cheaptrix/billsum-US_congress_and_house huggingface dataset:
American Export Promotion Act of 2015

To authorize appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce to establish public-private partnerships under the Market Development Cooperator Program of the International Trade Administration, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the American Export Promotion Act of 2015 2. Additional funding for the market development cooperator program of the Department of Commerce (a) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce, for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the last day of the 18th month thereafter, $4,000,000 for the Manufacturing and Services unit of the International Trade Administration— (1) to establish public-private partnerships under the Market Development Cooperator Program of the International Trade Administration; and (2) to underwrite a portion of the start-up costs for new projects carried out under that Program to strengthen the competitiveness and market share of United States industry, not to exceed, for each such project, the lesser of— (A) 1/3 (B) $500,000. (b) Requirements In obligating and expending the funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary of Commerce shall give preference— (1) to activities that assist small- and medium-sized businesses in the United States; and (2) to activities that the Secretary determines will create or sustain the greatest number of jobs in the United States or obtain the maximum return on investment.

Summary: American Export Promotion Act of 2015 Authorizes appropriations for the Manufacturing and Services unit of the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the Department of Commerce for the ITA's Market Development Cooperator Program. Requires, in the use of such funds, a preference to be given to activities that: assist small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses, and will create or sustain the greatest number of jobs or obtain the maximum return on investment.
Accountable Recovery Act

To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require establishment of objective numerical recovery goals for removal of species from lists of endangered species and threatened species under that Act, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Accountable Recovery Act 2. Objective numerical goals for removal of species from lists of endangered species and threatened species Section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1533(f) (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking develop and , at the time of a determination in accordance with subsection (a), develop, make publicly available, and propose to (B) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting , including objective numerical recovery goals, criteria (2) by adding at the end the following: (5) (A) Before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date the Secretary receives a petition from a State in which is located a species included in a list under subsection (c), or from any other interested State or other person, that objective numerical recovery goals required for the species under subsection (f)(1)(B)(ii) have been achieved, the Secretary may determine that the petition does not present such substantial information, or that such goals have not been achieved, and publish the reasons for such determination. (B) A species that is the subject of a petition referred to in subparagraph (A) is deemed to have been removed from the lists published under subsection (c) upon the end of such 30-day period if the Secretary has not issued a determination under subparagraph (A). .

Summary: Accountable Recovery Act This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to direct the Department of the Interior or the Department of Commerce as appropriate to make recovery plans for the conservation and survival of a species publicly available at the time of a determination that the species is endangered or threatened. The plans must incorporate objective numerical recovery goals for removal of species from the endangered and threatened species list. The appropriate department is given 30 days to deny a petition stating that the numerical recovery goal has been achieved for a species. If the department has not acted on a petition at the end of that period, the species is removed from the endangered and threatened species list.
To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that military working dogs be retired in the United States, and for other purposes.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that military working dogs be retired in the United States, and for other purposes. 1. Requirement for retirement of military working dogs in the United States (a) In general Section 2583 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (g) and (h), respectively; (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f): (f) Retirement of military working dogs within the United States (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the retirement of a military working dog under this section shall occur at a location within the United States. (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the retirement of a military working dog abroad if a United States citizen living abroad adopts the dog at the time of retirement. (3) Amounts available to the military department concerned shall be available for the costs of the transport of military working dogs to the United States for retirement in accordance with the requirement in paragraph (1). ; and (3) in subsection (g), as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking the Secretary of the military department concerned may a military working dog is to be retired in accordance with the requirement in subsection (f)(1) and no suitable adoption is available at the military facility where the dog is located at the time of retirement, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall (B) by inserting within the United States another location (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply to retirements of military working dogs pursuant to section 2583 of title 10, United States Code, that occur on or after that date.

Summary: This bill requires that a military working dog be retired in the United States, except when a U.S. citizen living abroad adopts the dog at the time of retirement. Amounts available to the military department concerned shall be available for such dog's transport to the United States for retirement.
Hydrographic Services Improvement Amendments Act of 2015

To reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Hydrographic Services Improvement Amendments Act of 2015 2. Reauthorization of Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 (a) Reauthorizations Section 306 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 ( 33 U.S.C. 892d (1) by inserting before the text the following: (a) In general.— (2) in subsection (a) (as designated by the amendment made by paragraph (1))— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking surveys— surveys, $70,814,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019. (B) in paragraph (2), by striking vessels— vessels, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019. (C) in paragraph (3), by striking Administration— Administration, $29,932,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019. (D) in paragraph (4), by striking title— title, $26,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019. (E) in paragraph (5), by striking title— title, $30,564,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019. (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Arctic programs Of the amount authorized by this section for each fiscal year— (1) $5,000,000 is authorized for use to acquire hydrographic data, provide hydrographic services, conduct coastal change analyses necessary to ensure safe navigation, and improve the management of coastal change in the Arctic; and (2) $2,000,000 is authorized for use to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services in the Arctic necessary to delineate the United States extended Continental Shelf. . (b) Limitation on administrative expenses for surveys Section 306 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 892d (c) Limitation on administrative expenses for surveys Of amounts authorized by this section for each fiscal year for hydrographic surveys, not more than 5 percent is authorized for administrative costs. . 3. GAO study The Comptroller General of the United States shall, by not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act— (1) conduct a study comparing the unit costs of hydrographic surveys conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the unit costs of procuring performance of such surveys; and (2) report to the Congress on the findings of such study.

