United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2019
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Chester Culver, former Member of the Senate; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on January 10, 2019, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable John Chester Culver.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2019
Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2019 This bill allows a qualified individual to carry a concealed handgun into or possess a concealed handgun in another state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. A qualified individual must (1) be eligible to possess, transport, or receive a firearm under federal law; (2) carry a valid photo identification document; and (3) carry a valid state-issued concealed carry permit, or be eligible to carry a concealed firearm in his or her state of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2019
Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 This bill establishes additional sanctions and financial restrictions on institutions and individuals related to the conflict in Syria. The Department of the Treasury shall determine whether the Central Bank of Syria is a financial institution of primary money laundering concern. If so, Treasury shall impose one or more special measures, such as requiring domestic financial institutions to maintain additional records on transactions involving the bank. The President shall impose sanctions on foreign persons that (1) provide significant support or engage in a significant transaction with the Syrian government or those acting on behalf of Syria, Russia, or Iran; or (2) are knowingly responsible for serious human rights abuses against the Syrian people. The bill also imposes sanctions on those that knowingly provide various goods or services to Syria, such as aircraft for the military, technology for the government's domestic petroleum production, items on the U.S. Munitions List, and items that the President believes are being used to commit human rights abuses against the Syrian people. The sanctions include blocking of financial transactions and barring of entry into the United States. Such sanctions shall not apply to activities related to providing humanitarian aid or supporting democratic institutions in Syria. The President may suspend the sanctions under certain conditions, including if it is in the United States' national security interests. The Department of State is authorized to assist entities that are conducting criminal investigations and gathering evidence to prosecute those responsible for war crimes in Syria.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2019
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States, unless two-thirds of each house of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount. The amendment requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to impose a new tax, increase the statutory rate of any tax, or increase the aggregate amount of revenue. It requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber to increase the limit on the debt of the United States. The President must submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts and 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States. The amendment prohibits a court from ordering a revenue increase to enforce the requirements. Congress may waive specified requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2019
Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019 This bill authorizes assistance and weapons transfers to Israel, and extends defense cooperation with Jordan. It establishes additional sanctions related to the conflict in Syria, and allows states to divest from entities boycotting Israel. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2019 The bill reauthorizes through FY2028 Foreign Military Financing to Israel. It extends loan guarantees to Israel through FY2023, and authorizes the President to transfer precision-guided munitions to the country. The bill directs the President to report on steps taken to help Israel secure a strategic trade authorization exception. United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Extension Act The bill extends through 2022 arrangements that allow certain defense articles to be transferred to Jordan on an expedited basis. The bill also directs the President to submit a report to Congress assessing the costs and benefits of establishing a fund to support private investment in Jordan. Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 The bill directs the Department of the Treasury to determine whether the Central Bank of Syria is a primary money-laundering concern and, if so, impose special measures on transactions involving the bank. The bill also imposes sanctions on individuals providing support for the Syrian government. Combating BDS Act of 2019 The bill allows a state or local government to adopt measures to divest its assets from entities using boycotts, divestments, or sanctions to influence Israel's policies. Such measures shall meet various requirements, including those related to written notice and comment.
