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![Official portrait of Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001169_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
3,852 records where Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2017
Supports the designation of Darwin Day. Recognizes Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol on which to celebrate the achievements of reason, science, and the advancement of human knowledge.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2017
End Congressional Stock Market Abuse Act of 2017 This bill amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit Members of Congress, in securities transactions, from receiving a discounted purchase price or a premium sales price. This prohibition shall not apply if the Member of Congress reasonably believes that the discount or premium was obtained in a manner generally available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into an agreement or a contract with each state home to pay for medical supervision model adult day health care for a veteran for whom the home is not receiving VA nursing home care payments. The veteran must need such care either specifically for a service-connected disability, or, if not specifically for one, the veteran must have a service-connected disability rated 70% or more. Payment under each agreement or contract between the VA and a state home must equal 65% of the payment that the VA would otherwise pay to the state home if the veteran were receiving nursing home care. "Medical supervision model adult day health care" means adult day health care that includes the coordination of physician services, dental services, the administration of drugs, and such other requirements as the VA may determine.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act or the FAMILY Act This bill establishes the Office of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Social Security Administration (SSA). The bill entitles every individual to a family and medical leave insurance (FMLI) benefit payment for each month beginning on the first day of the month in which the individual meets the criteria specified below and ending 365 days later (benefit period), not to exceed 60 qualified caregiving days per period. An individual qualifies for such a benefit payment if such individual: is insured for disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act at the time an application is filed; has earned income from employment during the 12 months before filing it; and was engaged in qualified caregiving (any activity for which the individual would be entitled to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993), or anticipates being so engaged, during the 90-day period before the application is filed or within 30 days after. The bill prescribes a formula for determination of an individual's monthly benefit, as well as for the maximum and minimum amounts. An FMLI benefit payment shall be coordinated with any periodic benefits received under a state or local temporary disability insurance or family leave program. The bill prescribes criteria that make an individual ineligible for an FMLI benefit payment and specifies prohibited acts by an employer and penalties for violations. The bill establishes the Federal Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund. FMLI benefit payments shall be made only from this fund. No amounts from the Social Security Trust Funds or appropriated to the SSA to administer Social Security programs may be used for FMLI benefits or administration. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on every individual and employer, all self-employment income, and every railroad employee, employee representative, or railroad employer to finance the Federal Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund for FMLI benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Pet and Women Safety Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to broaden the definition of stalking to include conduct that causes a person to experience a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to his or her pet. Additionally, an interstate violation of a protection order includes interstate travel with the intent to violate a protection order against a pet that is included within the scope of the protection order. The bill specifies the applicable criminal penalty—a prison term of up to five years, a fine, or both—for a person who commits an interstate violation of a protection order against a pet. With respect to a defendant who commits a domestic violence offense or an interstate violation of a protection order, mandatory restitution in the "full amount of victim's losses" includes costs incurred for veterinary services related to the pet. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to award grants for shelter and housing assistance and support services for domestic violence victims with pets. Finally, it expresses the sense of Congress that states should include, in domestic violence protection orders, protections against violence or threats against a person's pet.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2017
Declares that Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," undermines the national interest of the United States. Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should remain a global leader in welcoming and providing refuge to refugees and asylum seekers; and (2) no person should be banned from entering the United States because of their nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2017
Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions relating to exposure to burn pits and other environmental exposures in Afghanistan or Iraq. The VA shall, in selecting the center's site, consider entities that: are equipped with the specialized equipment needed to study, diagnose, and treat health conditions relating to such exposure; have a track record of publishing information on post-deployment health exposures among veterans who served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; have access to animal models and in vitro models of dust immunology and lung injury consistent with the injuries of members of the Armed Forces who served in support of such operations; and have expertise in allergy, immunology, and pulmonary diseases. The VA shall ensure that the center collaborates with the Department of Defense (DOD), institutions of higher education, and other appropriate public and private entities to: provide for dissemination within the VA of best practices for the treatment of such conditions and the training of health professionals, provide guidance for the VA and DOD health systems in determining the personnel required to provide quality health care for members of the Armed Forces and veterans with such conditions, establish, and oversee a program to train VA and DOD health professionals in the treatment of such conditions, facilitate advancements in the study of the short-term and long-term effects of such exposure, conduct basic science and translational research on such conditions for the purposes of understanding the etiology of such conditions and developing preventive interventions and new treatments, and provide medical treatment to veterans diagnosed with medical conditions specific to exposure to burn pits and other environmental exposures. The center shall have access to and make use of the data accumulated by the burn pits registry.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2017
