cheaptrix/UnitedStatesSentateAndHouseBillsAndSummaries huggingface dataset:
Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act


Summary: Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide support for Palliative Care and Hospice Education Centers. These centers must improve the training of health professionals in palliative care and establish traineeships for individuals preparing for advanced education nursing degrees, social work degrees, or advanced degrees in physician assistant studies in palliative care. HHS may provide support to schools of medicine, schools of osteopathic medicine, teaching hospitals, and graduate medical education programs for training physicians who plan to teach palliative medicine. HHS must: (1) provide Palliative Medicine and Hospice Academic Career Awards to individuals to promote their career development; (2) support entities that operate a Palliative Care and Hospice Education Center; (3) support advanced practice nurses, social workers, physician assistants, pharmacists, chaplains, or students of psychology pursuing an advanced degree in palliative care or related fields; and (4) award grants to schools of nursing, health care facilities, or programs leading to certification as a nurse assistant to train individuals in providing palliative care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must provide for a national education and awareness campaign to inform patients, families, and health professionals about the benefits of palliative care. The National Institutes of Health must expand national research programs in palliative care.
Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2018


Summary: Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2017 This bill declares that it is U.S. policy to use all diplomatic and economic means to compel the government of Bashar al-Assad to halt the slaughter of the Syrian people and work toward a democratic government. The President shall prohibit, or impose conditions on, the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or payable-through account by any domestic financial institution or domestic financial agency for or on behalf of the Central Bank of Syria that is of primary money laundering concern. The bill directs the President to impose specified entry and U.S.-based property sanctions against a foreign person that knowingly: (1) provided significant financial or material support to Syria, the Central Bank of Syria, or to a foreign person subject to specified sanctions; (2) supported Syria's domestic production of natural gas or petroleum; (3) sold or provided civilian aircraft or spare parts or other significant goods or services to a foreign person operating in Syria's shipping, transportation, or telecommunications sectors; or (4) financed money laundering activities. The President shall impose specified entry and U.S.-based property sanctions against a foreign person that has knowingly provided support to Syria to acquire or develop ballistic missiles, chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, or advanced conventional weapons. The Syria Human Rights Accountability Act of 2012 is amended to direct the President to impose entry and U.S.-based property sanctions against persons responsible for: (1) committing serious human rights abuses against Syrian citizens or their family members, or (2) transferring to Syria certain military items or goods or technologies that may be used to commit human rights abuses. The President shall submit and update a list of, and impose entry and U.S.-based property sanctions against, persons responsible for hindering access to humanitarian relief activities in Syria. The President shall report with respect to whether each of specified Syrian persons, including Bashar al Assad, meets the requirements for inclusion on the list of persons who are responsible for certain human rights abuses against Syrian citizens. The President may: (1) provide assistance to advance a comprehensive relief and recovery strategy in Syria, and (2) suspend sanctions against Syria under specified conditions.
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act concerning the statute of limitations for actions to recover disaster or emergency assistance payments, and for other purposes.

To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act concerning the statute of limitations for actions to recover disaster or emergency assistance payments, and for other purposes. 1. Statute of limitations (a) In general Section 705(a)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5205(a)(1) (1) by striking Except Notwithstanding section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, and except (2) by striking report for the disaster or emergency report for project completion as certified by the grantee (b) Applicability (1) In general With respect to disaster or emergency assistance provided to a State or local government on or after January 1, 2004— (A) no administrative action may be taken to recover a payment of such assistance after the date of enactment of this Act if the action is prohibited under section 705(a)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5205(a)(1) (B) any administrative action to recover a payment of such assistance that is pending on such date of enactment shall be terminated if the action is prohibited under section 705(a)(1) of that Act, as amended by subsection (a). (2) Limitation This section, including the amendments made by this section, may not be construed to invalidate or otherwise affect any administration action completed before the date of enactment of this Act. April 28, 2017 Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

