United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020
Delivering for America Act This bill prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from making changes to operations or levels of service from those that were in effect on January 1, 2020, establishes requirements for the processing of election mail, and provides additional funding for the Postal Service Fund. Specifically, the USPS may not, during the period beginning on enactment of this bill and ending on the last day of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency or January 31, 2021, whichever is later, implement or approve any change to the operations or the level of service that would reduce service performance or impede prompt, reliable, and efficient services. Such changes include the following: changes in the nature of services that will generally affect service on a nationwide basis; revisions of service standards; closures or consolidations of post offices or facilities or reduction of hours; prohibitions or restrictions on the use of overtime or payment of overtime pay to USPS officers or employees; changes that would prevent the USPS from meeting its service standards or that would reduce measurements of performance concerning those standards; changes that would have the effect of delaying, deferring, or curtailing mail, allowing non-delivery to a delivery route, or increasing the volume of undelivered mail; treating election mail as any class of mail other than first-class mail, regardless of whether this requires overtime pay; any removal or stoppage of mail sorting machines, other than for routine maintenance; removing or eliminating any mail collection box available to the public; enacting any rule, policy, or standard the purpose or effect of which would delay delivery of mail to or from a government entity; and instituting any hiring freeze. The USPS shall reverse any initiative or action that is causing delay in processing or delivery or non-delivery of mail. With regard to election mail specifically, the bill (1) establishes USPS policy to postmark, with imprinted indicia of the date of receipt, all processed election mail; and (2) directs the USPS to ensure that election mail is processed and cleared from any postal facility on the same day it is received. The term election mail means voter registration materials, absentee and other mail-in applications and ballots, and other materials mailed by state or local election officials to individuals registered to vote in the election. The bill appropriates $25 billion as an additional payment to the Postal Service Fund, of which $15 million shall be transferred to the USPS Office of Inspector General.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2020
This resolution (1) supports the designation of the week of September 11-September 17 as Patriot Week; and (2) recognizes that each generation should renew the spirit of the nation based on the first principles, historical figures, founding documents, and symbols of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020
Make PPE in America Act This bill requires procurement contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE) to be long-term and for domestically manufactured PPE. Specifically, contracts entered into by the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Defense, Education, or Veterans Affairs for the procurement of PPE must be for a duration of at least three years, including a base period and all option periods, to incentivize investment in the production of PPE, and materials and components of PPE, in the United States. The bill provides exceptions (1) where a nonavailability determination has been made, (2) where a sufficient quantity of a satisfactory quality cannot be procured as and when needed at U.S. market prices, and (3) where the department certifies every 120 days that it is necessary to procure PPE under alternate procedures to respond to the immediate needs of a public health emergency. Such departments may transfer to the Strategic National Stockpile any excess PPE acquired under a contract.
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 · 15 September 2020
Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act of 2020 This bill directs the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct icebreaking operations in the Great Lakes in accordance with specific performance standards. Specifically, the Coast Guard must keep channels and harbors in the Great Lakes open to navigation not less than 90% of the hours that commercial vessels and ferries attempt to transit ice-covered waterways; in a year in which the Great Lakes are not open to navigation because of ice of a thickness that occurs on average only once every 10 years, keep channels and harbors open to navigation at least 70% of the hours that commercial vessels and ferries attempt to transit ice-covered waterways; and coordinate Great Lakes icebreaking operations with operators of commercial vessels. The Coast Guard must prioritize icebreaking in the United States waters of the Great Lakes over icebreaking in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2020
