cheaptrix/UnitedStatesSentateAndHouseBillsAndSummaries huggingface dataset:
Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021


Summary: Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021 This act sets out programs and otherwise directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to carry out activities to prevent and treat malnutrition globally. Specifically, USAID may leverage resources to address malnutrition through the Global Nutrition Coordination Plan (an interagency effort to strengthen the impact of U.S. investments in nutrition) and its role on the board of directors of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. USAID must also select countries based on specified malnutrition-related indicators for purposes of targeting malnutrition prevention and treatment programs and update the selection within five years. Additionally, USAID may establish the Nutrition Leadership Council to coordinate federal government activities to prevent and treat malnutrition; and target resources and nutrition interventions to the populations most susceptible to severe malnutrition and otherwise support efforts to prevent and treat malnutrition globally. The act also requires USAID to provide to Congress an implementation plan and annual reports concerning its programs for treating and preventing malnutrition. The act's provisions terminate seven years after its enactment.
Protecting Patients from Medicaid Fraud Act

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to increase provider and supplier oversight under State Medicaid plans, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Patients from Medicaid Fraud Act 2. Increased provider and supplier oversight under State Medicaid plans Section 1902(kk) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1936a(kk) (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new sentence: In the case of a State which has not participated in an optional consultation with the Secretary with respect to the screening requirements under such section 1866(j)(2) as of the date of the enactment of this sentence, the Secretary shall notify each such State and such a State be required to consult with the Secretary with respect to such requirements for providers and suppliers under the State plan. (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new sentence: In the case of a State which has not participated in an optional consultation with the Secretary with respect to the oversight requirements under such section 1866(j)(3) as of the date of the enactment of this sentence, the Secretary shall notify each such State and such a State be required to consult with the Secretary with respect to such requirements for providers and suppliers under the State plan. (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (10) Ensuring compliance with screening and oversight requirements for providers and suppliers In the case of any State which is not in compliance with the requirements under paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 1866(j)(2) with respect to providers and suppliers under the State plan, for the purpose of monitoring the progress of such a State in attaining compliance with such requirements, such State shall, on an annual basis, submit to the Secretary information the Secretary determines appropriate. .

Summary: Protecting Patients from Medicaid Fraud Act This bill requires state Medicaid programs to consult with the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) about provider screening and oversight requirements if they have not already opted to do so. Additionally, states that are not in compliance with these screening and oversight requirements must submit progress reports to the CMS annually.
Fairness in Forgiveness Act of 2021

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand eligibility for public service student loan forgiveness to certain contractor employees of national laboratories. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fairness in Forgiveness Act of 2021 2. Eligibility of contractor employees of National Laboratories for public service student loan forgiveness Section 455(m)(3)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)(3)(B) (1) in clause (i), by striking or (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or (3) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) a full-time job as an employee of a management and operating contractor of a National Laboratory (as defined in section 2(3) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 15801(3) . 3. Effective date This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect as if enacted on October 1, 2007.

Summary: Fairness in Forgiveness Act of 2021 This bill&nbsp;extends Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility to contractor employees who work at&nbsp;national laboratories owned by the Department of Energy. The bill takes effect as if enacted on October 1, 2007.
Trusted Traveler Reconsideration and Restoration Act of 2021


Summary: Trusted Traveler Reconsideration and Restoration Act of 2021 This bill directs (1) the Government Accountability Office to review Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler programs, and (2) DHS to extend the enrollment period where an individual's participation in a trusted traveler program was revoked in error.
COVID–19 American History Project Act


Summary: COVID-19 American History Project Act This bill directs the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to establish a history project to be known as the COVID-19 American History Project to collect and make publicly available individual stories and records of experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The bill includes a requirement to collect video and audio recordings of personal histories and testimonials of those who were affected by the pandemic. The Librarian of Congress may solicit and accept donations of funds and in-kind contributions to carry out the project, subject to this bill.
Mark O’Brien VA Clothing Allowance Improvement Act