Summary: (Sec. 1) This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit any administrative action to recover any payment made to a state or local government for disaster or emergency assistance initiated in any forum (with exceptions for fraud) after three years following the transmission of the final expenditure report for project completion, as certified by the grantee (currently, after three years following the transmission of the final expenditure report for the disaster or emergency). Such revised prohibition shall apply to any such payment provided on or after January 1, 2004. Any administrative action to recover such a payment that is pending on the date of enactment of this bill shall be terminated. The bill makes the same report change with respect to the deadline: (1) for any dispute arising under such Act for which there shall be a presumption that accounting records were maintained that adequately identify the source and application of funds provided for financially assisted activities, and (2) by which the inability of the government to produce source documentation supporting expenditure reports shall not constitute evidence to rebut such presumption.
FEMA Accountability, Modernization and Transparency Act of 2017


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.) FEMA Accountability, Modernization and Transparency Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that the ongoing modernization of the grant systems for the administration of assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act includes: an online interface for applicants to complete application forms, submit materials, and access the status of applications; mechanisms to eliminate duplication of benefits; and a means of sharing information among agencies and with state, local, and tribal governments to eliminate the need to file multiple applications and speed disaster recovery. FEMA shall deliver the system capabilities in increments or iterations as working components for applicant use.
Women's Business Centers Improvements Act of 2017


Summary: Women's Business Centers Improvements Act of 2017 The bill revises the duties of the Office of Women's Business Ownership and declares it is the Office's mission to assist women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and compete in global markets by providing quality support with access to capital, access to markets, job creation, growth, and counseling. The Small Business Administration (SBA) shall establish standards for a program to accredit eligible entities receiving a grant to operate one or more women's business centers. These organizations shall be eligible to apply for such a grant: a tax-exempt charitable organization; a state, regional, or local economic development organization; an institution of higher education; a state-chartered development, credit, or finance corporation; or any combination of these. Failure to obtain non-federal funding must be for two consecutive years before an eligible entity shall become ineligible for advance disbursements, or for any other SBA-funded project. An SBA employee shall: make a prior site visit to any grant applicant to ensure that the applicant has sufficient resources to provide the services for which the grant is being made; and conduct an annual review of the entity's compliance with the grant agreement, including a financial examination. An eligible entity whose review identifies problems shall develop a remedial plan of action for the Office to approve or amend, subject to appeal. The Office shall terminate any grant for failure of compliance with a plan of action. Upon request by an eligible entity, the SBA may waive, in whole or in part, although not for more than two years, the requirement to obtain non-federal funds for a grant recipient's counseling and training activities.
Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act


Summary: Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act This bill states that it is U.S. policy to prevent Iran from undertaking any activity related to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. The President shall report to Congress regarding the foreign and domestic supply chain in Iran that supports Iran's ballistic missile program. The report shall identify individuals and companies involved in such activities. The President shall submit to Congress a determination of whether any Iranian ballistic missile test violates United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. Such resolution endorses the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and sets out a mechanism to monitor Iranian compliance. The President shall impose sanctions against: (1) Iranian government agencies involved in ballistic missile development; (2) foreign entities that supply material for, or otherwise facilitate or finance, such efforts; (3) foreign persons or foreign government agencies that import, export, or re-export prohibited arms or related material to or from Iran; and (4) foreign persons or entities that transfer goods or technologies contributing to Iran's ability to acquire or develop ballistic missiles, including launch technology, and destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons. The President shall investigate potential violations of ballistic missile and conventional weapons sanctions against Iran. The President shall report to Congress regarding credible information about Iran's violations of arms restrictions and attempts to pursue sanctionable activities.
SCORE for Small Business Act of 2017


Summary: SCORE for Small Business Act of 2017 This bill amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize the SCORE program (Service Corps of Retired Executives) for FY2018-FY2019. The program is renamed as simply the SCORE program. The Small Business Administration (SBA) shall award a grant to the SCORE Association (or any successor group) to manage the program. Based on business experience and knowledge, a volunteer participating in the program shall: provide at no cost to individuals who own, or aspire to own, small business concerns personal counseling, mentoring, and coaching relating to the process of starting, expanding, managing, buying, and selling a business; and facilitate low-cost education workshops for individuals who own, or aspire to own, small business concerns. The SBA shall ensure that the program and each of its chapters develop and implement plans and goals to provide services more effectively and efficiently to individuals in rural areas, economically disadvantaged communities, and other traditionally underserved communities, including plans for electronic initiatives, web-based initiatives, chapter expansion, partnerships, and the development of new skills by participating volunteers. The bill prescribes general privacy requirements for the disclosure of information of businesses assisted under such program. The association shall: make use of online counseling, including by webinars and an electronic mentoring platform; study the future role of the program; and develop a strategic plan for how the program will evolve to meet the needs of small business concerns over the next five years.
Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2017


Summary: Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Small Business Act with respect to the authority of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to use certain SBA programs, including the small business development center (SBDC) program, to provide grants, financial assistance, loans, export assistance, and subcontracting opportunities on federal contracts to specified small businesses, organizations, state governments, universities, companies, and other entities that assist smaller enterprises. The SBA shall use such programs only to deliver entrepreneurial development services, entrepreneurial education, support for the development and maintenance of clusters, or business training. Such program requirements shall not apply to services provided to assist small businesses owned by an Indian tribe. The SBA shall not prohibit SBDC grant recipients from marketing and advertising their services to individuals and small business concerns. The SBA shall establish a Data Collection Working Group to determine the best way to capture data collection and create or revise existing systems dedicated to data collection. The bill: (1) increases the portion of certain available funds the SBA may use to pay the expenses of the National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, the information sharing system, and the SBDC association for conducting an SBCD accreditation program; and (2) removes a limitation on the amount the SBA may use to pay the examination expenses of the SBDC accreditation program. The SBA may not award grants (including contracts and cooperative agreements) under the SBDC program to entities other than those that received them before September 30, 2015, and seek to renew them after that date, with an exception for not-for-profit institutions of higher education.
To amend title 1, United States Code, to provide for a definition of the term "State" and to include territories therein, and for other purposes.

To amend title 1, United States Code, to provide for a definition of the term State 1. The term State (a) The term State Chapter 1 9. Rule of construction regarding the term State In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the term State . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 9. Rule of construction regarding the term State .

Summary: This bill provides that, in determining the meaning of any Act of Congress or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various U.S. administrative bureaus and agencies, the term &quot;state&quot; shall include any U.S. territory, unless the statute, rule, regulation, or interpretation explicitly excludes the territories from the definition of the term or otherwise precludes their inclusion.
John Muir National Historic Site Expansion Act


Summary: John Muir National Historic Site Expansion Act (Sec. 3) The Department of the Interior may acquire by donation approximately 44 acres of land to include in the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, California. The acquired land shall be administered as part of such site.
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit certain reports relating to medical evidence submitted in support of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary.


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on May 19, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.) (Sec. 1) This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), within 180 days of enactment of this bill, to submit a report on the progress of the VA's Acceptable Clinical Evidence initiative in reducing the necessity for in-person disability examinations. Such report shall include: (1) the number of claims eligible for the initiative, disaggregated by fiscal year; (2) the total number of claims eligible for the initiative that required a VA medical examiner to supplement the evidence with information obtained during a telephone interview with the claimant; (3) information on other VA initiatives to encourage the use of private medical evidence; (4) the anticipated impact on the time line and accuracy of processing claims if the VA were prohibited from requesting a private medical examination that is adequate for a claims decision; and (5) recommendations on how the VA can measure, track, and prevent the ordering of unnecessary medical examinations when a private examination has been administered. (Sec. 2) The VA shall submit by March 1 of FY2018-FY2024 an annual report that includes for each VA regional office: (1) the number of times a veteran who submitted private medical evidence in support of a claim for compensation or pension was scheduled for an examination by VA personnel because the private medical evidence was determined to be unacceptable, (2) the most common reasons for such determinations, and (3) the types of disabilities for which claims were most commonly denied when private medical evidence was submitted.
Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017

To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for the protection of community centers with religious affiliation, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017 2. Protection of community centers with religious affiliation Section 247 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting after threat of force, including by threat of force against religious real property, (2) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking and (B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) if damage to or destruction of property results from the acts committed, by means of fire or explosives, in violation of this section, a fine in accordance with this title and imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or both; and ; and (3) in subsection (f), by inserting before the period at the end the following: , or real property owned or leased by a nonprofit, religiously affiliated organization December 11, 2017 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Summary: Combating Anti-Semitism Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify prohibitions with respect to intentionally defacing, damaging, or destroying religious real property. Specifically, the bill broadens the scope of prohibited conduct to also criminalize threats to deface, damage, or destroy religious real property. Additionally, it establishes a criminal penalty&#8212;a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both&#8212;for a violation that results in damage or destruction to religious property. Finally, the bill broadens the definition of &quot;religious real property&quot; to include real property owned or leased by a nonprofit, religiously affiliated organization.
To direct the Secretary of Energy to review and update a report on the energy and environmental benefits of the re-refining of used lubricating oil.


Summary: (Sec.1)This bill directs the Department of Energy to update its report on the energy and environmental benefits of re-refining used lubricating oil and submit to Congress a strategic plan to increase the beneficial reuse of lubricating oil. The strategic plan shall address measures needed to (1)increase the responsible collection of used oil; (2)disseminate public information concerning sustainable reuse options for used oil; and (3)promote sustainable reuse of used oil by federal agencies, recipients of federal grant funds, entities contracting with the federal government, and the general public.
FUELS Act

To amend the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 with respect to the application of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule to certain farms, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act FUELS Act 2. Applicability of spill prevention, control, and countermeasure rule Section 1049 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 ( 33 U.S.C. 1361 (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking 20,000 42,000 (B) by amending paragraph (2)(A) to read as follows: (A) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons; and ; (C) in paragraph (3)— (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: (A) with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of less than or equal to 10,000 gallons; and ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and (D) by striking paragraph (4); (2) in subsection (c)(2)(A)— (A) in clause (i), by striking 1,000 1,320 (B) in clause (ii), by striking 2,500 3,000 (3) by striking subsection (d).

Summary: Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act or the FUELS Act This bill amends the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 to require the Environmental Protection Agency, in implementing the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule (concerning oil pollution prevention) with respect to any farm, to: require certification by a professional engineer for a farm with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of more than 42,000 gallons (currently, 20,000 gallons); allow self-certification by the owner or operator of a farm with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of more than 10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons (currently, of less than 20,000 gallons and more than the lesser of 6,000 gallons and the adjustment quantity established under such Act); and not require compliance with the rule by any farm with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of 10,000 gallons or less (currently, of more than 2,500 gallons and less than the lesser of 6,000 gallons and such adjustment quantity). The rule&nbsp;shall apply&nbsp;to aboveground storage containers at farms on a separate parcel that have an individual capacity of not more than 1,320 gallons (currently, 1,000 gallons) and an aggregate capacity of not more than 3,000 gallons (currently, 2,500 gallons).
Facilitating Farmers' Access to Resources and Machinery Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand certain exceptions to the private activity bond rules for first-time farmers, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Facilitating Farmers’ Access to Resources and Machinery Act 2. Expansion of certain exceptions to the private activity bond rules for first-time farmers (a) Increase in dollar limitation (1) In general Section 147(c)(2)(A) $450,000 $524,200 (2) Repeal of separate lower dollar limitation on used farm equipment Section 147(c)(2) of such Code is amended by striking subparagraph (F) and by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively. (3) Qualified small issue bond limitation conformed to increased dollar limitation Section 144(a)(11)(A) of such Code is amended by striking $250,000 $524,200 (4) Inflation adjustment (A) In general Section 147(c)(2)(G) of such Code, as redesignated by paragraph (2), is amended— (i) by striking after 2008, the dollar amount in subparagraph (A) shall be increased after 2018, the dollar amounts in subparagraph (A) and section 144(a)(11)(A) shall each be increased (ii) by striking 2007 2017 (B) Cross-reference Section 144(a)(11) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Inflation adjustment For inflation adjustment of dollar amount contained in subparagraph (A), see section 147(c)(2)(G). . (b) Substantial farmland determined on basis of average rather than median farm size Section 147(c)(2)(E) of such Code is amended by striking median average (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to bonds issued after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Facilitating Farmers' Access to Resources and Machinery Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to private activity bond financing for first-time farmers, to: (1) increase from $450,000 to $524,200 (adjusted annually for inflation) the amount of bond proceeds that may be used by a first-time farmer to acquire land for farming purposes, (2) repeal the separate dollar limitation on the use of bond proceeds for used farm equipment, and (3) modify the definition of &quot;substantial farmland&quot; to determine farm size by reference to the average (instead of median) size of a farm in the county in which the farm is located.
Fair Treatment of Scholarships and Pell Grants Act of 2017

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude room and board costs and certain research expenses from gross income of certain students. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fair Treatment of Scholarships and Pell Grants Act of 2017 2. Exclusion of room and board costs and certain research expenses from gross income (a) In general Section 117(b)(1) used for qualified tuition and related expenses. used— (A) for qualified tuition and related expenses, or (B) for room and board costs. . (b) Clarification with respect to research expenses Section 117(b)(2)(B) of such Code is amended by inserting or for research at such an educational organization (c) Definitions Section 117(b) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Room and board costs For purposes of paragraph (1), the term room and board costs . (d) Limitation (1) In general Section 117(c) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Expenses for research (A) In general The amount included in qualified tuition and related expenses under subsection (b)(2)(B) for a taxable year for research not required for a course of instruction shall not exceed $300. (B) Inflation adjustment In the case of any taxable year beginning after 2017, the $300 amount in subparagraph (A) shall be increased by an amount equal to— (i) such dollar amount, multiplied by (ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting calendar year 2016 calendar year 1992 (C) Rounding If any increase determined under subparagraph (B) is not a multiple of $5, such increase shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $5. . (2) Conforming amendments Section 117(c) of such Code is amended— (A) in the heading, by striking Limitation Limitations (B) in the heading of paragraph (1), by striking In general Payment for teaching, research, and other services (e) Effective date The amendments made by this section apply with respect to amounts received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016.

Summary: Fair Treatment of Scholarships and Pell Grants Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the provision which excludes from the gross income of a student any amount that is received as a qualified scholarship used for qualified tuition and related expenses. The bill expands the exclusion to: (1) permit the scholarship to be used for room and board costs for which there is an allowance under the Higher Education Act of 1965; and (2) to specify that &quot;qualified tuition and related expenses&quot; include fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for research at the educational organization. The amount included in qualified tuition and related expenses for research not required for a course of instruction may not exceed $300 per year, adjusted for inflation after 2017.
To provide that an order by the Secretary of the Interior imposing a moratorium on Federal coal leasing shall not take effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted, and for other purposes.

To provide that an order by the Secretary of the Interior imposing a moratorium on Federal coal leasing shall not take effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted, and for other purposes. 1. Congressional approval for order by Secretary of the Interior imposing a moratorium on Federal coal leasing An order by the Secretary of the Interior imposing a moratorium on Federal coal leasing shall have no force or effect unless— (1) the Secretary submits to Congress the proposed order; and (2) a joint resolution that approves the order is enacted within 30 legislative days after the proposed order is received by Congress. February 5, 2018 Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) (Sec.1)This bill provides that an order by the Department of the Interior imposing a moratorium on federal coal leasing shall not take effect unless Interior submits the order to Congress and a joint resolution of approval is enacted by Congress within 30 legislative days of receipt.
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer certain Federal land to facilitate scientific research supporting Federal space and defense programs.


Summary: This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to convey to the Utah State University Research Foundation, without consideration, a specified parcel of real property, including improvements, located outside the boundaries of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Rich County, Utah, for the purpose of permitting the foundation to use the property for scientific and educational purposes. Conveyed property not being used in accordance with the purposes of the conveyance shall revert to and become the property of the United States, and the federal government shall have the right of immediate entry onto it. USDA shall require the foundation to cover the costs (except any costs for environmental remediation of the property) incurred by USDA, or to reimburse USDA for the actual costs incurred, to carry out such conveyance.
PACER Act of 2017

To delay the effective date of the final rule of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection titled Prepaid Accounts under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Regulation E) and the Truth In Lending Act (Regulation Z) 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Prepaid Account Compliance and Extension Relief Act of 2017 PACER Act of 2017 2. Effective date of prepaid card rule Notwithstanding any effective date set forth in the final rule of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection titled Prepaid Accounts under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Regulation E) and the Truth In Lending Act (Regulation Z) (1) until October 1, 2018, with respect to the general effective date and any other effective date of October 1, 2017; and (2) until October 1, 2019, with respect to the effective date for issuers to submit prepaid account agreements to the Bureau and any other effective date of October 1, 2018.

Summary: Prepaid Account Compliance and Extension Relief Act of 2017 or the PACER Act of 2017 This bill delays, by one year, implementation of the "Prepaid Accounts under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Regulation E) and the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z)" rule finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on November 22, 2016. (The rule&nbsp;establishes various&nbsp;consumer protections with respect to prepaid accounts.)
Public Water Supply Invasive Species Compliance Act of 2017

To exempt from the Lacey Act and the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 certain water transfers between any of the States of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Public Water Supply Invasive Species Compliance Act of 2017 2. Exemption of certain water transfers from the Lacey Act and the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (a) Exemption Section 42 of title 18, United States Code (popularly known as the Lacey Act), and the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 ( 16 U.S.C. 3371 (1) (A) all prohibited species in the water transferred are located in both of the public water supplies between which the water is transferred; and (B) the water is transferred directly between such public water supplies; or (2) the water is transferred in a closed conveyance system directly to treatment facilities where all prohibited species contained in the water transferred will be extirpated. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered water transfer The term covered water transfer (2) Prohibited species The term prohibited species (A) the shipment of which is otherwise prohibited by section 42 of title 18, United States Code; or (B) the transfer of which is otherwise prohibited by the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 ( 16 U.S.C. 3371 (3) Public water supply The term public water supply August 25, 2017 Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources August 25, 2017 The Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Public Water Supply Invasive Species Compliance Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Lacey Act and the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to exempt certain water transfers between public water supplies located on, along, or across the boundaries of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana from prohibitions on illegal trade of plants and wildlife. Specifically, the prohibitions do not apply to covered water transfers containing a prohibited species if: (1) the species are present in both public water supplies before the transfer and the water is transferred directly between them; or (2) the water is transferred in a closed conveyance system (a closed system that collects, contains, and transports the flow of water, such as pipe systems) and sent directly to treatment facilities where the species will be destroyed.
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to count portions of income from annuities of a community spouse as income available to institutionalized spouses for purposes of eligibility for medical assistance, and for other purposes.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to count portions of income from annuities of a community spouse as income available to institutionalized spouses for purposes of eligibility for medical assistance, and for other purposes. 1. Counting portions of income from annuities of a community spouse as income available to institutionalized spouses for Medicaid eligibility (a) In general Section 1924(b)(2) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396r–5(b)(2) (E) Annuity income (i) In general In the case of payment of income from a qualifying annuity— (I) if payment of income is made solely in the name of the community spouse, one-half of the income shall be considered available to the institutionalized spouse and one-half to the community spouse; (II) if payment of income is made in the names of the institutionalized spouse and the community spouse, one-half of the income shall be considered available to the institutionalized spouse and one-half to the community spouse; and (III) if payment of income is made in the names of the community spouse and another person or persons, one-half of the proportion of the community spouse’s interest in such income shall be considered available to the institutionalized spouse. (ii) Qualifying annuity In this subparagraph, the term qualifying annuity (I) is purchased after the date that is 60 months before the date specified in subparagraph (B)(ii) of section 1917(c)(1) for an amount that is equal to or greater than fair market value (II) is not described in clause (i) of subparagraph (G) of such section. (iii) Inapplicability of other rules . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to annuities purchased or established on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to count as available income, for purposes of determining the Medicaid eligibility of an institutionalized individual, portions of&nbsp;certain annuity income made in the name of the individual's spouse. The bill does not apply to annuity income from specified pensions and retirement accounts.
CLIMATE Act

To provide that the Executive order entitled Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Congressional Leadership In Mitigating Administration Threats to the Earth Act CLIMATE Act 2. Executive order to have no force or effect Beginning on March 28, 2017, the Executive order entitled Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth 3. No funds available No Federal funds may be used to implement, administer, or enforce (including through the issuance of any regulations) the Executive order entitled Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth 4. Effective date This Act shall take effect on March 28, 2017.

Summary: Congressional Leadership In Mitigating Administration Threats to the Earth Act or the CLIMATE Act This bill nullifies the Executive Order entitled "Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth" that was released on March 28, 2017. No federal funds may be used to implement or enforce the order. The&nbsp;bill takes effect on March 28, 2017.
Chemical Poisons Reduction Act of 2017

To prohibit the use of the poisons sodium fluoroacetate (known as Compound 1080 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Chemical Poisons Reduction Act of 2017 2. Purpose The purpose of this Act is to restrict the use of the poisons sodium fluoroacetate (known as Compound 1080 (1) public safety; (2) national security; (3) the environment; and (4) persons and other animals that come into accidental contact with such poisons. 3. Prohibition on use of certain poisons for predator control (a) Prohibited act Sodium fluoroacetate (known as Compound 1080 (b) Penalty Whoever uses sodium fluoroacetate or sodium cyanide in a predator control device shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both. (c) Predator control device defined In this section, the term predator control device (1) a dispenser designed to propel sodium fluoroacetate or sodium cyanide when activated by an animal; (2) a livestock protection collar designed to release sodium fluoroacetate or sodium cyanide when punctured by an animal; (3) a gas cartridge or other pyrotechnic device designed to emit sodium fluoroacetate or sodium cyanide fumes; and (4) any other means of dispensing sodium fluoroacetate or sodium cyanide, including in the form of capsules, for wildlife management or other animal control purposes.

Summary: Chemical Poisons Reduction Act of 2017 This bill prohibits the use of sodium fluoroacetate (i.e., Compound 1080) and sodium cyanide in a predator control device. It imposes criminal penalties&#8212;a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both&#8212;on a violator. A predator control device is a dispenser, livestock collar, or gas cartridge that propels, releases, or emits sodium fluoroacetate or sodium cyanide for wildlife management or animal control purposes.
Rural Access to Hospice Act of 2017

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for payments for certain rural health clinic and Federally qualified health center services furnished to hospice patients under the Medicare program. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Rural Access to Hospice Act of 2017 2. Medicare payment for certain rural health clinic and Federally qualified health center services furnished to hospice patients (a) In general Section 1812(d)(2) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395d(d)(2) (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) the succeeding provisions of this paragraph (B) in clause (ii)(II), by striking the semicolon and inserting a period; and (C) by striking except that hospice program. (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not apply to— (i) physicians' services furnished by the individual's attending physician (as defined in section 1861(dd)(3)(B)), if the physician is not an employee of the hospice program; (ii) services provided by (or under arrangements made by) the hospice program; or (iii) rural health clinic services (as defined in paragraph (1) of section 1861(aa)) and Federally qualified health center services (as defined in paragraph (3) of such section) if such services— (I) would otherwise be physicians' services if furnished by an individual not affiliated with a rural health clinic (as defined in paragraph (2) of such section) or a Federally qualified health center (as defined in paragraph (4) of such section); and (II) are furnished by the individual's attending physician (as so defined), if such physician is not an employee of the hospice program, or are provided under arrangements made by the hospice program. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to services furnished on or after the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Rural Access to Hospice Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow payment under Medicare for certain services furnished to hospice patients by rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). With respect to a patient who elects to receive hospice care under Medicare, current law generally limits payment for services that are either duplicative of&nbsp;such care or related to the treatment of the individual's terminal illness. However, current law exempts from this limitation: (1)&nbsp;physicians' services furnished by an attending physician not employed by the hospice program; and (2) services provided or arranged by the hospice program. The bill expands this exemption with regard to rural health clinic and FQHC services. Specifically, the payment limitation shall not apply to such services that: (1) would otherwise be physicians' services if furnished by an individual&nbsp;unaffiliated with a rural health clinic or FQHC; and (2) are either&nbsp;arranged by the hospice program or furnished by an attending physician not employed by the hospice program.
Fairness for Our Hospitals Act of 2017

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit hospitals in all-urban States to be considered Medicare dependent hospitals, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fairness for Our Hospitals Act of 2017 2. Permitting hospitals in all-urban States to be considered medicare dependent hospitals (a) In general Section 1886(d)(5)(G)(iv)(I) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(G)(iv)(I) (I) that— (aa) is located in a rural area; or (bb) for discharges occurring on or after January 1, 2011, is located in a State with no rural area (as defined in paragraph (2)(D)) and satisfies any of the criteria in subclause (I), (II), (III), or (IV) of paragraph (8)(E)(ii), . (b) Process for recalculating payments Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish and implement a process under which the Secretary shall reimburse hospitals impacted by the amendment made by subsection (a) for any underpayments under title XVIII of the Social Security Act that are a result of the implementation of such amendment.

Summary: Fairness for Our Hospitals Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow a hospital that meets specified criteria and is located in a state with no rural areas to be considered a Medicare-dependent hospital. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services shall establish and implement a process for reimbursing impacted hospitals for any underpayments resulting from this bill's implementation.
Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2018


Summary: Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2018 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on the sale of a medical device by the manufacturer, producer, or importer.
Practice of Law Technical Clarification Act of 2017

To amend the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to exclude law firms and licensed attorneys who are engaged in activities related to legal proceedings from the definition of a debt collector, to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to prevent the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection from exercising supervisory or enforcement authority with respect to attorneys when undertaking certain actions related to legal proceedings, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Practice of Law Technical Clarification Act of 2017 2. Exclusion of law firms and lawyers from the definition of debt collector when engaged in the practice of law Section 803(6) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1692a(6) (1) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); (2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following: (F) any law firm or licensed attorney, to the extent that such firm or attorney is— (i) serving, filing, or conveying formal legal pleadings, discovery requests, or other documents pursuant to the applicable rules of civil procedure; or (ii) communicating in connection with a legal action to collect a debt on behalf of a client in, or at the direction of, a court of law (including in depositions or settlement conferences) or in the enforcement of a judgment; and . 3. Amendment to Bureau authority with respect to practice of law Section 1027(e)(2)(B) of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 ( 12 U.S.C. 5517(e)(2)(B) , unless such financial product or service is provided by a licensed attorney who is not a debt collector as described under section 803(6)(F) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Summary: Practice of Law Technical Clarification Act of 2017 This bill amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to exclude from the definition of &quot;debt collector&quot; any law firm or licensed attorney: (1) serving, filing, or conveying formal legal pleadings, discovery requests, or other documents pursuant to the applicable rules of civil procedure; or (2) communicating in connection with a legal action to collect a debt on behalf of a client in, or at the direction of, a court of law or in the enforcement of a judgment.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 907 Fourth Avenue in Lake Odessa, Michigan, as the "Donna Sauers Besko Post Office".


Summary: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 907 Fourth Avenue in Lake Odessa, Michigan, as the "Donna Sauers Besko Post Office."
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4514 Williamson Trail in Liberty, Pennsylvania, as the "Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office".


Summary: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4514 Williamson Trail in Liberty, Pennsylvania, as the "Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office."
Larry Doby Congressional Gold Medal Act


Summary: Larry Doby Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of Larry Doby in recognition of his achievements and contributions to American major league athletics, civil rights, and the Armed Forces during World War II.