cheaptrix/UnitedStatesSentateAndHouseBillsAndSummaries huggingface dataset:
Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Act of 2021

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require long-term care facilities to report certain information relating to COVID-19 cases and deaths. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Act of 2021 2. Requiring long-term care facilities to report certain information relating to COVID-19 cases and deaths (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the Secretary (b) Demographic information The Secretary shall post the following information with respect to skilled nursing facilities (as defined in section 1819(a) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(a) 42 U.S.C. 1396r(a) 42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(i) (1) The age, race/ethnicity, and preferred language of the residents of such skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infections, including residents previously treated for COVID-19. (2) The age, race/ethnicity, and preferred language relating to total deaths and COVID-19 deaths among residents of such skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities. (c) Confidentiality Any information reported under this section that is made available to the public shall be made so available in a manner that protects the identity of residents of skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities. (d) Implementation The Secretary may implement the provisions of this section by program instruction or otherwise.

Summary: Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Act of 2021 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that Medicare skilled nursing facilities and Medicaid nursing facilities report data regarding COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) preparedness, testing, infections, and deaths. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services must publish on the Nursing Home Compare website certain demographic information, aggregated by state, with respect to COVID-19 infections and deaths in such facilities.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2800 South Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida, as the D. Edwina Stephens Post Office.


Summary: This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2800 South Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida, as the D. Edwina Stephens Post Office.
Debt Bondage Repair Act


Summary: Debt Bondage Repair Act This bill prohibits a consumer reporting agency from reporting adverse credit information about a consumer that is the result of severe human trafficking or sex trafficking. A court of competent jurisdiction or a federal or state government entity must determine that the consumer is a victim of trafficking.
Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act


Summary: Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act This bill extends through January 2, 2027, the authority of the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of Gold Star families.
Protecting the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Act

To extend the funding authorization for the America’s Agricultural Heritage Partnership, and for other purposes. 1. Short title (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Act 2. Funding authorization and cap (a) Funding authorization Section 707 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104–333 September 30, 2021 September 30, 2036 (b) Total funding cap Section 708(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104–333 3. Redesignation of heritage area (a) Redesignation The America’s Agricultural Heritage Partnership established by section 703 of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( 16 U.S.C. 461 Public Law 104–333 Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (b) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the heritage area referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

Summary: Protecting the Silos &amp; Smokestacks National Heritage Area Act This bill redesignates the America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership in Iowa as the Silos &amp; Smokestacks National Heritage Area. The bill extends through FY2036 the authority of the Department of Agriculture to provide grants or other assistance for the heritage area. The bill eliminates the limitation on the total amount that may be appropriated for the heritage area.
Broadband Speed Act

To improve the Federal Communication Commission’s collection of broadband speed data in order to support the effective deployment of broadband services to all areas in the United States, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Broadband Speed Act 2. Broadband speed test (a) Regulations required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall issue a rule that does the following: (1) Establishes an annual reporting requirement under which each provider of broadband internet access service submits to the Commission a report on broadband speed data based on a reasonable sample that is captured to demonstrate that the provider is capable of performing at the speed reported to the Commission on Form 477 or any successor report. (2) Establishes a fine for any provider that is found under paragraph (1) to have willfully or knowingly provided false data about the speeds offered. (3) Incorporates any other requirements issued by the Commission related to reporting on broadband speed data to minimize duplication. (b) Broadband speed requirement for infrastructure funding Any broadband infrastructure that is built with funding awarded on or after the date of the enactment of this Act from the Federal universal service support programs established pursuant to section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 254 (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Broadband internet access service The term broadband internet access service (2) Commission The term Commission

Summary: Broadband Speed Act This bill establishes a reporting requirement for all broadband internet service providers and a capacity requirement for providers that&nbsp;use federal funds to construct new broadband infrastructure. Specifically, the bill requires an internet service provider to report the actual speed of the broadband it provides consumers, and it establishes a fine for any provider that has willfully or knowingly provided false data about the speed it is capable of offering. Additionally, the bill requires any new broadband infrastructure built using funds awarded under federal universal service support programs to provide service of at least 100 megabits per second.
Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Act


