United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2019
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2025 programs and activities under the Violence Against Women Act that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Among other things, the bill also authorizes new programs, makes changes to federal firearms laws, and establishes new protections to promote housing stability and economic security for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2019
This resolution encourages the President to expand the Department of Veterans Affairs list of presumptive medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange to include Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2019
National Purple Heart Honor Mission Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the mission of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The bill limits the issuance of such coins to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2022. The bill prescribes surcharges for coin sales, which shall be paid to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, Inc., to support the mission of such organization, including capital improvements to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2019
This resolution requires the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to establish a McCain-Mansfield Fellowship Program through which certain veterans may participate in a two-year fellowship in the personal office of a Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2019
Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act of 2019 This bill requires public housing agencies (PHAs) that administer housing choice voucher programs to, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, extend tenant-based assistance for youth aging out of foster care under specified circumstances. Under current law, public housing assistance is available for up to 36 months for low-income youth who are 18 to 24 years old, left foster care at age 16 or older (or will soon leave foster care), and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The bill requires PHAs to extend such housing assistance for up to 24 months (subject to available funds) for youth who are (1) employed; (2) enrolled in a workforce development program; (3) pursuing postsecondary education, high school diploma, or equivalent; or (4) participating in a family self-sufficiency program. Youth who are (1) parents (or have a dependent under age 6), (2) participating in an addiction recovery program, or (3) unable to comply due to a medical condition must receive extended housing assistance without meeting these requirements. Further, youth receiving extended housing assistance are eligible for available supportive services. PHAs also must coordinate with local child welfare agencies to receive referrals for the housing assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Congressional Reporting Burden Reduction Act This bill eliminates or consolidates various federal reporting requirements. Such reports include a Transportation Security Administration report on unclaimed money at airports, several required from the Department of Homeland Security (e.g., regarding antidumping and countervailing duties), and reports from the General Services Administration on the reimbursement costs of travel and use of photovoltaic energy in public buildings. The bill eliminates various National Archives and Records Administration and Office of Management and Budget reports. The bill reduces the frequency of U.S. Digital Service reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Philanthropic Facilitation Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to (1) expand the definition of, and requirements relating to, "program-related investments" made by private foundations to for-profit entities to further certain charitable purposes; (2) allow a judicial determination (i.e., declaratory judgment) as to whether investments in any entity qualify as program-related investments; (3) require expanded reporting by for-profit entities that receive program-related investments of their gross income, expenses, disbursements, and other information; and (4) allow public inspection of any petition seeking a determination that an investment by a private foundation is a program-related investment and of any information reported by organizations receiving program-related investments.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution urges the United States to work with the international community to address the causes and effects of climate change and remain a party to the Paris Agreement and the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution recognizes October 2019 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
DOTGOV Online Trust in Government Act of 2019 or the DOTGOV Act of 2019 This bill transfers the .gov internet domain program from the General Services Administration to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and provides support for expanding .gov usage among public entities. The bill directs CISA to make .gov domain name registration services, as well as supporting services, generally available to any federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government entity, or other publicly controlled entity that complies with the policies for registration developed by CISA. CISA shall inventory all host names and services in active use within the .gov domain and provide the data to domain registrants at no cost. CISA shall develop and submit to Congress (1) a strategy to utilize information collected for countering malicious cyber activity; (2) an outreach strategy to local, tribal, and territorial governments and other publicly controlled entities to inform and support migration to the .gov domain; and (3) a .gov domain security enhancement strategy and implementation plan. The bill allows recipients of State Homeland Security grants or Urban Area Security Initiative grants to use grant funds for migrating any online service to the .gov domain.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
This bill requires the President to report to Congress a strategy to secure the enduring defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al Qaeda in the Middle East. The report shall contain certain elements including (1) a description of U.S. interests and long-term goals for Syria; and (2) an analysis of threats to U.S. interests from ISIS, Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Russia, Iran, and non-state actors in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2019 This bill modifies eligibility for, and other components of, Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This needs-based program, administered by the Social Security Administration, provides cash benefits to the aged, blind, and disabled. Among other changes, the bill increases income and resource limits used to determine SSI eligibility. Current law excludes from income limits the first $240 of income from sources other than earnings and the first $780 of earned income. The bill increases these amounts to $1,476 and $4,788, respectively. Current law also allows SSI recipients to have $2,000 in resources if they are single or $3,000 in resources if they are married. The bill increases those amounts to $10,000 and $20,000, respectively. The bill also excludes from income and resource determinations (1) support furnished in kind, and (2) state tax refunds derived from specified state tax credits. In addition, the bill equalizes treatment of married couples when both spouses receive SSI. Under current law, such a married couple receives a lower benefit amount and is subject to lower income and resource limits than would apply to two unmarried individuals. The bill instead sets benefit amounts and limits for these married couples at a rate that is twice that of unmarried SSI recipients. Additionally, the bill eliminates the penalty for transfers of certain resources. Under current law, SSI recipients who transfer resources for less than fair market value may lose SSI eligibility for up to 36 months. The bill repeals this loss of eligibility. The bill also indexes annual benefit increases to a price index that reflects the spending patterns of elderly consumers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Kay Hagan, former Member of the Senate; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on October 30, 2019, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Kay Hagan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2019
Drone Advisory Committee for the 21st Century Act This bill establishes a Drone Advisory Committee to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration regarding issues involving the efficiency and safety of integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2019
Global Child Thrive Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes for FY2020-FY2025 programs to provide assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. The bill also requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to direct relevant executive branch agencies to incorporate early childhood development into current programs and promote inclusive early childhood development in partner countries. Such actions to promote early childhood development shall build on existing U.S. plans and strategies and aim to (1) prevent unnecessary family-child separation, (2) assist families with children with disabilities, and (3) help countries transition from child care protection systems that rely on residential care (such as orphanages and children's homes) to ones focused on family-based care.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to act through the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility to provide integrated research and development to defend U.S. agriculture and food against bio- and agro-terrorism threats. Specifically, the bill requires USDA to use the facility to implement research and development objectives to (1) develop veterinary countermeasures for emerging foreign animal diseases and animal transboundary diseases; and (2) provide advanced test, diagnostic, and evaluation capability for threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and veterinary countermeasure assessment for animal and zoonotic diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
Federal Travel Transparency Act This bill requires a federal executive agency to report additional information to the General Services Administration (GSA) regarding travel by the agency head or certain high-level officials compensated on the Executive Schedule. The GSA must make the information publicly available on a travel information website.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act This bill requires small hub airports to maintain a lactation area for nursing mothers and a baby changing table in at least one men's and one women's restroom in each passenger terminal building of the airport. Currently, medium and large hub airports must comply with this requirement by FY2021. The bill requires small hub airports to be in compliance by FY2023.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Promoting American National Security and Preventing the Resurgence of ISIS Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of State to develop a strategy to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), authorizes humanitarian assistance for Syrian civilians, restricts arms sales to Turkey, and imposes sanctions against Turkey and Russia. As part of the strategy to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, the bill requires the State Department to report on (1) the Turkish incursion into Syria; (2) Turkey's participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; (3) the estimated net worth of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; and (4) foreign persons determined to have knowingly provided defense articles, services, or technology to Turkey that could be used in its operations in Syria. Further, the State Department must brief Congress on Russian and Iranian influence in Syria, U.S. activities to counter such influence, and the ability of ISIS to reconstitute. The President must oppose loans to Turkey from international finance institutions and impose sanctions against identified foreign persons that provided Turkey with defense articles, services, or technology for its operations in Syria. The bill also authorizes the President to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria, and it requires the State Department to give priority designation to certain Syrian Kurds as refugees of special humanitarian concern. Additionally, the bill prohibits the sale of arms to Turkey for its operations in Syria, and it imposes sanctions against persons providing arms to Turkish forces in Syria. It also imposes sanctions against senior Turkish government officials, financial institutions that facilitate transactions for Turkish Armed Forces, and Russian persons supporting the Assad regime.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Judge Damon Keith Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019 This bill directs Congress to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of the life and legacy of Judge Damon Keith, senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2019 or the RPM Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the modification of a vehicle's air emission controls for vehicles that are not legal for operation on a street or highway and are used solely for competition. In relation to the exemption of competition vehicles from anti-tampering provisions, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is prohibited from creating or authorizing a database of vehicle registration information that is required to be consulted at the point of manufacture, sale, installation, or use of parts or components. Additionally, the EPA may not require the registration of a vehicle, or part or component of a vehicle, by the manufacturer, seller, purchaser, installer, or user of the vehicle. The regulation prescribed by the EPA regarding the exemption must include certain components, including a description of the reasonable conditions for the applicability of the exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Veterans' Preference Parity Act This bill modifies the eligibility criteria for certain veterans to qualify for a preference in the federal hiring process. Specifically, an individual who is honorably discharged from active duty service is eligible for a veterans' preference, if the active duty service was performed for more than 180 total days (currently, consecutive days). Additionally, a retired member of the Armed Forces is eligible for a veterans' preference, even if the retiree (1) is not a disabled veteran and (2) retired at or above the rank of major or its equivalent.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
End Government Shutdowns Act This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if any appropriations measure for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the fiscal year begins or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations is not in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This joint resolution nullifies a rule issued by the Department of Education (ED) on September 23, 2019. The rule revised the process for a student loan borrower to obtain a discharge from a student loan if an institution of higher education misrepresented a material fact. Among other requirements, the 2019 rule requires each borrower to apply to ED for a defense to repayment. However, under the previous 2016 rule, an application could be submitted on behalf of an entire group (e.g., veterans).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2019 This bill requires federal agencies to make budget justification materials available to the public. The bill also requires the Office of Management and Budget to make certain details regarding the materials available to the public, including a list of the agencies that submit budget justification materials to Congress, the dates that the materials are submitted to Congress and posted online, and links to the materials.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and pronounces the Senate's commitment to enhancing U.S. cybersecurity through continued cooperation with federal agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Greg LeMond, in recognition of his contributions to the United States as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Big Cat Public Safety Act This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including to restrict direct contact between the public and big cats.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Expanding Health Care Options for Early Retirees Act This bill establishes a Medicare buy-in option for certain qualifying first responders. Specifically, the bill allows first responders aged 50 to 64 to enroll in Medicare if they are retired or otherwise separated from service due to a disability. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must determine enrollment periods and set premiums for the buy-in option established under the bill, in accordance with specified requirements. The CMS must also award grants to states and nonprofit organizations for outreach and enrollment activities relating to the buy-in option.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2019 This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit conduct, including bullying (including cyberbullying through electronic communications) and harassment, that (1) limits students' ability to participate in, or benefit from, school programs; or (2) creates a hostile or abusive educational environment that adversely affects students' education. LEAs shall also provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct, and report on, an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics shall collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2019
This resolution instructs Senate conferees on the conference committee for S. 1790 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020) to insist upon the provisions in the bill that relate to a prohibition on the use of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances for land-based applications of firefighting foam.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2019
Whistleblower Programs Improvement Act This bill expands whistleblower protections with regard to commodities and securities law violations. Specifically, the bill extends protections from retaliation to individuals who (1) assist in a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation of these violations, (2) make disclosures that are required or protected under any law subject to the CFTC's or the SEC's jurisdiction, or (3) provide information to supervisors or other employees with the authority to investigate potential misconduct. Currently, these protections apply only to individuals who report information directly to the CFTC or the SEC. The bill also provides for the processing of these whistleblower awards no later than one year after the deadline to file a claim.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
This resolution commends the Global Fund to Fight AIDS and its partners for their contributions to ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The resolution also affirms U.S. support to secure at least $14 billion in donor commitments for the Sixth Global Fund Replenishment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 2019 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 · 17 September 2019
Heightened Oversight of Travel, Eating, and Lodging Act of 2019 or the HOTEL Act This bill prohibits federal agencies from using U.S. government funds to pay for expenses at lodging establishments that are owned by or employ certain public officials or their relatives, including by providing travel reimbursement or a per diem allowance for the cost of lodging, with exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
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 · 11 September 2019
This resolution urges Russia to present credible evidence of wrongdoing against U.S. citizen Paul Whelan or immediately release him. It also urges Russia to provide unrestricted consular access to Whelan and to ensure that he is afforded due process and universally recognized human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2019
National Historic Vehicle Register Act of 2019 This bill directs the National Park Service (NPS) to establish and maintain a National Historic Vehicle Register that shall include (1) a narrative describing each historic vehicle and its historical significance, (2) a photographic record of the vehicle, and (3) a line drawing or engineering drawing of the vehicle. Such register shall be archived in the Library of Congress. The NPS shall (1) coordinate with the Historic Vehicle Association, American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, and other appropriate organizations in order to invite owners of historic vehicles to participate in the register; and (2) develop criteria for the inclusion of historic vehicles on the register. When developing such criteria, the NPS shall consider whether a vehicle is (1) associated with an important event or a significant individual in automotive or U.S. history; (2) distinctive based on design, engineering, craftsmanship, or aesthetic value; or (3) of a particular type that was the first or last produced or among the most well-preserved or authentically restored examples of that type.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2019
This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule that repealed the Clean Power Plan, which established emission guidelines for states to follow in limiting carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants; finalized the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which replaced the Clean Power Plan with emission guidelines for states to use when developing plans to limit carbon dioxide; and revised requirements that govern the process under which the EPA and states develop emission standards for pollutants emitted by existing stationary sources.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2019 This bill directs the President to establish new goals for U.S. efforts to cure and prevent all forms of tuberculosis by updating the United States Government Tuberculosis Strategy (2015-2019) and the National Action Plan for Combating Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis. The President shall (1) coordinate with international organizations and partnerships such as the World Health Organization; and (2) provide bilateral assistance to support tuberculosis research, prevention, and treatment efforts. The Government Accountability Office shall periodically report to the U.S. Agency for International Development and Congress on the impact of such bilateral assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2019 This bill establishes the National Criminal Justice Commission. The commission must conduct a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system; make recommendations for criminal justice reform; and disseminate findings and guidance to the federal government and to state, local, and tribal governments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
Expanding Broadcast Ownership Opportunities Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry. Specifically, the bill allows companies engaged in the qualifying sale of a broadcast station to receive favorable tax treatment by electing nonrecognition of the gain or loss resulting from the sale. To qualify for this treatment, the sale must result in or preserve ownership of a broadcast station by socially disadvantaged individuals. The bill also requires the FCC to foster investment in broadcast stations owned by socially disadvantaged individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude certain purchases of employee-owned stock from being considered as outstanding voting stock for the purpose of the tax on excess business holdings of a private foundation in a business enterprise. The bill applies to any voting stock that is (1) not readily tradable on an established securities market; (2) purchased by the business enterprise on or after January 1, 2005, from an employee stock ownership plan in which employees of the business enterprise participate, in connection with a distribution from the plan; and (3) held by the business enterprise as treasury stock, cancelled, or retired.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act of 2019 or the PFAS Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to limit or prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. FEMA shall (1) develop and issue guidance on alternative foams, personal protective equipment, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFASs; and (2) create an online public repository on tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
This joint resolution rescinds the State Relief and Empowerment Waivers guidance issued on October 24, 2018, which relaxes the criteria for states to obtain waivers from certain health insurance plan coverage requirements.
![Official portrait of Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000595_200.jpg)