Summary: Mark O'Brien VA Clothing Allowance Improvement Act This bill modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clothing allowance policy for veterans who, due to a service-connected disability, wear a prosthetic, use an orthopedic appliance (e.g., a wheelchair), or use a prescription skin medication that the VA determines causes irreparable damage to clothing. The bill requires the VA to continue the clothing allowance for such a veteran on an annual basis until the veteran elects to no longer receive the allowance, or the VA determines the veteran is no longer eligible for the allowance, whichever occurs first. The bill sets forth a procedure by which the VA must conduct reviews of clothing allowance claims to determine the continued eligibility of veterans. Specifically, the VA must conduct a review (1) five years after the date on which a veteran initially receives a clothing allowance and periodically thereafter, and (2) whenever the VA receives notice that the veteran no longer meets eligibility requirements. If a veteran is eligible for a clothing allowance based on a circumstance that is not subject to change, the VA does not need to review whether the veteran has continued eligibility. If the VA determines, as the result of a review of a claim, that a veteran no longer meets the eligibility requirements for a clothing allowance, the VA must provide notice of the determination and discontinue the clothing allowance. The notice must include a description of applicable actions that may be taken following the determination (e.g., filing a notice of disagreement). The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through January 15, 2031, under the VA's home loan program.
Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act


Summary: Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act This act directs the Department of the Interior to take the approximately 55.3 acres of land of the Blackwater Trading Post in Pinal County, Arizona, into trust for the benefit of the Gila River Indian Community, if the community conveys to Interior all of its interest in the land. The land is made part of the community's reservation. Further, the act prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain tribal benefits and Alaska Permanent Fund dividends as earned income for purposes of the kiddie tax.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain tribal benefits and Alaska Permanent Fund dividends as earned income for purposes of the kiddie tax. 1. Certain amounts treated as earned income for kiddie tax (a) In general Section 1(g)(4)(C) (C) Treatment of certain amounts as earned income For purposes of this subsection, each of the following amounts shall be treated as earned income of the child referred to in paragraph (1) to the extent included in the gross income of such child: (i) Distributions from qualified disability trusts Any amount included in the gross income of such child under section 652 or 662 by reason of being a beneficiary of a qualified disability trust (as defined in section 642(b)(2)(C)(ii)). (ii) Certain Indian tribal payments Any payment which is included in the gross income of such child and made by an Indian tribal government (as defined in section 139E(c)(1)), or from a trust of which the Indian tribal government is treated as the owner under subpart E of part I of subchapter J, to or for the benefit of such child if— (I) such child or a family member (within the meaning of section 267(c)(4)) is an enrolled member of the tribe with respect to such Indian tribal government, and (II) such payment is made by reason of such enrollment. (iii) Certain payments from Native corporations or Settlement Trusts Any payment which is included in the gross income of such child and— (I) made by a Native corporation (as defined in section 646(h)(2)) to or for the benefit of such child if such child or a family member (within the meaning of section 267(c)(4)) has an equity interest in the Native corporation, or (II) made by a Settlement Trust (as defined in section 646(h)(4)) to or for the benefit of such child if such child or a family member (within the meaning of section 267(c)(4)) has a beneficial interest in such Settlement Trust. (iv) Alaska permanent fund dividends The amount of any Alaska Permanent Fund dividend which is included in the gross income of such child. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020.

Summary: This bill treats certain disability payments and other payments made by&nbsp;Indian tribes or Native Corporations to children as the earned income of such children. This exempts such income from the kiddie tax which taxes the unearned income of children at the parent's marginal tax rate.
To support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity, and for other purposes.


