United States · United States Congress · 29 December 2020
This bill increases the amounts of the 2020 recovery rebate, repeals the immunity from liability of a provider or user of an interactive computer service for screening and blocking offensive content, and addresses the administration of federal elections. The bill increases the amount of the 2020 recovery rebate for individual taxpayers to $2,000 ($4,000 for joint returns). The amount of such rebate is phased out for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 for joint returns). A recovery rebate is a stimulus payment for taxpayers and their dependents who are adversely affected by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). This bill also removes the immunity from liability of a provider or user of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) for screening and blocking offensive content on its platform. Regarding the conduct of federal elections, the bill establishes a bipartisan advisory committee within the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to study the integrity and administration of the November 2020 general election. Under the bill, each chief state election official must disclose to the EAC the identity of any foreign national known by that official to have (1) physically handled either ballots used in an election for federal office or voting machines, (2) had unmonitored access to a storage facility or centralized voting-tabulation location used to support an election, or (3) had unmonitored access to election-related information or communications technology. It also requires the official to make the disclosure within 30 days of becoming aware of such activity.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020
This resolution affirms the Senate's support for the rights, liberties, and protections enshrined in the Constitution and commits to vigorously defend the right of all people of the United States to engage in the free exercise of religion.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2020
This resolution mourns the death of former Senator Paul Spyros Sarbanes and requests that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
Public Servant Protection Act of 2020 This bill addresses the privacy of government officials related to their personal information. First, the bill makes it unlawful to publicly display on the internet the home address or home phone number of a government official or an immediate family member of a government official with the intent to cause bodily harm or other injury to such official or family member. Violators are subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term, or both. The bill also allows government officials to make written demands to individuals and interactive computer service providers related to the removal of their personal information.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020
This resolution condemns the December 6, 2019, terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola and commemorates in sorrow the service members and civilians who lost their lives, or who were injured, and the harm caused to the surrounding community as a result of the terrorist attack. The resolution also expresses gratitude for the heroic actions that the civilians, uniformed personnel, and law enforcement performed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2020
Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art Collections Space Authorization Act This bill authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution and the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Art to construct and use a collections storage space at the museum support facility of the Smithsonian Institution in Suitland, Maryland, to accommodate the care, preservation, conservation, storage, and study of national collections held in trust by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2020
This resolution expresses support for access to health insurance coverage that protects individuals with preexisting conditions, reduces the cost of prescription drugs and monthly premiums, protects individuals from surprise medical bills, and deters medical practices intended to reduce the risk of malpractice claims.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2020
This bill extends through September 30, 2021, the period during which states, Indian tribes, and local governments may incur costs that may be covered by Coronavirus Relief Fund payments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2020
Securing America's Future Elections and Votes Act or the SAFE Votes Act This bill establishes a bipartisan advisory committee within the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to study the integrity and administration of the November 2020 general election. The committee must also make recommendations to the EAC and Congress on best practices for administering federal elections, including best practices to prevent improper voting and increase the security of vote-by-mail ballots.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2020
This resolution expresses the sorrow of the Senate upon the death of former Senator Mark Andrews and requests that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2020
Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act of 2020 This bill modifies certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and services for homeless veterans, including by authorizing the VA to increase the per diem rate for grant recipients that provide services to homeless veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020
This bill creates a point of order against considering legislation in the Senate that modifies the total number of Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill allows the point of order to be waived by a vote of two-thirds of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2020
Protect Parent Organized Direction of Students Act This bill prohibits states and localities that regulate the free formation of educational pods from receiving federal emergency education funding for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) relief. An educational pod refers to a small group of three or more students at the elementary or secondary school level who are from more than one family and learn together in person outside of the school. In addition, the bill temporarily expands the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers to include certain home educators.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2020
This resolution supports the designation of the week of September 20, 2020, as National Small Business Week in celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners and the invaluable contribution small businesses make to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020
This resolution recognizes the work of former First Lady Rosalynn Smith Carter on behalf of those affected by mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020
This bill establishes a program of COVID Recovery Bonds which are treated as exempt facility bonds for tax purposes. It also provides for tax-exempt financing of qualified government buildings. The bill defines qualified government buildings to include (1) an elementary or secondary school, (2) a facility of a state college or university used for educational purposes, (3) a library open to the general public, (4) a court of law, (5) a hospital or health care facility, (6) a laboratory or research facility, and (7) a public safety facility.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety Act of 2020 or the HAULS Act of 2020 This bill modifies exemptions with respect to commercial motor vehicle safety regulations involving the transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies. The bill allows the federal hours-of-service rules exemption regarding maximum driving and on-duty time for drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies to apply year-round. Current law provides an exception from the federal hours-of-service rules for the transportation of agricultural commodities within a 150 air-mile radius of the normal work reporting location only during planting and harvest periods which are determined by each state. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must revise the definition of agricultural commodity to include specific commodities that are covered by the federal hours-of-service rules exception.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
