cheaptrix/UnitedStatesSentateAndHouseBillsAndSummaries huggingface dataset:
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for an extension of certain long-term care hospital payment rules and the moratorium on the establishment of certain hospitals and facilities.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for an extension of certain long-term care hospital payment rules and the moratorium on the establishment of certain hospitals and facilities. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Preserving Patient Access to Post-Acute Hospital Care Act of 2015 2. Extension of certain LTCH payment rules and moratorium on the establishment of certain hospitals and facilities (a) Extension of certain payment rules (1) Payment for hospitals-within-hospitals Paragraph (2)(C) of section 114(c) of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 ( 42 U.S.C. 1395ww Public Law 111–148 Public Law 113–67 for a 9-year period and before October 1, 2018 (2) 25 percent patient threshold payment adjustment Section 114(c)(1)(A) of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 ( 42 U.S.C. 1395ww Public Law 111–148 Public Law 113–67 for a 9-year period and before October 1, 2018 (b) Extension of moratorium on establishment of and increase in beds for LTCHs Section 114(d) of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 ( 42 U.S.C. 1395ww Public Law 111–148 Public Law 113–67 Public Law 113–93 (1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking September 30, 2017 September 30, 2019 (2) in paragraph (6), by striking September 30, 2017 September 30, 2019

Summary: Preserving Patient Access to Post-Acute Hospital Care Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to delay by two additional years the application of negative payment adjustments under the &quot;25-percent rule&quot; to certain long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) and satellite facilities. This rule reduces payments to a long-term care facility that admits proportionately more patients from any single hospital. The bill also continues for two additional years the moratorium, for the purposes of Medicare, on establishing new LTCHs or increasing LTCH beds.
Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on February 9, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015 (Sec. 3) This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: develop and implement an integrated plan to control and reduce administrative costs incurred by FEMA in support of the delivery of assistance for major disasters; compare the costs and benefits of tracking the administrative cost data for major disasters by the public assistance, individual assistance, hazard mitigation, and mission assignment programs; track such information; and clarify FEMA guidance and minimum documentation requirements for a direct administrative cost claimed by a grantee or subgrantee of a public assistance grant program authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. (Sec. 4) FEMA must submit to Congress, by November 30 of each year for seven years beginning on the date of this Act's enactment, and make publicly available on its website, a report on the development and implementation of the plan for the previous fiscal year, with three-year and five-year updates. Each report shall contain: the total amount spent on administrative costs and the average annual percentage of administrative costs for the fiscal year period for which the report is being submitted; an assessment of the effectiveness of the plan; an analysis of whether FEMA is achieving its strategic goals for the average annual percentage of administrative costs of major disasters for each fiscal year and, in the case of it not achieving such goals, what is preventing it from doing so; any actions FEMA has identified as useful in improving upon and reaching those goals; and any administrative cost data for major disasters, if FEMA determines it is feasible to track such data.
Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prevent an increase in the Medicare part B premium and deductible in 2016. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015 2. Preventing Medicare part B premium and deductible increases in 2016 (a) In general Section 1839(a) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395r(a) (1) in the second sentence of paragraph (1), by striking Such Subject to paragraph (5), such (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) In applying this part (including subsection (i) and section 1833(b)), the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for 2016 shall be equal to the monthly actuarial rate for such enrollees for 2015. . (b) Conforming funding Section 1844(a) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w(a) (1) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; plus (2) by adding at the end the following: (4) a Government contribution equal to, as estimated by the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the reduction in aggregate premiums payable for a month under this part that is attributable to the application of section 1839(a)(5) with respect to— (A) enrollees age 65 and over; and (B) enrollees under age 65. In applying paragraph (1), the Government contribution under paragraph (4) with respect to enrollees described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such paragraph (4) shall be treated as premiums payable and deposited in the Trust Fund under subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, of paragraph (1). .

Summary: Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prevent 2016 increases to Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles for enrollees, and (2) authorize federal funding to offset the corresponding reduction in aggregate monthly premiums. Under current law, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services must annually determine the monthly actuarial rate upon which Part B premiums and deductibles are based. The bill temporarily freezes that rate at the 2015 level for enrollees, effectively preventing increases to premiums and deductibles for those enrollees in 2016. (Current law already protects Part B enrollees whose benefits are deducted from their Social Security benefits from premium increases that would result in a smaller Social Security check.)
Electrify Africa Act of 2015


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 18, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Electrify Africa Act of 2015 (Sec. 3) This bill states that it is U.S. policy to partner with the governments of sub-Saharan African countries, international financial institutions, and African regional economic communities, cooperatives, and private sectors to: promote first-time access to power services for at least 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020; encourage the installation of at least 20,000 additional megawatts of electrical power in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020; promote reliable and affordable power in urban, rural, and under served areas; encourage necessary reforms to support electricity access projects and market-based power generation and distribution; promote policies to displace kerosene lighting with other technologies; promote an energy development strategy for sub-Saharan Africa that includes the use of oil, natural gas, coal, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and geothermal power; and promote the use of private financing and seek ways to remove barriers to private financing and assistance for projects, including through charitable organizations. (Sec. 4) The President shall: (1) establish a multiyear strategy to assist countries in sub-Saharan Africa implement national power strategies and develop an appropriate mix of power solutions to provide access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power in order to reduce poverty and drive economic growth and job creation; and (2) ensure that the strategy remains responsive to local community concerns and technological innovation. The President may establish an interagency working group to coordinate the activities of U.S. government departments and agencies involved in carrying out the strategy. (Sec. 5) The U.S. Agency for International Development, the Trade and Development Agency, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation are urged to: (1) prioritize efforts and assistance for power projects and markets in sub-Saharan Africa; and (2) partner with other investors and local institutions, including private sector actors, to increase access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power. (Sec. 6) The President should use U.S. influence at international bodies to advocate for: increasing investment in power sector and electrification projects in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing energy needs of individuals and communities where electricity grid access is impractical or cost-prohibitive, enhancing private sector coordination, and assisting sub-Saharan African governments to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to investment. (Sec. 7) Within three years the President shall transmit a strategy progress report to Congress which includes information regarding: (1) U.S. programs supporting policy and legislative changes leading to increased power generation and access in sub-Saharan Africa, and (2) power projects receiving U.S. government support.
Provider Payment Sunshine Act

To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require applicable manufacturers to include information regarding payments made to physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other advance practice nurses in transparency reports submitted under section 1128G of such Act. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Provider Payment Sunshine Act 2. Inclusion of information regarding payments to advance practice nurses in transparency reports (a) In general Section 1128G(e)(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7h(e)(6)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the following new clauses: (iii) A physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist (as such terms are defined in section 1861(aa)(5)). (iv) A certified registered nurse anesthetist (as defined in section 1861(bb)(2)). (v) A certified nurse-midwife (as defined in section 1861(gg)(2)). ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting , physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse anesthetist, or certified nurse-midwife physician (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to information required to be submitted under section 1128G of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1320a–7h

Summary: Provider Payment Sunshine Act This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to expand reporting requirements related to the transparency of physician ownership or investment interests. Under current law, a manufacturer of drugs, devices, or medical supplies that are covered under Medicaid or Medicare must regularly report on any payment or transfer of value by the manufacturer to a &ldquo;covered recipient,&rdquo; defined as either a physician who is not an employee of the manufacturer or a teaching hospital. The bill expands the definition of &ldquo;covered recipient&rdquo; to also include any of the following practitioners who is not an employee of the manufacturer: (1) a physician assistant, (2) a nurse practitioner, (3) a clinical nurse specialist, (4) certified registered nurse anesthetist, or (5) a certified nurse-midwife.
Librarian of Congress Succession Modernization Act of 2015


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Librarian of Congress Succession Modernization Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) This bill limits the term of the Librarian of Congress to 10 years. The individual appointed to the position may be reappointed in accordance with this requirement.
Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2015

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to mental health services under the Medicare program. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2015 2. Improved access to mental health services under the Medicare program (a) Access to clinical social workers Section 1833(a)(1)(F)(ii) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)(F)(ii) 75 percent of the amount determined for payment of a psychologist under clause (L) 85 percent of the fee schedule amount provided under section 1848 (b) Access to clinical social worker services provided to residents of skilled nursing facilities (1) In general Section 1888(e)(2)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)(2)(A)(ii) clinical social worker services, qualified psychologist services, (2) Conforming amendment Section 1861(hh)(2) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(hh)(2) and other than services furnished to an inpatient of a skilled nursing facility which the facility is required to provide as a requirement for participation (c) Access to the complete set of clinical social worker services Section 1861(hh)(2) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(hh)(2) for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses (other than services (including health behavior assessment and intervention (identified as of January 1, 2015, by HCPCS codes 96150 through 96155 (and any succeeding codes)), but not including services (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2016.

Summary: Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase the Medicare reimbursement rate for clinical social worker services, (2) exclude clinical social worker services from the prospective payment system in which predetermined amounts form the basis for payment under Medicare, and (3) alter the definition of &quot;clinical social worker services&quot; as it relates to Medicare. Under current law, &quot;clinical social worker services&quot;: (1) include services performed for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, and (2) exclude services furnished to an inpatient of a skilled nursing facility as a condition of the facility's participation in the Medicare program. The bill repeals these provisions and instead specifies that such services include certain types of health behavior assessment and intervention.
Medgar Evers House Study Act

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Medgar Evers House, located in Jackson, Mississippi, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Medgar Evers House Study Act 2. Special resource study (a) Study The Secretary of the Interior shall conduct a special resource study of the home of the late civil rights activist Medgar Evers, located at 2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Drive in Jackson, Mississippi. (b) Contents In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) evaluate the national significance of the site; (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the site as a unit of the National Park System; (3) consider other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation of the site by Federal, State, or local governmental entities, or private and nonprofit organizations; (4) consult with interested Federal, State, or local governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations or any other interested individuals; (5) determine the effect of the designation of the site as a unit of the National Park System on existing commercial and recreational uses, and the effect on State and local governments to manage those activities; (6) identify any authorities, including condemnation, that will compel or permit the Secretary to influence or participate in local land use decisions (such as zoning) or place restrictions on non-Federal land if the site is designated a unit of the National Park System; and (7) identify cost estimates for any Federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with the alternatives. (c) Applicable law The study required under subsection (a) shall be conducted in accordance with section 100507 of title 54, United States Code. (d) Study results Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available for the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate the results of the study and any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary. September 6, 2016 Reported without amendment

Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Medgar Evers House Study Act (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the home of the late civil rights activist Medgar Evers, which is located at 2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Drive in Jackson, Mississippi. Interior shall: (1) evaluate the national significance of the site, and (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System.
Rare Disease Innovation Act

To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the humanitarian device exemption. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Rare Disease Innovation Act 2. Humanitarian device exemption application (a) In general Section 520(m) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 360j (1) in paragraph (1) by striking fewer than 4,000 not more than 8,000 (2) in paragraph (2)(A) by striking fewer than 4,000 not more than 8,000 (3) in paragraph (6)(A)(ii), by striking 4,000 8,000 (b) Guidance document on probable benefit Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall publish a draft guidance document that defines the criteria for establishing probable benefit 21 U.S.C. 360j(m)(2)(C) (c) Reports to Congress Five years after the date of enactment of this Act and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to Congress a report on the effect of the amendments made by subsection (a).

Summary: Rare Disease Innovation Act This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the humanitarian device exemption to authorize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to exempt from effectiveness requirements certain medical devices intended to benefit fewer than 8,000 individuals. Currently, the FDA may exempt devices intended to benefit fewer than 4,000 individuals. Within 18 months of enactment of this Act, the FDA must define &ldquo;probable benefit&rdquo; for these devices. The FDA must report every five years on the effect of this expansion of the humanitarian device exception.
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the non-application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex rehabilitative wheelchairs and accessories.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the non-application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex rehabilitative wheelchairs and accessories. 1. Clarifying non-application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex rehabilitative wheelchairs and accessories Section 1834(a)(1)(F) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m(a)(1)(F) (1) in clause (ii), by striking at the end and (2) in clause (iii), by striking at the end the period and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iv) in the case of covered items furnished on or after January 1, 2016, the Secretary shall not apply this subparagraph or any other provision of this title to use information from the competitive acquisition program to determine payment amounts for items excluded from such competitive acquisition program, including all complex rehabilitative manual and power wheelchairs classified by the Secretary as of January 1, 2015, and, without limitation, any wheelchair accessory, cushion, or back when furnished in connection with a complex rehabilitative manual or power wheelchair. .

Summary: This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex rehabilitative wheelchairs and accessories.&nbsp;(A competitive bidding program has replaced the use of&nbsp;established fee schedule&nbsp;amounts to determine payments under Medicare for certain durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs.)
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit review of certain Medicare payment determinations for disproportionate share hospitals, and for other purposes.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit review of certain Medicare payment determinations for disproportionate share hospitals, and for other purposes. 1. Review of Medicare payment determinations for disproportionate share hospitals (a) In general Section 1886(r) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395ww(r) (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any claim relating to a determination made under paragraph (2) of such section 1886(r) that is pending on a date that is on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow adminstrative or judicial review of additional Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment determinations for&nbsp;acute care hospitals known as subsection (d) hospitals. Under current law, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid must make DSH payments&nbsp;to&nbsp;qualifying hospitals that treat a disproportionate share of low-income patients.
Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act (Sec. 3) This bill requires 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 to the members of the Office of Strategic Services in recognition of their service and contributions during World War II. After the medal is awarded, it must be given to the Smithsonian Institution.
Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act

To amend the fresh fruit and vegetable program under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to include canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fruits and vegetables. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act 2. Fresh fruit and vegetable program Section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1769a , canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fresh

Summary: Fruit and Vegetables Access for Children Act This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow federal grant-funded fresh fruit and vegetable programs carried out by states to include&nbsp;canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fruits and vegetables.
Rural ACO Provider Equity Act of 2015


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Rural ACO Provider Equity Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. (The program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management.) Specifically, the bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those furnished in federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics.
POWER Act


Summary: Pro bono Work to Empower and Represent Act of 2015 or the POWER Act This bill requires the U.S. Attorney for a judicial district to lead at least one public event that promotes pro bono legal services as a critical way to: (1) empower survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and (2) engage citizens in assisting those survivors. A special but similar rule applies to districts containing Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Each U.S. Attorney shall: (1) have discretion on the design, organization, and implementation of such public events; and (2) seek to maximize an event's local impact and the access of such survivors to high-quality pro bono legal services.
A bill to require the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake remediation oversight of the West Lake Landfill located in Bridgeton, Missouri.


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 directs the Department of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to act as the lead agency with respect to radioactive contamination remediation at the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Missouri. Nothing in this Act affects the site's designation as a Superfund site.
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934.

To amend the Communications Act of 1934. 1. Deposits for spectrum auctions Section 309(j)(8)(C) of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(C) (C) Deposits Any deposits the Commission may require for the qualification of any person to bid in a system of competitive bidding pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury. Within 45 days following the conclusion of the competitive bidding— (i) the deposits of successful bidders shall be credited to the deposit fund of the Treasury, except as otherwise provided in subparagraphs (D)(ii), (E)(ii), (F), and (G); and (ii) the deposits of unsuccessful bidders shall be returned to such bidders. . August 30, 2016 Reported without amendment

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 amends the Communications Act of&nbsp;1934 to require any deposits that the Federal Communications Commission may require for the qualification of bidders in a system of competitive bidding for spectrum licenses to be deposited directly in the Treasury instead of in an interest bearing account at a financial institution. The bill removes a provision that requires the interest accrued to such a&nbsp;financial institution account to be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction. The deposits of successful bidders must be credited to the deposit fund of the Treasury, unless existing exceptions apply.
Territories Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Equity Act of 2015

To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to make premium and cost-sharing subsidies available to low-income Medicare part D beneficiaries who reside in Puerto Rico or another territory of the United States. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Territories Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Equity Act of 2015 2. Eliminating exclusion of part D eligible individuals residing in territories from eligibility for premium and cost-sharing subsidies (a) In general Section 1860D–14(a)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–114(a)(3) (1) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking subject to subparagraph (F), (2) in subparagraph (B)(v), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking Subject to subparagraph (F), the Secretary The Secretary (3) in subparagraph (C), by adding at the end the following new sentence: In the case of an individual who is not a resident of the 50 States or the District of Columbia, the poverty line (as such term is defined in clause (ii)) that shall apply to such individual shall be the poverty line for the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia. (4) by striking subparagraph (F). (b) Application of Medicaid provisions Section 1935 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396u–5 (1) in subsection (a), by striking subject to subsection (e) (2) by striking subsection (e). (c) Conforming amendment Section 1108(f) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1308(f) and section 1935(e)(1)(B) (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2017.

Summary: Territories Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Equity Act of 2015 This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to make certain subsidies available to Medicare prescription drug program beneficiaries who reside in Puerto Rico or&nbsp;another U.S. territory. Current law makes&nbsp;such beneficiaries ineligible for premium and cost-sharing subsidies, but&nbsp;establishes a process for&nbsp;U.S. territories&nbsp;to apply&nbsp;for financial assistance with respect to the provision of Medicare prescription drugs. The bill eliminates&nbsp;this process and makes the subsidies available to beneficiaries who reside in a&nbsp;U.S. territory&nbsp;and are otherwise eligible.
Full Expensing Act of 2015

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for full expensing of tangible property. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Full Expensing Act of 2015 2. Permanent expansion of election to expense certain depreciable assets (a) Expansion of types of property subject to election Paragraph (1) of section 179(d) (1) Section 179 property For purposes of this section, the term section 179 property (A) which is— (i) tangible property, or (ii) computer software (as defined in section 197(e)(3)(B)) which is described in section 197(e)(3)(A)(i), (B) which is acquired by purchase— (i) for use in a trade or business, or (ii) for the production of income, and (C) which was originally placed in service after the date of the enactment of the Full Expensing Act of 2015 . (b) Repeal of dollar limitations Section 179 (c) Conforming amendments Section 179 of such Code is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(2), by striking and before 2015 (2) by striking subsections (e) and (f). (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Full Expensing Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the expensing allowance for certain depreciable business property (section 179 property)&nbsp;by: (1) redefining "section 179 property" to include tangible property or computer software that is acquired by purchase for use in a trade or business or for the production of income, and (2) repealing the dollar limitation on the amount of such property that may be deducted as an expense in the current taxable year.
Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2015

To permit occupational therapists to conduct the initial assessment visit under a Medicare home health plan of care for certain rehabilitation cases. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2015 2. Permitting occupational therapists to conduct the initial assessment visit under a Medicare home health plan of care for certain rehabilitation cases (a) In general Notwithstanding section 484.55(a)(2) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, or any other provision of law, an occupational therapist may conduct the initial assessment visit for an individual who is eligible for home health services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act if the referral order by the physician— (1) does not include skilled nursing care; (2) includes occupation therapy; and (3) includes physical therapy or speech language pathology. (b) Rule of construction Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to provide for initial eligibility for coverage of home health services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act solely on the basis of a need for occupational therapy.

Summary: Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2015 This bill&nbsp;establishes circumstances under which an&nbsp;occupational therapist&nbsp;may conduct the initial assessment visit for an individual who is eligible for home health services under Medicare. Specifically, an occupational therapist may conduct the assessment if the physician's referral order does not include skilled nursing care but does include: (1) occupational therapy, and (2) physical therapy or speech language pathology.
Requiring Reporting of Online Terrorist Activity Act

To require reporting of terrorist activities and the unlawful distribution of information relating to explosives, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Requiring Reporting of Online Terrorist Activity Act 2. Requirement to report terrorist activities and the unlawful distribution of information relating to explosives (a) Duty To report Whoever, while engaged in providing an electronic communication service or a remote computing service to the public through a facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce, obtains actual knowledge of any terrorist activity, including the facts or circumstances described in subsection (c), shall, as soon as reasonably possible, provide to the appropriate authorities the facts or circumstances of the alleged terrorist activities. (b) Attorney general determination The Attorney General shall determine the appropriate authorities referred to in subsection (a). (c) Facts or circumstances The facts or circumstances described in this subsection, include any facts or circumstances from which there is an apparent violation of section 842(p) of title 18, United States Code, that involves distribution of information relating to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction. (d) Protection of privacy Nothing in this section may be construed to require the provider of an electronic communication service or of a remote computing service— (1) to monitor any user, subscriber, or customer of that provider; or (2) to monitor the content of any communication of any person described in paragraph (1). (e) Definitions In this section, the terms electronic communication service remote computing service

Summary: Requiring Reporting of Online Terrorist Activity Act This bill requires an electronic communication or remote computing service company that obtains actual knowledge of terrorist activity to report relevant facts and circumstances to appropriate authorities, including information related to unlawful distribution of explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction.&nbsp; It directs the Department of Justice to determine the appropriate authorities. The bill does not require an electronic communication or a remote computing service company to monitor any user, subscriber, or customer, or the content of such person's communication.
Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2015


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to issue oleoresin capsicum spray (i.e., pepper spray) to officers and employees who respond to emergency situations at high-security, medium-security, and administrative facilities. Officers and employees may use pepper spray to reduce violent acts by prisoners and visitors. An officer of employee must complete a training course prior to receiving pepper spray and annually thereafter on its use.&nbsp; (Sec. 3) The Government Accountability Office must: (1) evaluate the effect of issuing pepper spray on reducing crime and violence in high-security, medium-security, and administrative facilities; (2) evaluate the advisability of issuing pepper spray at low- or minimum-security facilities; and (3) recommend safety improvements for BOP officers and employees.
Preserve Access to Medicare Rural Home Health Services Act of 2015

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend the rural add-on payment in the Medicare home health benefit, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Preserve Access to Medicare Rural Home Health Services Act of 2015 2. Extension of home health rural add-on (a) In general Section 421(a) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 ( Public Law 108–173 Public Law 109–171 Public Law 111–148 Public Law 114–10 January 1, 2018 January 1, 2023 (b) Revision of home health outlier adjustment Section 1895(b)(5)(A) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395fff(b)(5)(A) (or, in the case of each of 2018 through 2022, 2.25 percent) 2.5 percent

Summary: Preserve Access to Medicare Rural Home Health Services Act of 2015 This bill amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to extend through 2021 the rural add-on, which is a payment increase for Medicare home health services furnished to patients in rural areas. The&nbsp;bill also amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to lower, for FY2018-FY2022,&nbsp;the annual ceiling on the home health outlier adjustment, which&nbsp;is a payment increase&nbsp;for home health services furnished to the costliest Medicare beneficiaries, from 2.5% to 2.25% of the total Medicare payments projected to be made under the prospective payment system for home health services. (Under the Medicare prospective payment system, payment is made according to a predetermined, fixed amount.)
Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2015


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 to extend through 2017 the one-year period after a service member's military service during which: (1) a court may stay proceedings to enforce an obligation on real or personal property owned by the service member before such military service; and (2) any sale, foreclosure, or seizure of such property shall be invalid without a court order or waiver agreement signed by the service member. (Currently, the extended one-year period is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2015, and return to a nine-month period under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.) Effective January 1, 2018 (currently, January 1, 2016), the old nine-month period in place of the one-year period granted by such Act shall be restored.
A bill to reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, and for other purposes.

To reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, and for other purposes. 1. State criminal alien assistance program (a) SCAAP reauthorization Section 241(i)(5)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1231(i)(5)(C) 2011. 2020. (b) SCAAP assistance for States (1) Assistance for states incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with certain crimes Section 241(i)(3)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1231(i)(3)(A) charged with or convicted (2) Assistance for states incarcerating unverified aliens Section 241(i) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1231(i) (A) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively; (B) in paragraph (7), as redesignated, by striking (5) (6) (C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) In the case of an alien whose immigration status is unable to be verified by the Secretary of Homeland Security, and who would otherwise be an undocumented criminal alien if the alien is unlawfully present in the United States, the Attorney General shall compensate the State or political subdivision of the State for the incarceration of the alien in accordance with paragraph (2). .

Summary: This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) through FY2020. SCAAP provides payments to state, local, and tribal governments to offset the costs of incarcerating certain undocumented criminal aliens. It expands the definition of &ldquo;undocumented criminal alien&rdquo; to include an alien who has been charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Justice to reimburse a state, local, or tribal government for costs to incarcerate a criminal alien whose immigration status cannot be verified by the Department of Homeland Security. (Currently, a criminal alien with lawful immigration status does not meet the criteria for SCAAP reimbursement.)
A bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 121 Spring Street SE in Gainesville, Georgia, as the "Sidney Olsin Smith, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse".