Summary: Uyghur Policy Act of 2021 This bill addresses human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and other minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. The bill authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State. The State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may, subject to appropriations, make certain funds available to human rights advocates working on behalf of Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups persecuted in China. The funds, if made available, shall be used to facilitate the presence of such human rights advocates at public diplomacy forums to speak on issues related to the human rights and religious freedoms of minority groups persecuted in China. The State Department must ensure that Uyghur language training is available to Foreign Service officers. It must also ensure that a Uyghur-speaking member of the Foreign Service is assigned to U.S. diplomatic and consular missions in China.
Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021

To extend the moratorium on residential evictions, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021 2. Extension of eviction moratorium The order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under section 361 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 264 Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions To Prevent the Further Spread of COVID–19

Summary: Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021 This bill extends through December 31, 2021, the order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention titled Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions To Prevent the Further Spread of COVID&#8211;19 and published on September 4, 2020.
Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to innovative new medical devices furnished to individuals with end stage renal disease under part B of the Medicare program by establishing a new device add-on payment adjustment under such part. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) There are approximately 400,000 Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease, making up 1 percent of the Medicare population but accounting for approximately 7 percent of all Medicare spending. (2) Expected remaining lifetime for dialysis patients under 80 years old is one-third as long as their counterparts without ESRD, and for dialysis patients over 80 years old, it is one-half as long as that of their counterparts without ESRD. (3) On average, hemodialysis patients are hospitalized nearly twice per year and about 30 percent have an unplanned rehospitalization within the 30 days following discharge, contributing to high costs for treating ESRD Medicare beneficiaries. (4) There is a lack of innovative new devices for ESRD Medicare beneficiaries, in part because of the lack of reimbursement incentives for novel devices. 3. Temporary add-on payment for new medical devices to diagnose, treat, or manage end stage renal disease The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide— (1) a three-year temporary add-on payment adjustment (as described in section 413.236(d) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations) for a new medical device approved by the Food and Drug Administration under section 513(f)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 360c (2) for the adjustment under paragraph (1) to be implemented in a nonbudget neutral manner under subparagraph (D)(iv) of section 1881(b)(14) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395rr(b)(14)(D)(iv)

Summary: Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide a certain payment adjustment under the Medicare end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prospective payment system. Specifically, the CMS must provide for a three-year temporary add-on payment adjustment for new medical devices used to diagnose, treat, or manage ESRD. (CMS regulations currently provide a two-year temporary add-on payment adjustment.)
Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2021


Summary: Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2021 This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and revises several programs and activities relating to newborn screening for certain conditions and genetic, endocrine, and metabolic diseases. Among its changes, the bill reauthorizes and makes mandatory the Hunter Kelly Research Program at the National Institutes of Health, and national surveillance activities conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill also aligns statutory requirements for research on non-identified newborn blood spots with federal regulations governing research on human subjects. These blood spots are collected as part of newborn screening programs, and some states make them available for biomedical and public health research. Under current regulations, research on non-identified bio-specimens such as blood spots is not considered to be research on human subjects, to which additional protections apply.
To hold accountable senior officials of the Government of the People's Republic of China who are responsible for or have directly carried out, at any time, persecution of Christians or other religious minorities in China, and for other purposes.


Summary: Combating the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should promote religious freedom in China and makes statements of policy related to such freedom. In particular, the bill states that it is U.S. policy to consider senior Chinese government officials who are responsible for the persecution of Christians or other religious minorities in China to have committed (1) a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights for the purpose of imposing certain sanctions, and (2) a particularly severe violation of religious freedom for the purpose of determining whether such an individual is admissible into the United States.
Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act


Summary: Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and revises the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978&nbsp;to expand&nbsp;services&nbsp;for preventing and treating child abuse. Specifically, the bill establishes requirements concerning collecting and exchanging&nbsp;data about child abuse and neglect. For instance, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services&nbsp;(HHS) to (1)&nbsp;establish uniform national standards for tracking and reporting child fatalities and near fatalities resulting from maltreatment, and (2)&nbsp;develop an electronic interstate data exchange system that allows states to share information from their child abuse and neglect registries with other states. The bill also addresses child abuse and neglect related to families&nbsp;impacted by&nbsp;substance use disorders, racial bias in the child protective services system, and child sexual abuse. Further, the bill revises the community-based grants program to emphasize access to effective services for diverse populations and to promote the development of statewide strategies to scale up family strengthening services. Finally, the bill requires HHS to examine unregulated custody transfers and make recommendations for preventing, identifying, and responding to such transfers.
Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act


