United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
Global Health Security and Diplomacy Act of 2020 This bill establishes measures to detect, deter, and contain infectious disease outbreaks overseas before they become global pandemics. The President must establish a Global Health Security Strategy for advancing U.S. global health security and diplomacy objectives. To promote such strategy, the bill establishes the role of Coordinator of U.S. Government Activities to Advance Global Health Security and Diplomacy overseas, who shall coordinate, manage, and oversee U.S. diplomatic efforts and foreign assistance resources. In responding to an international infectious disease outbreak, the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development shall lead diplomatic, coordination, and response efforts. Further, specified foreign assistance funds may be used for the cost to detail or employ certain individuals to carry out programs in response to global health emergencies and natural or man-made disasters. The United States may participate in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which is a global partnership focused on developing vaccines to stop future epidemics. The State Department must seek to establish a Trust Fund for Global Health Security within the World Bank. The fund shall enable developing countries to strengthen and sustain health systems and supply chains with the resources, capacity, and personnel necessary to prevent, detect, mitigate, and respond to infectious disease threats before they become pandemics. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of the programs, projects, and activities supported by the fund and assess the merits of continued U.S. participation in the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act This bill establishes strategies and reporting requirements related to internationally recognized human rights and COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to submit (1) a strategy for carrying out programs to support democratic institutions, freedom of the press, civil society, and human rights defenders in countries where government measures in response to COVID-19 violated or undermined internationally recognized human rights; and (2) a five-year strategic plan outlining the steps to address persistent human rights issues in the aftermath of COVID-19. The bill also conditions the provision of security assistance to a foreign government on consideration of whether the foreign government used emergency laws, policies, or administrative procedures in violation of internationally recognized human rights. Further, the bill requires the State Department to author initial, monthly, and final reports describing, among other things (1) specified countries' adherence to certain human rights principles in responding to COVID-19, (2) the actions of the U.S. government to address foreign governments' violations of human rights in responding to COVID-19, (3) the impact of such violations on things such as access to health care and the efforts and ability to control the pandemic, and (4) the U.S government's global efforts to counter disinformation and disseminate accurate information about the pandemic. The bill also requires the inclusion of certain information, such as the misuse and abuse of emergency powers, in the annual country reports on human rights practices.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
Tele-Mental Health Improvement Act This bill requires private health insurance plans that cover in-person mental health or substance use disorder services to cover such services on equal terms via telehealth (i.e., information technology used to aid treatment and diagnosis at a physical distance) during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, this bill requires, among other things, plans to cover such telehealth services at the same rate as in-person services, exclude charges for facility fees, and provide information about how to access such services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2020 This bill modifies requirements governing the national instant criminal background check system (NICS). Specifically, it allows the NICS to retain records related to a firearms-related background check for as long as necessary to make a final determination of firearms eligibility. Additionally, it requires the NICS to query an additional database—the National Data Exchange—as part of a firearm-related background check.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of June 2020 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month and the designation of June 5, 2020, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This resolution declares that the Senate (1) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Thomas Allen Coburn, former member of the U.S. Senate; (2) recognizes his life and achievements; and (3) expresses condolences to the family of the former Senator on his passing. Furthermore, this resolution declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 19, 2020, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Thomas Allen Coburn.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
This resolution recognizes historic U.S. leadership and international achievements to address global health crises, encourages the international community to remain committed to preventing the further spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), and urges the United States to participate in and support the global efforts to address COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Dust Off Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the Dust Off crews (helicopter air ambulance crews) of the Vietnam War in recognition of their heroic military service.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
This resolution condemns Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the international covenants on human rights. Further, it calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned or detained Baha'is, and it urges the President and the Department of State to impose sanctions on Iranian officials and others who are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against Iran's Baha'i community.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Coronavirus Emergency Borrower Defense Act of 2020 or the Coronavirus E-BD Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to discharge, within 30 days, the federal student loan debt of three categories of borrowers. Specifically, ED must discharge the federal student loan debt of a borrower (1) who is covered by ED findings against an institution of higher education (IHE) for job placement rate misrepresentation; (2) for whom a state attorney general has asserted a right to borrower defense discharge; or (3) who was subject to a misrepresentation made by the IHE related to guaranteed employment or transferability of credits, and who has asserted such misrepresentation in a borrower defense application. ED must reimburse a borrower for amounts paid toward the federal student loan. The bill also requires ED to (1) notify borrowers of loan relief and eligibility for financial aid, and (2) report loan discharge to consumer reporting agencies. Finally, ED must initiate a proceeding to require the IHE whose act or omission resulted in loan discharge to repay ED for such amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Untraceable Firearms Act of 2020 This bill generally prohibits and penalizes the manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, or receipt of a ghost gun. A ghost gun is a firearm that lacks a unique serial number.