United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2019
Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2019 This bill revises a variety of programs to encourage energy efficiency in buildings, industry, and the federal government, including by encouraging energy efficiency in residential, commercial, federal, or school buildings; energy-efficient technologies and processes for industrial applications; sustainable manufacturing; energy-efficient electric motors or transformers; or federal use of energy-efficient and energy-saving information technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2019
Defending America's 5G Future Act This bill prohibits transactions involving the information and communications technology of a foreign adversary when such transactions pose undue risks involving sabotage or subversion, catastrophic effects on critical U.S. infrastructure or the digital economy, or U.S. national-security or foreign-policy interests. Additionally, the bill prohibits the removal of Huawei Technology Co. Ltd. (Huawei) from the list of entities subject to certain license requirements for exports and authorizes Congress to disallow any export licenses granted to Huawei or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2019
ISA Student Protection Act of 2019 This bill provides for income-share agreements whereby a student agrees to pay a percentage of future income, for a specified period of time, in exchange for funds to pay for educational expenses. The bill places caps on the percentage of a student's future income that may go towards repayment, provides income minimums under which the required payment is zero, and establishes limitations on the length of these agreements. The bill provides for the treatment of these agreements under various laws, including tax, securities, and consumer finance laws.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2019
Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act This bill establishes limitations on separating alien children from parents and on detaining families, and also addresses other immigration-related matters. A child may be separated from a parent or legal guardian at or near a port of entry or U.S. border only if (1) a state court has made a relevant ruling, such as terminating the parent's rights; (2) a qualified child welfare agency official has ruled that separation is in the child's best interest; or (3) a specified official makes certain determinations, such as concluding that a child is a trafficking victim. A child may not be separated from a parent or guardian solely to deter migration or promote compliance with immigration laws. This bill establishes presumptions (1) in favor of family unity and keeping siblings together, and (2) against detention. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall (1) document all child separations, (2) develop training for officers handling separations, (3) publish guidance on how to locate a separated child, (4) periodically provide a parent or guardian information about a separated child, and (5) pay for counsel to represent unaccompanied alien children in removal proceedings. The Flores settlement (an agreement imposing conditions on the treatment of detained alien minors) and a related court holding shall apply to the detention of families. The bill also contains provisions relating to the detention of aliens, including (1) requiring medical assessments of detained children, (2) imposing health-related standards for detention facilities, and (3) requiring DHS to provide sufficient funds for alternatives to detention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2019
This resolution condemns nonconsensual organ harvesting of prisoners in China and calls on China to immediately cease the persecution and imprisonment of Falun Gong practitioners. (Falun Gong is a religious practice that is denounced by the Chinese government.)
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2019
Never Again Education Act This bill creates the Holocaust Education Assistance Program Fund for the Department of Education (ED) to (1) award grants to eligible entities to carry out Holocaust education programs, and (2) conduct periodic regional workshops to provide teachers with technical assistance on how to incorporate Holocaust education within state and local education standards. The fund may accept donations and in-kind contributions. ED shall (1) create and maintain a Holocaust education program website containing resources for middle grades and high schools; and (2) establish the Holocaust Education Advisory Board to advise on developing application criteria for the fund's grants, to advise on content for the Holocaust education program website, and to lead efforts to solicit donations for the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2019
This bill prohibits the use of funds for the 2026 World Cup until the U.S. Soccer Federation agrees to provide equitable pay to the members of the U.S. Women's National Team and the U.S. Men's National Team.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2019
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to commemorate Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith, four Americans killed in the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. (Stevens was the U.S. Ambassador to Libya at the time, Smith was an officer in the Foreign Service, and Doherty and Woods were both government contractors and former Navy SEALs.) After the medal has been awarded, it shall be given to the Central Intelligence Agency Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2019
This resolution recognizes the September 11th National Memorial Trail, which will pass through the states of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, as an important trail and greenway honoring the heroes of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2019
Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer National Opposition to Hate, Assault, and Threats to Equality Act of 2019 or the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act This bill establishes various grants within the Department of Justice for states and units of local government to improve law enforcement activities to address hate crimes, including by improving the reporting of hate crime data to relevant national systems. It also allows a court to order, as a penalty for a violation of a federal hate crime statute, a defendant to participate in educational classes or community service related to the community harmed by the defendant's offense as part of a supervised release.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2019
Rural Jobs Act This bill allocates an additional $500 million in 2019 and 2020 for new markets tax credit investments in the Rural Jobs Zone (an area comprised of low-income communities with populations not greater than 50,000 that are not adjacent to an urbanized area). The bill also requires that not less than 25% of such investments be made in areas that are persistent poverty counties, high migration rural counties, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2019
Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2019 This bill prohibits commercial conversion therapy, which is a practice or treatment designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity or otherwise change behaviors, thoughts, or expressions related to gender or sexual attraction. This prohibition does not apply to treatment that assists an individual undergoing a gender transition or facilitates identity exploration and development.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2019
This bill amends the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) to repeal the permanent rescission on July 1, 2020, of $7.569 billion in unobligated federal-aid highway funds for states.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2019
Fallen Journalists Memorial Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work on eligible federal land in commemoration of the sacrifices made by journalists for a free and independent press.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2019
Designing Accounting Safeguards To Help Broaden Oversight and Regulations on Data This bill requires commercial data operators (i.e., large consumer online services providers or data brokers) to disclose to users what types of user data are collected, and the usage and value of that data. Commercial data operators must also provide users with a way to delete this data. Violations of these requirements are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. Commercial data operators that issue securities must report the value of their user data and the value of any third-party contracts made for the collection of user data.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2019
Preventing Adversaries Internationally from Disbursing Advertising Dollars Act or the PAID AD Act This bill prohibits foreign nationals from making disbursements for political advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2019
Refund Equality Act of 2019 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit legally married same sex couples to amend their tax returns to file as married filing jointly for returns outside of the statute of limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2019
Hunger-Free Summer for Kids Act of 2019 This bill revises the Summer Food Service Program to direct the Department of Agriculture to establish electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards and off-site consumption as two alternative delivery options for certain children through schools and service institutions in the program. These options shall be available to a child only if (1) the child lives in a rural area or outside of an area in which poor economic conditions exist, and (2) the child is eligible for a free or reduced price lunch and breakfast. In the case of off-site consumption, the option is also available if the summer program is available to the child at a congregate feeding site but (1) the site is closed due to extreme weather conditions, (2) violence or other public safety concerns in the area prevent the child from traveling safely to the site, (3) the site is open not more than four days a week, or (4) the site provides only one meal per day. A state may not operate the EBT card option and the off-site consumption option simultaneously in the same area. Each state desiring to participate in the summer food service program shall include in its annual management and administration plan the state's plans for using one or both of these alternative delivery options.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2019
Summer Meals Act of 201 9 This bill revises provisions related to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), which provides meals to children and teens in low-income areas during the summer months when school is not in session. The bill redefines areas in which poor economic conditions exist , where the SFSP may operate, as areas in which at least 40% (currently, 50%) of the children have been determined to be eligible for free or reduced price school meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs. The bill reimburses service institutions (other than school food authorities) for up to one meal and one snack per child each day during after-school hours, weekends, and school holidays during the regular school calendar. Currently, such institutions are reimbursed for meals and snacks served to children over the summer months or to children who are on vacation under a continuous school calendar. USDA must award competitive grants to service institutions to increase participation in the summer food service program for children who lack the ability to access a congregate feeding site through (1) innovative approaches to limited transportation, (2) mobile meal trucks, and (3) any other method or approach that does not require children to access a congregate feeding site. Service institutions that are participating in the summer food service program for children may serve up to three meals, or two meals and one snack, during each day of operation. Currently, this option is reserved for camps and service institutions that serve meals primarily to migrant children.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2019
Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants for a period of three years to eligible entities for the provision of suicide prevention services to veterans and their families. Under the bill, eligible entities include tribally designated housing entities, community-based organizations, and other private entities that meet certain requirements. Entities must submit an application to receive financial assistance that includes a description of the services they propose to provide, among other elements. The bill requires the VA to equitably distribute grants across geographic regions and areas with the most need. Additionally, the VA shall give preference to entities that are experienced in providing suicide prevention services. Entities receiving funding must notify service recipients that funding is wholly or partially from the VA.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2019
Go to High School, Go to College Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Education to carry out a pilot program that awards College in High School Federal Pell Grants to high school students for enrollment in and completion of postsecondary courses offered through dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high schools.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2019
Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Study Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of the Interior to study the sites associated with the life and legacy of Julius Rosenwald, a part-owner and President of the Sears, Roebuck, & Company and a noted philanthropist. The study shall include a special focus on the Rosenwald Schools (the 5,357 schools and related buildings that were constructed in 15 southern states between 1912-1932). In conducting such study, Interior shall (1) determine which sites are of national significance, (2) prioritize the study of any Rosenwald Schools recommended to Interior by the State Historic Preservation Officer of any of the states in which such schools exist, and (3) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating one or more units of the National Park System to include those Rosenwald Schools and other sites representing Julius Rosenwald's life and legacy.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2019
Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 This bill directs various departments to assess whether political developments in Hong Kong justify changing Hong Kong's unique treatment under U.S. law. Hong Kong is part of China but has a largely separate legal and economic system. The Department of State shall report annually to Congress as to whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous from China to justify its unique treatment. The report shall assess whether China has eroded Hong Kong's civil liberties and rule of law as protected by Hong Kong's Basic Law. The Department of Commerce shall report annually to Congress on China's efforts to use Hong Kong to evade U.S. export controls and sanctions. The President shall provide Congress an assessment as to whether to withdraw from the U.S.-Hong Kong extradition treaty, and what actions are needed to protect U.S. citizens and national security interests, if Hong Kong (1) amends its laws to allow the rendition of individuals to countries that lack defendants' rights protections, or (2) passes a national security law. The State Department shall allow otherwise qualified Hong Kong residents to obtain visas to work or study in the United States, even if the applicant had been arrested for participating in certain nonviolent protests supporting human rights or the rule of law. The President shall report to Congress a list of individuals responsible for abducting and torturing people for exercising internationally recognized human rights in Hong Kong. The bill bars such individuals from entering the United States and imposes sanctions on them.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2019
Financing Our Energy Future Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships as corporations, to expand the definition of "qualifying income" for such partnerships (known as master limited partnerships) to include income and gains from renewable and alternative energy generation projects (in addition to fossil fuel-based energy generation projects) and related infrastructure for transportation or storage, including energy derived from thermal resources, waste, renewable fuels and chemicals, energy efficient buildings, gasification, and carbon capture in secure geological storage.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2019
This resolution mourns the deaths and celebrates the lives of the 12 victims who were killed in the shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center on May 31, 2019.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2019
This resolution expresses support for the rights, freedoms, and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. The resolution r ecognizes that LGBTQ rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution and international treaties. Additionally, the resolution encourages the celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month in June.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2019
Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act of 2019 This bill provides the Department of Justice (DOJ) with a mechanism to demand evidence for investigating compliance with foreign-agent disclosure requirements and increases penalties relating to such requirements. DOJ may issue civil investigative demands to a person who may have information relevant to an investigation related to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA). Such demands may be for documents, written answers to questions, or oral testimony. The bill prescribes various procedures and requirements, such as minimum notice periods when seeking oral testimony. Investigative demands may be enforced or challenged in district court. Such investigative demands may not require the production of information that would be protected from disclosure under (1) the rules governing grand jury subpoenas, or (2) the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to the extent the rules are consistent with this bill. The bill increases the maximum criminal fine for certain FARA violations from $10,000 to $200,000. It shall be unlawful for an agent of a foreign principal to willfully fail to disclose being a FARA-registered agent before or during a meeting with a Member of Congress (or with staff of a Member or congressional committee). The bill provides for various civil penalties for failing to meet agent registration requirements. The foreign principal of a penalized agent may not pay the imposed fines. The Government Accountability Office shall (1) analyze the effectiveness of FARA enforcement, and (2) audit the exemption to the Lobbying Disclosure Act for FARA-registered agents.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019
