cheaptrix/UnitedStatesSentateAndHouseBillsAndSummaries huggingface dataset:
Servicemember Voting Protection Act

To amend the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require States upon request to provide absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters who receive absentee ballots in an election for Federal office held in the State with absentee ballots for all subsequent elections for Federal office held in the State through the next regularly scheduled general election for Federal office, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Servicemember Voting Protection Act 2. Use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections (a) In general Section 104 of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act ( 52 U.S.C. 20306 104. Use of single application for subsequent elections (a) In general If a State accepts and processes an official post card form (prescribed under section 101) submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter for simultaneous voter registration and absentee ballot application (in accordance with section 102(a)(4)) and the voter requests that the application be considered an application for an absentee ballot for each subsequent election for Federal office held in the State through the next regularly scheduled general election for Federal office (including any runoff elections which may occur as a result of the outcome of such general election), the State shall provide an absentee ballot to the voter for each such subsequent election. (b) Exception for voters changing registration Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to a voter registered to vote in a State for any election held after the voter notifies the State that the voter no longer wishes to be registered to vote in the State or after the State determines that the voter has registered to vote in another State or is otherwise no longer eligible to vote in the State. (c) Prohibition of refusal of application on grounds of early submission A State may not refuse to accept or to process, with respect to any election for Federal office, any otherwise valid voter registration application or absentee ballot application (including the postcard form prescribed under section 101) submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter on the grounds that the voter submitted the application before the first date on which the State otherwise accepts or processes such applications for that election which are submitted by absentee voters who are not members of the uniformed services or overseas citizens. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to voter registration and absentee ballot applications which are submitted to a State or local election official on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Servicemember Voting Protection Act This bill requires a state, upon request by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter&nbsp;who simultaneously&nbsp;applies for voter&nbsp;registration and an absentee ballot, to provide absentee ballots for subsequent elections through the next general election for federal office.
Medicaid Expansion Parity Act of 2017

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide parity among States in the timing of the application of higher Federal Medicaid matching rates for the ACA-expansion population. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Medicaid Expansion Parity Act of 2017 2. Parity in the timing of the application of higher Medicaid Federal matching rates for ACA newly eligible individuals (a) In general Section 1905(y)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(y)(1) (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking for calendar quarters in 2014, 2015, and 2016 for calendar quarters in the 12-calendar-quarter period beginning with the first calendar quarter in which the State provides medical assistance to newly eligible individuals (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking for calendar quarters in 2017 for the next 4 calendar quarters for such State (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking for calendar quarters in 2018 for the next 4 calendar quarters for such State (4) in subparagraph (D), by striking for calendar quarters in 2019 for the next 4 calendar quarters for such State (5) in subparagraph (E), by striking for calendar quarters in 2020 and each year thereafter for each succeeding calendar quarter for such State (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Summary: Medicaid Expansion Parity Act of 2017 This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide the enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to every state that expands Medicaid&nbsp;coverage for&nbsp;individuals who are newly eligible under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, regardless of when&nbsp;such expansion takes place. Under current law, the enhanced FMAP is equivalent to 100% in 2014 through 2016, 95% in 2017, 94% in 2018, 93% in 2019, and 90% thereafter. The bill retains this enhanced FMAP, but bases it on a term of years rather than on specific dates. The bill applies retroactively.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2018


Summary: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2018 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to redesignate the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) National Protection and Programs Directorate as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. It transfers resources and responsibilities of the directorate to the agency. The agency shall be headed by the Director of National Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security. Its responsibilities shall include: leading cybersecurity and critical infrastructure security programs, operations, and associated policy; and carrying out DHS's responsibilities concerning chemical facility antiterrorism standards. The bill details the organizational structure of the agency. (Sec. 3) The bill transfers within DHS the Office of Biometric Identity Management to the Management Directorate. It also requires DHS to transfer the Federal Protective Service to an appropriate DHS component, directorate, or office following the completion of an ongoing Government Accountability Office review. (Sec. 4) DHS shall report on its leadership role in cloud-based cybersecurity deployments for civilian federal departments and agencies.
Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act


