United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2022
Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act of 2022 This bill addresses cybersecurity threats against critical infrastructure and the federal government. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) must perform ongoing and continuous assessments of federal risk posture. An agency, within a specified time frame, must (1) determine whether notice to any individual potentially affected by a breach is appropriate based on a risk assessment; and (2) as appropriate, provide written notice to each individual potentially affected. Each agency must (1) provide information relating to a major incident to specified parties, and (2) develop specified training for individuals with access to federal information or information systems. The bill requires reporting and other actions to address cybersecurity incidents. Entities that own or operate critical infrastructure must report cyber incidents and ransom payments within specified time frames. The bill limits the use and disclosure of reported information. The bill establishes (1) an interagency council to standardize federal reporting of cybersecurity threats, (2) a task force on ransomware attacks, and (3) a pilot program to identify information systems vulnerable to such attacks. The bill provides statutory authority for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) within the General Services Administration (GSA). FedRAMP is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud computing products and services. The bill establishes a FedRAMP Board to examine the operations of FedRAMP and the Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2022
Strengthening Enforcement to Curtail Unlawful, Risky Entrance to Flights Act of 2022 or the SECURE Flights Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the use of warrants and other documents issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as proof of identification at airport security checkpoints unless the individual is leaving the United States pursuant to immigration laws. If an individual uses prohibited documents as a proof of identification, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must (1) inform ICE and local law enforcement to determine whether the individual is in violation of any term of release, and (2) collect the individual's biometric information unless the TSA can verify the individual is a U.S. national. The TSA must also submit the biometric information to a national biometric identification system.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2022
United States-Ecuador Partnership Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop and implement strategies and programs to strengthen the U.S.-Ecuador relationship. The State Department must develop and implement a strategy to strengthen commercial and economic ties between the United States and Ecuador, including by (1) promoting cooperation and information sharing to increase trade and investment opportunities, and (2) supporting efforts by Ecuador's government to promote a more open and competitive business environment. The State Department must also develop and implement a strategy to increase the capacity of Ecuador's justice system and law enforcement to combat crime, corruption, and the harmful influence of malign foreign and domestic actors. USAID must develop and implement a strategy to support inclusive economic development across Ecuador's national territory, including by facilitating increased access to financing and investment for small- and medium-sized businesses. USAID must also, by working through appropriate nonprofit organizations, develop and implement programs to provide training and technical assistance to strengthen the National Assembly of Ecuador. USAID must also develop and implement programs to improve ecosystem conservation and enhance the effective stewardship of Ecuador's natural resources. The State Department and USAID must periodically report to Congress on the implementation of these strategies and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2022
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2022 This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the historic mine residue. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites without assuming liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site. In addition, the bill establishes a Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2022
Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 This bill revises requirements governing ocean shipping to promote the growth and development of U.S. exports. For example, the bill prohibits common ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, or ocean transportation intermediaries from refusing cargo space when available or resorting to other unfair methods.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2022
This concurrent resolution calls for honoring the 236th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on Religious Freedom Day, January 16, 2022. The resolution affirms that religious freedom includes the right of individuals of any faith and individuals of no faith to live, work, associate, and worship in accordance with their beliefs; all people of the United States can be unified in supporting religious freedom because it is a fundamental human right; and the American people will remain forever unshackled in matters of faith.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2022
Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2022 This bill establishes a U.S. Multilateral Aid Review to assess U.S. government investments in multilateral entities. The President must establish a U.S. Multilateral Review Task Force, which must report to Congress the review's findings. The task force must establish and report the methodology for the reviews, which shall include assessments of (1) the relationship between such multilateral entities' stated goals and actual results, (2) the management practices and transparency of the entities, (3) the alignment between an entity's policies and practices with U.S. foreign policy objectives, and (4) whether U.S. goals may be better served by pursing a bilateral approach. The bill establishes a U.S. Multilateral Aid Review Peer Review Group, which must review the reports and provide feedback to the task force and to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2022
This bill prohibits rescinding the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism without Congressional approval. Specifically, before rescinding the designation, the President must certify to Congress that Cuba (1) is cooperating with U.S. antiterrorism efforts, (2) has ceased providing support for international terrorism, (3) has rendered to the United States all persons sought by the Department of Justice for crimes committed in the United States, and (4) has ceased providing support to the regime of former President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Furthermore, the designation may not be rescinded unless a joint resolution from Congress approving the President's certification is enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2022
UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act This bill makes changes to U.S. foreign policy in matters concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). For purposes of this policy, the bill defines Palestinian refugee as a person who (1) resided from June 1946 to May 1948 in Mandatory Palestine (a region controlled by Britain until 1948), (2) was personally displaced as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, and (3) has not accepted citizenship or other permanent adjustment in status in another country. Furthermore, under U.S. policy, derivative refugee status may only extend to the spouse or minor child of such a Palestinian refugee. The bill withholds U.S. funding for the UNRWA unless the Department of State makes certifications concerning the UNRWA's staff, partners, and funding. Specifically, the State Department must certify that neither UNRWA staff and partners nor its funding and facilities are affiliated with terrorism or engaged in the dissemination of certain rhetoric, such as calling for the destruction of Israel or describing Israelis as occupiers or settlers . Additionally, the State Department must certify that the UNRWA is subject to comprehensive independent financial audits and is unaffiliated with any financial institutions that the United States considers to be complicit in money laundering or terror financing. The State Department must also implement a plan to encourage other countries to align their activities and efforts regarding the UNRWA with U.S. policy objectives, including the phaseout of the UNRWA by resettling Palestinian refugees outside of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2021
Protecting Europe's Energy Security Implementation Act This bill requires the President to impose sanctions related to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and addresses related issues. (Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline that would increase Russia's natural gas export capacity directly to Germany.) Specifically, the President must impose property-blocking sanctions on any entity established for or responsible for the planning, construction, or operation of Nord Stream 2. The President must also impose visa-blocking sanctions on any corporate officers of such an entity. The bill also requires the President to report to Congress before waiving certain sanctions related to Russia. If Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval after receiving the report, the President may not waive the sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Stop Iranian Drones Act of 2021 This bill expands existing provisions requiring sanctions against individuals or entities that provide certain types of weapons to Iran. Specifically, the bill modifies the provisions by adding unmanned combat aerial vehicles to the list of weapons covered by the sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2021
Preventing Mandates on Toddlers Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being used to implement or enforce the Department of Health and Human Services' rule titled Vaccine and Mask Requirements To Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs , published on November 30, 2021, or any substantially similar rule, regulation, or agency statement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2021
Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act of 2021 This bill provides support for Ukraine and imposes sanctions related to Nord Stream 2, the pipeline constructed to increase exports of natural gas from Russia. If Russia or any of its proxies militarily advance into Ukraine's territory or airspace beyond the area occupied as of December 15, 2021, the Department of State must designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. The bill authorizes the State Department to provide Foreign Military Financing assistance to Ukraine in FY2022. The bill also authorizes providing Ukraine with lethal assistance, such as anti-armor weapon systems and anti-aircraft weapons systems. From FY2022-FY2026, Ukraine shall have priority access to excess defense articles. During the same time period, the bill also authorizes providing Ukraine with assistance, including (1) International Military Education and Training assistance; (2) assistance to strengthen cybersecurity and intellectual property enforcement; (3) support and training for banking reform, subsidy reform, corporate governance, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises; and (4) assistance to combat corruption and improve the rule of law. Within 15 days of this bill's enactment, the President must impose sanctions on any entity responsible for planning, constructing, or operating Nord Stream 2, as well as any corporate officer of such an entity. The bill also subjects the President's authority to waive certain sanctions to congressional review. The bill requires reports to Congress on various topics, including a strategy on using U.S. diplomacy to support Ukraine.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2021
Protecting Guides and Outfitters from Coronavirus Vaccine Mandates in the Great Outdoors Act This bill prohibits the denying of certain permit applications for activities on federal lands and waters for reasons based on the coronavirus vaccination status of applicants or their employees. Specifically, the Department of the Interior shall not deny based on vaccination status (1) a commercial use authorization to provide services to visitors to National Park System units, or (2) a special recreation permit for specialized recreation uses of federal recreational lands and waters.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021
Protecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act This bill prohibits the Small Business Administration from directly making a loan under the 7(a) Program, which authorizes loans and loan guaranties to small businesses that meet certain requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination , which was issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on November 5, 2021. The rule requires health care providers, as a condition of Medicare and Medicaid participation, to ensure that staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021
Streamlining EIDL Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide status updates on, review, and approve or disapprove Economic Injury Disaster Loans within certain time frames. It also requires the SBA to report on its efforts to address fraud under the program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2021
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should call on other member states of the United Nations (UN) to redouble efforts to enforce the UN arms embargo on South Sudan. The resolution also expresses that the United States, through its Mission to the UN, should use its voice and vote in the UN Security Council in favor of maintaining the UN arms embargo on South Sudan until the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is fully implemented; or credible, fair, and transparent democratic elections are held in South Sudan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2021