International Climate Accountability Act This bill prohibits implementation of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the United Nations agreement to address climate change adopted December 12, 2015. The President shall annually report to Congress a plan for how the United States will achieve its goals to reduce greenhouse gases under the agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2019
Job Corps Protection Act This bill instructs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Labor to (1) not transfer the function of any Forest Service Jobs Corps Civilian Conservation Center to Labor, and (2) ensure that each center is wholly operated only by USDA. Also, the bill prohibits any of the funds appropriated to USDA or Labor for FY2019 or FY2020 from being used to close any center.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2019
Aeronautics Innovation Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. NASA shall establish a low-boom supersonic aircraft program or project to demonstrate supersonic aircraft designs and technologies to reduce sonic boom noise levels, a subsonic flight program of flight technology demonstrations that use existing aircraft and multiple large-scale X-Plane demonstrator to demonstrate aircraft vehicle and propulsion concepts and technologies, advanced structures, materials, and manufacturing program; and the 21st Century Aeronautics Capabilities Initiative to ensure that it possesses the infrastructure capabilities and tools necessary to conduct flight demonstration projects across the range of NASA aeronautics interests.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019
Metro Safety, Accountability, and Investment Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes funding to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) contingent on certain changes to its governance and operations. The bill reauthorizes capital and preventive maintence grants to WMATA for FY2020-2029 as well as additional funding for capital and preventive maintence projects and the WMATA Inspector General (IG). The Department of Transportation (DOT) may not provide any amounts to WMATA until certain conditions are met, including that DOT (1) certifies that the WMATA Board of Directors has passed a resolution that reaffirms the IG as an independent and objective unit, (2) establishes and maintains the Jeanice McMillan Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Track Safety Task Force, (3) establishes and maintains a Keith Dodson Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Bus Safety Task Force, and (4) certifies that the WMATA General Manager has implemented procedures that establish documented policies and procedures for the capital planning process and require WMATA to improve the transit asset management planning process.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019
Women's Health Protection Act of 2019 This bill prohibits state or local governments from imposing certain restrictions on access to abortion services. Specifically, state or local government may not require unnecessary tests or procedures in connection with the provision of abortion services, the same health care provider who provides abortion services to perform such tests or procedures, providers to offer medically inaccurate information to patients before or during abortion services, providers to refrain from prescribing certain drugs, certain hospital facility transfer agreements, one or more medically unnecessary in-person visits, or patients to disclose the reason for seeking abortion services. The bill also prohibits limitations or requirements that both single out and impede access to abortion services based on a number of factors (e.g., restrictions that are reasonably likely to decrease the availability of abortion services in a state). A state or local government also may not prohibit abortions prior to fetal viability nor prohibit abortions after fetal viability in cases where the health care provider determines that continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the patient's life or health. Additionally, the Department of Justice, individuals, or health care providers may bring a lawsuit to prospectively enjoin a limitation or restriction that is prohibited by this bill. The bill further requires the government defending such a limitation or restriction to show that (1) it significantly advances the safety of abortion services or patient health, and (2) such advancement cannot be met by a less-restrictive measure.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2019
Agriculture Research Integrity Act of 201 9 This bill reaffirms that the Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and any successor agencies must be (1) within the research, education, and economics mission area of the Department of Agriculture (USDA); and (2) administered by the USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. The headquarters and the majority of the staff of the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture must be located within the National Capital Region.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