Summary: Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Act This bill directs the Department of Labor to give homeless veterans with dependents service priority under homeless veterans reintegration programs.
Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2021


Summary: Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2021 This bill extends through FY2026 authority for debt-for-nature swaps and debt buyback programs that reduce or convert debt obligations from an eligible country to the United States into funding for nature conservation and protection efforts in that country.
Medicare & You Handbook Improvement Act of 2021

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of information on prior authorization requirements and other utilization management techniques in the Medicare & You annual notice. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Medicare & You Handbook Improvement Act of 2021 2. Requiring the inclusion of information on prior authorization requirements and other utilization management techniques in the Medicare & You annual notice (a) In general Section 1804(c) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395b–2(c) (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) a description of the types of prior authorization requirements and any other utilization management techniques that may apply under this title, including information on how an individual may find out which such requirements and techniques (if any) apply under a Medicare Advantage plan or a prescription drug plan. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to notices distributed on or after January 1, 2022.

Summary: Medicare &amp; You Handbook Improvement Act of 2021 This bill specifically requires the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services to describe the types of prior authorization requirements and other utilization management requirements that may apply under Medicare in the Medicare &amp; You handbook, including how to inquire about requirements under Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans.
VA Police Improvement and Accountability Act


Summary: VA Police Improvement and Accountability Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish policies and procedures related to the accountability and staffing of its police force. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to publish specified summaries, statistics, and contact information related to the activities of VA police officers from the previous five-year period. The VA must ensure that each of its police forces is able to provide VA employees and members of the public who contact the force with contact information to directly contact the police force regarding the arrest, ticketing, detainment, use of force, or other police matters pertaining to the individual. The bill requires VA police officers to wear body cameras that record and store audio and video. Additionally, the VA's guidance on the use of body cameras must be made publicly available. Under the bill, the VA is required to track and analyze the following information regarding its police force: arrests made and tickets issued; prosecutions, ticketing, and other actions relating to such arrests; the use of force and weapon discharges; and complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions. The VA must ensure each incident of the use of force is promptly reported to the Assistant Secretary with responsibility for operations, preparedness, security, and law enforcement functions. The Assistant Secretary must review and investigate each incident (including allegations) of the use of force by a VA police officer, including such situations where any person receives medical attention. The VA must develop a plan that establishes minimum standards for police staffing at its facilities.
Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act


Summary: Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act This bill authorizes specified individuals to update the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry with the cause of death of a registered individual. The Department of Veterans Affairs established the burn pit registry to allow certain veterans and service members to document their exposures and report health concerns. The registry is for individuals who may have been exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) while deployed in certain locations (e.g., Afghanistan or Iraq). Specifically, the bill authorizes a designee of a registered individual or an immediate family member to update the registry with the cause of death of the individual.
Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of 2021


Summary: Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), during FY2022, to establish and maintain three new centers of the Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) Program in areas with interest from personnel and a need for additional mental health care for rural veterans. The RANGE Program serves veterans in rural areas who are experiencing mental illness. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study and report on whether the VA has sufficient resources to serve rural veterans who need mental health care that is more intensive than traditional outpatient therapy.
Fort San Gerónimo Preservation Act

To establish Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón in Puerto Rico as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fort San Gerónimo Preservation Act 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón The term Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón Fortín de San Gerónimo del Boquerón (2) Secretary The term Secretary 3. Establishment of affiliated area (a) In general Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón in Puerto Rico is established as an affiliated area of the National Park System. (b) Description of affiliated area The affiliated area shall consist of the area generally depicted on the map titled Fort San Gerónimo Proposed Affiliated Area (c) Administration The affiliated area shall be managed in accordance with— (1) this Act; and (2) any law generally applicable to units of the National Park System. (d) Management entity The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture shall be the management entity for the affiliated area. (e) Cooperative agreements The Secretary may provide technical assistance and enter into cooperative agreements with the management entity for the purpose of providing financial assistance for the marketing, marking, interpretation, and preservation of the affiliated area. (f) Limited role of the secretary Nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary to acquire property at the affiliated area or to assume managerial or financial responsibility for the operation, maintenance, or management of the affiliated area. (g) Management plan (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the management entity, shall develop a management plan for the affiliated area. (2) Transmittal Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall submit the management plan developed under paragraph (1) to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (h) Private Property Protection Nothing in this Act affects the land use rights of private property owners adjacent to Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón. (i) No Buffer Zones (1) In general Nothing in this Act shall be construed to create buffer zones outside of Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón. (2) Activity or use outside Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón The fact that an activity or use can be seen, heard, or detected from within Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón shall not preclude, limit, control, regulate, or determine the conduct or management of activities or uses outside of Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón. November 16, 2022 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Summary: Fort San Ger&oacute;nimo Preservation Act This bill establishes the Fort San Ger&oacute;nimo del Boquer&oacute;n in Puerto Rico as an affiliated area of the National Park System. The bill makes the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture the management entity for the affiliated area. The Department of the Interior shall develop a management plan for the affiliated area.
Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2021