Nonpartisan Postmaster General Act This bill restricts the political activities of the members of the Postal Service Board of Governors, including the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General. Specifically, the bill (1) prohibits the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General from taking an active part in political management or political campaigns; (2) prohibits the Board of Governors, the Postmaster General, and the Deputy Postmaster General from holding any political position while in office or soliciting funds for the campaign of a candidate for elected office or for a political party; and (3) restricts nominees for Postmaster General and Deputy Postmaster General to those who have not engaged in political activities in the four years prior to their appointments.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 This bill recognizes the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for purposes of developing and implementing a horseracing anti-doping and medication control program and a racetrack safety program. The authority shall establish an anti-doping and medication control standing committee and a racetrack safety standing committee to provide guidance to the authority on the development and maintenance of the programs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall have oversight over the authority. The authority shall submit to the FTC any proposed rule, standard, or procedure developed by the authority to carry out the horseracing anti-doping and medication control program or the racetrack safety program. The authority shall seek to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency or an entity equal in qualification under which the entity acts as the anti-doping and medication control enforcement agency under this bill. Among the required elements of the horseracing safety program are sets of training and racing safety standards consistent with the humane treatment of horses, a system to maintain track surface quality, programs for injury and fatality analysis, investigation and disciplinary procedures, and an evaluation and accreditation program. The bill sets forth other provisions regarding (1) funding, conflicts of interest, and jurisdiction; (2) registration with the authority; (3) program enforcement; (4) rule violations and civil sanctions; (5) testing laboratories; (6) review of final decisions of the authority by an administrative law judge; (7) unfair or deceptive acts or practices; and (8) agreements with state racing commissions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2020
This bill requires the federal government to pay states for 100% of the cost of National Guard duty for a mission assignment validated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to certain declarations related to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The bill applies to declarations, with respect to COVID-19, of major disasters, emergencies, national emergencies, and public health emergencies.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 2020
Delivering for America Act This bill prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from making changes to operations or levels of service from those that were in effect on January 1, 2020. Specifically, the USPS may not, during the period beginning on enactment of this bill and ending on the last day of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency or January 1, 2021, whichever is later, implement or approve any change to the operations or the level of service that would impede prompt, reliable, and efficient services, including changes in the nature of services that will generally affect service on a nationwide basis; revisions of service standards; closures or consolidations of post offices or reduction of operating hours; prohibitions on payment of overtime pay to USPS officers or employees; changes that would prevent the USPS from meeting its service standards or that would reduce measurements of performance concerning those standards; changes that would have the effect of delaying mail, allowing non-delivery to a delivery route, or increasing the volume of undelivered mail.
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
Safe Drugs Act This bill authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to order the mandatory recall of any drug when the FDA determines that there is a reasonable probability that the drug would cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Currently, the FDA may order a mandatory recall under such circumstances only with respect to a controlled substance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Preserving Data in Government Act of 20 20 This bill requires federal agencies to preserve public access to existing open datasets and prevent the removal of existing datasets without public notice. Specifically, the bill requires that any open government data asset that is made available to the public for at least 90 consecutive days (1) remain machine-readable, available in an open format, and part of the worldwide public domain or, if necessary, be published with an open license; and (2) not be altered in such a way as to decrease its machine-readable nature. It shall not be a violation of such requirement to alter (1) the digital location or format of any open government data asset for routine asset maintenance or long-term archiving if such alteration does not decrease the open public accessibility or the machine-readable nature of the data, or (2) the contents of such data asset to update it or correct an error. Any substantial alteration of the data asset's contents shall be recorded in a log that is made available to the public. An agency may remove such data asset from public availability under specified circumstances, such as if the agency determines that the data asset is too costly to maintain or does not provide sufficient value to the public. This bill shall not apply to such data asset that is required to be removed from public availability or altered under another provision of law.