Summary: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to impose sanctions against: (1) Iran's ballistic missile or weapons of mass destruction programs, (2) the sale or transfer to Iran of military equipment or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, and (3) Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated foreign persons. The President may impose sanctions against persons responsible for violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against individuals in Iran. The President may temporarily waive the imposition or continuation of sanctions under specified circumstances. Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 The President must submit for congressional review certain proposed actions to terminate or waive sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation. Specified executive order sanctions against Russia shall remain in effect. The President may waive specified cyber- and Ukraine-related sanctions. The bill provides sanctions for activities concerning: (1) cyber security, (2) crude oil projects, (3) financial institutions, (4) corruption, (5) human rights abuses, (6) evasion of sanctions, (7) transactions with Russian defense or intelligence sectors, (8) export pipelines, (9) privatization of state-owned assets by government officials, and (10) arms transfers to Syria. The Department of State shall work with the government of Ukraine to increase Ukraine's energy security. The bill: (1) directs the Department of the Treasury to develop a national strategy for combating the financing of terrorism, and (2) includes the Secretary of the Treasury on the National Security Council. Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act The bill modifies and increases the President's authority to impose sanctions on persons in violation of certain United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea. U.S. financial institutions shall not establish or maintain correspondent accounts used by foreign financial institutions to provide indirect financial services to North Korea. A foreign government that provides to or receives from North Korea a defense article or service is prohibited from receiving certain types of U.S. foreign assistance. The bill provides sanctions against: (1) North Korean cargo and shipping, (2) goods produced in whole or part by North Korean convict or forced labor, and (3) foreign persons that employ North Korean forced laborers. The State Department shall submit a determination regarding whether North Korea meets the criteria for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 225 North Main Street in Spring Lake, North Carolina, as the "Howard B. Pate, Jr. Post Office".


Summary: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 225 North Main Street in Spring Lake, North Carolina, as the "Howard B. Pate, Jr. Post Office."
Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) complete environmental, cultural resource, and other due diligence activities on certain public land to confirm its suitability for inclusion in the Black Hills National Cemetery, South Dakota; and (2) notify the Department of the Interior of such activities. After completion of such activities and upon receipt by Interior of written confirmation of suitability from the VA, the land shall: (1) be withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the mining laws, the mineral leasing laws, and the geothermal leasing laws, for as long as it remains under VA administrative jurisdiction; (2) be deemed property; and (3) be transferred to the VA for use as national cemeteries. (Sec. 3) Interior shall publish a notice containing the legal descriptions of such transferred land. The VA shall reimburse Interior for reasonable transfer costs, including survey costs. (Sec. 4) Upon a determination by the VA that all or a portion of such transferred land shall not be used for cemetery purposes, the VA shall: (1) notify Interior and transfer jurisdiction of the land back to Interior, and (2) be responsible for any decontamination costs necessary for restoration of the lands to the public lands.
Javier Vega, Jr. Memorial Act of 2017

To designate the checkpoint of the United States Border Patrol located on United States Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Javier Vega, Jr. Memorial Act of 2017 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) A native of La Feria, Texas, Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr., served his country first a member of the United States Marines Corps and then proudly as a Border Patrol agent in the canine division with his dog, Goldie. (2) Agent Vega was assigned to the Kingsville, Texas, Border Patrol Station as a canine handler and worked primarily at the Sarita Border Patrol Checkpoint. (3) On August 3, 2014, Agent Vega was on a fishing trip with his family near Raymondville, Texas, when two criminal aliens attempted to rob and attack them. (4) Agent Vega was shot and killed while attempting to subdue the assailants and protect his family. (5) Agent Vega is survived by his wife, parents, three sons, brother, sister-in-law, niece, and dog, Goldie. 3. Designation The checkpoint of the United States Border Patrol located on United States Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, shall be known and designated as the Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint 4. References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the checkpoint described in section 3 shall be deemed to be a reference to the Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint

Summary: Javier Vega, Jr. Memorial Act of 2017 This bill designates the checkpoint of the U.S. Border Patrol located on U.S. Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the &quot;Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint.&quot;
JAWS Act

To prohibit importation of seafood products of countries that do not prohibit the practice of shark finning, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Justice Attributed to Wounded Sharks Act JAWS Act 2. Prohibition on importation of seafood products of countries that do not prohibit the practice of shark finning (a) In general No seafood product that is the growth or product of a country described in subsection (b) may be imported into the customs territory of the United States on or after the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Country described A country described in this subsection is a country with respect to which the President determines does not prohibit the following: (1) Shark finning in the territorial waters of the country. (2) The importation, sale, or possession of shark fins obtained as a result of shark finning. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Customs territory of the United States The term customs territory of the United States (2) Seafood product The term seafood product (3) Shark finning The term shark finning 16 U.S.C. 1822

Summary: Justice Attributed to Wounded Sharks Act or the JAWS Act This bill prohibits the importation into the United States of seafood products from a country that does not prohibit: (1) shark finning in its territorial waters; and (2) the importation, sale, or possession of shark fins obtained through shark finning. The bill defines &quot;shark finning&quot; to mean the removal of a shark's fin (whether or not including the tail) and returning the remainder of the shark to the sea.
To designate the flood control project in Sedgwick County, Kansas, commonly known as the Wichita-Valley Center Flood Control Project, as the "M.S. 'Mitch' Mitchell Floodway".


Summary: (Sec. 1) This bill designates the Wichita-Valley Center Flood Control Project in Sedgwick County, Kansas, as the &quot;M.S. 'Mitch' Mitchell Floodway.&quot;
Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act


Summary: Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act (Sec. 2) This bill revises Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) transitional worker (CW-1 visa) provisions. The supplemental vocational education fee charged to a prospective CNMI employer for each transitional worker is increased from $150 to $200. Construction occupation permits may be issued only to extend permits issued before October 1, 2015, except that for FY2017, an additional 350 permits shall be made available with at least 60 reserved for health care practitioners and technical operations and at least 10 reserved for plant and system operators.
Lake Bistineau Land Title Stability Act

To provide for stability of title to certain land in the State of Louisiana, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Lake Bistineau Land Title Stability Act 2. Purpose The purpose of this Act is to direct the Secretary of the Interior to issue a recordable disclaimer of interest of the United States in and to— (1) any land described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of section 4 that is located outside the record meander lines of the Original Survey described in that subsection; and (2) any omitted land. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Omitted land The term omitted land (2) Original survey The term Original Survey (3) Resurvey The term Resurvey Dependent Re-Survey, Extension Survey and Survey of Two Islands, Sections 17, 29, and 30 (4) Secretary The term Secretary 4. Meander lines; recordable disclaimer of interest (a) Meander lines The meander lines in the Original Survey are definitive for purposes of determining title to— (1) the land in S30–T16N–R10W; and (2) the 2 islands adjacent to the land described in paragraph (1). (b) Recordable disclaimer of interest (1) In general The Secretary shall prepare a recordable disclaimer of interest in which the United States conveys and disclaims any right, title, or interest of the United States in and to— (A) any land described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) that is located outside the recorded meander lines described in that subsection; and (B) any omitted land. (2) Filing The Secretary shall record the disclaimer of interest prepared under paragraph (1) in the appropriate local office in the State of Louisiana in which real property documents are recorded. (3) Inclusions The disclaimer of interest filed under paragraph (2) shall include legal descriptions of the land subject to the disclaimer of interest using the lot or tract numbers included in the Resurvey. June 20, 2018 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Summary: Lake Bistineau Land Title Stability Act This bill declares that the document titled &quot;Dependent Re-Survey, Extension Survey and Survey of Two Islands, Sections 17, 29, and 30&quot; (published in the Federal Register on February 27, 1969) shall not be considered to be, or serve as, a gross error determination and shall have no legal force or effect on the ownership of certain land surrounding Lake Bistineau in northern Louisiana. The meander lines recorded in the original survey of such land approved by the Surveyor General on December 8, 1842, shall be definitive for purposes of determining title to such land and two adjacent islands. The Department of the Interior shall prepare a disclaimer of any U.S. right, title, or interest in and to any such land that is located outside such meander lines and any omitted land that was in place, but not included, in the original survey.
529 OPTIONS Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow tax free distributions from section 529 college savings plans for certain expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the 529 Opening Paths To Invest in Our Nation’s Students Act 529 OPTIONS Act 2. Distributions from qualified tuition programs for certain expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs (a) In general Section 529(e)(3) (C) Certain expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs The term qualified higher education expenses (i) books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of a designated beneficiary in an apprenticeship program registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under section 1 of the National Apprenticeship Act ( 29 U.S.C. 50 (ii) child care at a licensed day care center, and transportation, in connection with such enrollment or attendance, and (iii) costs associated with obtaining an industry certification, or other type of credential, in connection with such enrollment or attendance or in connection with the completion of such program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to expenses paid or incurred after the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date.