Designates February 6-February 10, 2017, as National School Counseling Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2017
Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require Senate candidates to file designations, statements, and reports directly with the Federal Election Commission, instead of with the Senate as currently required.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2017
Anwar Sadat Centennial Celebration Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Anwar Sadat in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions to attain comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2017
This bill rescinds the provisions of Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," effective as of January 27, 2017. Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2017
Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2017 This bill repeals existing caps on Medicare payment for certain outpatient physical-therapy services and speech-language pathology services. Under current law, annual payment for such services is capped at $1,980 in 2017, with specified percentage increases to that limit in subsequent years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
This bill prohibits any federal agency funds, resources, or fees from being used to implement or enforce Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
This bill rescinds the provisions of Executive Order 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." Among the order's major provisions are restrictions on the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and additional limitations on refugee admissions to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2017
Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax treatment of certain alcoholic beverages, to: exclude the aging period from the production period for beer, wine, or distilled spirits for purposes of determining whether a taxpayer can expense, rather than capitalize, interest costs paid or incurred during the production period; reduce excise tax rates on beer and distilled spirits; modify the small wine producer tax credit to increase the amount of the credit, expand the producers that are covered, and specify an adjustment for hard cider; modify the alcohol content limitations that apply to certain wines for tax purposes; specify definitions for "mead" and "low alcohol by volume wine;" modify requirements for records, statements, and returns for certain breweries; and permit the transfer of beer between bonded facilities without payment of tax. The Department of the Treasury must amend applicable regulations with respect to the use of wholesome products suitable for human consumption in the production of fermented beverages.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to protect individual application information submitted to DHS after June 15, 2012, as part of a request for consideration or reconsideration for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program from disclosure to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for any purpose other than implementing such program. Such information may be shared with national security and law enforcement agencies: (1) to identify or prevent fraudulent claims, (2) for national security purposes relating to an individual application, or (3) for the investigation or prosecution of a felony not related to immigration status. DHS may not refer an individual whose case has been deferred pursuant to the DACA program to ICE, CBP, the Department of Justice, or any other law enforcement agency.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act This bill states that foreign nongovernmental organizations shall not be ineligible for U.S. international development assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 solely on the basis of health or medical services provided by such organizations with non-U.S. government funds if such services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided and would not violate U.S. federal law if provided in the United States. Such organizations also shall not be subject to requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying activities other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations receiving such assistance under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017 This bill prohibits the President from using the Armed Forces to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless such strike is conducted pursuant to a congressional declaration of war expressly authorizing such strike. "First-use nuclear strike" means a nuclear weapons attack against an enemy that is conducted without the President determining that the enemy has first launched a nuclear strike against the United States or a U.S. ally.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2017
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections. The amendment grants Congress and the states the power to implement and enforce this amendment by appropriate legislation. They are allowed to distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections. This joint resolution declares that nothing in this amendment shall be construed to grant Congress or the states the power to abridge the freedom of the press.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2017
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the United States or any state from denying or abridging equal rights under the law on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2017
This joint resolution eliminates the time limit for ratification of the equal rights amendment (prohibits discrimination on account of sex) proposed to the states in House Joint Resolution 208 of the 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972. The amendment shall be part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2017
Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act or the DAIRY PRIDE Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of a dairy product, is not the milk of a hooved animal, is not derived from such milk, and does not contain such milk as a primary ingredient.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2017
