United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020
Unclaimed Veterans Burial Benefit Correction Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay costs related to the transportation of certain deceased veterans to veterans' cemeteries owned by a state or tribal organization.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020
Air America Act of 2020 This bill establishes the service of Air America employees as qualifying service for purposes of the Civil Service Retirement System. (Air America was a government-owned airline that provided air transport for certain covert operations in Southeast Asia, including Laos and Vietnam, between 1950 and 1976.) The bill applies to U.S. citizens who were employees of Air America or another affiliated company, as specified, between January 1, 1950 and December 31, 1976. Benefit applications must be filed within two years of the date of enactment of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020
This bill provides funding and establishes requirements for the Department of Agriculture to make specified payments to independent poultry growers that have experienced losses during the COVID-19 public health emergency. An independent poultry grower is a poultry grower that assumes the production and market risks associated with the agricultural production of poultry.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2020
This resolution declares that (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable John Lewis, a late Member of the House of Representatives; and (2) when the Senate adjourns on July 28, 2020, it will stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable John Lewis.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2020
Time to Rescue United States Trusts Act of 2020 or the TRUST Act of 2020 This bill establishes congressional rescue committees to develop recommendations and legislation to improve critical social contract programs. A critical social contract program is a federal program for which a federal trust fund is established (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, and federal highway programs), with outlays of at least $20 billion during the year preceding the year in which this bill is enacted, and for which the amount of dedicated federal funds and federal trust fund balances will be inadequate to meet the total amount of outlays of the program that would otherwise be made. Each rescue committee may develop recommendations and legislation to improve the program for which it was established, including by (1) increasing the duration of positive balances of the federal trust fund established for the program, and (2) providing for the solvency of the federal trust fund established for the program during a 75-year period. Congress must use specified expedited legislative procedures to consider legislation that is approved and submitted by the rescue committees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2020
Physician Education on PFAS Health Impacts Act This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to educate health care providers about the health impacts of exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. 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. Specifically, HHS must award grants to national or state medical organizations and other institutions that have expertise in diseases and conditions related to PFAS to provide these trainings.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
United States Manufacturing Availability of Domestic Equipment Act or the U.S. MADE Act of 2020 This bill prohibits the use of funds in the Strategic National Stockpile for the procurement of certain items unless they are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States. Such items include personal protective equipment, including protective masks and gowns, sanitizing and disinfecting wipes, privacy curtains and coverings, or other textile medical supplies and equipment. The bill also allows a new 30% investment tax credit for qualifying medical personal protective equipment manufacturing projects. The term qualifying medical personal protective equipment manufacturing project is a project which reequips, expands, establishes or continues existing production of drugs, vaccines, and medical equipment for the emergency health security of the United States
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
COVID-19 Benefits for Active Duty Servicemembers, the Reserve Components, and their Survivors Act of 2020 This bill establishes, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, a presumption of service-connection if COVID-19 symptoms manifest within a specified time period in individuals serving in the military or reserves during qualified periods of duty (i.e., active duty, training duty, or full-time National Guard duty). For individuals who become disabled or die as a result of COVID-19, it shall be presumed the individual became disabled or died during a qualified period of duty. An individual who was disabled or died due to COVID-19 and was on training duty or full-time National Guard duty shall be furnished death or disability benefits as if the individual were a veteran, without regard to whether their duty period would constitute active military service.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020
Civil Justice for Victims of China-Originated Viral Infections Diseases Act or the Civil Justice for Victims of COVID Act This bill allows a foreign government to be sued in U.S. district court regarding that government's actions related to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. A foreign government shall not have sovereign immunity against a lawsuit in the United States seeking money damages for physical or economic injury occurring in the United States following any reckless action or omission of that foreign government (or any official or agent of that government) that caused or substantially contributed to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. If the United States is in discussions with a foreign state seeking to resolve claims related to COVID-19 against that foreign state, a court may stay a pending case brought under this bill against that foreign state.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Flexible Financing for Rural America Act of 2020 This bill allows rural utility service providers to submit to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) a request to adjust the interest rate or modify the terms of certain loans. The request shall include a report summarizing how the adjustment or modification will assist the borrower in providing critical utility services to a rural community. Specifically, on receipt of a request, USDA must adjust the interest rate on the loan to match certain interest rates in effect when the bill is enacted for obligations of comparable maturity to the term remaining on the loan (or a higher rate requested by the borrower), and make modifications to the loan terms as necessary to address changes in the financial position of the borrower due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency and to promote the financial sustainability of the borrower. In carrying out the adjustments or modifications, USDA shall not impose or collect any fee from, or impose any penalty on, a borrower. The bill also provides funding to implement the adjustments and modifications.