To amend title XVIII to strengthen ambulance services furnished under part B of the Medicare program. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2021 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Protect Access to High-Quality Ambulance Care Sec. 101. Protecting patient access to ground ambulance services. Title II—Protect Access to Ground Ambulance Services in Rural America Sec. 201. Protecting access to ambulance services in rural and low population density areas. I Protect Access to High-Quality Ambulance Care 101. Protecting patient access to ground ambulance services Section 1834(l) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m(l) (1) in paragraph (12)(A), by striking 2023 2028 (2) in paragraph (13)(A), by striking 2023 2028 II Protect Access to Ground Ambulance Services in Rural America 201. Protecting access to ambulance services in rural and low population density areas Section 1834(l)(12) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)(12) (C) Exception for rural and qualified rural areas The Secretary shall deem an area designated as a rural or qualified rural area under this paragraph that would otherwise no longer receive such designation to retain its previous designated status if there are 1,000 or fewer individuals per square mile in the area. (D) Right to appeal rural areas and qualified rural areas The Secretary shall establish an administrative appeals process to allow ambulance services providers and suppliers to seek reconsideration of a change in a ZIP code’s status as a rural or qualified rural area during the first 12 months after the Secretary finalizes a change in the designation made under this paragraph. .

Summary: Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2021 This bill modifies Medicare payment of ground ambulance services in rural areas. Specifically, the bill extends the specialized rate increase for such services for an additional five years (until January 1, 2028). The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services to (1) allow an area that has 1,000 or fewer individuals per square mile to retain its status as a rural area even if it would otherwise no longer qualify, and (2) establish an appeals process for providers to seek reconsideration of a change in an area's status.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 82422 Cadiz Jewett Road in Cadiz, Ohio, as the John Armor Bingham Post Office.


Summary: This act designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 82422 Cadiz Jewett Road in Cadiz, Ohio, as the John Armor Bingham Post Office.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 275 Penn Avenue in Salem, Ohio, as the "Howard Arthur Tibbs Post Office".


Summary: This act designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 275 Penn Avenue in Salem, Ohio, as the Howard Arthur Tibbs Post Office.
Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act


Summary: Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act This bill requires the Government Publishing Office (GPO) to establish and maintain a publicly available online portal containing copies of all congressionally mandated reports. A federal agency must submit a congressionally mandated report and specified information about the report to the GPO between 30 and 45 days after submission of the report to either chamber or to any congressional committee or subcommittee. Upon the written request of the chair of a congressional committee or subcommittee to the GPO, a report submitted to that committee or subcommittee shall not be submitted or published on the portal. Federally chartered corporations, the Government Accountability Office, and any elements of the intelligence community are excluded from the requirements of this bill. The Office of Management and Budget must issue guidance to federal agencies on the bill's requirement for agencies to submit copies of congressionally mandated reports and related information to the GPO.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.