Counteracting Russian Hostilities Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to impose U.S. entry and property blocking sanctions against: (1) a person that engages in significant activities for the government of the Russian Federation that undermine U.S. or allied cyber security, or (2) a foreign person responsible for serious human rights abuses in any territory occupied or controlled by Russia. The President shall impose specified financial and property sanctions against a person that: (1) engages in a significant transaction on behalf of Russian defense or intelligence sectors; (2) invests specified amounts in Russian petroleum or natural gas resources, energy export pipelines, or civil nuclear projects; (3) purchases or facilitates the issuance of Russian sovereign debt; or (4) contributes to Russia's ability to privatize state-owned assets. The Department of Homeland Security shall conduct public service campaigns to educate the people of the United States on cyber security threats and protective online practices. No federal agency shall take any action that recognizes: (1) Russian sovereignty over Crimea, or (2) the independence of South Ossetia or Abkhazia from Georgia. It is U.S. policy to assist Ukraine in restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Specified executive orders imposing Ukraine-related sanctions shall remain in effect. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the countries of Europe and Eurasia should redouble efforts to build resilience within their political systems and civil society to counter Russian efforts to undermine democratic institutions. The Department of State shall report to Congress regarding Russian-controlled media outlets. The bill establishes in the Treasury the Europe and Eurasia Democracy and Anti-Corruption Fund. The Department of the Treasury shall establish a task force within the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network that focuses on illicit Russian-linked financial flows that interact with the U.S. financial system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2017
Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act of 2017 This bill requires the President and Vice President to submit to Congress and the Office of Government Ethics a disclosure of financial interests. Among the contents of such disclosure, the President and Vice President shall: (1) include a detailed description of each financial interest of the President and Vice President, the spouse of the President and Vice President, or a minor child of the President and Vice President; and (2) include the tax returns filed by or on behalf of the President and Vice President for the three most recent taxable years. The President, the Vice President, the spouse of the President or Vice President, and any minor child of the President or Vice President must divest any financial interest posing a potential conflict of interest by transferring such interest to a qualified blind trust. Within a reasonable period of time after such financial interest is transferred to a qualified blind trust, the trustee of such trust shall: (1) sell the financial interest; and (2) use the proceeds from the sale of the financial interest to purchase conflict-free holdings. The Office of Government Ethics shall submit to Congress, the President, and the Vice President an annual report regarding the financial interests of such officials, their spouses, and any of their minor children. The Attorney General, the attorney general of any state, or any person aggrieved by a violation of divestiture requirements posing a potential conflict of interest may seek declaratory or injunctive relief if: (1) the Office of Government Ethics is unable to issue a report indicating whether the President or Vice President is in substantial compliance with such divestiture requirements; or (2) there is probable cause to believe the President or the Vice President has not complied with such requirements. The bill amends the federal criminal code to require the recusal of presidential appointees from decisions affecting the financial holdings of a President or the spouse of a President. Prohibitions pertaining to contracts entered into by Members of Congress are extended to contracts by the President or Vice President. The bill amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the disclosure of tax returns by the incumbent President and presidential nominees of a major political party for the three most recent taxable years. The bill declares the sense of Congress that a violation of divestiture requirements of this bill or the Ethics in Government in Government Act of 1978 by the President or the Vice President would constitute a high crime or misdemeanor.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2017
Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, beginning with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2017
Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies regarding prices for drugs covered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Current law prohibits CMS from doing so.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
This bill establishes the Commission to End Russian Interference in United States Elections as an independent commission to examine Russian cyber operations and attempts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. national election. The commission must examine attempts by the Russian government, governments or other entities associated with or collaborating with Russia, or persons or entities in Russia to: access, alter, or tamper with voting systems, voter roll information, the Donald J. Trump and the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign organizations, and the Democratic and the Republican national committees, congressional campaign committees, and governors associations; promote propaganda relevant to any election for public office held in the United States during 2016; and use electronic means to influence, interfere with, or sow distrust in such elections. The commission must: (1) report on evidence developed by federal agencies; (2) build upon investigations of executive branch, congressional, or independent entities; and (3) make a full accounting of interference attempts and the U.S. response, and government preparedness, to defend against such interference. The commission may receive classified information and issue subpoenas. The commission must report to the President and Congress with conclusions and recommendations on preventing a reoccurrence of such interference.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
Presidential Tax Transparency Act This bill amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the President and certain candidates for President to disclose federal income tax returns for the three most recent taxable years in reports filed with either the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) or the Federal Election Commission (FEC), in the case of a candidate. The OGE or the FEC must make the disclosed tax returns publicly available after making appropriate redactions. If the income tax returns are not disclosed as required by this bill, the OGE or the FEC must request the returns from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the IRS, upon receiving a written request from the FEC or the OGE, to provide any income tax return that is required to be disclosed under this bill. The bill also establishes civil and criminal penalties for failing to file or falsifying income tax returns that are required to be disclosed pursuant to this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2017