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to provide grants and other forms of emergency assistance to certain providers of transportation services that have experienced a significant revenue loss as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Treasury must ensure equal access to the assistance for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. As a condition of receipt of assistance, Treasury must require that a provider of transportation services agree to (1) use the funds, on a priority basis, to maintain through December 31, 2020, pay, paid administrative leave, and benefits to all employees after making any adjustments required for retirement or voluntary employee separation; and (2) recall or rehire any employee laid off, furloughed, or terminated because of reduced service as a result of COVID-19, to the extent warranted by increased service levels.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Bank Service Company Examination Coordination Act of 2020 This bill requires the coordination of state banking agencies with federal banking agencies in regulating and examining the activities of bank service companies. It also allows for the sharing of information related to examinations and regulations between federal and state agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) regularized purchases of precision-guided munitions by Israel, coordinated with the U.S. Air Force annual purchase of precision-guided munitions, would enhance the security of the United States and Israel; and (2) the Department of Defense should take measures to expedite deliveries of precision-guided munitions to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020
Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act This bill modifies loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill provides for automatic forgiveness of a paycheck protection loan that is not more than $150,000 if the recipient submits a one-page form. Further, it prohibits any enforcement or other action against a lender relating to loan origination, forgiveness, or guarantee based on the lender's reliance on certifications or documentation submitted by a loan applicant or recipient.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2020
Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act of 2020 This bill revises the definition of Vietnam era for purposes of the laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, the bill adjusts the start date of the era to November 1, 1955 (currently February 28, 1961), when relating to veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020
This resolution recognizes the historic importance of fireworks displays in the United States and the joy the fireworks industry brings to communities and neighborhoods across the country, and it urges cities, towns, counties, and other municipalities to reconsider postponing or canceling their Fourth of July celebrations so that Americans can celebrate while adhering to appropriate social distancing guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020
Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020 or the JUSTICE Act This bill addresses policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. The bill funds state and local grants, incentivizes state and local reporting on the use of certain policing practices, creates new federal offenses for certain misconduct, establishes a commission to study the conditions affecting Black men and boys, and establishes best practices and training requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020
This resolution declares that it is U.S. policy to Buy American , expresses the Senate's support for American manufacturing, and encourages Americans to buy American products and materials to the greatest extent possible.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2020
This bill sets forth an approval process for advanced biofuel registrations and directs the Environmental Protection Agency to take final action on certain pending petitions for renewable fuel pathways.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020
This resolution designates June 2020 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2020, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. The resolution supports (1) the education of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, their families, and the public about post-traumatic stress; and (2) efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to foster cultural change around the issue of post-traumatic stress. The resolution also encourages the leadership of the Armed Forces to support treatment of members of the Armed Forces who suffer from post-traumatic stress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
Hand Sanitizer Guidance Extension Act of 2020 This bill specifies that certain Food and Drug Administration guidance related to the manufacture of alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency shall remain in effect for two years after this bill's enactment. The bill also imposes various requirements related to the content of hand sanitizers manufactured while the guidance is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2020
TRICARE Retail Pharmacy Prescription Medication Expansion Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Defense to carry out a three-year pilot program under which eligible beneficiaries under the TRICARE pharmacy benefits program may elect to receive non-generic prescription maintenance medications through military treatment facility pharmacies, retail pharmacies, or the national mail-order pharmacy program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2020
Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act of 2020 This bill establishes a grant program to fund demonstration projects to provide mental health services to medically underserved individuals in rural areas or in the farming, fishing, and forestry industries. Specifically, the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth within the Health Resources and Services Administration must award grants to public or nonprofit telemental health provider networks to deliver, and evaluate the impact of, home-based telemental services for such individuals. The office must coordinate activities with the Rural Health Liaison of the Department of Agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Pandemic Authority Suitable To Utilize Reserve Easements Act or the PASTURE Act This bill provides authority for the Department of Agriculture during a pandemic to permit activities such as emergency haying and grazing on land that is subject to a contract under the Conservation Reserve Program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2020