United States · United States Congress · 2 January 2019
This resolution urges the President to work with allies to lead a multinational freedom of navigation operation in the Black Sea to push back against excessive Russian claims of sovereignty. It also calls for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to enhance allied maritime presence and capabilities in the Black Sea and for European governments to cancel the Nord Stream 2 pipeline due to its threat to European energy security. The resolution also urges the President to provide additional security assistance to Ukraine and states that the President is required by statute to impose mandatory sanctions on Russia.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2018
Forest Management for Rural Stability Act This bill establishes the Natural Resources Permanent Fund to provide payments to certain counties containing federal land. The bill also provides appropriations for the fund, requires certain annual receipts generated from public lands to be deposited into the fund, and grants a federal charter to the Forest and Refuge County Foundation to manage the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2018
Fairness for Crime Victims Act of 201 8 This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish points of order in the House of Representatives and the Senate against considering provisions in appropriations legislation that contain changes in mandatory programs (CHIMPs) that would cause the amount available for obligation during the fiscal year from the Crime Victims Fund to be less than the three-year average. A CHIMP is a provision that: (1) would have been estimated as affecting direct spending or receipts if the provision were included in legislation other than an appropriations bill; and (2) results in a net decrease in budget authority in the current year or the budget year, but does not result in a net decrease in outlays over the period of the total of the current year, the budget year, and all fiscal years covered under the most recently adopted budget resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2018
Declares that the Senate: (1) notes with deep sorrow and solemn mourning the death of former President George H.W. Bush, (2) extends heartfelt sympathy to former President George W. Bush and the entire family of former President George H.W. Bush, and (3) honors and expresses deep appreciation for former President George H.W. Bush's outstanding and important service to his country. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on December 5, 2018, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of former President George H.W. Bush.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 2018
Strongly condemns Russia's actions against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait, including the attack and seizure of Ukrainian naval ships and sailors. Calls on Russia to release the sailors and ships and to stop its harassment of ships in the strait. Calls on the President to express his administration's opposition to Russia's attack at every opportunity, and affirms the Department of State's declaration that it is U.S. policy to never recognize Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea. Urges the international community to unite in opposition to Russia's actions in the strait.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018
This bill extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 through FY2019, including provisions concerning secure payments to eligible states, territories, and counties containing federal land.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018
Condemns: (1) the anti-Semitic attack at the Tree of Life synagogue building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2018, in which 11 innocent people were killed and 6 were injured, and (2) rising anti-Semitism. Honors the memory of the victims and expresses the hope that their memory may be a blessing to their families and community. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to condemn anti-Semitism, protect the right of people in the United States to freely exercise their religious beliefs, and ensure their safety and security.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2018
Recognizes the important contribution women entrepreneurs make to the economy of the United States. Commemorates the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2018
RTP Full Funding Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to carry out an assessment of the best available estimate of the total amount of nonhighway recreational fuel taxes received by the Department of the Treasury and transferred to the Highway Trust Fund for the period covered by the assessment. The Federal Highway Administration shall establish financial management information system codes for certain motorized and nonmotorized use projects.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2018
Small Business Access to Capital and Efficiency Act or the Small Business ACE Act This bill amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to revise the loan amount above which a real estate appraisal is required for the commercial real property securing a Certified Development Company loan. Specifically, the bill ties the amount to the federal banking regulator appraisal threshold. (Currently, an appraisal is required for a loan of more than $250,000.)
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2018
7(a) Real Estate Appraisal Harmonization Act This bill amends the Small Business Act to revise the loan amount above which a real estate appraisal is required for a commercial real property securing a small business loan. Specifically, the bill ties the amount to the federal banking regulator appraisal threshold. (Currently, an appraisal is required for a loan of more than $250,000.)