Summary: 529 Opening Paths To Invest in Our Nation's Students Act or the 529 OPTIONS Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow distributions from qualified tuition programs (known as 529 plans) to be used for certain expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs. The bill expands the definition of &quot;qualified higher education expenses&quot; for which tax-free distributions are allowed to include: (1) books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of a designated beneficiary in an apprenticeship program registered and certified with the Department of Labor; (2) child care at a licensed day care center, and transportation, in connection with such enrollment or attendance; and (3) costs associated with obtaining an industry certification or other credential in connection with an apprenticeship program.
Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act

To amend the fresh fruit and vegetable program under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to include canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fruits and vegetables. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act 2. Amendments to fruit and vegetable program Section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1769a (1) in the section heading, by striking Fresh (2) in subsection (a), by inserting , canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fresh (3) in subsection (b), by inserting , canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fresh (4) in subsection (e), by inserting , canned, dried, frozen, or pureed fresh

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

To prevent States from counting certain expenditures as State spending to reduce TANF work requirements. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the TANF Accountability and Integrity Improvement Act 2. No counting of third-party spending to meet State spending requirement (a) Exclusion of third-Party contributions Section 409(a)(7)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 609(a)(7)(B)(i) (VI) Exclusion of third-party contributions Such term shall not include— (aa) for fiscal year 2018, the amount (if any) by which— (AA) the value of all goods and services provided by a source other than the State or a local government during the fiscal year; exceeds (BB) the value of all such goods and services claimed by the State as qualified State expenditures for fiscal year 2017; (bb) for fiscal year 2019, the amount (if any) by which— (AA) the value referred to in subclause (aa)(AA); exceeds (BB) 50 percent of the value referred to in subclause (aa)(BB); and (cc) for any fiscal year after 2019, the value referred to in subclause (aa)(AA). . (b) Exclusion of expenditures for the provision of medical services Section 409(a)(7)(B)(i) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 609(a)(7)(B)(i) (VII) Exclusion of expenditures for the provision of medical services Such term shall not include any amount expended for the provision of medical services. . 3. Effective date The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 2017.

Summary: TANF Accountability and Integrity Improvement Act This bill restricts states from counting certain third-party contributions&nbsp;or&nbsp;other specified expenditures&nbsp;as state spending for purposes of maintenance-of-effort requirements under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
Save Local Business Act