State, Tribal, and Local Species Transparency and Recovery Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior or the Department of Commerce, as appropriate, to provide to affected states all data that is used as the basis of a determination on whether a species is an endangered species or a threatened species before making a determination. The appropriate department must also use data submitted by a state, tribal, or local government in making such a determination.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2021
Protect American Taxpayer Dollars from Illegal Immigration Act This bill prohibits expending federal funds for legal settlements to individuals who violated certain laws relating to the proper time and place to enter the United States, if the settlement pertains to claims based on the lawful detention of such an individual as part of a family unit after the individual's entry into the United States at the southern border after January 20, 2017.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2021
Strategic Production Response Act or the SPR Act This bill limits the drawdown of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the Department of Interior issues a plan or updates a previously issued plan to increase the production of oil and gas on federal land. The bill defines federal land to (1) include Outer Continental Shelf land; and (2) exclude land otherwise not available for oil and gas development within the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, a National Marine Sanctuary, or Indian land.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2021
Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021 This bill establishes grants for owners and operators of publicly owned wastewater treatments systems and community water systems to support planning and other aspects of implementing smart water network technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2021
This bill redesignates the Geospatial Learning Center in the Next NGA West facility in St. Louis, Missouri, as the Senator Roy Blunt Geospatial Learning Center.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2021
Free Veterans from Fees Act This bill waives the application fee for any application for any special use permit the sole purpose of which is to hold a veterans' special event at a war memorial on land administered by the National Park Service in the District of Columbia and its environs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2021
This resolution congratulates the Gambian people on the successful 2016 presidential election. The resolution also supports the courageous and necessary work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission of The Gambia to bring accountability, healing, and reconciliation to that nation. Finally, the resolution calls on all parties and presidential candidates to participate in a free, fair, credible, and peaceful December 4, 2021, presidential election in The Gambia.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2021
Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make changes to the financing of the Universal Service Fund. This fund, which is financed by fees contributed by telecommunications carriers, supports programs to expand the availability of and access to telecommunications services. Specifically, the bill directs the FCC to (1) study the need for expanding the fund's contribution base to ensure fairness and equity in applicable contribution requirements, and (2) reform the fund's contribution system through rulemaking. In carrying out the rulemaking, the FCC must consider the findings and recommendations of its study and the impact of changes on consumers, businesses, and seniors.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021
This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor emergency temporary standard for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 in employment settings. Under the standard issued on November 5, 2021, employers with 100 or more employees must require their onsite employees to either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2021
This resolution designates November 17, 2021, as National GIS Day and encourages the continued use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to learn, address societal challenges, and drive economic growth.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2021
This concurrent resolution condemns the October 25, 2021, coup in Sudan. It recognizes the Prime Minister and his cabinet as the constitutional leaders of Sudan's transitional government and calls for Sudan's military junta, among other things, to immediately release all civilian government officials, civil society members, and other individuals detained in connection with the coup; return to constitutional rule under the transitional constitution; and lift the state of emergency, including complete restoration of all means of communication. Finally, the concurrent resolution calls on international partners to join U.S. efforts to impose targeted sanctions on the junta and other accomplices to the coup; and suspend Sudan's participation in all regional multilateral organizations until Sudan is returned to constitutional rule under the transitional constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2021
This resolution commends the government of Lithuania for its decision to deepen ties with Taiwan and standing up to the coercion and pressure towards Lithuania by the Chinese Communist Party. The resolution also commits to supporting Lithuania and Taiwan in the face of these challenges, including by exploring ways to increase economic cooperation with both countries.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2021
Ethiopia Peace and Democracy Promotion Act of 2021 This bill addresses U.S. efforts to support a peaceful, democratic Ethiopia and bring an end to the conflict in northern Ethiopia. The President may provide financial, technical, and diplomatic support for efforts (1) by the African Union or other credible entities to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict in northern Ethiopia; (2) to engage in peace building, mediation, and community reconciliation; and (3) to pursue accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ethiopia. The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development must, respectively, develop and implement strategies to support democracy and human rights in Ethiopia and support conflict mitigation and management, reconciliation, and trauma healing for Ethiopians affected by the conflict. The President must impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that (1) undermine efforts to end hostilities in northern Ethiopia, or (2) provide weapons to parties involved in hostilities in Ethiopia. The bill also (1) prohibits the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation from providing support for economic development projects in Ethiopia, (2) suspends any U.S. security assistance to the government of Ethiopia, and (3) requires U.S. representatives at international financial institutions to oppose any loan or extension of assistance to the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea. These restrictions shall continue until there is a resolution of the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2021
Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 This bill allows certain individuals to sue and recover damages for harm from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This action is available only to individuals who were exposed to contaminated water for at least 30 days. The bill prohibits the U.S. government from asserting specified immunity from litigation in response to such a lawsuit. The bill also prohibits an individual who brings such an action from bringing a separate tort action against the United States based on the same harm.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2021
Taiwan Deterrence Act This bill authorizes defense-related assistance for Taiwan and addresses related issues. For FY2023-FY2032, the Department of State may provide foreign military financing grant assistance to Taiwan if (1) Taiwan commits to match such spending on a dollar-for-dollar basis, and (2) the United States and Taiwan agree to conduct joint long-range planning for capability development and on the expenditure of the funds. Furthermore, for the purposes of certain arms export control laws, Taiwan shall receive treatment identical to NATO member countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and New Zealand. (Currently, such countries receive benefits in regards to defense article transfers, such as the waiver of certain requirements and eligibility for assistance and fee waivers.) The State Department must report to Congress on U.S. priorities for building more capable Taiwan security forces and organizations. The State Department and the Department of Defense must jointly report to Congress on an annual basis on Taiwan's enhancement of its self-defense capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2021
Prohibiting Taxpayer Funded Settlements for Illegal Immigrants Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to make settlement payments to compensate any individuals for being separated from family members while detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection if the detention was (1) a result of the individual improperly entering (or attempting to improperly enter) the United States, and (2) in accordance with a Department of Justice memorandum that adopted a zero-tolerance policy for such improper entry into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2021
This resolution recognizes the efforts and sacrifices of the wildland firefighters who have risked their lives to fight intense wildfires in 2021. The resolution also (1) expresses support for communities throughout the West as they focus on recovery and rebuilding areas and communities affected by wildfires, and (2) extends gratitude to the families and loved ones of wildland firefighters for supporting the wildland firefighter community.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2021
This bill authorizes the Department of State to initiate a U.S. plan to endorse Taiwan's membership in the Inter-American Development Bank as a nonborrowing member. (The bank's nonborrowing members, such as the United States, provide capital and have voting representation in the bank's board of governors and board of executive directors.) The State Department may also instruct the U.S. governor at the bank to work with the board of governors to admit Taiwan as a nonborrowing member.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2021
This resolution expresses that the Senate (1) remains committed to the Cambodian people and their aspirations for a more peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and sovereign country as envisioned in the agreements signed at the Paris Conference on Cambodia on October 23, 1991 (commonly referred to as the Paris Peace Agreements) with the support of the international community; and (2) calls upon all signatories of the Paris Peace Agreements, including Cambodian stakeholders, to reaffirm their commitments under the agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2021
Upholding the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Law Act of 2021 This bill prohibits using federal funds to establish any diplomatic facility in Jerusalem other than the U.S. Embassy to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2021
Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from requiring a financial institution to report the balances, transactions, or the transfers into and out of a financial account. This prohibition does not apply to laws or regulations in effect on the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2021
Save Our Servicemembers Act of 2021 This bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness within the Department of Defense (DOD) to evaluate and standardize DOD's suicide prevention efforts. Specifically, the bill directs the Defense Suicide Prevention Office to collaborate with each military department to (1) develop and implement a process to ensure that individual nonclinical suicide prevention efforts are assessed for effectiveness, and (2) develop consistent suicide-related definitions for use throughout DOD. The bill also requires the use of such suicide-related definitions in any updated policies of DOD or each military department.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021
Judicial Efficiency Improvement Act This bill divides the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into two judicial circuits: (1) the Ninth Circuit, and (2) a new Twelfth Circuit. The new Ninth Circuit shall be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The new Twelfth Circuit shall be composed of the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The bill creates two additional circuit court judgeships for the Ninth Circuit. It creates 77 additional district court judgeships in specified judicial districts in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Texas. Additionally, it converts eight temporary district court judgeships to permanent judgeships in specified judicial districts in Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021
This resolution supports the designation of October 3-October 9, 2021, as National 4-H Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of 4-H in youth development and education, and (2) encourages all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact the organization and members have made and continue to make by empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021
Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2021 or the HELPER Act of 2021 This bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. Specifically, these individuals may be eligible for a one-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance premium.
![Official portrait of Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000584_200.jpg)