United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
Synthetic Opioid Exposure Prevention and Training Act This bill directs the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement a safety framework to protect its personnel from exposure to potential synthetic opioids. Among other things, the CBP must do the following: issue a policy that specifies protocols and procedures for the safe handling of potential synthetic opioids; require mandatory training on the potential risk of exposure to and safe handling procedures for synthetic opioids, as well as how to administer opioid receptor antagonists (e.g., naloxone) after exposure; and provide personal protective equipment and opioid receptor antagonists to officers, agents, other personnel, and canines at risk of exposure to synthetic opioids.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution calls upon the United Nations Security Council to extend certain expiring restrictions placed on Iran and on arms technology suppliers to Iran, including an export ban prohibiting Iran from exporting weapons and an embargo preventing the sale of arms to Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
Promoting Service in Transportation Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish and administer a transportation workforce outreach program to (1) increase awareness of transportation career opportunities; and (2) increase diversity such as race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status of professionals in the transportation sector.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020
This resolution acknowledges the extreme hardship, violence, and maltreatment inflicted on the Potawatomi people by the United States through the forcible removal of the tribe from their homeland east of the Mississippi River. The resolution also recognizes (1) the special legal and political relationship that Indian tribes have with the United States, and (2) the solemn covenant that the Potawatomi people share with the land.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020
CFO Vision Act of 2020 This bill establishes or modifies provisions to provide for standardized government-wide financial management requirements. Each agency Chief Financial Officer must oversee and provide leadership in the areas of budget formulation and execution, planning and performance, risk management, internal controls, financial systems, and accounting. The bill requires the government-wide financial management plan to include actions for improving financial management systems, strengthening the federal financial management workforce, and linking performance and cost information to budget decision-making. The bill requires (1) the development of financial management performance-based metrics, and (2) an assessment of performance by such metrics to be included in the government-wide and agency-level financial management plans and status reports.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
Clean Economy Act of 2020 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt and implement a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the United States with the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
2020 ESOP Fairness Act This bill allows certain over-the-counter securities to be treated as publicly traded employer securities for purposes of the diversification requirements for employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020
Nationwide Right To Unionize Act This bill provides authorization for labor agreements to require membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment regardless of state law (thus preempting state laws that prohibit such agreements).
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2020
Veterans Assistance Helpline Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to designate a three-digit dialing code that a covered individual may use to obtain information about, or be directed to, veteran services or benefits. A covered individual is (1) a veteran, (2) an individual acting on behalf of a veteran, or (3) an individual other than a veteran who is eligible to receive a veteran benefit or service.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2020
Motorcyclist Advisory Council Reauthorization Act This bill amends Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act or the FAST Act to provide statutory authority for the establishment of a Motorcyclist Advisory Council whose duties are to advise the Department of Transportation, the National Highway Safety Administration, and the Federal Highway Administration on transportation safety issues of concern to motorcyclists, including (1) barrier design; (2) road design, construction, and maintenance practices; and (3) the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies. The bill also sets forth the membership of the council, member terms, and reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
This resolution recognizes the Senate's observation of Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month in April 2020. It also urges the United States to lead in raising awareness about the devastating impact of international child abduction.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
This resolution recognizes (1) January 2020 as National Mentoring Month, and (2) the staff and volunteers at quality mentoring programs who help young people reach their full potential.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp and honors victims of the Holocaust. The resolution also calls on the United States to continue to work to end genocide and recommits to combatting all forms of anti-Semitism.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020
Cybersecurity State Coordinator Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to appoint a Cybersecurity State Coordinator in each state, whose duties shall include (1) advising on developing and maintaining secure and resilient infrastructure, (2) serving as the principal federal cybersecurity risk advisor, and (3) facilitating the sharing of cyberthreat information between federal and nonfederal entities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020
