Housing

Housing for Homeless Students Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2019

Housing for Homeless Students Act of 201 9 This bill modifies the low-income housing tax credit to allow certain low-income building units that provide housing for homeless children, youth, or veterans who are full-time students to qualify for the credit. To qualify for the credit, the full-time student must have been a homeless child or youth during any portion of the seven-year period prior to occupying the housing unit or a homeless veteran during any portion of the five-year period prior to occupying the unit.

Equality Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2019

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Specifically, the bill defines and includes sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation. The bill expands the definition of public accommodations to include places or establishments that provide (1) exhibitions, recreation, exercise, amusement, gatherings, or displays; (2) goods, services, or programs; and (3) transportation services. The bill allows the Department of Justice to intervene in equal protection actions in federal court on account of sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill prohibits an individual from being denied access to a shared facility, including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room, that is in accordance with the individual's gender identity.

CO ALERTS Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2019

Safe Housing for Families Act of 2019 This bill requires the installation of at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in each unit of specified federally assisted housing. Specifically, the requirement applies to (1) supportive housing for the elderly and for persons with disabilities, (2) public housing, and (3) rental housing for which the owner receives low-income voucher assistance.

Safe Housing for Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2019

Safe Housing for Families Act This bill requires the installation of at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in each unit of specified federally assisted housing. Specifically, the requirement applies to (1) supportive housing for the elderly and for persons with disabilities, (2) public housing, and (3) rental housing for which the owner receives low-income voucher assistance.

THE CHAIN OF COMMAND'S ACCOUNTABILITY TO PROVIDE SAFE MILITARY HOUSING AND OTHER BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE TO SERVICEMEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

United States · United States Senate · 7 March 2019

Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2024 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.

Ensuring Safe Housing for Our Military Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2019

Ensuring Safe Housing for Our Military Act This bill addresses certain health, safety, and environmental hazards in private military housing units and offers certain protections to service members. Among other things, the bill (1) requires uniform credentials for housing inspectors; (2) allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to withhold payment to landlords over health, safety, or environmental hazard concerns; (3) requires a landlord to pay certain relocation costs in connection with a hazard and to reimburse a tenant for personal property damage; and (4) disallows deposits and certain fees or penalties. DOD must maintain an electronic work order system to facilitate repairs to units.

Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts to place certain disabled veterans in medical foster homes at the request of such veterans. Specifically, the bill concerns veterans with service-connected disabilities to whom the VA is required to provide nursing home care. Medical foster homes are homes designed to provide non-institutional, long-term, supportive care for veterans who are unable to live independently and prefer a family setting. In any year, not more than a daily average of 900 veterans placed in a medical foster home may have their care covered.

CREATE Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Comprehensive Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Arts to Transform the Economy Act of 2019 or the CREATE Act of 2019 This bill expands financial assistance for, and establishes measures to support, the creative economy and art entrepreneurs. Specifically, the bill requires (1) the Small Business Administration to develop loan criteria, evaluation procedures, and technical assistance programs for small business concerns that are owned by artists and support the creative economy, (2) the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture to ensure that traditional economic development tools, such as business incubators and grant programs, support the arts industry and creative economy, and (3) the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that expenses incurred by a self-employed worker to repair or replace needed tools because of a major disaster are eligible for disaster assistance. Further, the recipient of a national service program grant is authorized to carry out the program through an Artist Corps that identifies and meets unmet needs in communities through artistic activities. The bill also requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist activities that support creative placemaking through community development mechanisms and partnerships between local governments and nonprofit cultural organizations. Commerce shall establish a demonstration program to promote creative and performing arts in the economic planning of local governments. Finally, the Department of Homeland Security must adjudicate petitions for nonimmigrant visas for aliens with extraordinary ability or achievement, and artists and entertainers, within 14 days after receiving them.

COMMUTE Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Connecting Opportunities through Mobility Metric and Unlocking Transportation Efficiencies Act or the COMMUTE Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to carry out an accessibility data pilot program. The purpose of the pilot program is to develop or make available an accessibility data set for states and metropolitan or rural planning organizations to improve their transportation planning by measuring the level of access to important destinations such as jobs, health care facilities, child care services, educational and workforce training facilities, affordable housing, and food sources.

COMMUTE Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Connecting Opportunities through Mobility Metric and Unlocking Transportation Efficiencies Act or the COMMUTE Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to carry out an accessibility data pilot program. The purpose of the pilot program is to develop or make available an accessibility data set for states and metropolitan or rural planning organizations to improve their transportation planning by measuring the level of access to important destinations such as jobs, health care facilities, child care services, educational and workforce training facilities, affordable housing, and food sources.