Summary: Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act This act directs the Department of the Interior to take tribally owned lands in Pima County, Arizona, into trust for the benefit of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. Lands taken into trust shall be part of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation. The act allows gaming on the land taken into trust.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10 Broadway Street West, in Akeley, Minnesota, as the "Neal Kenneth Todd Post Office".


Summary: This act designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10 Broadway Street West, in Akeley, Minnesota, as the Neal Kenneth Todd Post Office.
To designate the National Pulse Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32806, and for other purposes.


Summary: This bill redesignates the Pulse Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue in Orlando, Florida, as the National Pulse Memorial.
DHS MORALE Act


Summary: Department of Homeland Security Morale, Recognition, Learning and Engagement Act of 2021 or the DHS MORALE Act This bill addresses workforce morale at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill expands the duties of the Chief Human Capital Officer to address morale, including through leader development and employee engagement, maintaining a catalogue of available employee development opportunities, and issuing a DHS-wide employee engagement action plan. DHS (1) must establish an employee engagement steering committee, and (2) may establish an annual employee award program. DHS shall report to the congressional homeland security committees regarding the impacts of the lapse in appropriations between December 22, 2018, and January 25, 2019, on (1) DHS human resources operations; (2) DHS's ability to meet hiring benchmarks; and (3) retention, attrition, and morale of DHS personnel.
Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2019

To amend title 11 of the United States Code to modify the dischargeability of debts for certain educational payments and loans. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2019 2. Exceptions to discharge Section 523(a)(8) of title 11, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B); and (2) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in clause (i)— (i) by striking (i) (ii) by inserting any program for which substantially all of the funds are provided by a unit or (B) in clause (ii)— (i) by striking (ii) (B) (ii) by striking or 3. Effective date; application of amendments (a) Effective date Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Application of amendments The amendments made by this Act shall apply only with respect to cases commenced under title 11 of the United States Code on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2019 [sic] This bill modifies the treatment of certain student loans in bankruptcy. Specifically it allows&nbsp;private education loans to be discharged in bankruptcy&nbsp;regardless of whether&nbsp;a debtor&nbsp;demonstrates&nbsp;undue hardship.&nbsp;Under current law,&nbsp;student loans may be discharged in bankruptcy only if the loans impose an undue hardship on the debtor.
Medicare Advantage Quality Payment Relief Act of 2021

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate a provision under the Medicare Advantage program that inadvertently penalizes Medicare Advantage plans for providing high quality care to Medicare beneficiaries. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Medicare Advantage Quality Payment Relief Act of 2021 2. Relief from quality bonus penalty in calculation of the Medicare Advantage blended benchmark cap (a) In general Section 1853(n)(4) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(n)(4) determined taking into account determined without regard to (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2022.

Summary: Medicare Advantage Quality Payment Relief Act of 2021 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services to disregard the application of certain percentage quality increases when calculating&nbsp;the maximum payment that may be made to a Medicare Advantage organization.
Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act


Summary: Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act This bill directs the President, when determining whether Russia is a country of particular concern for religious freedom under certain federal laws, to consider incidents occurring in the parts of Ukraine that Russia (or any Russia-affiliated non-state group) occupies, controls, or recognizes as independent. (The United States may take certain actions, such as withdrawing development assistance, against a country of particular concern for religious freedom.)
To amend the Fentanyl Sanctions Act, to modify certain deadlines relating to the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking.