Calls upon President-elect Donald J. Trump to: (1) follow the precedent established by prior Presidents and convert his assets to conflict-free holdings, adopt blind trusts, or take other equivalent measures to ensure compliance with the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution; and (2) not use the powers or opportunities of his position as President-elect or President of the United States for any purpose related to the Trump Organization. Declares that in the absence of such actions or specific authorization by Congress, Congress regards dealings that Donald Trump, as President, may have through his companies with foreign governments or entities owned or controlled by foreign governments to be potential violations of such clause.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2016
Declares that the Senate: (1) extends its deepest condolences and gratitude to the family of John Glenn; and (2) honors his legacy and life, commitment to the United States, and service to the Senate and the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 10, 2016, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late John Glenn.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2016
Declares that the Senate, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: pays tribute to the members of the Armed Forces and civilians who died in the attack, honors the men and women of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in defense of freedom and liberty during World War II, acknowledges the peaceful and mutually beneficial U.S-Japan relationship, and appreciates Japan's efforts as one of the most reliable security partners of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2016
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) ensure the affordability and feasibility of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy plan for modernizing U.S. nuclear weapons by reevaluating and modifying proposals for programs to modernize such weapons and their delivery systems to ensure that such proposals focus on refurbishment to ensure security, safety, and efficiency of existing weapons and delivery systems; and (2) prioritize planned programs so that the United States retains a nuclear arsenal robust enough to meet deterrence needs and so that such programs do not jeopardize other economic investments and security expenditures appropriate to U.S. needs in the 21st century.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2016
Calls upon President-elect Donald J. Trump to: (1) follow the precedent established by prior Presidents and convert his assets to conflict-free holdings, adopt blind trusts, or take other equivalent measures to ensure compliance with the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution; and (2) not use the powers or opportunities of his position as President-elect or President of the United States for any purpose related to the Trump Organization. Declares that in the absence of such actions or specific authorization by Congress, Congress regards dealings that Donald Trump, as President, may have through his companies with foreign governments or entities owned or controlled by foreign governments to be potential violations of such clause.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2016
National Guard Bonus Repayment and Financial Relief Act This bill requires the Army to review all bonuses, incentive pays, or similar benefits received by members of the Army National Guard between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2010, to determine if such benefits were issued erroneously and to either: (1) waive repayment of such an erroneous payment if the member concerned fully satisfies any period of service otherwise agreed to or imposed upon the member in connection with receipt of the payment; or (2) repay any such erroneous payment and any interest that was repaid by a member before this bill's enactment if the member fully satisfies any such period of service. The Army may require an Army National Guard member to repay any such erroneous payment upon determining that: (1) the member knowingly received the benefit through fraud or misrepresentation in which the member participated, or (2) repayment is otherwise consistent with provisions governing repayment of unearned pay. For any such member granted relief under this bill, the Army shall: (1) notify all consumer credit reporting agencies that any debt subject to the relief was never valid, and (2) provide assistance to the member facing financial hardship as a result of recoupment actions taken in connection with receipt of the payment. A consumer reporting agency notified of the invalidity of such a debt may not, after the date of notice, make any consumer report containing information relating to the debt.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2016
Expresses support for the designation of November 16, 2016, as American Special Hockey Day. Encourages more individuals to volunteer and help create similarly innovative and beneficial programs for individuals with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2016
Designates the week of September 17 through September 24, 2016, as National Estuaries Week.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2016
Designates September 2016 as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. (Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs that causes breathing problems.) Expresses continued support for more robust and accelerated research to develop more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis and to ultimately find a cure for the disease. Recognizes the courage and contributions of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis who participate in clinical trials. Commends the dedication of those working to improve the quality of life of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis and the families of those individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2016
Expresses support for the preventive services that Planned Parenthood Federation of America doctors, nurses, and staff provide to patients. Recognizes that Planned Parenthood is a safety net provider that reaches medically underserved people. Declares that Planned Parenthood should not be defunded, attacked, or discriminated against for being a women's health care provider.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016
