United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Bipartisan Congressional Budget Reform Act This bill makes several modifications to the federal budget process, including the procedures for considering congressional budget resolutions and adjusting the debt limit. Among other modifications, the bill includes provisions that require biennial congressional budget resolutions, instead of the annual budget resolutions required under current law; retain the existing annual appropriations process; require a budget resolution to specify a target for the ratio of the debt held by the public to the gross domestic product (GDP) for each year covered by the resolution; require the debt-to-GDP target to be enforced using a mandatory reconciliation process that requires deficit reduction legislation to be considered using expedited legislative procedures; provide for automatic adjustments of the debt limit and statutory discretionary spending limits to conform to the levels in the budget resolution; modify the procedures for considering budget resolutions in the Senate; allow budget resolutions that have bipartisan support and meet specified requirements to be considered in the Senate using expedited procedures; rename the Committee on the Budget of the Senate as the Committee on Fiscal Control and the Budget of the Senate; and expand reporting requirements for congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Government Accountability Office.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a pilot program that awards grants to certain states for the creation of systems that improve the sharing of information concerning water quality, sources of water pollution, and water infrastructure needs among local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Ensuring Linguistic Excellence and Vocational Aptitude by Teaching English Act or the ELEVATE Act This bill makes changes in the treatment of Puerto Rico with respect to allotments for English Language Acquisition grants, to allow students who have migrated from Puerto Rico to the states to be fully counted in the annual grant allocation that states receive under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution recognizes the 40th anniversary of the Iran Hostage Crisis. The resolution also honors the suffering of the hostages and sacrifices of those who attempted to rescue them.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
Hong Kong Be Water Act This bill directs the President to impose sanctions on, and freeze assets belonging to, individuals and entities responsible for suppression of freedoms in Hong Kong. The President shall impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on any foreign person who is an official of Hong Kong's government or China's government and who knowingly suppressed the freedom of speech, association, procession, or demonstration in Hong Kong. These sanctions shall also apply to foreign individuals or entities acting on behalf of or cooperating with such a government official. The President shall also block property transactions involving a Chinese national, an entity owned or controlled by China's government, or an officer or senior official of such an entity, if that individual or entity has attempted to undermine the autonomy, basic liberties, and human rights of the people of Hong Kong.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2019
This resolution recognizes October 2019 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2019
Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act This bill creates new federal crimes related to the performance of an abortion on an unborn child who has Down syndrome. It subjects a violator to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. It also authorizes civil remedies, including damages and injunctive relief. A woman who undergoes such an abortion may not be prosecuted or held civilly liable.
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
Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act or the SWAG Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for publicity, propaganda, swag, or mascots, with exceptions. Swag is a product or merchandise distributed at no cost with the sole purpose of advertising or promoting an agency, organization, program, or agenda. Each agency shall, as part of the annual budget justification submitted to Congress, report on the public relations and advertising spending of the agency for the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
This bill directs the President to prohibit the issuance of licenses to export specified munitions items to the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force. The specified items include tear gas, rubber bullets, and handcuffs. The President may make an exception upon certifying to Congress as to how such exports are important to U.S. national interests and foreign policy goals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
Threat Information Protocol for Sharing Act of 2019 This bill establishes several new reporting requirements related to information received by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the national tip line relating to an individual or threat. Specifically, the FBI must submit the following: monthly reports to state law enforcement agencies and fusion centers on all information received by the national tip line relating to an individual or threat in the state during the preceding month, annual reports to Congress on total reports received by the tip line and the total number submitted to state law enforcement agencies and fusion centers, and annual reports to Congress on criminal events involving an individual or threat that had been the subject of a report received through the tip line prior to the criminal event. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must review and report on the operating processes and procedures of the tip line.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
Tariff Tax Credit Act of 2019 This bill allows a new refundable tax credit for the return to taxpayers of revenue raised from duties imposed on goods imported from China in preceding calendar years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2019
This resolution urges the House of Representatives (1) before proceeding any further with its impeachment investigation into President Trump, to vote to initiate a formal impeachment inquiry; (2) to provide President Trump with due process, including the ability to confront his accusers, call witnesses on his behalf, and have a basic understanding of the accusations against him that would form any basis for impeachment; and (3) to provide members of the minority with the ability to participate fully in all proceedings and have equal authority to issue subpoenas and other compulsory process.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2019
Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2019 This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of each foreign person or instrumentality that knowingly assists, provides significant support or services to, or is involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of any of the targeted groups. The President shall impose two or more sanctions on the named persons. Specifically, such a person may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution, or (6) subject to property-blocking restrictions. The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar such governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of Treasury shall instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose the provision of assistance to an identified government for one year. The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests. The President shall report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as where such groups secure financing and surveillance equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2019
National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to designate 9–8–8 as the universal telephone number for a national suicide prevention and mental-health crisis hotline. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs must jointly report on how to make the use of 9–8–8 operational and effective across the country.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Identity Theft Victims Protection Act of 2019 This bill requires credit reporting agencies, upon request of a victim of identity theft, to include the resulting negative credit information on the credit report of a defendant found guilty of such identity theft.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2019 This bill allows a beneficiary (or an heir of a beneficiary) of certain insurance policies in effect during the Holocaust to sue in U.S. district court to enforce rights under such policies. An insurance policy covered under this bill must have been (1) in effect at any time between January 31, 1933, and December 31, 1945, and (2) issued to a policyholder domiciled in Nazi-controlled territory or Switzerland. A court shall award to a prevailing beneficiary (1) the amount due under a policy, (2) prejudgment interest of 6% a year, (3) attorney's fees and costs, and (4) treble damages if the insurer acted in bad faith. An action under this bill or state law related to a covered insurance policy shall be considered timely if filed within 10 years of this bill's enactment. Judgments and agreements entered before this bill's enactment shall not preclude a claim brought under the bill, with certain exceptions. Neither executive agreements between the United States and a foreign government nor U.S. executive foreign policies shall (1) affect or preclude claims brought under this bill, or (2) supersede or preempt any state laws relating to insurance policies covered by this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2019
Contracts and Obligations Modernization for Efficient Terms of Service Act or the COMETS Act This bill authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to procure supplies and services for commercial activities at its centers.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2019
Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone Act of 2019 or the RIDE Act of 2019 This bill requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to work with vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and other entities to advance the technology developed by the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety Research Program and other advanced drunk driving prevention technology with the goal of integrating such technology into new vehicles. The NHTSA must demonstrate advanced drunk driving prevention technology in not fewer than 2,500 vehicles in federal fleets; and implement a program to encourage the use of advanced drunk driving prevention technology in state and local government fleets, and private sector fleets.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Dignity for Aborted Children Act This bill requires abortion providers to offer patients specified options concerning the human fetal tissue from an abortion. Specifically, patients must be given an informed consent form specifying the options to (1) take possession of the tissue for transfer to an entity that provides interment or cremations services, or (2) release the tissue to the provider. If the tissue is released to the abortion provider, the provider must ensure the tissue is interred or cremated within seven days of the procedure in a manner consistent with state law regarding the disposal of human remains. Abortion providers must report annually about the aggregate number of abortions performed and other specified information. The bill provides civil or criminal penalties for violations of disposal, informed consent, and reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2019 This bill requires states, as a condition of federal payment under Medicaid for family planning services, to report certain abortion data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Currently, reporting is voluntary.) The CDC must develop standardized questions for states with respect to specified variables (e.g., maternal demographics and methods of abortion).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Disaster Assistance Simplification Act This bill addresses the interaction of disaster recovery relief assistance provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Specifically, the bill prohibits HUD and recipients of HUD disaster relief grants from (1) considering whether an applicant for assistance rejected a separate disaster loan from the SBA, or (2) reducing the amount of assistance by the amount of a rejected SBA loan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
Student Training and Education Metrics Act of 2019 This bill makes institutions of higher education (IHE) responsible for a percentage of the loan balance of students who are in default, and it requires IHEs and the Department of Education (ED) to report certain metrics related to student debt and academic programs. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to remit to ED an annually increasing percentage of the loan balance of students who are in default, up to 10% in the tenth year. Additionally, an IHE shall forfeit its eligibility to receive any federal funds if it raises the amount of tuition and fees above the amount charged for the 2019-2020 award year. An IHE must collect, report to ED, and make publicly available certain statistics such as the (1) graduation rate for each academic program; (2) percentage of graduates who are employed full-time or continuing their education full-time one, three, and five years after graduating; and (3) cost to graduate with a degree for each academic program. For each IHE, ED must annually report (1) the average amount of federal student loan debt owed by a student upon graduation; and (2) the rate of loan deferment, forbearance, default, and delinquency at certain intervals following graduation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2019