National Heritage Area Act This bill requires a standard for the designation of National Heritage Areas. The bill establishes a National Heritage Area System through which the Department of the Interior may furnish technical and financial assistance to local coordinating entities to support the establishment, development, and continuity of the National Heritage Areas. Such system shall be composed of each existing National Heritage Area, National Historic District, National Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Canalway, Cultural Heritage Corridor, and National Heritage Partnership designated by Congress; and each National Heritage Area designated by Congress after enactment of this bill, unless the law designating the area exempts that area from the system by specific reference to this bill. Under the system, Interior shall review and approve management plans for heritage areas, and submit to Congress reports on the activities conducted with respect to such areas. Interior may carry out or review a study that assesses the suitability and feasibility of each proposed heritage area. Interior must review and certify whether a study conducted by others determines an area meets specified requirements, including that it has natural, historic, and cultural resources that represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States. The bill declares that a heritage area may be designated only by an Act of Congress. Management plans must be developed for heritage areas designated under this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Canada should not allow a permanent nuclear waste repository to be built within the Great Lakes Basin and that the President and the Department of State should work with Canada to (1) prevent the construction of such a repository, and (2) craft a solution for the long-term storage of nuclear waste that is safe, responsible, and does not threaten the Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
Industries of the Future Act of 2020 This bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to report to Congress on research and development investments, infrastructure, and workforce development investments of the federal government that enable continued U.S. leadership in industries of the future. The President shall establish or designate an Industries of the Future Coordination Council. The council shall provide the OSTP with advice on ways in which the government can ensure that the United States continues to lead the world in developing emerging technologies that improve the quality of life of the people of the United States, increase U.S. economic competitiveness, and strengthen U.S. national security.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in America Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to establish demonstration and pilot projects, through the awarding of grants or contracts, to facilitate training and education in advanced manufacturing. A local educational entity (e.g., technical college, community college, or an entity that assists educationally underserved communities) in partnership with a manufacturer that employs individuals who have advanced manufacturing skills is eligible to receive such grants or contracts. The corresponding project must (1) develop skills and competencies in communities with expected growth in advanced manufacturing; (2) provide education and training for available and anticipated jobs in advanced manufacturing; (3) educate individuals about career advancement opportunities within advanced manufacturing; and (4) give priority to incumbent workers, dislocated workers, and unemployed individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
Bogus Bonus Ban Act of 2020 This bill directs the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with federal departments and agencies, to issue guidance, with detailed implementation instructions, on the appropriate use of award and incentive fees in department or agency programs. The guidance shall, among other things ensure that all new contracts using award fees link such fees to outcomes (which shall be defined in terms of program cost, schedule, and performance); establish criteria for identifying the appropriate level of officials authorized to approve the use of award and incentive fees in new contracts; ensure that no award fee may be paid for contractor performance that is judged to be below satisfactory performance or performance that does not meet the basic requirements of the contract; and provide for the development of performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of award and incentive fees as a tool for improving contractor performance and achieving desired program outcomes. Any funds intended to be awarded as incentive fees that are not paid due to the inability of a contractor to meet the criteria established by this bill shall be deobligated and made available for purposes for which the funds are otherwise allowable. The Department of the Treasury shall include award fee as a filter on USAspending.gov.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2019 or the CROWN Act of 2019 This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style. The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2020
Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to include data on certain maternal health outcomes in its broadband health mapping tool (an online platform that allows users to visualize, overlay, and analyze broadband and health data at national, state, and county levels). The FCC must consult with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine which maternal health outcomes should be incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This bill nullifies any collective bargaining agreement between federal employees and agencies that is effective on or after April 30, 2019, if the agreement was not mutually and voluntarily agreed to by all parties or ordered after the completion of binding arbitration. A prior agreement continues to apply until a new agreement that meets the bill's requirements takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Small Business Start-up Savings Accounts Act of 2019 This bill allows an individual or eligible small business (500 or fewer employees) to establish a small business start-up savings account. The taxpayer may deduct contributions to such start-up accounts in the amount of $10,000, or $150,000, reduced by aggregate contributions for all taxable years, whichever is the lesser amount. Qualified distributions (e.g, for purchase of equipment, marketing, training, or accounting fees) from such accounts are excluded from gross income, for income tax purposes. The bill also imposes penalty taxes on excess contributions to a small business start-up savings account and for nonqualified distributions from such an account.