Summary: This bill establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors. Specifically, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration must administer the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs: vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, educational assistance programs, veterans' housing loan and related programs, the Transition Assistance Program, and the database of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Prior to the transfer of administrative responsibilities, the bill requires the VA to certify that (1) the transition of the provision of services will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans, and (2) such services are ready to be transferred.
Amache National Historic Site Act


Summary: Amache National Historic Site Act This bill establishes the Amache National Historic Site in Colorado as a unit of the National Park System to preserve, protect, and interpret for the benefit of present and future generations resources associated with the incarceration of civilians of Japanese ancestry during World War II at Amache, also known as the Granada Relocation Center, and the military service of incarcerees at the Granada Relocation Center. The National Historic Site shall not be established until the date on which the Department of the Interior determines that a sufficient quantity of land or interests in land has been acquired to constitute a manageable park unit. After Interior makes such a determination, it shall publish in the Federal Register notice of the establishment of the historic site. Interior may acquire only by donation any land or interests in land located within the boundary of the Camp Amache National Historic Landmark. Any acquired lands or interests in land shall be included within the boundary of the historic site. Interior must prepare a general management plan for the historic site. Interior may enter into agreements with public or private entities to establish and operate facilities outside of the exterior boundary of the historic site for administration, visitor services, and curation of personal property; and other public or private entities to carry out this bill. Interior shall provide the town of Granada, Colorado, with access to those areas of the historic site determined necessary for the operation and maintenance of water infrastructure and appurtenances. Additionally, Interior may permit the town of Granada to construct or install new water infrastructure, systems, or appurtenances limited to the areas determined to be necessary. Finally, Interior may accept, for addition to and administration as part of the historic site, the donation of water infrastructure, systems, or appurtenances within the boundary of the site (including associated water rights) if the water infrastructure, systems, or appurtenances are no longer used by the town of Granada.
To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the feasability and advisability of furnishing doula services to certain veterans, and for other purposes.


Summary: Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2022 or the DOULA for VA Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study the feasibility and advisability of furnishing doula services to pregnant or formerly pregnant veterans (with respect to postpartum care) who are enrolled in the VA health care system.
THRIVE Act


Summary: Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act or the THRIVE Act This bill makes updates to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) training and education policies and programs, including by amending the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. (Sec. 2) In implementing the VA's rapid retraining assistance program, the list of high-demand occupations must be prepared in conjunction with the Department of Labor. The VA may add and remove occupations as appropriate. The bill excludes programs pursued solely through distance learning on a half-time basis or less from the housing stipend available to those participating in the retraining program. The VA must contact program participants to notify them about employment placement services after they begin the program and upon either completion of the program or termination of participation in the program. The VA must seek to enter a memorandum of understanding with one or more qualified nonprofit organizations for the purpose of facilitating the employment of veterans who participate in the program. The Government Accountability Office must report on the outcomes and effectiveness of the retraining program. (Sec. 3) The VA must provide veterans and members of the Armed Forces with information about whether (1) a postsecondary education institution is listed on the College Navigator website as being affiliated with a certain religion, (2) an institution is minority serving, and (3) an institution is gender-specific. The VA must provide information about postsecondary education and training opportunities in a searchable format. (Sec. 5) The bill includes for-profit educational institutions that are converted to public educational institutions in the annual risk-based survey the state approving agency must conduct. (Sec. 6) The VA must take certain disciplinary action when any person with whom an educational institution has an agreement for marketing, advertising, educational programs, recruiting, or admissions services engages in specified behaviors, such as providing a type of incentive payment to persons engaged in student recruiting. Under the bill, such disciplinary actions may include suspending the approval of courses and programs offered by the institution or revoking the approval of courses and programs.
NEAR Act of 2021


Summary: National Estuaries and Acidification Research Act of 2021 or the NEAR Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to arrange for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study that examines the existing science of ocean acidification in estuarine environments, examines the challenges to studying ocean acidification and acidification's interactions with other environment stressors in estuarine environments, provides recommendations for improving future research with respect to ocean acidification in estuarine environments, and identifies pathways for applying science in management and mitigation decisions related to ocean acidification in those environments.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the role of doctors of podiatric medicine in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.