Summary: Hydrographic Services Improvement Amendments Act of 2015 This bill reauthorizes the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 through FY2019. The Governmental Accountability Office must compare the unit costs of hydrographic surveys conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the unit costs of procuring the surveys.
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act Amendments of 2015

To reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act Amendments of 2015 2. Staggered terms for national integrated coastal and ocean observation system advisory committee Section 12304(d)(3)(B) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 ( 33 U.S.C. 3603(d)(3)(B) (1) by striking Members (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), members ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (ii) Staggered terms The Administrator may appoint or reappoint a member for a partial term of 1 or 2 years in order to establish a system of staggered terms. The Administrator may appoint or reappoint a member under this clause only once. A member appointed or reappointed to a partial term under this clause may not serve more than one full term. . 3. Integrated coastal and ocean observation system cooperative agreements Section 12305(a) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 ( 33 U.S.C. 3604(a) disburse appropriated funds to, agreements, with, 4. Reauthorization of Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 Section 12311 of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 ( 33 U.S.C. 3610 are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 such sums as are necessary is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019 $36,151,000

Summary: Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act Amendments of 2015 This bill reauthorizes through FY2019 and revises the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009.
Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act

To authorize the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in the testing of nuclear weapons or under other circumstances. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act 2. Atomic Veterans Service Medal (a) Service medal required The Secretary of Defense shall design and produce a military service medal, to be known as the Atomic Veterans Service Medal (b) Distribution of medal (1) Issuance to retired and former members At the request of a radiation-exposed veteran, the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Atomic Veterans Service Medal to the veteran. (2) Issuance to next-of-kin In the case of a radiation-exposed veteran who is deceased, the Secretary may provide for issuance of the Atomic Veterans Service Medal to the next-of-kin of the person. (3) Application The Secretary shall prepare and disseminate as appropriate an application by which radiation-exposed veterans and their next-of-kin may apply to receive the Atomic Veterans Service Medal.

Summary: Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to design and produce an Atomic Veterans Service Medal to honor retired and former members of the Armed Forces who are radiation-exposed veterans. The Secretary may provide for issuance of the Medal to the next-of-kin of a deceased radiation-exposed veteran.
Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2015

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and increase the exclusion for benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2015 2. Benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders (a) Increase in dollar limitation on qualified payments Subparagraph (B) of section 139B(c)(2) $30 $50 (b) Extension Subsection (d) of section 139B beginning after December 31, 2010. (1) after December 31, 2010, and before January 1, 2016, or (2) after December 31, 2018. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014.

Summary: Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2015 Amends Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax exclusion for benefits paid to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical providers by states and local governments, to: (1) increase the amount of benefits excludible; and (2) make such tax exclusion available for taxable years beginning in 2016, 2017, or 2018.
Fairness in Firearm Testing Act

To require the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to make video recordings of the examination and testing of firearms and ammunition, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fairness in Firearm Testing Act 2. Video recording of examination and testing of firearms and ammunition by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Section 1111 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 531 (e) Additional responsibilities regarding examination and testing of firearms and ammunition (1) Video recording required The Bureau shall make a video recording of the entire process of the examination and testing by the Bureau of an item for the purpose of determining, pursuant to section 921(a)(3), 922(o), 922(p), or subsection (a)(3), (a)(4), (d), or (e) of section 925 of title 18, United States Code, or section 5845(a) (2) Availability (A) To owners On request of a person who claims an ownership interest in an item with respect to which a recording is made under paragraph (1), the Bureau shall make available to the person, without charge, a digital video disc that contains a copy of the recording. (B) To defendants The Bureau shall make available to a defendant in a criminal proceeding involving an item with respect to which a recording is made under paragraph (1) a digital video disc that contains a copy of the recording. (3) Admissibility as evidence An item which the Bureau has determined is a firearm or a type of firearm or ammunition pursuant to any provision of law specified in paragraph (1) shall not be admissible as evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding unless— (A) the Bureau has complied with paragraph (2) with respect to the item; or (B) such compliance has been waived, in writing, by the person against whom the item is offered as evidence. .