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Health Care at Home Act of 2020 This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover certain services provided via telecommunications systems (i.e., telehealth) during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, the telehealth services must be deemed medically necessary by a health care provider and covered under the plan if provided in person. Plans must apply the same cost-sharing and reimbursement amounts that would otherwise apply to such services and may waive cost-sharing requirements for any services to diagnose or treat COVID-19, including via telehealth.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Country Of Origin Labeling Online Act or the COOL Online Act This bill requires sellers to conspicuously disclose the country of origin of products sold over the internet. This includes compliance with the labeling requirements for, among other products, new passenger motor vehicles, textile fiber products, wools products, fur products, covered commodities, and pharmaceutical products subject to the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration. These requirements also apply to the provider or publisher of any internet marketplaces of such products. The bill further makes it unlawful to falsely or deceptively represent that a products or parts of its processing are of United States origin.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Cash Refunds for Coronavirus Cancellations Act of 2020 This bill requires air carriers and ticket agents to offer full cash refunds for all cancelled tickets during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period, regardless of whether the air carrier cancelled an entire flight or the passengers cancelled their individual tickets. The bill permits air carriers and tickets agents to offer alternative forms of compensation, including credit, or vouchers, provided that such offer is valid indefinitely and the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice of the passenger's right to a cash refund. Additionally, the bill provides that passengers who received an alternative form of compensation prior to the enactment of this bill, but have not used it, may request a cash refund to replace the alternative compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
SNAP COVID-19 Anti-Hunger Restaurant Relief for You Act of 2020 This bill modifies the Restaurant Meals Program under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to make additional individuals and food retailers eligible to use and participate in the program during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
America Forward Act of 2020 This bill establishes an America Forward Commission to create a strategy to reopen the economy in light of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Specifically, the commission shall take steps that include examining the tools and techniques necessary to ensure that federal, state, and local governments can diagnose, isolate, and mitigate the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19; evaluating information-sharing policies and practices for essential information between government stakeholders; developing recommendations concerning necessary materials; evaluating proposals to strengthen the resilience of economic sectors and protect workers who are most vulnerable to disruption from viral pandemics; and advising on best practices for strengthening international trade, business, and tourism in a manner that reduces the risk of foreign traveler-related transmission of viral disease. The bill requires (1) the commission to submit its findings or recommendations to the White House Coronavirus Task Force and Congress and make them available to the public, and (2) the task force to respond in writing to the commission's recommendations or findings and make its response available to the public.
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
Utilizing and Supporting Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Act This bill provides benefits for Peace Corps volunteers, including health insurance for volunteers whose service was terminated due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. Such a terminated Peace Corps volunteer shall receive health insurance for two months upon return to the United States. The volunteer may elect to extend such insurance, at the volunteer's expense, until the last day in which the volunteer would be eligible for unemployment benefits under the Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act. The Department of Labor shall deem a terminated volunteer eligible for such unemployment benefits if the volunteer is unemployed and not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits. Executive branch departments and agencies with hiring needs, as well as the Corporation for National and Community Service, shall establish expedited processes for hiring and enrolling such terminated Peace Corps volunteers. The Peace Corps shall (1) resume all programs, to the extent possible, as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided; and (2) establish an expedited process for reenrolling Peace Corps volunteers whose service was terminated due to COVID-19. The Peace Corps shall inform exiting volunteers of various health care options available after leaving the Peace Corps.
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
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 · 11 May 2020
This resolution thanks the teachers of the United States and promotes the teaching profession by encouraging students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020
Inspectors General Independence Act of 2020 This bill permits an inspector general to be removed by the President or by a federal entity before the expiration of his or her term only for permanent incapacity, inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or conviction of a felony or conduct involving moral turpitude. The bill provides for a seven-year term of office for each inspector general. An individual may serve for more than one term. Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy in such position, occurring before the expiration of the term for which his or her predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for a full seven-year term.
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
Global Health Security Act of 2020 This bill directs the President to create the Global Health Security Agenda Interagency Review Council to implement the Global Health Security Agenda, an initiative launched by nearly 30 nations to address global infectious disease threats. The council's responsibilities include (1) providing policy recommendations on agenda-related goals, objectives, and implementation; (2) helping federal agencies with implementation; and (3) reviewing the progress and challenges in achieving U.S. commitments, including assistance to help other countries meet agenda targets. In addition, the federal agencies involved with the agenda must prioritize its implementation and take certain steps to achieve that goal. The bill also establishes the position of the United States Coordinator for Global Health Security in the executive branch to coordinate federal responses to global health security emergencies.