Summary: This bill extends the deadline, from 270 days to 390 days, for the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking to submit the final report on its activities and recommendations to combat the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States.
Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021


Summary: Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 This bill revises provisions related to ocean shipping policies and is designed to support the growth and development of U.S. exports and promote reciprocal trade in the common carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States. Among other provisions, the bill sets forth requirements for operating a shipping exchange involving ocean transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States; requires ocean common carriers to report to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) each calendar quarter on total import and export tonnage and the total loaded and empty 20-foot equivalent units per vessel that makes port in the United States; requires the FMC to publish and annually update all its findings of false certifications by ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators and all penalties assessed against such carriers or operators; revises annual reporting requirements for the FMC on foreign laws and practices to include practices by ocean common carriers; prohibits ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators from retaliating or discriminating against shippers because such shippers have patronized another carrier, or filed a complaint; directs the FMC to establish rules prohibiting ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators from adopting and applying unjust and unreasonable demurrage and detention fees; authorizes the FMC to initiate investigations of an ocean common carrier's fees or charges and apply enforcement measures, as appropriate; directs the Department of Transportation to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to study the U.S. supply chain industry, including data constraints that impede the flow of maritime cargo and add to supply chain inefficiencies; and provides authority for the FMC to issue an emergency order requiring ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators to share directly with relevant shippers, rail carriers, or motor carriers information relating to cargo throughput and availability.
Equality Act


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


Summary: Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Recovery Act This bill extends through FY2024 the authority of the Department of the Interior to implement capital projects (i.e., construction of facilities) for the endangered fish recovery programs for the Upper Colorado and San Juan river basins. The bill raises the ceiling on costs for the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin and lowers the ceiling on costs for the San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program. The bill also extends through FY2022 the deadline for the submission of the report on the recovery implementation programs.
Language Access for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2021

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for enhanced Medicare beneficiary information through access to annual Medicare notifications in multiple languages. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Language Access for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2021 2. Providing access to annual Medicare notifications in multiple languages (a) In general Section 1804 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395b–2 (e) The notice provided under subsection (a) shall be translated into languages in addition to English and Spanish. In carrying out the previous sentence, the Secretary shall prioritize translation of the notice into languages in which documents provided by the Commissioner of Social Security are translated and language that are the most frequently requested for translation for purposes of applying for old-age insurance benefits under title II. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to notices distributed prior to each Medicare open enrollment period beginning after January 1, 2022.

Summary: Language Access for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2021 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) to translate the annual explanation of Medicare benefits for enrollees into multiple languages, besides English and Spanish. The CMS must prioritize languages into which Social Security documents are translated or that are most frequently requested for purposes of Social Security benefits applications.
Preserving the MotorCities Heritage Act

To extend the authorization for the MotorCities National Heritage Area in the State of Michigan, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Preserving the MotorCities Heritage Act 2. Extension of motorcities national heritage area authorization The Automobile National Heritage Area Act ( Public Law 105–355 (1) in section 109, by striking September 30, 2021 September 30, 2036 (2) in section 110— (A) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) Annual appropriations; limitation on total appropriations (1) Annual appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated under this title not more than $1,000,000 for any fiscal year. (2) Limitation on total appropriations Not more than a total of $23,250,000 may be appropriated for the Heritage Area under this title. ; and (B) in subsection (b), by adding before the period , except that for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 the matching requirement shall be waived due to negative economic ramifications of the COVID–19 pandemic

Summary: Preserving the MotorCities Heritage Act This bill extends through FY2036 the authority of the Department of the Interior to make grants or furnish technical assistance for the MotorCities National Heritage Area in Michigan. The bill also increases the maximum amount of funding that may be appropriated&nbsp;for the heritage area. Finally, the bill waives, for FY2022-FY2023, the matching funds requirement for the heritage area.
Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act of 2021