This resolution recognizes (1) the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, 2019; and (2) the integral role of Latinos and their manifold heritage in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019 This bill modifies and reauthorizes various programs and provisions related to Tibet and China. The President shall provide grants to nongovernmental organizations for projects supporting Tibetan communities in Tibet in areas such as sustainable economic development, cultural preservation, and education. The Department of State shall (1) seek to establish a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Tibet; (2) establish a Tibet section in the U.S. embassy in Beijing; (3) make diplomatic efforts on issues such as water security in the region; and (4) encourage Nepal to provide legal documentation to certain Tibetan residents in Nepal. The State Department shall not authorize any additional Chinese consulates in the United States until the U.S. consulate in Lhasa is established. The bill reauthorizes the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues and expands the office's duties to include additional tasks, such as pursuing international coalitions to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed solely by the Tibetan Buddhist faith community. The bill also adds China-related topics to an existing annual report on international religious freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2019
This resolution designates September 23, 2019, as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, encourages raising public awareness about preventing falls among older adults, and recognizes the agencies and organizations that work to reduce the incidence of such falls.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
American Security Drone Act of 2019 This bill bans the procurement or use by the federal government of commercial off-the-shelf drones or other unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by certain entities, including entities subject to influence or control by China, with exceptions. Federal funds may not be used to purchase or operate such a drone or system, or a system to counter unmanned aircraft systems, that is manufactured or assembled by such an entity. The Government Accountability Office shall report regarding such drones or systems procured by federal agencies from foreign entities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2019
Canadian Snowbirds Act This bill establishes a nonimmigrant visa for qualified Canadian citizens. The Department of Homeland Security may admit as a visitor a Canadian citizen who (1) is at least 50 years old, (2) maintains a residence in Canada, (3) owns a U.S. residence or has signed a rental agreement for the duration of the stay, (4) is not inadmissible or deportable under various provisions, (5) will not engage in U.S. employment except for services for the visitor's employer in Canada, and (6) will not seek U.S. assistance or benefits. Such visitors may be admitted for up to 240 days out of any single 365-day period.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
This resolution designates the week of September 22-September 28, 2019, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week and recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans and by the families of Armed Forces members who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to defend freedom and protect the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2019
Child Tax Credit Extension Act This bill makes permanent changes to the child tax credit enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-97), including increasing the amount of such credit from $1,000 to $2,000.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2019
Hurricane Dorian Charitable Giving Act This bill suspends limitations on the tax deduction for charitable contributions in the case of cash contributions made for relief efforts related to Hurricane Dorian. Such contributions must be made after August 23, 2019, and before January 1, 2020, for such relief efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2019
SFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act of 2019 This bill allows claims to be brought against the United States for damages relating to the personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in providing medical, dental, or related health care functions at a military medical treatment facility. However, the bill does not apply to care provided at a medical treatment location deployed in an area of armed combat.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019 This bill addresses the conservation and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems. Among other things, the bill reauthorizes through FY2024 and revises the Coral Reef Conservation Program; directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide block grants to states to support state coral reef management and restoration; requires NOAA to establish standards for the formation of partnerships among government and community members for the stewardship of coral reefs; provides statutory authority for the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to lead, coordinate, and strengthen federal government actions to preserve, conserve, and restore coral reef ecosystems; requires the Department of the Interior to provide grants upon the declaration of a coral reef emergency to implement emergency plans; and authorizes Interior to provide scientific expertise, technical assistance, and financial assistance for the conservation and restoration of coral reefs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2019
Disaster Contract Transparency Act of 2019 This bill modifies the process for contracting following natural disasters. Specifically, the bill (1) requires state and local governments to have advance contracts in place for debris removal services in order to be eligible for the public assistance grant program; and (2) limits Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement of debris removal to the lower of federal, state, or local contract rates. The bill further requires FEMA to penalize vendors for failing to adhere to pre-disaster contracts; develop and implement clear rules regarding the oversight of debris removal contracts; develop a documented risk-based approach for grants that federal coordinating officers can use to determine appropriate cost-effective field presence required for debris removal oversight; and report to Congress annually detailing a comprehensive list of advance contracts and a review of the need for advance contracts that may be lacking for debris removal and other services.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
This concurrent resolution commemorates, on December 16, 2019, the 75th anniversary of World War II's Battle of the Bulge. The resolution also recognizes the valiant efforts of the Allied Forces and expresses remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Allied victory in the European Theater.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2019