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Terrorism Reporting And Classifying Act of 2019 or the TRAC Act This bill establishes a federal interagency working group to coordinate the collection and reporting of federal data related to domestic terrorism incidents. The bill directs the working group to establish a standard interpretation of the term domestic terrorism , develop a federal database for storing information and data related to domestic terrorism incidents, and report on domestic terrorism incidents.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This resolution designates January 2020 as National One Health Awareness Month and recognizes the importance of the One Health approach to protecting the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. One Health is a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that (1) it is the civic duty of the people of the United States to help ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible; (2) the federal government, state and local governments, civil society, businesses, religious institutions, libraries, and other national and local organizations should work together as partners to inform the public that the 2020 Census is safe, easy, and important; (3) individuals who want to help administer the 2020 Census should apply for a job at 2020census.gov/jobs; and (4) U.S. residents should plan to respond to the 2020 Census to ensure that all people living in a household in the United States are included.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Federal Employee Parental Leave Technical Correction Act This bill expands certain paid parental leave benefits to include specified public sector employees, including employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, the Executive Office of the President and the White House, and the District of Columbia Courts and Public Defender Service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2019 This bill allows additional hospitals to qualify as critical access hospitals (CAHs) that receive special payment under Medicare. Currently, in order to qualify as a CAH under Medicare, a hospital must either (1) be located more than 35 miles (or 15 miles in mountainous regions or areas with only secondary roads) from another hospital, or (2) have been certified prior to January 1, 2006, by the state as a necessary provider of services in the area. The bill allows a hospital to also qualify if the hospital is a small, rural hospital that (1) serves a health professional shortage area, or a high number of low-income individuals or Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries; (2) has experienced financial losses for two consecutive years; and (3) attests to having a strategic plan to address financial solvency.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Measuring Real Income Growth Act of 2019 This bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis to include estimates pertaining to various income groups in its gross domestic product analyses. Such analyses shall include estimates pertaining to each of the 10 deciles of income as discreet groups and the highest 1% of income as a group.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction In the Nation Act or the NOPAIN Act This bill temporarily establishes separate payments for certain non-opioid treatments under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services and the payment system for ambulatory surgical center services. The bill applies to pain management treatments that are able to replace or reduce opioid consumption, as shown through clinical trials or data.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2019
America's Red Rock Wilderness Act This bill designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin, (2) Grand Staircase-Escalante, (3) Moab-La Sal Canyons, (4) Henry Mountains, (5) Glen Canyon, (6) San Juan-Anasazi, (7) Canyonlands Basin, (8) San Rafael Swell, and (9) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin. The bill sets forth administrative requirements for (1) the exchange of state-owned lands within such areas, (2) federal reservation of water rights, (3) measurement of setbacks for roads with adjacent wilderness, (4) authorized livestock grazing, and (5) withdrawal of such lands from disposition under certain public land laws.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
Promoting Rigorous and Innovative Cost Efficiencies for Federal Procurement and Acquisitions Act of 2019 or the PRICE Act of 2019 This bill directs the Management Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish an annual report on a DHS website on projects that have used innovative procurement techniques within DHS to accomplish specified goals. Such goals are improving or encouraging better competition, reducing time to award, achieving cost savings, achieving better mission outcomes, or meeting the goals for contracts awarded to small business concerns. The Management Directorate shall (1) develop and disseminate guidance and offer training for specified personnel concerning when and how to use such techniques, and (2) share best practices across DHS and make available to other federal agencies information to improve procurement methods and training. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy shall convene a Chief Acquisition Officers Council to examine best practices for acquisition innovation in contracting in the federal government.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
Promoting Aviation Regulations for Technical Training (PARTT) 147 Act of 2019 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish requirements for issuing aviation maintenance technician school certificates and associated ratings. Among other requirements, the bill sets forth application requirements for a certificate to operate an aviation maintenance technician school, including that applications must include a description of the manner in which the school's curriculum will ensure students are capable of attaining a mechanic certificate and associated ratings; establishes facility and instructor requirements for each school; directs each school to establish and maintain a quality control system that provides procedures for recordkeeping, assessment, issuing credit for experience, issuing of final course grades, ensuring sufficient number of instructors, granting of graduation documentation, and corrective action for addressing deficiencies; and requires schools to maintain a pass rate of at least 70% for students who take the written, oral, or practical (or any combination thereof) FAA mechanic tests.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
