugs for states and Indian tribes. HHS must also award grants for and otherwise support addressing substance use, particularly in states, tribes, territories, and localities with disproportionately high drug overdose rates; increasing access to preventive, medical, recovery, and related services; developing innovative models of delivering treatment and harm reduction services; and expanding the treatment capacity of Medicaid providers. In addition, HHS must issue model standards of care for treatment services and recovery residences and may award grants for training health care professionals. The bill also supports prevention and treatment services for workers, addiction and pain management research, and data collection on substance use disorders. Further, dispensers, distributors, and manufacturers of schedule II controlled substances (e.g., oxycodone), with the exception of opioid treatment programs, must certify that they maintain effective drug diversion controls. Violators are subject to specified civil and criminal penalties. Collected penalties shall be used for the grant programs and other substance use disorder activities established under the bill.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Department of State Inclusivity Act of 2021 This bill establishes measures at the State Department to promote diversity and to prevent and respond to harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, and retaliation. The bill requires the State Department to develop a comprehensive policy for responding to harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, and retaliation; expand anti-harassment, antidiscrimination, implicit bias, and whistleblower training; establish the Office of Employee Advocacy; survey employees regarding harassment, discrimination, sexual, assault, retaliation, and issues affecting employee retention and diversity; report on the diversity of its workforce; develop a pilot program to use gender-neutral terms in evaluation forms; investigate and report wrongful terminations based on sexual orientation; establish a board to address issues faced by LGBTI+ Foreign Service employees and their families; report on countries that refuse to issue spousal visas for Foreign Service employee spouses due to sexual orientation and recommend how to address this issue; establish a permanent exhibit on the so-called Lavender Scare , which involved the wrongful dismissal of at least 1,000 people from the State Department for alleged homosexuality in the 1950s and 1960s; and make other changes related to anti-harassment, antidiscrimination, diversity, and recruitment. The bill also establishes the Office of the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the State Department; offers a formal apology from Congress for encouraging the Lavender Scare; and prohibits the use by federal employers of nondisclosure and non-disparagement provisions that cover prohibited discrimination, harassment, or related retaliation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
This resolution denounces the current Russian military buildup on the Ukraine border as provocative and contrary to established international norms. It also reaffirms the unwavering support of the United States for a secure, democratic, and independent Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2021 This bill modifies procedures for conducting firearms-related background checks through the national instant criminal background check system (NICS). Specifically, the bill requires the NICS to retain records related to a firearms-related background check for as long as necessary to determine whether an individual is eligible to receive a firearm. Additionally, the bill requires the NICS to query additional databases for relevant information, including the National Data Exchange, the Interstate Identification Index System, and the National Crime Information Center databases.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award formula grants to state educational agencies and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to increase access to school-based, mental-health-services providers at high-need public elementary and secondary schools.
![Official portrait of Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001169_200.jpg)