Empowering Partners to Counter Violent Extremism Act of 2016 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the Office for Partnerships Against Violent Extremism (OPAVE), to be headed by an Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall be responsible for: leading DHS efforts to counter violent extremism; developing a digital engagement strategy that expands DHS outreach efforts to counter violent extremist messaging; serving as DHS's primary representative in coordinating countering violent extremism efforts with the CVE Task Force and with other federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations; serving as the primary DHS-level representative in coordinating with the Department of State on international countering violent extremism issues; providing guidance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the use of grants made under the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Grant Program to state, local, and tribal governments under the allowable uses guidelines related to countering violent extremism; developing a plan to expand philanthropic support for domestic efforts related to countering violent extremism; and awarding grants to, or entering into cooperative agreements with, state, local, and tribal governments and institutions of higher education to support the efforts of local communities in the United States to counter violent extremism. DHS's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties shall conduct an annual review to ensure that OPAVE's activities that relate to countering violent extremism respect the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of all persons. DHS shall submit to Congress a comprehensive DHS strategy and an implementation plan to counter violent extremism in the United States. DHS's Under Secretary for Science and Technology, in coordination with the OPAVE, may: (1) establish one or more countering violent extremism labs, and (2) reprioritize grants to centers for homeland security to fund each lab. DHS and the Department of State shall incorporate into their efforts to combat terrorist recruitment and communications the public testimonials of former or estranged violent extremists. The OPAVE may implement a program that facilitates groups of students at institutions of higher education throughout the world in designing, piloting, implementing, and measuring the success of a social or digital initiative, product, or tool that counters the messaging of terrorist organizations communications and narratives.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2016
No Vote No Recess Resolution Prohibits the Senate, between September 27, 2016, and the end of the 114th Congress, from adjourning, remaining adjourned, or recessing for more than two days and convening solely in a pro forma session unless, by the beginning of the adjournment or the pro forma session, it has taken action on any presidential nomination for a position as a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by: holding a hearing and a vote on the nomination in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, and holding a confirmation vote on it in the full Senate. Prescribes procedures for Senate adjournments and recesses during such period. Prohibits the Presiding Officer from entertaining a request to suspend the operation of this resolution by unanimous consent or motion. States that nothing in this resolution shall be construed in a manner that is inconsistent with S. Res. 296 (108th Congress) or any other Senate emergency procedures or practices.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2016
Recognizes 40 years since the U.S. Coast Guard Academy became the first military academy to enroll female cadets. Recognizes the contribution women have made as members of the Coast Guard. Commends the Coast Guard for breaking barriers and creating equal opportunities for women in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2016
Designates October 2016 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month, and calls on Congress, schools, and educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016
This bill establishes a U.S. Green Bank that provides financial support to assist regional, state, and local institutions finance: (1) clean energy (e.g. solar or wind energy) projects, or (2) energy efficiency projects that reduce energy use or substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of the Treasury must issue Green Bonds to provide the bank with: (1) an initial capitalization of $10 billion; and (2) additional capitalization, upon the bank's request, of no more than $50 billion in aggregate at any one time. Treasury must also establish a revolving Green Bank Establishment Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2016
Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to support the access of marginalized youth to sexual health services such as sexual health education and contraception. Marginalized youth are disadvantaged individuals under the age of 26. Grants may be awarded to state or local health or education agencies, public schools, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations. Grants may be used to: (1) provide sexual health information to marginalized youth, (2) promote effective communication regarding sexual health among marginalized youth, (3) promote and support opportunities for school-age parents, and (3) train individuals who work with marginalized youth to promote sexual health and the development of safe and supportive environments. Grants may not be used to provide access to health services that: (1) are medically unsound; (2) withhold sexual health-promoting or lifesaving information; (3) promote gender stereotypes; or (4) are insensitive or unresponsive to the needs of homosexual, bisexual, or transgender youth, sexually active youth, school-age parents, or survivors of sexual abuse or assault. Unobligated FY2017 appropriations for abstinence education are made available for these grants.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2016
Recognizes the importance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Affirms the continued need to support substance use education, treatment, and research. Honors the achievements of individuals who are in recovery from substance use disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016
Presidential Tax Transparency Act This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require each candidate of a major party for the office of President to file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) a copy of the candidate's income tax returns for the three most recent taxable years for which such a return has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service as of the date of the nomination. If a candidate has not filed with the FEC such income tax returns within 30 days after the nomination date, the FEC shall request the Department of the Treasury to furnish the returns. A tax return furnished to the FEC by a candidate or by Treasury shall be treated in the same manner as a report filed by the candidate and, except for the appropriate redaction of certain information, shall be made publicly available at the same time and in the same manner as other reports and statements. The bill sets forth a special rule for disclosure of tax returns in 2016 by a presidential candidate who is nominated for the general election in November 2016 and was so nominated before the enactment of this bill. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the FEC to disclose to the public the applicable tax returns of any person who has been nominated as a candidate of a major party. Treasury shall furnish the FEC with copies of any requested returns.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2016