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
Ensuring Network Security Act This bill expands eligibility and establishes distribution priority for funds provided under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program. The program reimburses providers of advanced communications service for costs associated with replacing communications equipment or services that pose a threat to national security. Specifically, the bill increases from 2 million to 10 million the number of customers that an eligible provider may serve. Further, the bill establishes priority for the allocation of reimbursement funds to applicants, providing that such funds shall be distributed first to applicants that have 2 million or fewer customers; subsequently, to applicants that are accredited public or private noncommercial educational institutions providing their own facilities-based education broadband service; and finally, to certain other applicants that are designated as eligible telecommunications carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act or the FLOODS Act This bill addresses forecasting and the communication of flood, tornado, and hurricane events by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Among other provisions, the bill directs NOAA to establish a National Integrated Flood Information System to better inform and provide for more timely decision-making to reduce flood-related effects and costs; establishes partnerships with institutions of higher education and federal agencies to improve total water predictions; designates a service coordination hydrologist at each National Weather Service River Forecast Center to increase impact-based decision support services at the state and local level; requires NOAA to evaluate and improve flood watches and warnings and communication of information to support preparation and responses to floods; ensures that the tornado warning improvement and extension program periodically examines the value of incorporating innovative observations, such as acoustic or infrasonic measurements, observations from phased array radars, and observations from mesonets; requires NOAA to estimate and communicate the frequency of precipitation; and establishes an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Water Management to ensure that federal agencies that engage in water-related matters, including water storage and supplies, water quality and restoration activities, water infrastructure, transportation on rivers and inland waterways, and water forecasting, work together where such agencies have joint or overlapping responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act of 2020 This bill creates certain administrative and judicial remedies for federal employees whose right to provide information to Congress is interfered with or denied. Under current law, federal employees have the right to petition or furnish information to Congress or to individual Members of Congress, and this right may not be interfered with or denied. The bill explicitly allows employees who are aggrieved by a violation of this right to seek administrative remedies that are currently available to whistleblowers who are fired or experience other forms of retaliation. The bill also establishes a private right of action for aggrieved employees, including the option of a jury trial, if an administrative remedy is not issued within 210 days of a complaint being made. The bill applies to employees and contractors of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, including members of the intelligence community.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
COVID-19 Misinformation and Disinformation Task Force Act of 2020 This bill establishes an interagency COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) misinformation and disinformation task force. The task force shall include a representative from not less than one agency that regularly engages with racial or ethnic minority communities, rural communities, and other underserved populations. The functions of the task force shall be coordinating the analysis of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation by agencies across the federal government, developing integrated analyses of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation in a manner that protects individual privacy and civil liberties, coordinating the dissemination to federal agencies and the White House Coronavirus Task Force of analyses developed by individual agencies and integrated analyses, and developing and disseminating information literacy and information resilience public awareness campaigns relating to pandemics. The task force shall (1) ensure that the activities of the task force advance a compelling government interest related to COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation, (2) ensure that the activities of the task force are narrowly tailored to advance that interest while minimizing impacts on speech and expression that is not COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation, and (3) create procedures and internal policies that document the implications. The bill provides for (1) privacy and civil liberties oversight by the Department of Homeland Security, congressional briefings, and a public report; and (2) coordinated messaging.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
This resolution designates September 2020 as National Child Awareness Month to (1) promote awareness of youth-serving charities and organizations throughout the United States, (2) recognize the efforts made by those charities and organizations as critical contributions to the future of the United States, and (3) recognize the importance of meeting the needs of at-risk children and youth.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2020
Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2020 This bill expands Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services. Currently, Medicare covers such services for individuals with diabetes or kidney disease under certain circumstances; such services must also be provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional pursuant to a physician referral. The bill extends coverage to individuals with other diseases and conditions, including obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS; such services may also be referred by a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or (for eating disorders) a clinical psychologist.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020
Protect Our Services Today Act of 2020 or the POST Act This bill prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing any USPS facility during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency period.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020
This bill eliminates the required proportional reduction in Department of Veterans Affairs training assistance benefits for apprenticeships or on-job training for up to 120 days while an individual is unemployed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020
REO Act of 2020 This bill establishes the Reentry Employment Opportunities Program to make grants for the purpose of providing job training opportunities to formerly incarcerated adults, youths, and young adults who have dropped out of school. Grants are awarded to entities such as nonprofit organizations, organizations serving women or a minority population, and state and local governments to carry out projects related to apprenticeship programs, occupational skills education, on-the-job training, work experience, job referrals, basic skills remediation, educational services, and work readiness activities for such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020
Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act This bill establishes several grant programs and otherwise requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take actions to improve mental and behavioral health and prevent burnout among health care providers. Specifically, HHS must award grants to (1) health professions schools, state or local governments, or nonprofits to provide training for health care providers on suicide prevention, other behavioral health issues, and strategies to improve well-being; and (2) health care providers, prioritizing those in COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) hot spots, to establish or expand programs to promote mental and behavioral health among health care providers involved with COVID-19 response efforts. HHS must also study issues related to, and develop policy recommendations on, preventing burnout and improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers, removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and identifying strategies to promote resiliency. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must conduct a campaign to encourage health care providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2020
Masks for All Act of 2020 This bill provides funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide for the manufacture and distribution of high-quality face masks for every individual in the United States during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency. Specifically, the bill directs FEMA to, among other things establish a program to provide three high-quality, reusable face masks to every individual in the United States, including individuals experiencing homelessness and individuals living in group quarters, at no cost, accompanied by specified educational materials; designate face mask pickup sites in each community and provide face masks to each site, allocated according to population, to be distributed to the general public at no cost; consider new designs to create the most comfortable, well-fitting, reusable, and two-way face masks that have adjustable sizing, and if significant improvements in face mask technology are made available, to ensure that such face masks are included in the strategic national stockpile; provide surgical masks and N-95 respirator masks to all individuals working in health care settings in the United States that are experiencing a shortage of such masks, at no cost; and submit to Congress a strategic plan that includes monthly, measurable targets to eliminate shortages and increase domestic production of high-quality masks. The Office of Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall conduct monitoring and oversight of the receipt, disbursement, and use of funds made available under this bill.