Summary: Fairness in Firearm Testing Act Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to make a video recording of the entire process of its examination and testing of an item for the purpose of determining whether the item is a firearm (and if so, the type of firearm) or ammunition. Bars the ATF from editing or erasing any such recording. Directs the ATF to make available a digital video disc that contains a copy of the recording: (1) at the request of a person who claims an ownership interest in such item, and (2) to a defendant in a criminal proceeding involving such item. Provides that an item which the ATF has determined is a firearm or ammunition shall not be admissible as evidence unless: (1) the ATF has complied with the requirements of this Act to make its digital video disc available, or (2) such compliance has been waived in writing by the person against whom the item is offered as evidence.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make the work opportunity credit permanent.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make the work opportunity credit permanent. 1. Work opportunity credit made permanent (a) In general Section 51(c) (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to individuals who begin for the employer after December 31, 2014.

Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the termination date for the work opportunity tax credit, thus making such credit permanent.
To prohibit United States voluntary contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations or any United Nations agency.

To prohibit United States voluntary contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations or any United Nations agency. 1. Prohibition on United States voluntary contributions to the United Nations and United Nations agencies (a) In general No funds made available to any Federal department or agency may be used to make United States voluntary contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations or any United Nations agency. (b) Effective date Subsection (a) applies with respect to funds made available for fiscal year 2015 and subsequent fiscal years.

Summary: Prohibits funds made available to any federal agency for FY2015 and subsequent fiscal years from being used to make U.S. voluntary contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations or any U.N. agency.
To make permanent the returning worker exception to the annual numerical limitation on nonimmigrant visas issued under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes.

To make permanent the returning worker exception to the annual numerical limitation on nonimmigrant visas issued under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes. 1. H–2B numerical limitations (a) In general Section 214(g)(9)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(9)(A) (A) Subject to paragraphs (B) and (C), an alien who has already been counted toward the numerical limitation of paragraph (1)(B) during 1 of the 3 preceding fiscal years shall not again be counted toward such limitation during a fiscal year. Such an alien shall be considered a returning worker. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2015. If this section is enacted after such date, the amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if enacted on such date.

Summary: This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that a returning H-2B alien (temporary nonagricultural worker) who has already been counted toward the applicable numerical limitation during one of the three preceding fiscal years: (1) shall not again be counted toward such limitation during a fiscal year, but (2) shall be considered a returning worker.
Immigration Compliance Enforcement (ICE) Act

To prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from using Federal funds for the position of Public Advocate, or the position of Deputy Assistant Director of Custody Programs and Community Outreach, within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Immigration Compliance Enforcement (ICE) Act 2. Prohibited uses of funds None of the funds made available by any Federal law may be used to provide funding for— (1) the position of Public Advocate within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; (2) the position of Deputy Assistant Director of Custody Programs and Community Outreach within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; or (3) any other position within U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement the functions of which are substantially similar to those which were assigned to the position of— (A) Public Advocate within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; or (B) Deputy Assistant Director of Custody Programs and Community Outreach within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Summary: Immigration Compliance Enforcement (ICE) Act Prohibits the use of federal funds for: (1) the position of Public Advocate within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); (2) the position of Deputy Assistant Director of Custody Programs and Community Outreach within ICE; or (3) any other position within ICE whose functions are substantially the same as those assigned to either of these two positions.
To prohibit the National Science Foundation from obligating amounts for the Polar Learning and Responding Climate Change Educational Partnership.

To prohibit the National Science Foundation from obligating amounts for the Polar Learning and Responding Climate Change Educational Partnership. 1. Funding prohibition The National Science Foundation may not obligate any amounts on or after the date of enactment of this Act for the Polar Learning and Responding Climate Change Educational Partnership.

Summary: This bill prohibits the National Science Foundation from obligating any amounts for the Polar Learning and Responding Climate Change Educational Partnership. (The Partnership uses novel educational approaches to engage adult learners and inform public understanding and response to climate change.)
Group Term Life Insurance Increase Act of 2015

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the dollar limitation on employer-provided group term life insurance that can be excluded from the gross income of the employee. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Group Term Life Insurance Increase Act of 2015 2. Increase in limitation on exclusion for employer-provided group term life insurance purchased for employees (a) In general Paragraph (1) of section 79(a) $50,000 $375,000 (b) Inflation adjustment Section 79 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Inflation adjustment (1) In general In the case of any taxable year beginning after 2015, the $375,000 amount under subsection (a)(1) shall be increased by an amount equal to— (A) such dollar amount, multiplied by (B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting 2014 1992 (2) Rounding If any amount as adjusted under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $10,000, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10,000. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014.

Summary: Group Term Life Insurance Increase Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limit on the amount of employer-provided group term life insurance that an employee may exclude from his or her gross income for income tax purposes. Currently, an employee may exclude from gross income up to $50,000 of the cost of such insurance plus any amount paid by the employee for the purchase of such insurance. The bill increases the $50,000 limit to $375,000, and adjusts such increased limit for inflation in taxable years beginning after 2015.