To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 121 Spring Street SE in Gainesville, Georgia, as the Sidney Olsin Smith, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse 1. Sidney Olsin Smith, Jr. Federal building and United States courthouse (a) Designation The Federal building and United States courthouse located at 121 Spring Street SE in Gainesville, Georgia, shall be known and designated as the Sidney Olsin Smith, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse (b) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building and United States courthouse referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Sidney Olsin Smith, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse

Summary: This bill designates the federal building and U.S. courthouse located at 121 Spring Street S.E. in Gainesville, Georgia, as the "Sidney Olsin Smith, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.&quot;
Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act (Sec. 2) This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out the following major medical facility projects (each with specified maximum authorized funds): seismic corrections to buildings, including retrofitting and replacement of high-risk buildings, in San Francisco, California; seismic corrections to facilities, including facilities to support homeless veterans, at the medical center in West Los Angeles, California; seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California; construction of an outpatient clinic, administrative space, cemetery, and columbarium in Alameda, California; realignment of medical facilities in Livermore, California; construction of a medical center in Louisville, Kentucky; construction of a replacement community living center in Perry Point, Maryland; and seismic corrections and other renovations to several buildings and construction of a specialty care building in American Lake, Washington. A specified amount is authorized to be appropriated to the VA for such projects for FY2016 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major Projects, account. Such projects may only be carried out using: funds appropriated for FY2016 pursuant to such authorization; funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before, or a fiscal year after, FY2016 that remain available for obligation; funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for FY2016 for a category of activity not specific to a project; and funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before, or a fiscal year after, FY2016 for a category of activity not specific to a project.
ACE Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the contribution limit for Coverdell education savings accounts from $2,000 to $5,000, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Allocating for Children's Education Act ACE Act 2. Coverdell account contribution limitation increase (a) In general Clause (iii) of section 530(b)(1)(A) $2,000 $5,000 (b) Conforming amendment Subparagraph (A) of section 4973(e)(1) $2,000 $5,000 (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. 3. Inclusion of athletic equipment in qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (a) In general Clause (i) of section 530(b)(3)(A) other equipment other equipment (including athletic equipment) (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Allocating for Children's Education Act or the ACE Act Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to Coverdale education savings accounts, to: (1) increase from $2,000 to $5,000 the maximum allowable contribution to such accounts in a taxable year, and (2) allow distributions from such accounts for the purchase of athletic equipment at elementary and secondary schools.&nbsp;
National Child Protection Training Act

To improve the training of child protection professionals. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Child Protection Training Act 2. Establishment of regional training centers (a) Regional training centers The Attorney General, acting through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and in coordination with the National Child Protection Training Center, shall establish a program to sustain not less than 4 regional training centers affiliated with institutions of higher education. (b) Responsibilities The regional training centers described in subsection (a) shall— (1) develop model undergraduate curricula on recognizing and responding to cases of child maltreatment that is interdisciplinary and that, at a minimum, consists of a 3-course certificate program or minor degree; (2) develop model graduate curricula on recognizing and responding to cases of child maltreatment for medical schools, law schools, seminaries, and other institutions of higher education that instruct students likely to become child protection professionals or other professionals required by law to report cases of child maltreatment; (3) after approval by the Attorney General, disseminate model undergraduate and graduate child maltreatment curricula to institutions of higher education, including graduate schools, law schools, and medical schools; (4) develop laboratory (5) assist communities in developing evidence-based prevention programs; and (6) assist States in developing and maintaining forensic interview training programs. (c) Definition In this section, the term institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)

Summary: National Child Protection Training Act This bill directs the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, in coordination with the National Child Protection Training Center, to establish at least four regional training centers affiliated with institutions of higher education (IHEs). Regional training centers must:&nbsp; develop model undergraduate and graduate child maltreatment curricula for distribution to IHEs, develop laboratory training facilities for students preparing for and professionals engaged in child protection careers, and promote evidence-based prevention programs in communities and forensic interview training programs in states.