Expresses support for efforts to build on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by ensuring that individuals have access to a public health insurance option.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2016
Voter Empowerment Act of 2015 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2015 Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) to require states to make available websites for online voter registration. Authorizes automated voter registration of certain individuals and establishes other initiatives to promote voter registration, such as same-day registration and voter registration of individuals under 18 years of age. Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit hindering, interfering with, or preventing voter registration. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to establish requirements for states to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities, including a single office for providing related information. Directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to make grants for pilot programs enabling individuals with disabilities to register to vote and vote privately and independently at their own residences. Reauthorizes the program of grants to state and local governments to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities. Prohibits state or local election officials from preventing an individual from registering or voting in any federal election (voter caging), or from permitting a formal challenge under state law to an individual's registration status or eligibility to vote. Prohibits a person from knowingly and willfully attempting to or depriving or defrauding the residents of a state of the right to vote by the communication of election-related information that is known to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent. Increases the penalty for voter intimidation. Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any federal election shall not be denied or abridged because of a criminal conviction unless he or she is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution at the time of the election. Requires each state to notify an individual convicted of a criminal offense under state law, upon release from state custody or upon sentence to probation, of the right to vote in a federal election. Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2015 Revises requirements for the audit capacity of voting systems, particularly those for a permanent paper record. Requires the voting system to require the use of an individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballot of the voter's vote that shall be marked and made available for inspection by the voter before the vote is cast and counted, and which shall be counted by hand or read by an optical character recognition device or other counting device. Requires the system to provide an opportunity to correct any system-made error in the voter-verified paper ballot before it is permanently preserved. Requires the National Science Foundation to make grants for the study and development of accessible ballot voting, verification, and casting mechanisms and devices and best practices to enhance the accessibility of paper ballot voting and verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, those whose primary language is not English, and those with difficulties in literacy. Requires each state, except when the winning candidate had no opponent or received 80% or more of the votes, to administer audits of federal election results, without advance notice, consisting of random hand counts of the voter-verified paper ballots. Prohibits certification of election results until completion of audits. Adds requirements for counting provisional ballots. Requires each state to allow early voting and facilitate voting by mail. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend the guarantee of voting residency to family members of absent military personnel. Revises absentee ballot procedures concerning applications, transmission, and overseas voters. Entitles to leave a federal employee who serves as a poll worker. Directs the EAC to make grants for poll-worker recruitment and training and develop materials for a model program. Makes available to any person aggrieved by a violation of uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements the option to file a complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ) or pursue a private right of action. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it unlawful for a chief state election administration official, unless he or she or a family member is a candidate, to take an active part in political management or in a political campaign for federal office over which such official has supervisory authority. Treats universities as voter registration agencies. Establishes minimum notification requirements regarding voters affected by polling place changes. Directs DOJ to: (1) coordinate the establishment of a state-based response system for responding to questions and complaints from individuals voting or seeking to vote, or registering to vote or seeking to, in federal elections; (2) establish and operate a toll-free telephone service to connect directly to such response system; and (3) appoint a Voter Hotline Task Force. Makes NVRA and HAVA requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Reauthorizes and extends the EAC and repeals its exemption from certain contracting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2016
Commemorates the 15th anniversary of NATO's invocation of Article V to defend the United States after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Commends: (1) the contributions of the NATO allies and partners of the United States in the fight against terrorism and in pursuit of international security, and (2) the NATO alliance for decisions taken at the July 2016 Warsaw Summit and the President for investing in the European Reassurance Initiative to enhance deterrence and project international stability beyond NATO. Honors those men and women who have died for the cause of common defense of the North Atlantic Treaty allies. Recommits the United States to the treaty, especially to common defense of treaty allies, and affirms that the United States remains fully prepared, capable, and willing to honor its commitments under Article V. Encourages all NATO allies to continue their valuable contributions to the alliance, including by investing at least 2% of gross domestic product in national defense spending. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to deterring those who seek to destabilize the Euro-Atlantic area and to maintaining an "Open Door" policy on welcoming new members. Welcomes the alliance's invitation to Montenegro.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2016
This joint resolution prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to proposed sales to the government of Saudi Arabia of 153 M1A1/A2 Abrams Tank structures and specified other defense equipment and ammunition.