United States 5G Leadership Act of 2019 This bill establishes U.S. policy for the commercial deployment and security of fifth generation (5G) networks and the development of the U.S. information and communications technology industry. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of funds from a universal service support program to buy equipment or services from providers that pose a national security risk (i.e., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation, or their subsidiaries or affiliates). The bill establishes the Supply Chain Security Trust Fund, from which the Federal Communications Commission must make grants to U.S. communications providers to replace equipment from such entities. Additionally, the bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to report on steps the federal government is taking to secure deployment and availability of 5G networks, and it requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish an interagency program to share information regarding security, risks, and vulnerabilities with U.S. communications providers. Lastly, the bill prioritizes the use of federal funds to enhance U.S. representation at international 5G standard-setting forums.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2019
Rescuing Animals With Rewards Act of 2019 or the RAWR Act This bill modifies the Department of State rewards program to authorize rewards to individuals who furnish information that assists in the prevention or identification of crimes related to wildlife trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2019
Do Not Track Act This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to implement and enforce a do not track (DNT) system to protect consumers from unwanted online data harvesting and targeted advertising. Specifically, the bill requires the FTC to designate a DNT signal (sent by a connected device) and make publicly available a program that (1) is available for download to any common connected device; and (2) sends the DNT signal to every website, online service, or online application to which a user does not want their data sent each time the device connects to it. The bill further requires an operator of a website, service, or application to search for the DNT signal each time a device connects to it and, if it receives such signal, makes it unlawful for the operator to collect data (other than what is necessary for operation) from a user, use any data collected for targeted advertising, or share any data with a third party without consent. An operator shall not discriminate against a user based on DNT preference. If an operator collects more data than is necessary for operation and does not detect the signal, it must provide a user with notice of the user's rights under the DNT program. Additionally, the bill prohibits a third-party operator of a program that receives the DNT signal through the connected device of a user of a covered website, service, or application from collecting user data other than data collected to analyze how or whether the user engaged with the program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2019
Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act This bill requires all campaign officials to report any contacts (i.e., offers of contributions or services) by foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2019
No Junk Plans Act This bill nullifies a rule by the Department of Treasury, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans. Short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans are plans that may only offer coverage for a limited amount of time under law and that are exempt from the market requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (e.g., coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions). The rule increases the maximum authorized duration of such plans from less than 3 months (including renewals) to an initial maximum duration of less than 12 months (with a total duration of up to 36 months, including renewals). The rule took effect October 2, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2019
This concurrent resolution expresses support for efforts to ensure that all women have access to comprehensive, preventative, and affordable health care services and are able to receive unbiased information about those services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2019
Tobacco-Free Youth Act This bill raises the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. States that do not comply with this restriction are ineligible for certain grant funding.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, providing for women's suffrage. The resolution also reaffirms the desire of Congress to continue strengthening democratic participation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
Election Security Act of 2019 This bill addresses election security through grant programs and requirements for voting systems and paper ballots. The bill establishes requirements for voting systems, including that systems (1) use individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballots; (2) make a voter's marked ballot available for inspection and verification by the voter before the vote is cast; (3) ensure that individuals with disabilities are given an equivalent opportunity to vote, including with privacy and independence, in a manner that produces a voter-verified paper ballot; and (4) be manufactured in the United States. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must award grants to study, test, and develop accessible voter-verified paper ballot voting and best practices to enhance the accessibility of such voting for individuals with disabilities, for voters whose primary language is not English, and for voters with difficulties in literacy. The EAC must award grants to states to (1) replace certain voting systems, carry out voting system security improvements, and implement and model best practices for ballot design, ballot instructions, and the testing of ballots; and (2) conduct risk-limiting audits. The bill provides for information sharing with states regarding threats to election infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security must issue a national strategy to protect against cyberattacks, influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and other activities that could undermine the security and integrity of democratic institutions. The EAC must provide for the testing of voting system hardware and software and decertify such technology that does not meet guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