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2018
Increased Aviation Safety through Contract Towers Act This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to provide grants to an airport sponsor for the construction or improvement of a nonapproach control tower and for the acquisition and installation of air traffic control, communications, and related equipment to be used in that tower.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2018
Designates September 2018 as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. (Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs that causes breathing problems.) Expresses continued support for more robust and accelerated research to develop more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis and to ultimately find a cure for the disease. Recognizes the ongoing courage and contributions of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis who participate in clinical trials. Commends the dedication of those working to improve the quality of life of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis and the families of those individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2018
Owyhee Wilderness Areas Boundary Modifications Act This bill adjusts the boundaries of the North Fork Owyhee Wilderness, the Owyhee River Wilderness, and the Pole Creek Wilderness in Idaho to exclude certain land.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2018
Recognizes the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, the largest and longest humanitarian airlift operation in history. Honors the men and women who participated in and supported the Berlin Airlift.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2018
Reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to support Moldova's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Supports the U.S.-Moldova Strategic Dialogue as a means to strengthen relations and enhance Moldova's democratic, economic, and security reforms.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2018
Nuclear Energy Leadership Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to (1) establish a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement pilot program; (2) advance the research and development of domestic advanced, affordable, and clean nuclear energy; (3) develop a 10-year strategic plan for its Office of Nuclear Energy; (4) provide for a versatile, reactor-based fast neutron source; and (5) establish a program to make available high-assay, low-enriched uranium for use in commercial or noncommercial advanced nuclear reactors. DOE, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must jointly establish a University Nuclear Leadership Program to provide financial assistance for scholarships, fellowships, and research and development projects at institutions of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 2018
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Sidney McCain, III, a Senator from Arizona. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 27, 2018, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 2018
Declares that the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Paul Laxalt, former Member of the Senate. Extends deepest condolences and gratitude to his family. Honors Paul Laxalt's legacy, life, service to the Senate, and commitment to the people of Nevada and the United States. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on August 16, 2018, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Paul Laxalt.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2018
Welcomes the agreement between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name dispute by changing the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of North Macedonia. Condemns Russian efforts to undermine the agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2018
Designates July 26, 2018, as United States Intelligence Professionals Day, and acknowledges the courage, fidelity, sacrifice, and professionalism of the men and women of the U.S. intelligence community.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2018
Sanction Terrorist Operations Using Human Shields Act of 2018 or the STOP Using Human Shields Act This bill provides for the imposition of sanctions on members of foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hizballah, and other foreign persons, agencies, or instrumentalities of foreign states with regard to use of civilians, other specially protected persons, or specially protected property to shield lawful targets from attack or to deliberately cause casualties to such persons or the destruction to such property during an armed conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2018
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 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 five additional circuit court judgeships—four in the Ninth Circuit and one in the new Twelfth Circuit. It creates 52 additional district court judgeships in specified judicial districts in California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Puerto Rico, 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 · 24 July 2018
Recognizes Pioneer Day on the 171st anniversary of the arrival of the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Great Salt Lake Valley in Utah. Acknowledges the sacrifices of the Latter-day Saints pioneers in their pursuit of liberty and religious freedom. Commends the Latter-day Saints pioneers and their descendants for their significant contributions in facilitating the settlement of the West and for providing an example of courage, industry, and faith.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2018
Recovering America's Wildlife Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to transfer $1.3 billion of revenues from energy and mineral development on federal lands to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Subaccount of the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund and revises requirements governing the uses of and distributions from the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2018
Commemorates the lives, careers, and service of the five victims of the Capital Gazette shooting in Annapolis, Maryland. Honors the survivors of the attack and the families of the victims and pledges continued support for their recovery. Thanks law enforcement officers and other emergency first responders for their heroic actions. Reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to defending the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2018
Commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the Battle of Hamel, which forged the enduring relationship between the United States and Australia. Supports continued diplomatic, security, and economic cooperation between Australia and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2018
Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue permits allowing Washington, Oregon, Idaho, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission to kill sea lions in a portion of the Columbia River and certain tributaries in order to protect specified fish from sea lion predation. Permits may be issued to kill sea lions only if the sea lions are part of a population that is not categorized as depleted or strategic. Sea lions may be removed in specified rivers by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, or the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon pursuant to memoranda of understanding if NOAA approves. The cumulative annual taking of sea lions each year under all such permits is limited to 10% of the annual potential biological removal level. In addition, the takings must be humane. NOAA must suspend the issuance of the permits if, after five years, lethal removal authority is no longer necessary to protect fish from sea lion predation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2018
Protect Kids and Parents Act This bill requires that a child of alien parents or legal guardians who are asylum applicants must be detained in the same facility. A "child" is defined as an individual who has not reached the age of 18, has no permanent immigration status, and was in the custody and presence of a parent or legal guardian when the parent or legal guardian was detained for illegally entering the United States. The bill also: directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to increase the total number of immigration judges and Board of Immigration staff attorneys; directs Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase the total number of DHS personnel who process asylum applications; requires DOJ and DHS to establish procedures for expedited consideration and processing of asylum applications; requires expedited removal of asylum applicants whose applications have been denied; establishes a strong presumption in favor of family unity; requires DHS to publish guidance for locating separated children; and requires the Government Accountability Office to study, and report on, the prosecution of asylum seekers between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2018
Tribal Employment and Jobs Protection Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the definition of "applicable large employer" for purposes of the employer health care mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA): (1) any Indian tribal government or subdivision, (2) any tribal organization, or (3) any corporation or partnership if more than 50% of the equity interest of such an entity is owned by an Indian tribal government or tribal organization. An applicable large employer is defined by PPACA as an employer who employs 50 or more full-time employees who provide services on average at least 30 hours per week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2018
Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation to amend regulations on hours of service for commercial drivers who transport livestock or insects within a 300 air-mile radius from where the on-duty time of the driver begins.The regulations must: (1) exclude from the driver's on-duty time certain activities, such as loading or unloading a commercial motor vehicle; (2) change the driving time requirement to a maximum of not less than 15, and not more than 18, hours within a 24-hour period; (3) permit the driver to take one or more rest periods during the trip, which shall not be included in the calculation of the driving time; (4) require the driver, after completion of the trip, to take a rest break for a period that is five hours less than the maximum driving time; (5) exclude from the calculation of the driving time any additional driving to the point of delivery if the driver is within 150 air-miles of the point of delivery; and (6) make inapplicable the requirement that the driver take a 10-hour rest period before driving.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2018
National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins that are emblematic of the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC, and the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers throughout the history of the United States. All sales of such coins shall include specified surcharges, which shall be distributed to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc., for educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2018
Promoting Small Business Innovation through Partnerships with National Labs Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a program to provide qualified small business concerns with vouchers that may be used at National Laboratories and single-purpose research facilities for activities such as research and development. It also authorizes the Department of the Treasury to locate and recover unclaimed U.S. government assets on behalf of any executive, judicial, or legislative agency.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2018
Music Modernization Act This bill makes various changes to copyright law related to sound recordings, including providing protection for sound recordings fixed before February 15, 1972, creating a system for paying royalties to producers and sound engineers, and establishing a statutory blanket license for digital music services. The blanket license allows music services to distribute sound recordings covered by the license without negotiating for the rights for each individual recording, as long as the music service complies with the license's requirements, such as paying the required royalties.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2018
This bill amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to reauthorize the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund through FY2029. The fund is used for providing payments for up to 50% of the costs of carrying out and monitoring ecological restoration treatments for priority forest landscapes on National Forest System lands under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2018
Main Street Employee Ownership Act of 2018 This bill amends the Small Business Act to expand the authority of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee loans for qualified employee trusts of a small business to purchase the stock of that business. Specifically, the bill allows the guaranteed loan to also cover transactions costs associated with purchasing the stock. In addition, it allows loans to a small business to be guaranteed if the loan proceeds will: (1) be used to provide loans to a qualified employee trust of the small business to purchase the business's stock, and (2) result in the trust owning at least 51% of the business's stock. The SBA must guarantee loans to cooperatives in which employees are eligible for membership for such stock purchases. The SBA shall: (1) provide outreach and educational materials to licensed small business investment companies to increase investment in transitions to employee-owned businesses, and (2) establish a Small Business Employee Ownership and Cooperative Promotion Program to offer technical assistance and training on the transition to employee ownership through cooperatives and qualified employee trusts. The Administrator of the SBA shall coordinate an interagency working group on employee-owned businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2018
Updating Purchase Obligations to Deploy Affordable Resources to Energy Markets Under PURPA Act or the UPDATE PURPA Act This bill amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to modify the mandatory purchase and sale requirements for electric utility companies.
![Official portrait of Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000584_200.jpg)