To clarify the treatment of two or more employers as joint employers under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Save Local Business Act 2. Clarification of joint employment (a) National Labor Relations Act Section 2(2) of the National Labor Relations Act ( 29 U.S.C. 152(2) (1) by striking The term employer (A) The term employer (2) by adding at the end the following: (B) A person may be considered a joint employer in relation to an employee only if such person directly, actually, and immediately, and not in a limited and routine manner, exercises significant control over essential terms and conditions of employment, such as hiring employees, discharging employees, determining individual employee rates of pay and benefits, day-to-day supervision of employees, assigning individual work schedules, positions, and tasks, or administering employee discipline. . (b) Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 Section 3(d) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 203(d) (1) by striking Employer (1) Employer (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) A person may be considered a joint employer in relation to an employee for purposes of this Act only if such person meets the criteria set forth in section 2(2)(B) of the National Labor Relations Act ( 29 U.S.C. 152(2)(B) . November 1, 2017 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 1, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Save Local Business Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide that a person may be considered a joint employer in relation to an employee only if such person directly, actually, and immediately, and not in a limited and routine manner, exercises significant control over the essential terms and conditions of employment such as hiring employees, discharging employees, determining individual employee rates of pay and benefits, day-to-day supervision of employees, assigning individual work schedules, positions, and tasks, or administering employee discipline.
Classified Information Protection Act of 2017

To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of classified information to a person not authorized to receive such information. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Classified Information Protection Act of 2017 2. Prohibition on unauthorized disclosure of classified information (a) In general Chapter 37 (1) by redesignating section 798A as section 798B; and (2) by inserting after section 798 the following new section 798A: 798A. Unauthorized disclosure of classified information (a) Prohibition Whoever knowingly and willfully discloses, or attempts to disclose, any classified information acquired as a result of such person’s authorized access to classified information to a person who is not authorized access to such classified information, knowing that the person is not authorized access to such classified information, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both. (b) Construction of prohibition Nothing in this section shall be construed to establish criminal liability for disclosure of classified information in accordance with applicable law to the following: (1) Any justice or judge of a court of the United States established pursuant to article III of the Constitution of the United States. (2) The Senate or the House of Representatives, or any committee or subcommittee thereof, or joint committee thereof, or any member of Congress. (3) A person or persons acting on behalf of a foreign power (including an international organization) if the disclosure— (A) is made by an officer or employee of the United States who has been authorized to make the disclosure; and (B) is within the scope of such officer’s or employee’s duties. (4) Any other person authorized to receive the classified information. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) The term authorized (2) The term classified information . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of that chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section 798A and inserting the following new items: 798A. Unauthorized disclosure of classified information. 798B. Temporary extension of section 794. .

Summary: Classified Information Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime for an authorized person to knowingly and willingly disclose (or attempt to disclose) classified information to an unauthorized person, knowing that the person is unauthorized to access such classified information. A violator is subject to criminal penalties&#8212;a fine, a prison term of up to three years, or both.
Relief for Recovering Communities Act

To amend section 5307 of title 49, United States Code, with respect to the treatment of a community as an urbanized area following a major disaster. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Relief for Recovering Communities Act 2. Availability of urbanized area formula grants following a major disaster Section 5307 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (i) Urbanized areas following a major disaster (1) Major disaster defined In this section, the term major disaster 42 U.S.C. 5122(2) (2) Urbanized area major disaster population criteria Notwithstanding section 5302, the Secretary shall treat an area as an urbanized area (A) the population of the area fell below 50,000 as a result of such major disaster; (B) the area was defined and designated as an urbanized area (C) the area was not so defined and designated in the decennial census immediately following such major disaster. (3) Population calculation An area treated as an urbanized area (4) Savings provision Nothing in this subsection may be construed to affect apportionments made under this chapter before the date of the enactment of this subsection. .