Providing Resources and Organization to Maximize Opportunities for Training and Education in STEM Act of 2020 or the PROMOTES Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out a grant program to assist high schools in providing education to students in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps in subjects including science, technology, math, engineering, computer science, and related areas. Local educational agencies may use grant funds for purposes including training and other support for instructors, acquisition of instructional materials, travel opportunities, mentoring programs, and certifications for students. In making the grants, DOD must give preference to schools with high percentages of children from low-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2020
Long Range Bomber Expansion Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense to submit to Congress recommendations for a minimum number of bomber aircraft, including penetrating bombers in addition to B-52H aircraft, to enable the Air Force to carry out its long-range strike mission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2020
Rural Veterans Funeral Honors Reform Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Defense to provide a briefing to Congress setting forth a plan for the performance of a funeral honors detail at the funeral of a deceased member of the Armed Forces by one or more members of the Armed Forces from an Armed Force other than that of the deceased when (1) members of the Armed Force of the deceased are unavailable for the performance of the detail, and (2) the performance of the detail by members of other Armed Forces is requested by the family of the deceased.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2020
National Technology Industrial Base Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill establishes the National Technology Industrial Base Quadrilateral Council to address issues such as industrial security, supply-chain security, cybersecurity, foreign ownership, and management best practices.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2020
JROTC and ROTC Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill expands the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) to include an introduction to service opportunities in military, national, and public service and implement a plan to establish and support not fewer than 6,000 units of the JROTC by September 30, 2031. The bill also requires the Department of Defense to submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the Cyber Institutes and on opportunities to expand them to additional select institutions of higher learning that have a Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2020
Pandemic Care for Burn Pits Exposure Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the first health assessment conducted for a member of the Armed Forces or veteran after such an individual tests positive for a virus certified as a pandemic includes an evaluation of whether the individual has been (1) based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used, or (2) exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or contaminants relating to service in the Armed Forces. A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment. If such an evaluation establishes that an individual was based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used, or that the individual was exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or contaminants, the individual must be enrolled in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry unless they opt out of enrollment. The VA's Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence must conduct a study on the health impacts of infection with a virus designated as a global pandemic, including the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19), to members of the Armed Forces and veterans who have been exposed to open burn pits and other toxic exposures. The study must be analyzed to assist in preparation for potential future pandemics.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2020
This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to include veterans of World War II who are not already covered.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2020
Veterans Cemetery Grants Improvement Act of 2020 This bill increases to $10 million (currently $5 million) the maximum amount the Department of Veterans Affairs may grant in a fiscal year to states and tribal organizations for operating and maintaining veterans' cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This resolution declares that the Senate (1) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Thomas Allen Coburn, former member of the U.S. Senate; (2) recognizes his life and achievements; and (3) expresses condolences to the family of the former Senator on his passing. Furthermore, this resolution declares that when the Senate adjourns on May 19, 2020, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Thomas Allen Coburn.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
Renewable Fuel Feedstock Reimbursement Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to carry out a program to provide payments to certain renewable fuel producers to reimburse them for purchases of renewable fuel feedstock that were made between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2020. The payment amount shall be equal to 75% of the purchase price of such feedstock.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
Veterans Claim Transparency Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide an opportunity for a veteran's representative to review the veteran's disability rating determination before the rating is finalized. Under the bill, the VA must provide notice to such representative when the determination is ready to be reviewed. The period for review begins at the moment notice is submitted and ends at the earlier of (1) the moment the representative agrees with the determination, or (2) 48 hours after the notice. The VA may not finalize a determination until after the period for review has ended.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
Veterans Cemetery Grants Improvement Act of 2020 This bill increases to $10 million (currently $5 million) the maximum amount the Department of Veterans Affairs may grant in a fiscal year to states and tribal organizations for operating and maintaining veterans' cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2020
Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 This bill imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region and requires various reports on the topic. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list identifying foreign individuals and entities responsible for such human rights abuses. The President shall impose (1) property-blocking sanctions on the identified individuals and entities, and (2) visa-blocking sanctions on the identified individuals. The bill requires reports to Congress on (1) human rights abuses in Xinjiang; (2) efforts to protect U.S. citizens and residents, including ethnic Uyghurs and Chinese nationals studying or working in the United States, from harassment and intimidation by the Chinese government; and (3) the Chinese government's acquisition and development of technology to facilitate internment and mass surveillance in Xinjiang. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence shall submit a classified report to Congress on (1) Chinese government policies in Xinjiang that constitute gross violations of human rights, and (2) the scope and scale of the detention and forced labor of Muslim minority groups in China.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Expanding Medical Partnerships with Israel to Lessen Dependence on China Act or the EMPIL-DOC Act This bill authorizes a bilateral grant program with Israel to develop health technologies, with an emphasis on the use of technology, personalized medicine, and data in relation to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Technologies to be developed through this program include, among others, artificial intelligence, respiratory assist devices, and diagnostic tests. In addition, the program conditions funding on a matching contribution from the government of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
This resolution expresses that the Senate urges the President to require the U.S. Trade Representative to enter into the trade negotiations necessary to implement mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, in order to allow consumers to make an informed and free choice about where their food comes from.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2020
Limiting Infant Fatality and Empowering Nonprofit Organization Workforces or the LIFE NOW Act This bill modifies the Paycheck Protection Program, established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill expands the program to encompass any nonprofit organization regardless of size, and it strikes the affiliation requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations and veterans organizations. The bill also makes any entity that provides abortions ineligible to receive a paycheck protection loan. An exception is allowed for abortions performed at hospitals or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or endangers the life of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
This bill establishes that a minimum of 50% of a covered packer's daily volume of livestock slaughter must be purchased through spot market sales from nonaffiliated producers. (The term covered packer applies to a packer that is required to report to the Department of Agriculture each reporting day information on the price and quantity of livestock purchased by such packer and does not include a packer that owns only one livestock processing plant.) A spot market sale is a purchase and sale of livestock by a packer from a producer under (1) an agreement that specifies a firm base price that may be equated with a fixed dollar amount on the date the agreement is entered into, (2) which the livestock are slaughtered not more than 14 days after the date on which the agreement is entered into, and (3) circumstances in which a reasonable competitive bidding opportunity exists on the date on which the agreement is entered into.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Parental Notification and Intervention Act This bill prohibits a person or organization from performing, facilitating, or assisting in the performance of an abortion on an unemancipated minor under age 18 without first complying with parental notification requirements, subject to exceptions and limitations. It establishes penalties—a fine, up to one year in prison, or both—for each willful violation. A parent who is required to be notified of an abortion of an unemancipated minor may bring an action in federal district court to prohibit the abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
End Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out activities to improve the ability of DOD to effectively prevent, track, and respond to military-connected child abuse, consistent with the recommendations of the Government Accountability Office in the report titled Increased Guidance and Collaboration Needed to Improve DOD's Tracking and Response to Child Abuse .
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2020
This bill provides states, tribal governments, and local governments with added spending discretion for part of their Coronavirus Relief Fund payment. Currently, payments from the fund may only be used to cover certain costs that are necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The bill allows each state, tribal government, and unit of local government to use up to 25% of the amount paid to it for any purpose, including for expenditures to satisfy a nonfederal share requirement for any aid, assistance, grant, or other financial relief provided by the federal government.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2020
This bill addresses education programs and assistance for veterans during emergency situations. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue paying work-study allowances during the COVID-19 public health emergency period. The VA is also authorized to continue paying educational assistance and subsistence allowances between March 1-December 21, 2020, for programs of education that are suspended due to an emergency situation or school closure. An educational assistance payment shall not be charged against an individual's entitlement to educational assistance if an individual was unable to complete a course or program due to the temporary closure of an educational institution or the temporary termination of a program by reason of an emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. This includes assistance related to training and rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill when institutions are closed due to an executive order or emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. It also extends the time limitation for participation in a vocational rehabilitation program when such participation is prevented due to an executive order or emergency situation occurring between March 1-December 21, 2020. The bill authorizes the VA to pay a subsistence allowance for two additional months to a veteran following a program of employment services from March 1-December 21, 2020, for full-time training for the type of program the veteran was pursuing.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2020
This bill provides certain lease protections for service members under stop movement orders in response to a local, national, or global emergency. A service member may terminate a lease for premises or for a motor vehicle, and may not be charged an early termination fee for doing so, if the service member (1) enters into the lease upon receipt of certain military orders for permanent change of station, deployment with a military unit, or individual support of military operations; and (2) subsequently receives, in response to a local, national, or global emergency, a stop movement order for an indefinite period or at least 30 days. For the bill to apply in the case of a lease for premises, the stop movement order must prevent the service member or the service member's dependents from occupying the premises.