CREATE Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2019

Comprehensive Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Arts to Transform the Economy Act of 2019 or the CREATE Act of 2019 This bill expands financial assistance for, and establishes measures to support, the creative economy and art entrepreneurs. Specifically, the bill requires (1) the Small Business Administration to develop loan criteria, evaluation procedures, and technical assistance programs for small business concerns that are owned by artists and support the creative economy, (2) the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture to ensure that traditional economic development tools, such as business incubators and grant programs, support the arts industry and creative economy, and (3) the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that expenses incurred by a self-employed worker to repair or replace needed tools because of a major disaster are eligible for disaster assistance. Further, the recipient of a national service program grant is authorized to carry out the program through an Artist Corps that identifies and meets unmet needs in communities through artistic activities. The bill also requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist activities that support creative placemaking through community development mechanisms and partnerships between local governments and nonprofit cultural organizations. Commerce shall establish a demonstration program to promote creative and performing arts in the economic planning of local governments. Finally, the Department of Homeland Security must adjudicate petitions for nonimmigrant visas for aliens with extraordinary ability or achievement, and artists and entertainers, within 14 days after receiving them.

Base Commander Housing Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2019

Base Commander Housing Oversight Act This bill establishes remedies against a lessor of military housing who fails to operate according to the contract. Specifically, the Department of Defense may withhold a payment, require the lessor to reimburse tenants for personal property damage, or require the lessor to pay tenant moving expenses. A service member may report maintenance issues to a superior in the chain of command or to an Inspector General.

Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief, 2019

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2019

Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief, 2019 This bill provides FY2019 supplemental appropriations to several federal departments and agencies for expenses related to the consequences of recent wildfires, hurricanes, volcanos, earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters. The funding provided by this bill is designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules. The bill includes appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Government Accountability Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

SURVIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2019

Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment Act or the SURVIVE Act This bill requires the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime to make grants to Native American tribes for programs and services for crime victims, such as domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, child abuse programs, child advocacy centers, elder abuse programs, medical care, legal services, relocation, and transitional housing. In addition, the bill makes 5% of the Crime Victims Fund available for these grants.

Coastal Communities Adaptation Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2019

Coastal Communities Adaptation Act This bill provides assistance to coastal states and communities to help them adapt to climate change and extreme weather. Specifically, it revises the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. For example, the bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to award research and development grants under the program for the purpose of improving the resilience and responsiveness of buildings, structures, and lifelines to windstorms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration must award capitalization grants to each coastal state for the purpose of establishing a community resilience revolving fund. In turn, states must provide financial assistance to municipalities or state agencies for preventing, managing, mitigating, or adapting to coastal hazards related to climate change. The Department of Commerce may carry out a program to award prizes to stimulate innovation to advance coastal risk reduction and resilience measures. The National Science Foundation must support research to improve (1) the resilience of buildings, structures, and lifelines to windstorms; and (2) the responsiveness of buildings, structures, and lifelines after a windstorm. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must promote the adoption of windstorm preparedness and mitigation measures for manufactured HUD code housing units. The U.S. Postal Service must issue a Built to Last stamp as a semipostal stamp. The proceeds from the stamp must be deposited in the Built to Last Stamp Fund established by this bill for shoreline risk and climate change adaptation.

VAWA Protections for Rural Women Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 2019

VAWA Protections for Rural Women Act of 2019 This bill adds the Rural Development Voucher Program to the list of covered housing programs under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA). Specifically, it extends VAWA's housing protections (e.g., protection from eviction or denial of housing) to residents and applicants under the Rural Development Voucher Program who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2019

Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act This bill establishes a centralized location to publish information on disaster assistance provided by federal agencies. The Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and any agencies providing disaster assistance must make available to the public on a quarterly basis information regarding (1) the total amount of assistance provided by the agency, (2) the amount provided that was expended or obligated, and (3) all projects or activities for which assistance was expended, obligated, or used.

Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2019

Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act This bill prohibits transferring certain funds already made available to the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Housing and Urban Development for disaster relief to the planning or construction of new physical barriers along the southwestern U.S. border. The bill also prohibits using national emergency provisions to transfer certain funds already made available to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

THE CURRENT CONDITION OF THE MILITARY HOUSING PRIVATIZATION INITIATIVE

United States · United States Senate · 13 February 2019

Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2019 This bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to award grants to states and tribal organizations to install carbon monoxide alarms in (1) the homes of low-income families and older adults, (2) facilities that commonly serve children or older adults, and (3) student-housing units at public universities. Such carbon monoxide alarms must be compliant with the standard established by the National Fire Protection Association in 2012.