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the accuracy of geographic adjustment factors under the Medicare program and to permanently extend certain adjustments to such factors for certain localities, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act of 2021 2. Improving the accuracy of geographic adjustment factors Section 1848(e)(1)(D) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(e)(1)(D) (D) Use of accurate data (i) In general In establishing indices and index values under this paragraph, the Secretary shall use the most recent data available relating to practice expenses, malpractice expenses, and physician work effort in each fee schedule area. (ii) Practice expense and work indices In establishing indices and index values under clause (i) or (iii) of subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (I) use the most recent market data available on physician wages, or if available, actual cost data for physician labor; and (II) not use nonphysician professional wage data as a proxy for physician wage data. (iii) Practice expense calculation In calculating index values under clause (i) of subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall use the most recent office rent data available or data from Federally qualified health centers (as defined in section 1861(aa)(4)) expense reports. . 3. Floor for work and practice expense geographic indices (a) Work geographic index Section 1848(e)(1)(E) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(e)(1)(E) (1) by striking and before January 1, 2024, (2) by adding at the end the following: Any such increase made for purposes of payment for services furnished on or after January 1, 2022, shall not be applied in a budget neutral manner. (b) Practice expense geographic indices Section 1848(e)(1)(I) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(e)(1)(I) (1) in the header, by striking for services furnished in frontier states (2) in clause (i), by inserting and for purposes of payment for services furnished in any State on or after January 1, 2022, 2011, (3) in clause (ii), by inserting before January 1, 2022, furnished

Summary: Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act of 2021 This bill requires the&nbsp;Centers for Medicare&nbsp;&amp; Medicaid Services to&nbsp;use&nbsp;specified data regarding physician wages and office rent when determining certain geographic adjustment factors for the payment of physician services under Medicare. With respect to such payment, the bill also makes permanent&nbsp;certain minimum adjustments to the work geographic&nbsp;index&nbsp;and extends to all localities certain minimum adjustments&nbsp;to the practice expense index.
Secure Background Checks Act of 2021

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit a person who fails to meet age and residential requirements from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving firearms and ammunition, to increase the penalties for transfer of a firearm to any person who is under indictment, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Secure Background Checks Act of 2021 2. Age and residential requirement Section 922(g) of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (8)(C)(ii), by striking or (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the comma at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: (10) who fails to meet the age requirement— (A) described in subsection (b)(1); and (B) in the person’s State of residence; or (11) who— (A) does not reside in (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, does not maintain a place of business in) the State in which the licensee’s place of business is located; and (B) is not subject to an exception under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(3), . 3. Penalties Section 924(a)(2) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking , or (o) (n), or (o)

Summary: Secure Background Checks Act of 2021 This bill extends federal restrictions on the receipt, possession, shipment, and transportation of firearms and ammunition to two new categories of persons: persons who fail to meet the minimum age requirements imposed by federal law and by the law of their resident state; and persons who are out-of-state residents and do not qualify for an exception, such as the temporary loan or rental of a firearm for lawful sporting purposes. Additionally, the bill imposes criminal penalties&#8212;a fine, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both&#8212;on an individual who ships, transports, or receives a firearm or ammunition while under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year.
Emergency Repatriation Assistance for Returning Americans Act


Summary: Emergency Repatriation Assistance for Returning Americans Act This bill increases the maximum amount of funding available in FY2021 and FY2022 for temporary assistance for U.S. citizens and their dependents who are returning from foreign countries due to a crisis and are without available resources. Under current law, the Department of Health and Human Services may provide assistance such as money payments and medical care to these individuals on a temporary basis. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending that is exempt from pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules and other budget enforcement procedures.
Support Local Transportation Act

To amend title 23, United States Code, to modify the percentages of funds to be allocated to certain urbanized areas under the surface transportation block grant program. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Support Local Transportation Act 2. Surface transportation block grant program Section 133(d)(6) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (E) and inserting the following: (A) for fiscal year 2022, 61 percent; (B) for fiscal year 2023, 62 percent; (C) for fiscal year 2024, 63 percent; (D) for fiscal year 2025, 64 percent; and (E) for fiscal year 2026, 65 percent. .