Civilian Property Realignment Act of 2019 or CPRA This bill directs the Public Buildings Reform Board to identify a total savings to the federal government of at least $9 billion from the disposal of surplus federal civilian real properties. The bill removes the maximum limit on the fair market value of the properties to be identified by the board. The list of the properties identified for disposal shall be submitted to the President and Congress (currently, the Office of Management and Budget [OMB] and Congress) as board recommendations and subject to the approval process under the Act. The General Services Administration shall continue to initiate the sale of federal civilian real properties, but in accordance with environmental considerations. The bill transfers the responsibilities of the OMB to the President and requires submission to the President of the two separate reports on the board's findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The bill increases the maximum limit on the total value of transactions that may be contained in such reports. The bill establishes a process for the review of the board's recommendations by the President and Congress. The bill exempts properties included in the recommendations for disposal or realignment from certain public benefit conveyance requirements, including the McKinney-Vento Act (requiring surplus property to be used to assist the homeless). The bill limits the authority of certain executive agencies to lease space for the purposes of a public building.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2019
Reinventing Economic Partnerships And Infrastructure Redevelopment Act or the REPAIR Act This bill addresses the financing of infrastructure projects through the establishment of the Infrastructure Financing Authority (IFA) and increases the national limitation on the amount of tax-exempt highway or surface freight transfer facility bonds. Specifically, the bill directs the IFA to provide direct loans and loan guarantees to facilitate certain infrastructure projects that are economically viable, in the public interest, and of regional or national significance, including the construction, consolidation, alteration, or repair of airports and air traffic control systems, highway facilities, and transmission or distribution pipelines; sets forth terms and limitations on direct loans and loan guarantees; establishes a funding mechanism to make the IFA a self-sustaining entity, including through fees and risk premiums on loans and loan guarantees; and increases from $15 billion to $16 billion the national limitation on the amount of tax-exempt highway or surface freight transfer facility bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act This bill modifies student loan counseling requirements applicable to institutions of higher education (IHEs). Currently, an IHE must provide entrance counseling to a student who is a first-time federal student loan borrower. This bill replaces required entrance counseling with required annual financial counseling concerning information on the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of the grant or loan. Also, it expands the required recipients of such annual counseling to include, in addition to student borrowers, Pell Grant recipients and parent PLUS Loan borrowers. In additional, the bill revises, expands, or establishes specific annual counseling information requirements for student borrowers, Pell Grant recipients, or parent PLUS Loan borrowers. The bill revises and expands exit counseling information requirements for borrowers to include an outstanding loan balance summary, the anticipated monthly payments under standard and income-based repayment plans, an explanation of the grace period preceding repayment, the option to pay accrued interest before it capitalizes, the right to request an annual credit report, and loan servicer contact information. It directs the Department of Education to maintain a consumer-tested online counseling tool that provides annual and exit counseling. The Institute of Education Sciences must study the impact and effectiveness of exit counseling, annual counseling, and the online counseling tool.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2019 This bill allows the release of a transfer student's educational records from an institution of postsecondary education where a student earned credit for coursework to an institution of postsecondary education where the student was previously enrolled in order to apply the student's coursework and credits toward completion of a recognized postsecondary credential, such as an associate's degree. Specifically, the bill allows the Department of Education to provide funding to an institution of postsecondary education that releases a student's records of postsecondary coursework and credits without the consent of the student or the student's parents if the student provides written consent prior to receiving the credential.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act This bill allows two borrowers, who had previously received a joint consolidation loan for their student debt under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, to submit a joint application to sever their consolidated loan. One borrower may submit a separate application in the event that the individual is experiencing domestic or economic abuse from the other individual borrower, or is unable to reasonably reach or access the loan information of the other borrower.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2019
Public Engagement at FERC Act This bill revises and expands the Office of Public Participation in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and renames it as the Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy. The office may participate in FERC proceedings on rates, service, and infrastructure siting to represent the interests of the public and issue guidance for potential improvements to industry and FERC practices. Additionally, the office must establish a Public and Consumer Advocacy Advisory Committee to review rates, services, and disputes and make recommendations to the office.
![Official portrait of Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000805_200.jpg)