A joint resolution recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This joint resolution declares that the government has a duty to create a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The joint resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

PUPPERS Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

Preventing Unkind and Painful Procedures and Experiments on Respected Species Act of 2019 or the PUPPERS Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs, in carrying out research within the Veterans Health Administration, from purchasing, breeding, transporting, housing, feeding, maintaining, disposing of, or experimenting on dogs as part of the conduct of any study that causes significant pain or distress.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019, October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, and October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

This resolution authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees for March 1, 2019-September 30, 2019, for FY2020, and for October 1, 2020-February 28, 2021: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (11) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Special Committee on Aging; (17) Select Committee on Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. The resolution requires committee expenses, with specified exceptions, to be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the chair of the applicable committee. The resolution authorizes establishment of a special reserve within funds in the Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations account, to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.

Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2019

Protecting Disaster Relief Funds Act of 2019 This bill protects certain funds already appropriated for disaster relief or recovery from being transferred to the planning or construction of a new physical barrier along the southwest border of the United States. Specifically, the bill prohibits the transfer of certain funds appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2019

Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2019 This bill removes federal restrictions on, and creates new protections for, marijuana-related conduct and activities that are authorized by state or tribal law (i.e., state-authorized). Among other things, the bill does the following: eliminates regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act for state-authorized marijuana-related activities; allows businesses that sell marijuana in compliance with state or tribal law to claim certain federal tax credits and deductions; eliminates restrictions on print and broadcast advertising of state-authorized marijuana-related activities; creates protections for depository institutions that provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses; specifies that a marijuana-related business is entitled to federal bankruptcy protections; establishes a process to expunge criminal records related to certain marijuana-related convictions; reestablishes federal student aid eligibility for certain students convicted of a misdemeanor offense for marijuana possession; exempts real property from civil forfeiture due to state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; prohibits the inadmissibility or deportability of aliens for state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; specifies that drug-related criminal activity, which is prohibited in federally assisted housing, does not include state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; establishes a new, separate registration process to facilitate medical marijuana research; authorizes health care providers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to recommend participation in state marijuana programs; and authorizes medical providers through an Indian health program to make medical recommendations regarding marijuana.

Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2019

Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement a mobility demonstration program to enable public housing agencies (PHAs) to administer housing-choice rental-assistance vouchers in a manner designed to (1) encourage low-income families receiving such assistance to move to lower-poverty areas, and (2) expand access to opportunity areas. HUD shall require PHAs applying to participate in the program to submit a specified Regional Housing Mobility Plan.

Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2019 This bill removes federal restrictions on, and creates new protections for, marijuana-related conduct and activities that are authorized by state or tribal law (i.e., state-authorized). Among other things, the bill does the following: eliminates regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act for state-authorized marijuana-related activities; allows businesses that sell marijuana in compliance with state or tribal law to claim certain federal tax credits and deductions; eliminates restrictions on print and broadcast advertising of state-authorized marijuana-related activities; creates protections for depository institutions that provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses; specifies that a marijuana-related business is entitled to federal bankruptcy protections; establishes a process to expunge criminal records related to certain marijuana-related convictions; reestablishes federal student aid eligibility for certain students convicted of a misdemeanor offense for marijuana possession; exempts real property from civil forfeiture due to state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; prohibits the inadmissibility or deportability of aliens for state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; specifies that drug-related criminal activity, which is prohibited in federally assisted housing, does not include state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; establishes a new, separate registration process to facilitate medical marijuana research; authorizes health care providers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to recommend participation in state marijuana programs; and authorizes medical providers through an Indian health program to make medical recommendations regarding marijuana.

A resolution recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2019

This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.

Jobs for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2019

Humphrey-Hawkins 21st Century Full Employment and Training Act of 2019 or the Jobs for All Act This bill creates the National Full Employment Trust Fund to fund employment opportunity grants for the purpose of achieving full employment. The grant program is to be administered by the Department of Labor and funded by a tax on securities transactions and loans from the Federal Reserve System. Labor shall make grants to public and nonprofit entities to create employment opportunities and free-standing job-training programs. Grant funds may be used for, among other things, (1) affordable housing, (2) employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth, (3) repair of schools and parks, (4) expansion of emergency food programs, and (5) the expansion of work-study opportunities for secondary and post-secondary students.

Aid to Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2019

Aid to Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants for states to assist residential-building owners in repairing or replacing concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to pyrrhotite (an iron sulfide mineral).