TAA for Automation Act of 2019 This bill makes trade adjustment assistance, which provides adversely affected workers with the skills and support to obtain new employment, available to workers whose jobs are displaced through automation. The bill also requires the Department of Labor to specify the basis for eligibility when certifying a group of workers as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
K-12 Cybersecurity Act of 2019 This bill requires the Office of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (OCIS) to study the cybersecurity risks facing K-12 educational institutions and develop recommendations that include cybersecurity guidelines designed to assist such institutions in facing those risks. The use of such recommendations shall be voluntary. The study shall include the challenges that such institutions face in securing (1) information systems owned, leased, or relied upon by those institutions; and (2) sensitive student and employee records. OCIS shall (1) develop an online training toolkit designed for officials at K-12 educational institutions to educate the officials about, and provide strategies to implement, the recommendations; and (2) make available on the Department of Homeland Security website the study's findings, the guidelines developed, and the toolkit.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019
Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into a contract with a state in order to carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, and outreach by the VA and the state. The VA is authorized to award a grant to a state to (1) carry out, coordinate, improve or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, outreach activities, or activities to assist with benefits claims for veterans; or (2) hire additional county veterans service officers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019
U.S. Postal Service Opioid and Illicit Drug Strategy Act of 2019 This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to establish a comprehensive organizational strategy to combat the use of the mail in the distribution of illicit drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019
Female Body Armor Modernization Act of 2019 This bill requires each department of the U.S. Armed Forces to provide specified data and assessment concerning personal protection equipment. In addition, the Defense Health Agency must track and report on injuries among service members during the use of such equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education Act of 2019 or the RECYCLE Act This bill provides support for recycling programs. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to award grants to improve the effectiveness of residential and community recycling programs through public education and outreach. In addition, the EPA must develop a model recycling program toolkit for states, Native American tribes, and local governments. Finally, the bill specifies that the EPA's review of its federal procurement guidelines for purchasing certain recycled materials and items made with such materials must occur at least once every five years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution recognizes and celebrates small businesses by (1) acknowledging the importance of promoting a business-friendly environment for small business owners, (2) encouraging young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and create more startup businesses, and (3) conveying appreciation for the ways small businesses support their communities and workers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution expresses support for National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day and encourages people to consider adoption to increase the number of children living in safe, permanent homes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019
Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2019 This bill extends Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to beneficiaries with pre-diabetes or risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers Act of 2019 or the CONTRACT Act of 2019 This bill exempts certain air traffic controllers from a required reduction in their retirement annuity payment on account of earnings from certain work performed while entitled to such annuity. Under current law, retired Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers receive an annuity payment during the period between the mandatory retirement age of 56 and the social security minimum age of 62. Such annuity payment is required to be reduced by a certain percentage of any excess earnings during this period. The bill exempts from such reduction in annuity payments an air traffic controller who participates in the Air Traffic Control Contract Program (a public-private partnership for air traffic control services) following mandatory retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
This resolution expresses support for (1) the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month, including encouraging individuals to fight diabetes through public awareness about prevention and treatment options and enhancing education about the disease; and (2) decreasing the prevalence of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
This bill modifies the authority of the General Services Administration to enter into building leases to accommodate federal agencies. Specifically, it allows any bargain-price option to purchase at less than fair market value contained in an agreement entered into on or after January 1, 2019, to be exercised only to the extent specifically provided for in subsequent Acts of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
Humane Cosmetics Act of 2019 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment.