United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Providing Financial Assistance to States for Testing and Treatment Act of 2020 or the PFAS Testing and Treatment Act of 2020 This bill expands the allowed use of existing grants for certain water systems to address emerging contaminants, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. Specifically, these grants may be used for activities such as investing in compliance for public water systems and underground sources of drinking water, and to provide household water quality testing. The bill also establishes additional grants for states to address groundwater contamination by certain perfluoroalkyl substances.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Free COVID–19 Testing Act This bill requires specified public health care programs and private health insurance to cover testing for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) without imposing cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments) for the duration of the public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020. This coverage includes the cost of administering such approved tests and related visits to health care providers. Specifically, these requirements apply to COVID-19 testing and office visits for individuals covered through (1) Medicare, (2) Medicare Advantage, (3) Medicaid, (4) the Children's Health Insurance Program, (5) the Department of Defense (i.e., TRICARE), (6) the Department of Veterans Affairs, (7) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, or (8) the Indian Health Service. Additionally, state Medicaid programs may cover COVID-19 testing and related visits for uninsured individuals during the emergency, and the Department of Health and Human Services must reimburse laboratories for the cost of such tests.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act This bill establishes and provides funds for grant programs to respond to safety and health risks presented by qualifying emergencies, including COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and (2) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to agencies that administer Child Care Development block grants and Head Start agencies. ED grant recipients must award subgrants to BIE schools, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education (IHEs). HHS grant recipients must award subgrants to early care and education programs. Subgrants under each grant program must be used for certain activities, such as coordinating preparedness and response efforts with public health departments; purchasing supplies to sanitize and clean facilities to minimize the spread of infectious diseases; and providing mental health services and supports to children, students, and staff. Additionally, ED must award grants to IHEs for creating and expanding emergency financial-aid grant programs that address the unexpected expenses related to basic needs (e.g., housing, food, and certain one-time costs) of enrolled students during a qualifying emergency. IHEs must use grant funds to make emergency financial-aid grants to eligible students. HHS must also award supplemental grants for certain organizations to address emergency-related child traumatic stress. ED may waive certain financial-aid requirements for students affected by qualifying emergencies. Such requirements include those related to subsidized usage limits, leaves of absence, and satisfactory progress. The bill also authorizes ED to permit foreign IHEs to offer distance education during an emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2020
Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2020 This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Act of 2020 or the STORM Act This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enter into agreements with any state or Indian tribal government to make capitalization grants for the establishment of hazard mitigation revolving loan funds. Such funds shall provide funding assistance to local governments to carry out projects to reduce disaster risk in order to decrease the loss of life and property, the cost of insurance claims, and federal disaster payments. FEMA shall not be liable for any claim based on the exercise or performance of, or the failure to exercise or perform, a discretionary function or duty by FEMA or by a FEMA employee in carrying out this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2020
Great American Outdoors Act This bill establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. For FY2021-FY2025, there shall be deposited into the fund an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters. Deposited amounts must not exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. The fund must be used for priority deferred maintenance projects in specified systems that are administered by the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effect of the fund in reducing the backlog of priority deferred maintenance projects for the specified agencies. Additionally, the bill makes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent. The President shall annually report to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds to the LWCF. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2020
Paid Sick Days for Public Health Emergencies and Personal and Family Care Act This bill expands the availability of paid sick time by requiring employers with at least one employee to provide a minimum amount of accrued paid sick time per work week and additional paid sick time in the event of a public-health emergency such as the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). Specifically, the bill requires employers to grant at least 1 hour of accrued paid sick time to each employee for every 30 hours worked, up to a minimum of 56 hours, or 7 days, of paid sick time per year. Accrued paid sick time may be used for, among other reasons, an absence from work that is taken (1) due to a medical condition or illness or for the diagnosis, care, or prevention thereof; (2) to care for a child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, or other close relative with a medical condition or illness, or for the diagnosis or prevention thereof; (3) during a public-health emergency when the employee's workplace has been closed or the employee has been exposed to a communicable disease and may pose a risk to others; or (4) to care for a child or close relative during such public-health emergency, if such relative has been exposed to a communicable disease or the child's school has been closed. Further, employees are immediately entitled to up to 14 days of additional paid sick time if a public-health emergency is declared. This additional paid sick time may be used during the public-health emergency for the same purposes as accrued paid sick time.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 199th anniversary of their country's independence. The resolution recognizes Greece's commitment to democratic principles and the important role that Greece has played both regionally and internationally.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020
Clean Economy Act of 2020 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt and implement a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the United States with the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020
Schedules That Work Act This bill provides employees with the right to request changes to their work schedules related to the number of hours they are required to work or be on call, the location of the work, the amount of notification about work schedule assignments, and fluctuations in work hours. Employers must negotiate in good faith with employees who make such requests and comply with certain work schedule notice and split shift pay requirements for retail, food service, cleaning, hospitality, or warehouse employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2020
This resolution authorizes (1) Sarah Harms and Leah Uhrig, current and former employees, respectively, of Senator Brown's office, and Kylie Rutherford, a current employee of Senator Capito's office, and any other current or former employee of the Senators' offices from whom relevant evidence may be necessary, to testify and produce documents in the case of United States v. Stahlnecker , except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent such current or former employees in connection with the case.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2020
Spectrum Management And Reallocation for Taxpayers Act or the SMART Act This bill authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a public auction of mid-band spectrum and places requirements on how the FCC must use the proceeds from such an auction. Specifically, the bill authorizes the FCC to identify, clear, and auction mid-band spectrum. The bill also establishes a (1) C-Band Reimbursement and Implementation Fund to reimburse costs and incentivize license holders to reduce their usage of spectrum so that it may be auctioned, (2) Digital Divide Trust Fund for deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, and (3) Next Generation 9–1–1 Trust Fund for deployment of upgraded 9–1–1 services that use a digital or internet protocol-based system. The FCC must use the proceeds from a spectrum auction authorized under this bill to (1) reimburse amounts borrowed from the general fund of the Treasury that were deposited into the C-Band Reimbursement and Implementation Fund, (2) deposit a specified amount into the general fund of the Treasury for the purpose of deficit reduction, and (3) deposit all remaining amounts in the Digital Divide Trust Fund and the Next Generation 9–1–1 Trust Fund. Additionally, the bill prohibits an entity that poses a national security risk from participating in a spectrum auction.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp and honors victims of the Holocaust. The resolution also calls on the United States to continue to work to end genocide and recommits to combatting all forms of anti-Semitism.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2020
Protecting Community Television Act This bill revises the definition of a franchise fee that is paid by a cable operator or cable subscriber to encompass only a tax, fee, or other monetary assessment that is imposed by a franchising authority or other governmental entity.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2020
This resolution authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, and Rand Paul, and any other Member who may be named as a defendant in the case of Martin F. McMahon v. Senator Ted Cruz, et al .
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2020
This bill addresses wireless network technology, including by allocating proceeds from spectrum auctions to be used for wireless technology supply chain innovation and multilateral telecommunications security.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2020
Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act This bill increases the tax deduction for state and local taxes in 2019 to $20,000 for persons filing a joint tax return. It eliminates the current $10,000 cap on the deduction in 2020 and 2021. The bill increases the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6% beginning in 2020, and reduces the dollar amount at which the increased tax rate begins.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2019 or the CROWN Act of 2019 This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style. The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws.
United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2020
No War Against Iran Act This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran unless Congress has either declared war or enacted specific statutory authorization for such use. An exception is made for a presidential exercise of power to introduce Armed Forces into hostilities (or situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated) when there is a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States. The bill further states that no prior authorizations of military force (e.g., against Iraq) may be construed to authorize the use of military force against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2020
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a congressional declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Federal Employee Parental Leave Technical Correction Act This bill expands certain paid parental leave benefits to include specified public sector employees, including employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, the Executive Office of the President and the White House, and the District of Columbia Courts and Public Defender Service.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Measuring Real Income Growth Act of 2019 This bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis to include estimates pertaining to various income groups in its gross domestic product analyses. Such analyses shall include estimates pertaining to each of the 10 deciles of income as discreet groups and the highest 1% of income as a group.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
Territories Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Equity Act of 2019 This bill makes certain subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit available to beneficiaries who reside in Puerto Rico or another U.S. territory. Current law makes such beneficiaries ineligible for premium and cost-sharing subsidies, but establishes a process for U.S. territories to apply for financial assistance with respect to the provision of Medicare prescription drugs. The bill eliminates this process and makes the subsidies available to beneficiaries who reside in a U.S. territory and are otherwise eligible.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
This joint resolution expresses disapproval of the recommendation by the Federal Aviation Administration to realign Binghamton, NY (BGM) TRACON operations and Elmira, NY (ELM) TRACON operations to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (AVP) TRACON.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019
Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into a contract with a state in order to carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, and outreach by the VA and the state. The VA is authorized to award a grant to a state to (1) carry out, coordinate, improve or otherwise enhance health and wellness programs, comprehensive veteran suicide prevention programs, outreach activities, or activities to assist with benefits claims for veterans; or (2) hire additional county veterans service officers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019
Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2019 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review certain point sources that discharge perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Based on this review, the EPA must establish effluent limitations and pretreatment standards, as well as publish water quality criteria, for certain PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2019 This bill makes it unlawful to use automated tools (i.e., bots) to intentionally bypass a website's security measures in order to purchase and resell its products or services in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