Summary: Relief for Recovering Communities Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation to treat an area as an &quot;urbanized area&quot; following a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act until the second decennial census conducted after such disaster if: the population of the area fell below 50,000 as a result of such disaster; the area was defined and designated as such by the Department of Commerce in the decennial census immediately preceding such disaster, beginning with the 2000 decennial census; and the area was not so defined and designated in the decennial census immediately following such disaster. An area treated as an urbanized area shall be assigned the population and square miles of the urban cluster with respect to the area designated by Commerce in the most recent decennial census. This designation as an urbanized area permits an application for federal transit funding based upon population levels in the area prior to the major disaster.
Tax Relief for Artists Act of 2017

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a standard deduction for the trade or business expenses of artists. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Tax Relief for Artists Act of 2017 2. Standard deduction for the trade or business expenses of artists (a) In general Section 162 (q) Standard deduction for trade or business expenses of artists (1) In general In the case of a qualified taxpayer who elects the application of this subsection for any taxable year, there shall be allowed as a deduction for such taxable year an amount equal to the lesser of— (A) $2,500, or (B) the gross income of the taxpayer derived from one or more artistic trades or businesses carried on by the taxpayer (or, if less, taxable income). (2) Qualified taxpayer For purposes of this subsection, the term qualified taxpayer (A) the taxpayer’s household income for the taxable year does not exceed 250 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, and (B) the taxpayer has gross income derived from one or more artistic trades or businesses carried on by the taxpayer. (3) Artistic trade or business For purposes of this subsection, the term artistic trade or business (4) Other definitions and special rules For purposes of this subsection— (A) Definitions related to household income Terms used in paragraph (2)(A) which are also used in section 36B shall have the same meaning as when used in such section. (B) Joint returns In the case of a joint return, paragraph (1)(A) shall be applied by substituting $5,000 $2,500 (C) Denial of double benefit If the taxpayer elects the application of this subsection for any taxable year, no deduction (other than the deduction allowed under paragraph (1)) shall be allowable under this chapter to the taxpayer with respect to any amount paid or incurred during such taxable year with respect to any artistic trade or business carried on by the taxpayer. (D) Regulations The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations or other guidance as the Secretary determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Tax Relief for Artists Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a standard deduction for the trade and business expenses of artists. The deduction is limited to the lesser of: (1) $2,500, or (2) the gross income of the taxpayer derived from one or more artistic trades or businesses carried on by the taxpayer (or, if less, taxable income). To be eligible for the deduction, a taxpayer must have: (1) household income for the taxable year that does not exceed 250% of the poverty line for a family of the size involved, and (2) gross income derived from one or more artistic trades or businesses carried on by the taxpayer. An &quot;artistic trade or business&quot; is any trade or business in the literary, graphic design, film, visual, media, musical, theatre, recording, or dance arts.
To designate the United States courthouse located at 323 East Chapel Hill Street in Durham, North Carolina, as the "John Hervey Wheeler United States Courthouse".

To designate the United States courthouse located at 323 East Chapel Hill Street in Durham, North Carolina, as the John Hervey Wheeler United States Courthouse 1. John Hervey Wheeler United States Courthouse (a) Designation The United States courthouse located at 323 East Chapel Hill Street in Durham, North Carolina, shall be known and designated as the John Hervey Wheeler United States Courthouse (b) References During the period in which the facility referred to in subsection (a) is used as a Federal courthouse, any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the United States courthouse referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the John Hervey Wheeler United States Courthouse July 16, 2018 Reported with an amendment, referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed

Summary: (Sec. 1) This bill designates the U.S. courthouse located at 323 East Chapel Hill Street in Durham, North Carolina, as the &quot;John Hervey Wheeler United States Courthouse,&quot; during the period in which the facility is used as a federal courthouse.
To designate the bridge located in Blount County, Tennessee, on the Foothills Parkway (commonly known as "Bridge 2") as the "Dean Stone Bridge".