Summary: Support Local Transportation Act This bill revises requirements for the surface transportation block grant program to increase the percentages of program funds required to be allocated to states for each of&nbsp; FY2022-FY2026 for surface transportation projects in urbanized areas with a population of over 200,000, non-urban areas with a population greater than 5,000, and other areas of the state.
To amend title VI of the Social Security Act to extend the coverage of Coronavirus Relief Fund payments to Tribal Governments.


Summary: This bill extends through December 31, 2022, the coverage period for the Coronavirus Relief Fund to make payments to tribal governments for necessary expenditures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Expenditures must be incurred between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022.
Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act

To amend the Public Health Service Act to expand the allowable use criteria for new access points grants for community health centers. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act 2. New access points grants (a) In general Section 330(e)(6)(A) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254b(e)(6)(A) (v) Mobile units An existing health center may be awarded funds under clause (i) to establish a new delivery site that is a mobile unit, regardless of whether the applicant additionally proposes to establish a permanent, full-time site. In the case of a health center that is not currently receiving funds under this section, such health center may be awarded funds under clause (i) to establish a new delivery site that is a mobile unit only if such health center uses a portion of such funds to also establish a permanent, full-time site. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on January 1, 2024. September 28, 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: Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act This bill allows a health center that currently receives funding through a Health Resources &amp; Services Administration Health Center Program grant to use a New Access Point grant to set up a mobile unit regardless of whether the health center also establishes a permanent health care delivery site. New Access Point grants help health centers establish new delivery sites to provide comprehensive primary care to medically underserved populations. Under current law, health centers may only use the grants to set up a mobile unit if they also establish a permanent site.
To award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal, in commemoration to the servicemembers who perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, during the evacuation of citizens of the United States and Afghan allies at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and for other purposes.


Summary: This bill posthumously provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of the 13 service members who died on August 26, 2021, while stationed at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan.
SPARK Act

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide categorical eligibility for free lunch and breakfast for certain children in kinship care, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Schools Preventing Hunger in At-Risk Kids Act SPARK Act 2. School meals for foster children in kinship care Section 9 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1758 (1) in subsection (b)— (A) paragraph (5)(E)— (i) in clause (i), by striking or (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or (iii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) a child whose placement with a relative or family friend was carried out with the involvement of an agency that administers a State plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. ; and (B) in paragraph (12)(A)(vii)— (i) in subclause (I), by striking or (ii) in subclause (II), by striking the period and inserting ; or (iii) by adding at the end the following: (III) a child whose placement with a relative or family friend was carried out with the involvement of an agency that administers a State plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. ; and (2) in subsection (d)(2)(F)— (A) in clause (i), by striking or (B) by adding at the end the following: (iii) documentation has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency showing the status of the child as a child whose placement with a relative or family friend was carried out with the involvement of an agency that administers a State plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. .

Summary: Schools Preventing Hunger in At-Risk Kids Act or the SPARK Act This bill expands automatic eligibility for free school lunches and breakfasts to include children who have been placed in kinship care with a relative or family friend with the involvement of&nbsp;the state child welfare agency. To enroll in the program, a family must document the child's status to the appropriate local educational agency.
First Responder Fair RETIRE Act


Summary: First Responder Fair Return for Employees on Their Initial Retirement Earned Act or the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act This act allows disabled federal first responders (e.g., law enforcement officers, customs and border protection officers, and firefighters) to continue receiving federal retirement benefits in the same manner as though they had not been disabled. Under current law, federal first responders are subject to a mandatory retirement age of 57. To facilitate this earlier retirement, federal first responders are required to pay a greater percentage of their salary towards retirement. Additionally, their annuity amount is calculated at a higher rate than other federal employees. This act allows a federal first responder to remain in the accelerated retirement system if they are placed in another civil service position outside of that system after returning to work from a work-related injury or illness. Further, if such an employee is separated from service before they are entitled to receive an annuity, they may receive a refund of their accelerated contributions.
Closing the College Hunger Gap Act of 2021