National Heritage Areas Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes certain National Heritage Areas and increases the total amount that may be made available for certain National Heritage Corridors. The bill increases the total amount that may be appropriated for (1) the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor (formerly the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor) in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and (2) the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in New York. The bill reauthorizes through FY2022 (1) the National Aviation National Heritage Area in Ohio and Indiana, and (2) the Oil Region National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Fair Warning Act of 2019 This bill bars an employer from ordering a site closing or mass layoff until 90 calendar days after the employer has served written notice of such an order to (1) each representative of the affected employees as of the time of the notice or each affected employee, (2) the Department of Labor and the governor of the state where the site closing or mass layoff is to occur, and (3) the state or entity designated by the state to carry out rapid response activities. No notice shall be required if the site closing or mass layoff is because of any natural disaster, such as a flood, earthquake, or a drought ravaging the farmlands of the United States. Labor shall maintain a guide of benefits and services that may be available to affected employees, including unemployment compensation, trade adjustment assistance, COBRA continuation coverage, and early access to training services and other services, including counseling services.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers Act of 2019 or the CONTRACT Act of 2019 This bill exempts certain air traffic controllers from a required reduction in their retirement annuity payment on account of earnings from certain work performed while entitled to such annuity. Under current law, retired Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers receive an annuity payment during the period between the mandatory retirement age of 56 and the social security minimum age of 62. Such annuity payment is required to be reduced by a certain percentage of any excess earnings during this period. The bill exempts from such reduction in annuity payments an air traffic controller who participates in the Air Traffic Control Contract Program (a public-private partnership for air traffic control services) following mandatory retirement.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2019
Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through 2027 the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program within the Department of the Treasury. The Government Accountability Office must report on insurance coverage of cyberterrorism.
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 · 6 November 2019
This resolution expresses appreciation for and acknowledges the contributions of whistle-blowers. It also recognizes the duty to protect the identities of whistle-blowers and safeguard them from retaliation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2019
Immigrant Investor Program Reform Act This bill reauthorizes the EB-5 investor program through September 2025 and makes various changes to the program, such as imposing various oversight mechanisms. (EB-5 visas provide permanent resident status to qualified investors whose investments create a certain number of jobs.)
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 · 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
Don't Break Up the T-Band Act of 2019 This bill repeals the requirement for the Federal Communications Commission to reallocate and auction the 470-512 MHz band (referred to as the "T-Band spectrum"). The T-Band spectrum is a frequency range currently utilized by public-safety entities in certain urban areas.
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
Sandy Duplication of Benefits Fairness Act This bill expands the applicability of the waiver of the prohibition against duplication of benefits for disaster relief recipients following Superstorm Sandy. Under current law, the waiver period extends from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2021. This bill begins that period on October 1, 2012, through December 31, 2021. This change would permit individuals who suffered losses resulting from Superstorm Sandy and who initially applied for and received federal benefits, including Small Business Administration disaster relief loans, to receive additional federal benefits, including funds under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Block Grant for Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR), without having to repay such additional benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
Stopping Executive Overreach on Military Appropriations Act This bill requires congressional approval for military construction projects commenced pursuant to a declaration of a national emergency, prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from expending funds for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, requires the return of DOD funds shifted to wall construction, and requires an ethics review of private contracts related to such construction.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
This resolution authorizes Jason Covey, an employee of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, to testify in the case of United States v. Margaret Murphy , except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2019
This resolution authorizes the chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to provide records of the subcommittee's investigation into China's impact on the U.S. education system to the U.S. Department of Education and other regulatory agencies, law enforcement officials, and entities or individuals duly authorized by federal or state governments.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
End the Limo Loophole Act This bill revises the definition of commercial motor vehicle to include vehicles that are designed to transport 9 or more passengers including the driver (currently, at least 16 passengers including the driver) and requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to finalize a rulemaking to require states to implement an annual inspection program for commercial passenger-carrying vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Safety, Accountability, and Federal Enforcement of Limos Act of 2019 or the SAFE Limos Act This bill establishes safety standards for stretch limousines. Among other requirements, the bill requires safety belts to be installed in stretch limousines with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds at each designated seating position, including on side-facing seats; the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop and issue guidelines, best practices, and recommendations to assist stretch limousine alterers develop and administer a vehicle modifier plan; DOT to complete research into side impact protection, roof crush resistance, and air bag systems for the protection of occupants in stretch limousines given alternative seating positions or interior configurations, including perimeter seating arrangements; stretch limousine operators to disclose (1) the date of the most recent inspection of the limousine required under state or federal law, (2) the results of the inspection, and (3) any corrective actions taken to ensure the limousine passes inspection; and the use of event data recorders in stretch limousines.
![Official portrait of Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000148_200.jpg)