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 · 28 July 2020
Federal Labor-Management COVID Partnership Act This bill establishes the Coronavirus Rapid Response Federal Labor-Management Partnership Task Force. The task force must assess the response of federal agencies to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency with respect to agency employees, including the adequacy of agency communications and necessary physical assets. The task force must also provide guidance to prepare for future pandemics, including with respect to equipment levels, cleaning protocols, and leave and telework policies, and must also recommend ways to ensure labor organizations participate in agency decision-making. Each agency must also establish its own working group that addresses similar issues for the future.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2020
This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to initiate an inquiry within seven days and report on the impact of certain changes to hospital reporting requirements for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) on data quality, transparency, and access. (The White House's Coronavirus Task Force revised the process for hospitals to report COVID-19 data on July 13, 2020; previously, hospitals reported data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instead of to the Department of Health and Human Services.) To facilitate the inquiry, HHS must provide the GAO with direct access to relevant information systems. The GAO must present its findings within 45 days, and HHS must then respond to the findings and rectify any issues identified within 7 days. In addition, the GAO must issue reports that address, for example, the impact of the changes to reporting requirements on federal and nonfederal entities, such as hospitals, states, and other jurisdictions, and information about how the decision to change those requirements was made.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
Research Investment to Spark the Economy Act or the RISE Act This bill authorizes the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, the Interior, and Health and Human Services and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation, and Environmental Protection Agency to provide support for research regarding COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) or research disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Support under this bill shall be provided through federal science agencies with at least $50 million in basic and applied research obligations in FY2020. Support may be used to provide supplemental funding to extend the duration of a grant to a research institution or national laboratory that was awarded prior to the enactment of this bill, or to expand the purposes of such a grant as specified; provide supplemental funding through existing competitively awarded cooperative agreements and contracts to cover the increased costs of construction of scientific facilities and equipment that have been delayed because of COVID-19; and award grants and cooperative agreements to institutions of higher education to conduct research on the behavioral, social, or economic effects of COVID-19 and the responses to the disease or on the effectiveness of such responses. Agencies must provide the support as rapidly as possible. Provided funds shall remain available for expenditure for up to two years.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
Save our Stages Act or the SOS Act This bill authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants to eligible live venue operators, producers, promoters, or talent representatives to address the economic effects of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on certain live venues. Specifically, the SBA may make (1) an initial grant of up to $12 million dollars to an eligible operator, promoter, producer, or talent representative; and (2) a supplemental grant that is equal to 50% of the initial grant. An initial grant must be used for costs incurred between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, but a supplemental grant may be used for expenses incurred through June 30, 2021. Such grants shall be used for specified expenses such as payroll costs, rent, utilities, and personal protective equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. (Preclearance is the process of receiving federal preapproval before making legal changes that would affect voting rights.) In addition, the bill expands voting access on tribal lands.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act of 2020 This bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants, and the Office of Minority Health (OMH) to develop a plan, to address health disparities related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the CDC, in coordination with certain departments and agencies, must award grants for contact tracing to, among others, public health departments and health care providers. In awarding these grants, the CDC shall prioritize entities with a demonstrated commitment to employing individuals who represent the demographic groups in the community served by the entity. The CDC must also work with states to update certain COVID-19 testing plans to address testing for populations experiencing COVID-19 health disparities. Additionally, the CDC must award grants to public health departments, tribal organizations, and others for public awareness campaigns on COVID-19 health disparities and, upon the availability of a vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine safety. For these grants, the CDC must give priority to entities serving populations that experience COVID-19 health disparities and low rates of vaccinations, respectively. The CDC must undertake a separate COVID-19 public awareness campaign, as well. In addition, the OMH must develop, within 30 days, an action plan on COVID-19 health disparities that addresses, among other issues, barriers to COVID-19 data collection. The OMH must coordinate with the CDC and others on this plan and update it at least every 30 days during the COVID-19 emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2020