This resolution declares that the Pledge of Allegiance has been a valuable part of life for the people of the United States for generations and defends its constitutionality.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020
Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act This bill establishes certain administrative requirements with respect to the Medicaid provider enrollment process. Specifically, the bill requires (1) state Medicaid programs to adopt a streamlined screening and enrollment process for eligible out-of-state pediatric providers, and (2) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish a process for providers to enroll simultaneously in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2020
Main Street Lending Improvement Act of 2020 This bill revises the Main Street Lending Program, a Federal Reserve lending facility established to provide COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) related business loans. Specifically, the bill (1) allows financial institutions to collect interest on the entirety of certain smaller loans if a participation in the loan is sold to the special purpose vehicle established under the program, and (2) requires the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to establish a help line to address lender-specific questions. The special purpose vehicle must purchase 99% of the interest in a loan participation originated by certain financial institutions. Additionally, certain financial institutions must receive automatic preapproval for loans under the program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2020
Air Carrier Worker Support Extension Act of 2020 This bill extends authority for the Department of the Treasury to provide financial assistance to passenger air carriers, cargo air carriers, and contractors of passenger air carriers for the continuation of payment of employee wages, salaries, and benefits. The maximum amounts of financial assistance that may be provided by Treasury for this purpose are $25.5 billion for passenger air carriers, $300 million for cargo air carriers, and $3 billion for contractors . The bill provides specific deadlines and procedures under which Treasury must provide financial assistance to air carriers and contractors. To be eligible for financial assistance, an air carrier or contractor must (1) agree not to reduce pay and benefits or conduct involuntary furloughs until March 31, 2021; and (2) agree, through March 31, 2022, not to repurchase stock, pay dividends, or make other capital distributions. Additionally, Treasury may require carriers that receive assistance to maintain service to points served before March 1, 2020. Such authority terminates on April 1, 2022. The bill limits the maximum allowable compensation of an officer or employee of an air carrier or contractor that receives assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Methamphetamine Response Act of 2020 This bill designates methamphetamine as an emerging drug threat (a new and growing trend in the use of an illicit drug or class of drug). It also directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy to implement a methamphetamine response plan.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Protect and Serve Act of 2020 This bill establishes a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer and causing serious bodily injury (or attempting to do so) in circumstances that affect interstate commerce. It imposes criminal penalties—a prison term, a fine, or both—on a violator.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2020 This bill provides for the portability of professional licenses of service members and their spouses who are relocated under military orders to a location that is not within the jurisdiction of the license. Specifically, a professional license in good standing of a service member or spouse shall be considered valid and in good standing in the new jurisdiction for the duration of such military orders. To establish and maintain eligibility, a service member or spouse must (1) provide a copy of the military orders to the licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which the new residency is located; (2) remain in good standing with the licensing authority that issued the license; and (3) submit to the authority of the licensing authority in the new jurisdiction for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
Contact Lens Rule Modernization Act This bill (1) requires prescribers of contact lenses to conspicuously post notice that the prescriber is required to provide a copy of the contact lens prescription to the patient, (2) prohibits prescribers from requiring patients to acknowledge a contact lens prescription release in writing or electronically, and (3) prohibits automated telephone calls to verify a prescription.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain are historic achievements. Further, it encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel, and it reaffirms the Senate's support for a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020
This resolution expresses gratitude to the brave law enforcement officers who serve their communities and condemns individuals who commit violence against them. It also calls on the people of the United States to denounce the September 2020 attack on deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
2020 Census Deadline Extensions Act This bill extends certain deadlines for the U.S. Census Bureau to complete the 2020 decennial census of population. The bill prohibits the bureau from concluding the Nonresponse Followup operation or the Self-Response operation before October 31, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2020
This resolution: finds the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus to be undemocratic; stands with the people of Belarus in their pursuit of democracy and human rights; calls on Belarus to uphold its human rights obligations; and urges the United States to respond to the events in Belarus, including through sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2020
This resolution recognizes the essential work performed by individuals with disabilities or who are blind during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. It recognizes and thanks essential employees with disabilities or who are blind for their vital contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Methamphetamine Response Act of 2020 This bill designates methamphetamine as an emerging drug threat (a new and growing trend in the use of an illicit drug or class of drug). It also directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy to implement a methamphetamine response plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 2020 as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne. It recognizes the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and a cure for PCOS. It also acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Rural Equal Aid Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to pay the principal, interest, and any associated fees owed on loans made under certain rural development loan programs for a six-month period.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2020
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2020 This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if any of the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect. The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if both chambers of Congress have not passed the appropriations bills for the year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020
City and State Diplomacy Act This bill establishes within the Department of State the Office of Subnational Diplomacy, which shall supervise federal support for engagement by state, county, and municipal governments with foreign governments. The head of the office shall be the Ambassador-at-Large for Subnational Diplomacy, who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that (1) the 130th year anniversary of the 1890 Land-Grant Educational Institutions should be observed with appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize the collective contributions that these 19 historically Black federal land-grant educational institutions have made to the United States, (2) the Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture should remain committed to supporting the goals of the Second Morrill Act and the Smith-Lever Act, and (3) the Second Morrill Act and the Smith-Lever Act have helped the United States develop agricultural leaders.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020
This resolution recognizes the importance of, and encourages the people of the United States to wear, face masks to limit the transmission of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2020
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Lewis, a late Member of the House of Representatives; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on July 28, 2020, it will stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable John Lewis.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2020
Time to Rescue United States Trusts Act of 2020 or the TRUST Act of 2020 This bill establishes congressional rescue committees to develop recommendations and legislation to improve critical social contract programs. A critical social contract program is a federal program for which a federal trust fund is established (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, and federal highway programs), with outlays of at least $20 billion during the year preceding the year in which this bill is enacted, and for which the amount of dedicated federal funds and federal trust fund balances will be inadequate to meet the total amount of outlays of the program that would otherwise be made. Each rescue committee may develop recommendations and legislation to improve the program for which it was established, including by (1) increasing the duration of positive balances of the federal trust fund established for the program, and (2) providing for the solvency of the federal trust fund established for the program during a 75-year period. Congress must use specified expedited legislative procedures to consider legislation that is approved and submitted by the rescue committees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2020
Safeguarding America's Frontline Employees To Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart the Economy Act or the SAFE TO WORK Act This bill limits liability for injuries related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Generally, an individual alleging harm from exposure to coronavirus or related medical treatment occurring before October 1, 2024, may sue only under the causes of action created by this bill, with limited exceptions. However, the bill does not preempt any law that imposes stricter limits on liability or otherwise provides greater protections to defendants. An individual or entity engaged in business or other activities may be liable for injuries resulting from coronavirus exposure only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the defendant did not make reasonable efforts to comply with government standards and guidance, (2) the defendant's actions constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (3) actual exposure caused the plaintiff's injury. (The clear and convincing evidence standard is a higher standard of proof than is typically required in a civil action.) Similarly, a health care provider may be liable for injuries connected to coronavirus-related services only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the provider's actions constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (2) such actions directly caused the injury. The bill also contains various coronavirus-related protections for defendants, including protections that (1) exempt an employer or operator of public accommodations that meets certain requirements from liability under certain federal laws, (2) impose limitations on coronavirus-related class action lawsuits, and (3) limit liability for certain injuries related to workplace coronavirus testing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2020
Addressing Missed-savings Opportunities for Retirement due to an Epidemic Act or the AMORE Act This bill allows a participant in a tax-preferred pension plan or individual retirement plan to make additional contributions to such plans for any taxable year beginning in 2021 or 2022 in an amount not exceeding the participant's unused 2020 contribution amount.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
This resolution (1) designates July 2020 as National Blueberry Month; and (2) recognizes the contributions of blueberry growers in the United States and their families, and that purchasing blueberries grown in the United States supports farmers, jobs, and the economy of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
Safely Creating Healthy Opening Options Locally Act or the SCHOOL Act This bill establishes a grant program and other resources to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) with reopening schools after closures related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the Department of Education (ED) must partner with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to LEAs for certain activities to reopen schools. These activities include (1) purchasing personal protective equipment; (2) cleaning and disinfecting schools; (3) purchasing the supplies necessary to carry out their reopening plans; and (4) complying with the guidelines, recommendations, and other public health communications issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other entities to mitigate the hazards of COVID-19. Additionally, ED and HHS must (1) develop a process to connect health care professionals with schools to assist them with symptom checks and additional supports, and (2) develop recommendations to expand telehealth services to students and teachers in areas with a shortage of health care professionals. Further, HHS must issue guidance to clarify that private health insurance must cover COVID-19 testing, without imposing cost-sharing, through telehealth services in school-based settings. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must issue a letter to advise states on providing coverage for telehealth services in school-based settings under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Finally, ED must develop an online clearinghouse to collect and maintain evidence-based information, including best practices, related to reopening schools after closures due to COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020
Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent Telehealth Options Act of 2020 or the KEEP Telehealth Options Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the availability and effects of expanded telehealth services under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Among other information, HHS must detail its actions during the emergency to expand access to telehealth services and must analyze telehealth usage by certain demographic groups. The GAO must report on the efficiency and management of the telehealth expansion and related risks of fraudulent activity.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Airport Infrastructure Readiness Act of 2020 or the AIR Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to apportion Airport Improvement Program funding for FY2022 and FY2023 to an airport sponsor based on the number of passenger boardings at such airport that would result in the highest apportioned amount during either calendar year 2018, calendar year 2019, or the full calendar year prior to the current fiscal year. Additionally, DOT shall not calculate a benefit-to-cost ratio with respect to an air traffic control tower participating in the Contract Tower Program on the basis of an annual aircraft traffic decrease in FY2020 and FY2021. Under the Contract Tower Program, air traffic control towers are staffed by employees of private companies rather than by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees. The FAA is required to perform a benefit-cost analysis to determine eligibility for participation in the program.
![Official portrait of Sen. Perdue, David [R-GA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000612_200.jpg)