Summary: This bill generally aligns the position of podiatrists with that of physicians for pay and grade purposes within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Additionally, the bill replaces the Director of Podiatric Service position with a Podiatric Medical Director to be responsible for the operation of the podiatric service at the VHA. Such director must be a qualified doctor of podiatric medicine.
AMIGOS Act


Summary: Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing Our Success Act or the AMIGOS Act This bill makes Portuguese nationals eligible for E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant visas if the government of Portugal provides similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals. The bill also imposes additional requirements on such visas. An E-1 visa is for individuals entering the United States to engage in international trade, while an E-2 visa is for individuals investing a substantial amount of capital in the United States. Both are limited to nationals from countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Furthermore, under this bill, if an alien who has never received an E visa became the national of an E visa-eligible foreign country by making a financial investment in that foreign country, that alien must have been domiciled in that foreign country for a continuous period of at least three years at any point before applying for an E visa.
Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act of 2021


Summary: Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the federal government from using reverse auctions for complex, specialized, or substantial design and construction services. Reverse auctions allow the sellers to bid down the price of a project and typically result in the contractor with the lowest bid winning the contract. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council must define complex, specialized, or substantial design and construction services. The General Services Administration shall report to specified congressional committees on this bill's effectiveness.
Extending Temporary Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act


Summary: Extending Temporary Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act This bill extends until October 22, 2021, the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The temporary order expires on May 6, 2021.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1101 Charlotte Street in Georgetown, South Carolina, as the "Joseph Hayne Rainey Memorial Post Office Building".


Summary: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1101 Charlotte Street in Georgetown, South Carolina, as the Joseph Hayne Rainey Memorial Post Office Building.
Insider Trading Prohibition Act


Summary: Insider Trading Prohibition Act This bill generally&nbsp;provides statutory authority for&nbsp;the prohibition against securities trading, as well as related communications to others, by a person aware of material, nonpublic information. The bill&nbsp;further provides, for purposes of establishing a violation of this prohibition, that&nbsp;it is not necessary for such a person to know specifically how such information was obtained or whether a personal benefit was paid or promised.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WATER Act

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to codify the definition of the term waters of the United States 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Withstanding Attempts to Encroach on our Resources Act of 2021 WATER Act 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) In June 2015, the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule (hereinafter referred to as the 2015 WOTUS rule (2) The 2015 WOTUS rule significantly expanded the scope of Federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act over virtually all waters and wet areas in the United States. (3) On April 21, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Corps of Engineers revisited the 2015 WOTUS rule and finalized a revised definition of the term waters of the United States (4) The 2015 WOTUS rule infringed on the rights of property owners, particularly in agricultural communities, and represented an alarming regulatory overreach of the executive branch into policies that should be addressed by the legislative branch through the legislative process. 3. Definition Section 502(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1362(7) , including the territorial seas. (as such term is defined in section 120.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on June 22, 2020).

Summary: Withstanding Attempts to Encroach on our Resources Act of 2021 or the WATER Act This bill specifies which bodies of water fall under the scope of the Clean Water Act and are thereby under federal jurisdiction. Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the definition of waters of the United States, commonly known as WOTUS, included in the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule: Definition of &quot;Waters of the United States.&quot; The 2020 rule replaced a 2015 rule that included a more expansive definition of WOTUS.
Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021


Summary: Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021 This bill addresses issues regarding inspectors general (IGs). For example, if the President fails to make a formal nomination for a vacant IG position within a certain timeline, the bill requires the President to communicate to Congress the reasons for such a failure and a target date for the nomination.
Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2021


Summary: Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2021 This bill revises the federal charter for the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. Specifically, the bill (1) eliminates the provision that requires the foundation to be incorporated and domiciled in the District of Columbia; and (2) requires the board of directors to decide, and specify in the bylaws, the location of the principal office. Additionally, the bylaws&#8212;not the charter&#8212;must provide for the terms of membership, the responsibilities of the board of directors, and the election of officers. A director or officer, in his or her corporate capacity, is prohibited from contributing to, supporting, or participating in political activities. The bill allows income and assets of the corporation to be used to reasonably compensate or reimburse expenses of an officer, director, or member; to award a grant to the Federal Bar Association chapter of an officer, director, or member; and to reasonably compensate employees. Furthermore, the bill expands a prohibition on loans for directors and officers to include members and employees. Finally, the bill specifies that on dissolution or final liquidation, any remaining assets must be distributed as provided by the board of directors instead of deposited in the Treasury.
Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act