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 · 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 · 5 May 2020
FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act or the FEED Act This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve state, local, and Indian tribal government plans to partner with small and mid-size restaurants and nonprofit organizations to provide nutritious meals to individuals in need. Specifically, during the period following the President's emergency declaration of March 13, 2020, and under any subsequent major disaster declaration that supersedes it, FEMA may approve plans from state, local, and Indian tribal governments that (1) establish contracts with small and mid-sized restaurants and nonprofits, including faith-based organizations and soup kitchens, to prepare healthy meals for people in need; and (2) provide for partnerships with nonprofit organizations to purchase directly from food producers and farmers. FEMA shall waive federal matching requirements under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2020
Ensuring Understanding of COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act This bill requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to conduct a longitudinal study on the health impacts of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The NIH must provide public summaries of findings on specified timelines.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 This bill directs the President to use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 with respect to the production of ventilators, N-95 respirator masks, and specified personal protective equipment to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). (That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.) The President must (1) make a determination that such items are essential for the national defense, (2) identify private-sector capacity to produce these items, and (3) exercise authorities under the act to require emergency production of them at a reasonable price. In addition, the President shall coordinate the allocation of these items based on requests from governors and the needs of the states as determined by the number of COVID-19 cases and the proportion of the population at higher risk of the disease in a given state. The bill makes specified funds available for these efforts. Equipment produced under these authorities but unused at the termination of the COVID-19 emergency declared on March 13, 2020, shall be deposited into the Strategic National Stockpile.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020
Strengthening America's Supply Chain and National Security Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take specified actions concerning the importation of pharmaceutical products from China and any other countries selected by DOD. DOD must submit to Congress a classified report that addresses, among other issues, the percentage of pharmaceutical products used by DOD that are made by such countries and recommendations related to the domestic manufacturing capacity and the resiliency of the supply chain for such products. An unclassified summary of this report must be published on a DOD website. A manufacturer of a pharmaceutical product that has received market approval must annually submit to HHS specified information about the product's active and inactive pharmaceutical ingredients, including the sources of such ingredients and the percentage of the aggregate amount of such ingredients from China and other countries selected by DOD. HHS shall provide such information to DOD. In addition, the bill revises certain statutory tests used to determine the country of origin of a pharmaceutical product. Specifically, a pharmaceutical product shall be deemed to have the same country of origin as the product's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). (A recent court case held that a drug manufactured in the United States using an API from India is considered a U.S.-made product for procurement purposes.)
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
Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2020 or the FASTER Act of 2020 This bill expands the definition of major food allergen for purposes of certain food-labeling requirements to specifically include sesame. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services must report on certain information related to food allergy research and data collection activities.
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 · 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
Paid Sick Days for Public Health Emergencies and Personal and Family Care Act This bill expands the availability of paid sick time by requiring employers with at least one employee to provide a minimum amount of accrued paid sick time per work week and additional paid sick time in the event of a public-health emergency such as the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). Specifically, the bill requires employers to grant at least 1 hour of accrued paid sick time to each employee for every 30 hours worked, up to a minimum of 56 hours, or 7 days, of paid sick time per year. Accrued paid sick time may be used for, among other reasons, an absence from work that is taken (1) due to a medical condition or illness or for the diagnosis, care, or prevention thereof; (2) to care for a child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, or other close relative with a medical condition or illness, or for the diagnosis or prevention thereof; (3) during a public-health emergency when the employee's workplace has been closed or the employee has been exposed to a communicable disease and may pose a risk to others; or (4) to care for a child or close relative during such public-health emergency, if such relative has been exposed to a communicable disease or the child's school has been closed. Further, employees are immediately entitled to up to 14 days of additional paid sick time if a public-health emergency is declared. This additional paid sick time may be used during the public-health emergency for the same purposes as accrued paid sick time.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2020
Protecting Jessica Grubb's Legacy Act This bill more closely aligns the federal privacy standards applicable to substance-use disorder patient records with the relevant privacy and de-identification standards applicable to other records that contain personal health information for the purposes of (1) treatment, payment, and health care operations by health plans, providers, or clearinghouses; and (2) disclosures to public health authorities. The bill requires patients to give affirmative, written consent; once given, that consent applies to future disclosures. Such consent may be revoked by written request. The bill also (1) aligns criminal penalties for certain violations involving substance-use disorder patient records with the penalties that apply to violations involving other types of records containing personal health information; (2) expands the current prohibition against using substance-use disorder patient records in criminal proceedings to include any use in specified federal, state, and local criminal and civil actions; and (3) prohibits certain discrimination based on the release of such patient information with respect to access to treatment, employment, housing, and certain social services and benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2020
This bill prohibits any federal agency from using any funds, resources, or fees made available by Congress to implement or enforce Presidential Proclamation 9983. The proclamation, which came into effect on February 21, 2020, imposes immigration restrictions on the nationals of Burma (Myanmar), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2020
This resolution calls on Nicaragua to release all political prisoners and cease all acts of repression against dissenting voices, urges and encourages efforts to advance electoral reforms in Nicaragua, and exhorts the U.S. government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the death of U.S. citizen Eddy Montes, who was shot and killed while in the custody of Nicaraguan police.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 199th anniversary of their country's independence. The resolution recognizes Greece's commitment to democratic principles and the important role that Greece has played both regionally and internationally.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution calls upon the United Nations Security Council to extend certain expiring restrictions placed on Iran and on arms technology suppliers to Iran, including an export ban prohibiting Iran from exporting weapons and an embargo preventing the sale of arms to Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
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 · 25 February 2020
Restoring Military Priorities Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to restore certain funds that were transferred from various DOD accounts to be used for the construction of a wall along the southern border of the United States. The bill also reduces the amount of funding that DOD is permitted to transfer between certain appropriations accounts.
![Official portrait of Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001169_200.jpg)