Protect Access to Birth Control Act This bill nullifies interim final rules issued by the Department of Labor, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Health and Human Services that allow employers with religious or moral objections to be exempt from the requirement that their health insurance plans cover contraceptive services without cost-sharing.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020
Assessing a Cyber State of Distress Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing (1) an authority for the declaration of a cyber state of distress, and (2) a Cyber Response and Recovery Fund. Both required assessments shall include a review of recommendations by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission established to develop a consensus on a strategic approach to defending the United States in cyberspace against cyberattacks of significant consequences. Further, the assessment of an authority for declaring a cyber state of distress shall include the development of additional recommendations relating to (1) any determinations that DHS should make and other actions that should be taken before DHS is authorized to declare or renew a cyber state of distress, (2) the definition of the term significant cyber incident, and (3) the appropriate duration of a cyber state of distress. The assessment of a Cyber Response and Recovery Fund shall include the development of additional recommendations relating to (1) the administration of such a fund, (2) the eligibility of entities that may receive support from such fund, and (3) allowable expenses for such fund. DHS must provide a briefing that includes findings from each assessment and legislative proposals for the establishment of an authority for the declaration of a cyber state of distress and a Cyber Response and Recovery Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Securing Healthcare and Response Equipment Act of 2020 or the SHARE Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to transfer personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during a declared public health emergency. These transfers must be made at the request of HHS and on a reimbursable basis.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center Pandemic Modeling Act of 2020 This bill expands the authority of the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center to cover pandemics and other activities deemed appropriate by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It also requires the center to provide modeling, simulation, and analyses to federal agencies upon request and not later than 15 days after completion. The CISA shall annually provide a summary of the center's current projects to each federal agency or department with critical infrastructure responsibilities. If such an agency requests additional information on a specific project, the CISA shall provide the information within 30 days after the request. The CISA shall (1) within 45 days after this bill's enactment, provide a summary of the past pandemic projects and provide all pandemic reports of the center to each federal agency with critical infrastructure responsibilities; and (2) within 180 days after this bill's enactment, brief Congress on current pandemic modeling, simulation, and analyses of the center.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
National Institute of Manufacturing Act This bill establishes the National Institute of Manufacturing to serve as the central hub for federal manufacturing programs, and it directs the institute to coordinate such programs across agencies through a national strategic plan for manufacturing. The institute shall, among other things, (1) convene key stakeholders to develop a national strategic plan for manufacturing in the United States that identifies the needs and priorities of the U.S. manufacturing sector; (2) support and incentivize manufacturing-focused research, collaboration, and education; and (3) be the primary federal entity for all decisions related to manufacturing. Overseen by a Chief Manufacturing Officer, the institute shall be composed of various directorates (e.g., a Directorate for Technology Development and a Directorate for Trade), and the functions of specified federal manufacturing programs and offices shall be transferred to the institute and its directorates. The bill also permanently reauthorizes the U.S. Manufacturing Council of the International Trade Administration as the National Manufacturing Council, and it tasks the council with (1) ensuring regular communication between the federal government and the U.S. manufacturing sector, (2) advising the institute's Chief Manufacturing Officer on government policies and programs that affect U.S. manufacturing, and (3) ensuring the U.S. remains the leading destination for investment in manufacturing throughout the world. Lastly, the bill requires the Chief Manufacturing Officer to establish the manufacturing.gov hub , a section of the Department of Commerce's website that shall serve as the primary point for information relating to every federal manufacturing program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
National Commission on United States Counterterrorism Policy Act of 2020 This bill establishes within the legislative branch the National Commission on United States Counterterrorism Policy. The commission shall (1) review U.S. counterterrorism objectives, priorities, capabilities, policies, programs, and activities; and (2) assess how to adapt and prioritize such policies, programs, and activities to ensure that they employ a mix of available instruments of national power, comply with the rule of law and respect for civil rights and liberties and human rights, focus on terrorism risks, and are balanced relative to the pursuit of other U.S. interests. The commission shall study, among other things the evolution of threats to the United States from September 11, 2001, from international and domestic terrorism and the risks they pose relative to other threats to the United States and U.S. national interests, major lessons learned from U.S. counterterrorism activities since that date, potential new or emerging challenges, and recommendations on how best to adapt U.S. counterterrorism activities to address existing and emerging terrorism risks.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