Summary: Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act This bill addresses sexual harassment and gender harassment in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by supporting research regarding such harassment and efforts to prevent and respond to such harassment. (Sec. 4) This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or their consortia) to expand research into sexual harassment and gender harassment in the STEM workforce, including students and trainees; and examine interventions for reducing the incidence and negative consequences of such harassment. (Sec. 5) The NSF must convene a working group composed of representatives of federal statistical agencies to develop questions on sexual harassment and gender harassment in STEM departments in order to gather national data on the prevalence, nature, and implications of such harassment in institutions of higher education. (Sec. 6) The NSF shall enter into agreements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to (1) update a responsible conduct guide issued by the National Academies to include, among other things, updated professional standards of conduct in research and evidence-based practices for fostering a climate that is intolerant of sexual harassment and gender harassment; and (2) study the influence of such harassment in institutions of higher education on the career advancement of individuals in the STEM workforce. (Sec. 7) The National Science and Technology Council shall establish an interagency working group to coordinate the federal science agencies' efforts to reduce the prevalence of sexual harassment and gender harassment involving grant personnel. The Office of Science and Technology Policy must develop a uniform set of policy guidelines for such agencies to prevent and respond to reports of sexual harassment and gender harassment.
Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2021


Summary: Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2021 This bill requires executive agencies to submit information regarding settlement agreements to a public database. Specifically, an agency must submit information regarding any settlement agreement (including a consent decree) entered into by the agency related to an alleged violation of federal law. If an agency determines that information regarding an agreement must remain confidential to protect the public interest, the agency must publish an explanation of why the information is confidential.
Banking Transparency for Sanctioned Persons Act of 2021


Summary: Banking Transparency for Sanctioned Persons Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to report semiannually on financial services provided to benefit a state sponsor of terrorism or specified sanctioned persons.
VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act


Summary: This act prescribes that a peer support specialist of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must not be responsible for providing assistance to a veteran regarding a claim for compensation for a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during active service. Such specialists must only provide counseling services, guidance, and support and must not participate in the adjudication of the claim. As part of the forms for claims for compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST, the VA must include an option for a veteran to elect to be referred to a MST trauma coordinator at the VA facility closest to the veteran's residence. Additionally, the VA must (1) ensure that its peer support specialists receive annual training on providing peer support regarding MST, and (2) provide annual training on the processing of claims for compensation for covered mental health conditions based on MST to its MST coordinators and peer specialists.
VA FOIA Reform Act of 2021


Summary: VA FOIA Reform Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and implement a plan for reducing its backlog of requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The VA must request that the Office of Government Information Services of the National Archives and Records Administration conduct an assessment of the VA's compliance with FOIA. Finally, the VA must submit an annual report on its FOIA compliance efforts and make such reports available on its website.
Lumbee Recognition Act


Summary: Lumbee Recognition Act This bill extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and makes its members eligible for the services and benefits provided to members of federally recognized tribes. Members of the tribe residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties in North Carolina are deemed to be within the delivery area for such services. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services must develop, in consultation with the tribe, a determination of needs to provide the services for which members of the tribe are eligible. Interior may take land into trust for the benefit of the tribe. Finally, North Carolina must exercise jurisdiction over all criminal offenses committed, and all civil actions that arise, on North Carolina lands owned by, or held in trust for, the Lumbee Tribe or any dependent Indian community of the tribe unless jurisdiction is transferred to the United States pursuant to an agreement between the tribe and the state.
Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under the Medicare program of pharmacist services. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act 2. Medicare coverage of pharmacist services (a) Coverage Section 1861(s)(2) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2) (1) by striking and (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (HH) the following new subparagraph at the end: (II) pharmacist services furnished by a pharmacist, as licensed by State law, individually or on behalf of a pharmacy provider— (i) which the pharmacist is legally authorized to perform in the State in which the individual performs such services; (ii) as would otherwise be covered under this part if furnished by a physician, or as an incident to a physician’s service; and (iii) in a setting located in a health professional shortage area (as defined in section 332(a)(1)(A) of the Public Health Service Act), medically underserved area, or medically underserved population (as defined in section 330(b)(3) of such Act). . (b) Payment Section 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1) (1) by striking and (DD) (DD) (2) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: and (EE) with respect to pharmacist services (as defined in section 1861(s)(2)(II)), the amounts paid shall be equal to 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge or 85 percent of the fee schedule amount provided under section 1848 if such services had been furnished by a physician (c) Effective date; Pharmacist specific codes (1) Effective date The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply with respect to services furnished on or after January 1, 2022. (2) Pharmacist specific codes The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall develop pharmacist specific codes, as necessary, under the physician fee schedule under section 1848 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–4