We Protect American Investment in Drugs Act or the We PAID Act This bill limits the price of certain prescription drugs that rely on patents developed with federal support. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to contract with the National Academy of Medicine to conduct a study for determining the reasonableness of the price of such prescription drugs. The bill also establishes the Drug Affordability and Access Committee, which must use the study to develop a methodology and then determine whether the price of each applicable drug is reasonable after the drug enters the market. Further, the bill establishes certain pricing requirements for such prescription drugs. First, the manufacturer must submit to the committee the list and retail prices for the drug as well as specified expenditure information. Second, after a drug is on the market for one year, the manufacture must set the drug’s list price at no more than the committee’s reasonable price determination. Third, subsequent price increases are capped at the annual percentage change in the medical care consumer price index for prescription drugs. The penalties for noncompliance with these requirements include expiration of marketing exclusivity, fines, and prohibitions on entering licensing agreements for the applicable drug. Additionally, the bill revises the patent application requirements for drugs to include the disclosure of specified federal grants.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial 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 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Negro National League, a professional baseball league that was formed in response to African-American players being banned from baseball's major leagues. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and its mission to promote tolerance, diversity, and inclusion. All surcharges from sales of these coins shall be paid to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Peace Corps Mission Accountability Act This bill makes changes to the Peace Corps. The bill changes the Peace Corps from an independent agency that reports to the President to a subordinate agency within the Department of State. The Peace Corps shall also terminate any programs in China. The Peace Corps may not operate in any country that the State Department deems hostile to U.S. national security interests. The State Department shall annually report to Congress on Peace Corps programs around the world, including how each program furthers U.S. interests and is not contrary to U.S. national security.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2019
Restore Coast Guard Capabilities Act This bill authorizes the U.S. Coast Guard to take into account the impacts of Hurricane Michael for the purpose of modifying the contract to construct offshore patrol cutters if it facilitates national security.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2019
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) Marxism and socialism are failed ideologies; and (2) socialism poses a significant threat to freedom, liberty, and economic prosperity.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
Promoting Responsibility In Markets and E-Retailers Act of 2019 or the PRIME Act This bill requires products sold through online retailers to disclose a product’s country of origin in accordance with existing requirements for other imported products. Specifically, online retailers must require sellers to provide the country of origin for the online retailer to disclose to consumers. Further, sellers and distributors of internet applications (i.e., computer programs or software downloaded by a user through an internet-connected device) must disclose to the user the country of origin of the developer, publisher, and, if applicable, parent corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2019
This resolution honors John Paul Stevens, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Specifically, the resolution commends his decades of service, acknowledges his enormous contributions, and extends sympathies to his family and friends.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act This bill establishes the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys within the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Office of the Staff Director to conduct a systematic study of the conditions affecting black men and boys.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
Trauma-Informed Modernization of Eldercare for Holocaust Survivors Act or the TIME for Holocaust Survivors Act This bill includes matters concerning Holocaust survivors in federal grants and programs that serve older adults. Specifically, the bill includes an individual's status as a Holocaust survivor within the scope of the greatest social needs for purposes of such programs. Under current law, these programs must target populations with the greatest economic and social needs. Additionally, among other activities, the Administration on Aging must establish a national center to provide resources, training, and technical assistance related to delivering services to older individuals who experience the long-term and adverse consequences of trauma. In addition, the administration may designate within it a person responsible for implementing and coordinating services for individuals who are Holocaust survivors.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
Coast Guard Drug Detection and Interdiction Act This bill authorizes the United States Coast Guard to provide funding through FY2021 for the enhancement of its land-based unmanned aircraft system program. The Coast Guard must assess the feasibility and advisability of using unmanned aircraft systems for surveillance of marine protected areas, the transit zone, and the Arctic.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2019
This resolution calls for sanctions against Turkey for its receipt of the Russian S-400 air and missile defense system and asks the President to consider the continued inclusion of Turkey in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
JROTC Cyber Training Act This bill directs the Department of Defense to implement a program to prepare Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps students for careers in computer science and cybersecurity. The program may include such elements as internships and cooperative research opportunities, funding for training of instructors, activities to improve the quality of training in these fields, and informal education.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a study to identify gaps in resources that contribute to low interdiction rates for maritime noncommercial smuggling of illicit drugs into the United States from Central America and South America.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
Anti-Spoofing Penalties Modernization Act of 2019 This bill doubles the penalties for providing inaccurate caller identification information and extends the statute of limitations for penalizing persons who commit such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2019
Stop Improper Federal Bonuses Act This bill prohibits a federal agency from awarding a bonus to any employee for five years after the end of a fiscal year in which the agency makes an adverse finding relating to the employee. An adverse finding is a determination that an employee's conduct violated (1) a policy of the agency for which the employee may be removed or suspended for at least 14 days, or (2) a law for which the employee may be imprisoned for more than one year. The bill requires an agency to issue an order directing an employee to repay a bonus awarded in any year in which an adverse finding is made, and the agency must allow such employee to repay such bonus using a repayment plan. As a condition of receiving a bonus awarded after this bill's enactment, an employee must certify that he or she will repay the bonus in accordance with such an order.
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