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House version is repeated here.) (Sec. 1) This bill designates the bridge located in Blount County, Tennessee, on the Foothills Parkway (commonly known as Bridge 2) as the "Dean Stone Bridge.&quot;
DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2017


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to require the head of a relevant component or office to: maintain acquisition documentation that is complete, accurate, timely, and valid and that includes operational requirements that are validated consistent with DHS policy, a complete lifecycle cost estimate, verification of such estimate against independent cost estimates, a cost-benefit analysis, and a schedule; prepare cost estimates and schedules for major acquisition programs in a manner consistent with best practices as identified by the Government Accountability Office; and submit certain acquisition documentation to DHS to produce an annual comprehensive report on the status of DHS acquisitions for submission to Congress. DHS may waive such submission requirement for such a program for a fiscal year if the program: (1) has not entered the full rate production phase in the acquisition lifecycle, had a reasonable cost estimate established, and had a system configuration defined fully; or (2) does not meet the definition of capital asset, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget. DHS shall make available to Congress, at the same time the President's budget is submitted for a fiscal year, information on the requirements of this Act in the prior fiscal year, including the following information regarding each program for which DHS has waived the submission requirement: the grounds for granting a waiver for that program; the projected cost of that program; the proportion of a component's or office's annual acquisition budget attributed to that program; and information on the significance of the program with respect to the component's operations and execution of its mission. The bill defines a "major acquisition program" as one that is estimated to require total expenditures of at least $300 million.
Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act of 2017

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the use of telehealth under the Medicare program, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act of 2017 2. Expanding the use of telehealth through the waiver of certain requirements Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m(m) (5) Authority to waive requirements and limitations if certain conditions met (A) In general In the case of telehealth services furnished on or after January 1, 2018, the Secretary may waive any restriction applicable to the coverage of telehealth services under this subsection described in subparagraph (B) with respect to certain providers of services, suppliers, provider groups, sites of care, services, conditions, individuals receiving the services, or States, as determined by the Secretary, if each of the requirements described in subparagraph (C) is met with respect to the waiver. (B) Restrictions described For purposes of this paragraph, restrictions applicable to the coverage of telehealth services under this subsection shall include requirements relating to qualifications for an originating site under paragraph (4)(C)(ii), any geographic limitations under paragraph (4)(C)(i) (other than applicable State law requirements, including State licensure requirements), any limitation on the use of store-and-forward technologies described in paragraph (1), any limitation on the type of health care provider who may furnish such services (other than the requirement that the provider is a Medicare-enrolled provider), or any limitation on specific codes designated as telehealth services that are covered under this title pursuant to this subsection (provided such codes are clinically appropriate to furnish remotely). (C) Requirements for waiver The requirements described in this subparagraph are, with respect to the waiver of a restriction described in subparagraph (B), the following: (i) The Secretary determines that the waiver is expected to— (I) reduce spending under this title without reducing the quality of care; or (II) improve the quality of patient care without increasing spending. (ii) The Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services certifies that such waiver would reduce (or would not result in any increase in) net program spending under this title. (iii) The Secretary determines that such waiver would not deny or limit the coverage or provision of benefits under this title for individuals. (D) Public comment The Secretary shall establish a process by which stakeholders may (on at least an annual basis) submit requests for a waiver under this paragraph. .

Summary: Evidence-Based Telehealth Expansion Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services to waive certain requirements relating to coverage of telehealth services under Medicare (e.g., originating site requirements) if certain conditions are met.
Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act of 2018

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service from rehiring any employee of the Internal Revenue Service who was involuntarily separated from service for misconduct. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act of 2018 2. Prohibition on rehiring any employee of the Internal Revenue Service who was involuntarily separated from service for misconduct (a) In general Section 7804 (d) Prohibition on rehiring employees involuntarily separated The Commissioner may not hire any individual previously employed by the Commissioner who was removed for misconduct under this subchapter or chapter 43 or chapter 75 26 U.S.C. 7804 . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the hiring of employees after the date of the enactment of this Act. 3. No additional funds authorized No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this Act and the amendments made by this Act. Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized. June 28, 2018 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Summary: Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act of 2018 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)&nbsp;from rehiring any individual who was previously employed by the&nbsp;IRS but was removed for misconduct or whose&nbsp;employment was terminated for cause. (Sec. 3) No additional funds are authorized to carry out this bill.
Home Visiting Works Act of 2017