Summary: Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage and payment with respect to certain&nbsp;pharmacist services that (1) are furnished by a pharmacist in a health-professional shortage area, and (2) would otherwise be covered under Medicare if furnished by a physician.
DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act


Summary: DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand its Blue Campaign, which coordinates DHS actions to identify and prevent human trafficking. The bill requires DHS to (1) provide web-based training for law enforcement and corrections personnel, and (2) establish an advisory board for the campaign.
Star Rating for Biosimilars Act

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to add a new set of measures to the 5-star rating system under the Medicare Advantage program in order to encourage increased access to biosimilar biological products. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Star Rating for Biosimilars Act 2. Addition of new measures based on access to biosimilar biological products to the 5-star rating system under medicare advantage (a) In general Section 1853(o)(4) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(o)(4) (E) Addition of new measures based on access to biosimilar biological products (i) In general For 2022 and subsequent years, the Secretary shall add a new set of measures to the 5-star rating system based on access to biosimilar biological products covered under part B and, in the case of MA–PD plans, such products that are covered part D drugs. Such measures shall assess the impact a plan’s benefit structure may have on enrollees’ utilization of or ability to access biosimilar biological products, including in comparison to the reference biological product, and shall include measures, as applicable, with respect to the following: (I) Coverage Assessing whether a biosimilar biological product is on the plan formulary in lieu of or in addition to the reference biological product. (II) Preferencing Assessing tier placement or cost sharing for a biosimilar biological product relative to the reference biological product. (III) Utilization management tools Assessing whether and how utilization management tools are used with respect to a biosimilar biological product relative to the reference biological product. (IV) Utilization Assessing the percentage of enrollees prescribed the biosimilar biological product when the reference biological product is also available. (ii) Definitions In this subparagraph, the terms biosimilar biological product reference biological product (iii) Protecting patient interests In developing such measures, the Secretary shall ensure that each measure developed to address coverage, pref­er­enc­ing, or utilization management is constructed such that patients retain equal access to appropriate therapeutic options without undue administrative burden. . (b) Clarification regarding application to prescription drug plans To the extent the Secretary of Health and Human Services applies the 5-star rating system under section 1853(o)(4) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(o)(4)

Summary: Star Rating for Biosimilars Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish quality measures regarding biosimilar biological products under the five-star performance rating system for Medicare Advantage plans. The measures must assess the level of access that plans provide to covered biosimilars, including with respect to formularies, cost-sharing, and utilization management. The CMS must also incorporate such measures into similar rating systems for plans under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act


Summary: Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop, implement, and evaluate a national media campaign focused on suicide prevention.
Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act of 2021


Summary: Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop best practices for establishing behavioral intervention teams in educational settings. These teams, comprised of experts, are responsible for identifying individuals who exhibit concerning behaviors and addressing associated behavioral health issues to prevent harm to the individual or others. HHS must also provide technical assistance on implementing these teams to elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education.
Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act


Summary: Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take specified actions to assist veterans with education, employment, and housing. First, the bill requires the VA to carry out a five-year pilot program to provide on-campus benefits assistance and counseling to eligible students at tribal colleges and universities. An eligible student is a student who (1) is a veteran, a service member, or a dependent of a veteran or service member; and (2) is eligible for any service or benefit under the VetSuccess on Campus program. Next, the bill increases through FY2023 the annual funding limit for the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses pilot program. In addition, the bill authorizes the VA to provide educational assistance, including a monthly housing stipend, to an eligible veteran who is pursuing an educational program on less than a half-time basis during the veteran's last semester, term, or academic period of enrollment. The bill extends to December 9, 2030, certain housing loan fees under the VA home loan program. Finally, the bill extends to September 30, 2025, the authority of the VA to enter into agreements with certain entities to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans. The bill also revises the program, including by allowing the VA to enter into agreements with tribal entities.