To address food and housing insecurity on college campuses. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Closing the College Hunger Gap Act of 2021 2. Questions on food and housing insecurity in National Postsecondary Student Aid Study The Secretary of Education shall add questions that measure rates of food and housing insecurity to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. 3. Information on SNAP eligibility (a) In general Section 483 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1090 (i) Information on SNAP eligibility (1) In general For each year for which a student described in paragraph (2) submits a form described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall send to such student information regarding potential eligibility for assistance under, and application process for, the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. (2) Students A student is described in this paragraph if the student has an expected family contribution equal to zero for the year. . (b) Consultation The Secretary of Education shall consult with the Secretary of Agriculture, and the head of any other applicable Federal or State agency, in designing the written and electronic communication regarding potential eligibility for assistance under, and application process for, the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. 20 U.S.C. 1090(i) 4. Effective date This Act and the amendment made by this Act shall take effect 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Closing the College Hunger Gap Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to collect data on the&nbsp;food and housing insecurity of college students. Specifically, ED must add questions that measure rates of food and housing insecurity to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. In addition, ED must collect&nbsp;data on student eligibility under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). ED must also provide students with contact information for the state agency that administers SNAP in their state.
AFTER Act of 2021

To amend the Animal Welfare Act to allow for the adoption or non-laboratory placement of certain animals used in Federal research, and for other purposes. 1. Short Title This Act may be cited as the Animal Freedom from Testing, Experiments, and Research Act of 2021 AFTER Act of 2021 2. Placement of animals used in Federal research Section 14 of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2144 14. Standards for Federal facilities (a) Laboratory animal facilities and exhibitors Any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States having laboratory animal facilities or exhibiting animals shall comply with the standards and other requirements promulgated by the Secretary under sections 13(a), (f), (g), and (h). (b) Adoption and non-Laboratory placement Any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States operating as a Federal research facility shall, not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, promulgate standards and other requirements that, in the determination of the department, agency, or instrumentality, facilitates the adoption or non-laboratory placement of any animal of the facility no longer needed for research and determined to be suitable for release to an animal rescue organization, animal sanctuary, animal shelter, or individual. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Animal rescue organization The term animal rescue organization (A) described in section 501(c)(3) (B) with the purpose of rescuing animals that are unwanted, abandoned, or otherwise in need of placement and finding permanent adoptive homes for such animals. (2) Animal sanctuary The term animal sanctuary section 501(c)(3) (A) is registered with the Secretary; (B) operates a place of refuge— (i) where an unwanted, displaced, or retired animal is provided care for the lifetime of such animal; and (ii) where an unescorted public visitation of such an animal is not permitted; (C) does not engage in commercial trade of such an animal; (D) does not breed such an animal; (E) does not permit direct contact between the public and such an animal; (F) does not allow the use of such an animal for performance or exhibition purposes; and (G) does not conduct research that pains or distresses such an animal. (3) Animal shelter The term animal shelter .

Summary: Animal Freedom from Testing, Experiments, and Research Act of 2021 or the AFTER Act of 2021 This bill requires federal research facilities to facilitate the adoption or nonlaboratory placement of certain warm-blooded animals (e.g., dogs, cats, monkeys, guinea pigs, hamsters,&nbsp;and&nbsp;rabbits)&nbsp;with animal rescue organizations, animal sanctuaries, animal shelters, or individuals. In order to be adopted or placed, the animals must (1) no longer be&nbsp;needed for research; (2)&nbsp;be suitable for release; (3) not be birds, rats, or mice.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2245 Rosa L Parks Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee, as the "Thelma Harper Post Office Building".


Summary: This act designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2245 Rosa L Parks Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee, as the Thelma Harper Post Office Building.