To amend title V of the Social Security Act to reauthorize the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Home Visiting Works Act of 2017 2. Continuing evidence-based home visiting program Section 511(j)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 711(j)(1) (1) in subparagraph (G), by striking and (2) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (I) for fiscal year 2018, $600,000,000; (J) for fiscal year 2019, $600,000,000; (K) for fiscal year 2020, $700,000,000; (L) for fiscal year 2021, $700,000,000; and (M) for fiscal year 2022, $800,000,000. . 3. Reservation for Indian Tribes Section 511(j)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 711(j)(2)(A) 3 percent 6 percent 4. Exemption from spending reduction Section 255(h) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 ( 2 U.S.C. 255(h) Grants to States for Medicaid (75–0512–0–1–551). The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (075–0321). .

Summary: Home Visiting Works Act of 2017 This bill reauthorizes through FY2022 the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. In addition, the bill increases, from 3% to 6%,&nbsp;the percentage of&nbsp;program funds set aside for Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Finally, the bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to exempt the program from sequestration.
Border Protection Fund Act

To amend title 28, United States Code, to allow the use of the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund to finance United States border security measures, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Border Protection Fund Act 2. Department of Justice asset forfeiture fund Section 524(c) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (12) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection the Attorney General shall by rule provide for the following: (A) The Attorney General will deposit any unobligated balance of forfeited cash, monetary instruments, or commodity money derived from civil forfeitures, or criminal judgements, relating to the illicit trafficking of weapons, persons, or narcotics, from the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund in to a special subfund, to be known as the Border Protection Fund and hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the BP Fund. (B) Upon request by the head of the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Attorney General may provide money from the BP fund for any of the following purposes: (i) Construction and maintenance of physical barriers along the United States border. (ii) Construction and maintenance of virtual fencing measures along the border as cited in the Secure Fence Act as amended. (iii) Purchase, maintenance, and operation of unmanned aircraft systems to monitor national boundaries. (iv) Compensation to Federal law enforcement for any overtime work conducted during the course of their work. (v) Compensation to foreign governments for any expenses incurred while assisting the United States during joint border protection endeavors. (C) Upon request by the head of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General may provide money from the BP fund for purposes of combating drug addiction through Federal treatment and recovery programs and initiatives. (D) The presiding Federal trial court judge, in their discretion, of any criminal case relating to the illicit trafficking of weapons, persons, or narcotics, may order that any fines imposed during sentencing be directed to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit into the BP Fund. (E) Notwithstanding subsections 524(c)(12)(B)(iv) and (v), funds released from the BP Fund may not be used for reimbursement purposes. .

Summary: Border Protection Fund Act This bill amends the federal judicial code to direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deposit certain unobligated balances from the DOJ Assets Forfeiture Fund into a special subfund&#8212;the Border Protection Fund&#8212;to provide money: (1) to construct and maintain physical barriers and other measures along the U.S. border, and (2) to combat drug addiction through federal treatment and recovery programs and initiatives.
Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act


Summary: Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act (Sec. 3) This bill states that it is U.S. policy to condemn Hamas's use of human shields and act against those engaging in or supporting the use of human shields. (Sec. 4) The President is urged to direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (U.N.) to use U.S. influence at the Security Council to secure support for a resolution: (1) imposing multilateral sanctions against Hamas's use of human shields; and (2) specifying steps to prevent, and consequences for, the use of U.N. employees as human shields or facilities that enable that use. (Sec. 5) The President shall prohibit property transactions and U.S. entry (and revoke current visas) with respect to: (1) each foreign person or entity that is a member of or acting on behalf of Hamas and that is responsible for or complicit in Hamas's unlawful attempt to use civilians, civilian property, or other protected persons to shield military objectives from lawful attack; and (2) each foreign person or entity and each agency or instrumentality of a foreign state that has significantly facilitated or attempted to facilitate such an act. The President may waive a sanction for 180 days with prior congressional certification that such waiver is in U.S. national security interests.