1619 Act This bill expands the National Museum of African American History and Culture's educational programming. Specifically, the bill requires the museum to develop and nationally disseminate accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to promote understanding of notable events in African American history. It also authorizes various African American history education program activities to engage prospective and current teachers and educational leaders. Additionally, the museum must maintain on its website a special section designated for African American history education resources.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Flexible Financing for Rural America Act of 2020 This bill allows rural utility service providers to submit to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) a request to adjust the interest rate or modify the terms of certain loans. The request shall include a report summarizing how the adjustment or modification will assist the borrower in providing critical utility services to a rural community. Specifically, on receipt of a request, USDA must adjust the interest rate on the loan to match certain interest rates in effect when the bill is enacted for obligations of comparable maturity to the term remaining on the loan (or a higher rate requested by the borrower), and make modifications to the loan terms as necessary to address changes in the financial position of the borrower due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency and to promote the financial sustainability of the borrower. In carrying out the adjustments or modifications, USDA shall not impose or collect any fee from, or impose any penalty on, a borrower. The bill also provides funding to implement the adjustments and modifications.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to provide grants and other forms of emergency assistance to certain providers of transportation services that have experienced a significant revenue loss as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Treasury must ensure equal access to the assistance for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. As a condition of receipt of assistance, Treasury must require that a provider of transportation services agree to (1) use the funds, on a priority basis, to maintain through December 31, 2020, pay, paid administrative leave, and benefits to all employees after making any adjustments required for retirement or voluntary employee separation; and (2) recall or rehire any employee laid off, furloughed, or terminated because of reduced service as a result of COVID-19, to the extent warranted by increased service levels.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020
REAL ID Modernization Act This bill revises requirements for obtaining driver's licenses and personal identification cards under the REAL ID Act of 2005. Specifically, the bill permits electronic and mobile driver's licenses, allows electronic submission of required information, permits a digital photograph to be one that is already on file with the state if the photograph was taken during the six-year period preceding the application, provides for the permanent extension of grants to states for conforming with standards, requires aircraft operators and third party reservation entities to notify passengers about this bill's requirement, and eliminates documentation requirements for Social Security numbers and permanent addresses.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020
Bank on Students Coronavirus Emergency Loan Refinancing Act of 2020 This bill establishes refinancing programs for federal and private student loans. Specifically, it allows certain borrowers to refinance their federal student loans down to lower interest rates, and creates the Federal Direct Refinanced Private Loan to allow certain borrowers to refinance their private student loans.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) should not close post offices or facilities, reduce its standards of service, or raise prices in a way that jeopardizes the affordability and accessibility of its products and services; and (2) Congress should appropriate funds to offset lost revenues of the USPS during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency and should ensure that it maintains its services and remains an accessible, independent establishment of the federal government.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020
Coronavirus Medicaid Response Act This bill increases the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for states and U.S. territories that experience economic downturns (i.e., high unemployment) beginning on or after January 1, 2020, in accordance with specified requirements and limitations. The bill's increase is in addition to previously enacted FMAP increases relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) but may not result in an FMAP greater than 95%.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Justice (DOJ) should defend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in ongoing litigation. Currently, DOJ supports the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that upheld a district court ruling that certain provisions of the PPACA are not severable from the remainder of the Act and therefore that the entire law is invalid. The Fifth Circuit's ruling is currently pending appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2020
This bill designates the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center or the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center.
![Official portrait of Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000595_200.jpg)