Crumbling Foundations Small Business and Homeowners Assistance Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2019

Crumbling Foundations Small Business and Homeowners Assistance Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency to award grants for states to assist homeowners, small-business owners, and condominium associations in preventing, mitigating, and repairing structural damage to concrete foundations that contain pyrrhotite (an iron sulfide mineral linked to crumbling foundations).

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2019

This resolution authorizes expenditures by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for the 116th Congress.

Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2019

Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement a mobility demonstration program to enable public housing agencies (PHAs) to administer housing-choice rental-assistance vouchers in a manner designed to (1) encourage low-income families receiving such assistance to move to lower-poverty areas, and (2) expand access to opportunity areas. HUD shall require PHAs applying to participate in the program to submit a specified Regional Housing Mobility Plan.

Sustainable Communities Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2019

Sustainable Communities Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in coordination with the Department of Transportation, to create a Sustainable Communities Initiative to improve regional planning efforts that integrate housing and transportation decisions and improve land use and zoning. As part of this initiative, HUD must administer two grant programs. Specifically, HUD must provide Regional Integrated Planning grants for regional, multi-jurisdictional organizations and consortia in metropolitan areas to support improvements in, and coordination of, metropolitan-wide housing, transportation, energy, and land-use planning activities; and Community Challenge Planning grants for units of local government to foster reform and reduce barriers, including through the reform of existing building codes and zoning ordinances, to achieve affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities and discourage inefficient land-use patterns.

HUD Manufactured Housing Modernization Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2019

HUD Manufactured Housing Modernization Act of 2019 This bill requires any new or revised rule or regulation issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to include, as appropriate, guidelines that assess the impact of the rule or regulation on owners of residential manufactured homes and the production and sale of such homes. HUD shall issue guidelines for jurisdictions relating to the appropriate inclusion of residential manufactured homes in a Consolidated Plan of the jurisdiction.

Tribal HUD–VASH Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2019

Tribal HUD-VASH Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the Tribal HUD-VASH program, which provides rental assistance and supportive services to Native American veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and living in or near an area where a tribe or tribally designated housing entity provides assistance for affordable housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is directed to use at least 5% of rental assistance amounts under the HUD-VASH program, which provides housing assistance to homeless veterans, for the Tribal HUD-VASH program. The Tribal HUD-VASH program shall be carried out in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). HUD and the VA shall consult with tribal organizations regarding the program's design and may make program modifications after consulting with tribal organizations. Program grants shall be made to entities eligible for Native American housing assistance block grants. HUD may make renewal grants to entities that have received prior program grants.

SURVIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2019

Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment Act or the SURVIVE Act This bill requires the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime to make grants to Native American tribes for programs and services for crime victims, such as domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, child abuse programs, child advocacy centers, elder abuse programs, medical care, legal services, relocation, and transitional housing. In addition, the bill makes 5% of the Crime Victims Fund available for these grants.

Homeless Veterans Legal Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2019

Homeless Veterans Legal Services Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into partnerships with public or private entities to fund a portion of the legal services such entities provide to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness, including legal services related to housing, family law, income support, and criminal defense.

HOMeS Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2019

Housing Our Military Servicemembers Act of 2019 or the HOMeS Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide incentives to geographic areas under the Continuum of Care program for using funds for activities proven to be effective at reducing homelessness for former servicemembers of the Armed Forces. HUD shall develop a strategy to identify and eliminate homelessness among former servicemembers who are not eligible for the veterans affairs supported housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937 and other housing programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To amend the National Housing Act to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to issue guidance to reduce up-front premiums for FHA-insured mortgages if the capital ratio of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund exceeds the statutory limit, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2019

This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to (1) on a monthly basis, review the capital ratio of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund; and (2) upon determining whether the fund's capital ratio exceeds a specified limit, either issue guidance to reduce up-front premiums on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or report to Congress on why HUD has determined not to reduce such premiums.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the obligation of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to enforce title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the obligation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to "build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2019

This resolution reaffirms the following on behalf of the House of Representatives: the original intent of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to broadly prohibit all forms of discrimination by providing public and private rights of action against disparate treatment and disparate impact; the commitment to ensuring that all educational systems of the United States prepare all students for successful careers, regardless of race, color, or national origin; and the commitment to ensuring all communities are inclusive, sustainable, and free from discrimination. This resolution also recognizes that the Department of Education, the Department of Justice, and other federal agencies have an obligation to enforce title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations, and expects the agencies to do so. It resolves that oversight hearings will be held to ensure the agencies are enforcing title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations, including enforcement with respect to unintentional discrimination. Finally, the resolution states that the House will consider legislation that reaffirms the original intent of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2019

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 This bill provides FY2019 appropriations for several federal departments and agencies. It includes 6 of the 12 regular FY2019 appropriations bills: the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019; the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2019; and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019. The departments and agencies funded in the bill include the Department of Agriculture; the Food and Drug Administration; the Department of Commerce; the Department of Justice; science-related agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); the Department of the Treasury, the judiciary; the Executive Office of the President; the District of Columbia; the Department of the Interior; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Forest Service; the Department of State; the Department of Transportation; the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and several related and independent agencies. The bill also extends several authorities and programs, including the National Flood Insurance Program, the authority for the Environmental Protection Agency to collect and spend certain fees related to pesticides, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and several Medicaid provisions.

Seth Daniel Appleton, of Missouri, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Katherine M. O'Regan.

United States · United States Senate · 16 January 2019

Robert Hunter Kurtz, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Sandra Brooks Henriquez, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 16 January 2019

Equal Protection of Unaccompanied Minors Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019

Equal Protection of Unaccompanied Minors Act This bill amends rules for the treatment of unaccompanied alien children and asylum-seeking families, and for detaining and removal of various types of aliens. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to return an inadmissible unaccompanied child to the child's country of nationality or last habitual residence, where currently DHS has discretion to do so. Interviews with unaccompanied alien children shall be conducted by those with specialized training for interviewing child trafficking victims. Before placing an alien child with an individual, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall provide DHS with various information, including the individual's immigration status and contact information. DHS shall initiate removal proceedings if the individual is unlawfully present in the United States. Under the bill, unaccompanied alien children in DHS or HHS custody shall have access to counsel in legal proceedings, where currently such children shall have counsel. DHS shall have authority to extend the detention periods for various categories of removable aliens. The bill also expands the definitions of various types of crimes, such as those related to explosive materials, that are aggravated felonies or crimes of violence for immigration purposes. Aliens associated with criminal gangs shall be inadmissible to the United States and deportable. The bill directs DHS, the Department of Justice, and HHS to maintain facilities for housing asylum applicants and their children, and increases the number of immigration judges and Board of Immigration Appeals attorneys and necessary support staff.

Disability Integration Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019

Disability Integration Act of 2019 This bill prohibits government entities and insurance providers from denying community-based services to individuals with disabilities that require long-term service or support that would enable such individuals to live in the community and lead an independent life. Specifically, these entities may not discriminate against such individuals in the provision of community-based services by such actions as imposing prohibited eligibility criteria, cost caps, or waiting lists or failing to provide a specific community-based service. Additionally, community-based services must be offered to individuals with such disabilities prior to institutionalization. Institutionalized individuals must be notified regularly of community-based alternatives. The bill requires the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue regulations requiring government entities and insurance providers to offer community-based long-term services to individuals with such disabilities who would otherwise qualify for institutional placement. Government entities must ensure sufficient availability of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing that is not a disability-specific residential setting or a setting where services are tied to tenancy. Regulations shall also (1) require government entities and insurance providers to perform self-evaluation on current services, policies, and practices and concerning compliance with requirements of this bill; and (2) require government entities to submit a transition plan. HHS must determine annually whether each government entity is complying with the transition plan and must increase funding for those in compliance. The bill allows civil actions by individuals subjected to, or about to be subjected to, a violation of its requirements.

Disability Integration Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2019

Disability Integration Act of 2019 This bill prohibits government entities and insurance providers from denying community-based services to individuals with disabilities that require long-term service or support that would enable such individuals to live in the community and lead an independent life. Specifically, these entities may not discriminate against such individuals in the provision of community-based services by such actions as imposing prohibited eligibility criteria, cost caps, or waiting lists or failing to provide a specific community-based service. Additionally, community-based services must be offered to individuals with such disabilities prior to institutionalization. Institutionalized individuals must be notified regularly of community-based alternatives. The bill requires the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue regulations requiring government entities and insurance providers to offer community-based long-term services to individuals with such disabilities who would otherwise qualify for institutional placement. Government entities must ensure sufficient availability of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing that is not a disability-specific residential setting or a setting where services are tied to tenancy. Regulations shall also (1) require government entities and insurance providers to perform self-evaluation on current services, policies, and practices and concerning compliance with requirements of this bill; and (2) require government entities to submit a transition plan. HHS must determine annually whether each government entity is complying with the transition plan and must increase funding for those in compliance. The bill allows civil actions by individuals subjected to, or about to be subjected to, a violation of its requirements.

Trafficking Victims Housing Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2019

Trafficking Victims Housing Act of 2019 This bill requires the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, in coordination with other agencies, to conduct a study assessing the availability and accessibility of housing and services for homeless individuals who are victims of trafficking or at risk of being trafficked.