cheaptrix/billsum-US_congress_and_house huggingface dataset:
Essex National Heritage Area Permanency Act

To repeal the funding authorization sunset and the total funding cap for the Essex National Heritage Area. 1. Essex National Heritage Area (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Essex National Heritage Area Permanency Act (b) Repeal of funding authorization sunset Section 507 of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104–333 (c) Repeal of total funding cap Section 508(a) of division II of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104–333

Summary: Essex National Heritage Area Permanency Act This bill permanently extends the authority of the Department of the Interior to make grants and provide other assistance for the Essex National Heritage Area in Massachusetts. The bill also repeals the limitation on the total amount of funding that may be appropriated for the heritage area.
Accelerated Payments for Small Businesses Act of 2018

To amend section 3903 of title 31, United States Code, to establish accelerated payments applicable to contracts with certain small business concerns, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Accelerated Payments for Small Businesses Act of 2018 2. Accelerated payments applicable to contracts with certain small business concerns under the Prompt Payment Act Section 3903(a) of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting except as provided in paragraphs (10) and (11), 30 days (2) in paragraph (8), by striking and (3) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (10) for a prime contractor (as defined in section 8701(5) of title 41) that is a small business concern (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 632 (11) for a prime contractor (as defined in section 8701(5) of title 41) that subcontracts with a small business concern (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 632 (A) a specific payment date is not established by contract; and (B) such prime contractor agrees to make payments to such subcontractor in accordance with such accelerated payment date, to the maximum extent practicable, without any further consideration from or fees charged to such subcontractor. .

Summary: Accelerated Payments for Small Businesses Act of 2018 This bill establishes a goal for federal agencies to pay small business invoices within 15 days of receiving a proper invoice if a specific payment date is not established by contract.
Stop Needless Award Payments Act of 2018

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to repeal authority to make bonus payments to States based on performance. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Stop Needless Award Payments Act of 2018 2. Amendment Section 16 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025 3. Effective date The amendment made by this Act shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Stop Needless Award Payments Act of 2018 This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to repeal the authority of the Department of Agriculture to award bonus payment to states that demonstrate high or improved performance in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program).
Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that the Internal Revenue Service responds promptly to Taxpayer Advocate Directives, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act 2. Treatment of Taxpayer Advocate Directives (a) In general Section 7803(c) (5) Taxpayer Advocate Directives In the case of any Taxpayer Advocate Directive issued by the National Taxpayer Advocate pursuant to a delegation of authority from the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service— (A) the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner shall modify, rescind, or ensure compliance with such directive not later than 30 days after the issuance of such directive, and (B) in the case of any directive which is modified or rescinded by a Deputy Commissioner, the National Taxpayer Advocate may appeal to the Commissioner and the Commissioner shall, not later than 30 days after such appeal is made, ensure compliance with such directive as issued by the National Taxpayer Advocate or provide the National Taxpayer Advocate with a detailed description of the reasons for any modification or rescission made or upheld by the Commissioner pursuant to such appeal. . (b) Report to certain committees of Congress regarding directives Section 7803(c)(2)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by redesignating subclauses (VIII) through (XI) as subclauses (IX) through (XII), respectively, and by inserting after subclause (VII) the following new subclause: (VIII) identify any Taxpayer Advocate Directive which was not honored by the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner, as specified under paragraph (5); . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to respond to Taxpayer Advocate Directives within specified time frames. In the case of a Taxpayer Advocate Directive issued by the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) pursuant to a delegation of authority from the IRS, the IRS Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner must modify, rescind, or ensure compliance with the directive within 30 days. If a directive is modified or rescinded by a Deputy Commissioner, the NTA may appeal to the Commissioner. Within 30 days of the appeal, the Commissioner must either ensure compliance with the directive or provide a description of the reasons for any modification or rescission made or upheld pursuant to the appeal. The bill also requires the NTA annual report to identify any directive that was not honored by the IRS in a timely manner, as required by this bill.
Prescription Transparency Act of 2018

To amend the Public Health Service Act to nullify certain contractual provisions prohibiting or penalizing a pharmacist’s disclosure of the availability of therapeutically equivalent alternative drugs, or alternative methods of purchasing the prescription drug, that are less expensive, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Prescription Transparency Act of 2018 2. Prohibited gag provisions Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 243 320B. Prohibited gag provisions (a) In general No contract that is between— (1) a health insurer or any entity that provides pharmacy benefits management services on behalf of a health insurer (commonly referred to as a pharmacy benefit manager (2) a pharmacy, pharmacist, or a pharmacy's contracting agent, such as a pharmacy services administrative organization, may contain a provision prohibiting or penalizing (including through increased utilization review, reduced payments, or other financial disincentives) a pharmacist’s disclosure to an individual purchasing a prescription drug of information regarding the cost of the prescription drug to the individual (including any copayment or coinsurance), or regarding the availability of any therapeutically equivalent alternative drug, or alternative methods of purchasing the prescription drug (including paying a cash price), that are less expensive than the cost of the prescription drug to the individual. (b) Null and void Any provision described in subsection (a) in a contract described in subsection (a) is null and void. (c) Applicability Subsection (a) applies only with respect to contracts, and contract addenda, entered into or renewed on or after the date of enactment of the Prescription Transparency Act of 2018 (d) Regulations and guidance The Secretary may issue such regulations and guidance as may be necessary for implementation of this section. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) The term drug (2) The term health insurer (3) The term prescription drug .

Summary: Prescription Transparency Act of 2018 This bill prohibits contract provisions between a health insurer and a pharmacy that prohibit or penalize a pharmacist's disclosure to an individual purchasing a prescription drug of information regarding (1) the cost of the drug, (2) the availability of any therapeutically equivalent alternative drug, or (3) less expensive methods of purchasing the drug.
NDA Act

To prohibit the enforcement of a nondisclosure agreement based on an individual’s employment in the Executive Office of the President if the disclosure of information in violation of the agreement is based on whistleblowing. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the No Disrupting Accountability Act NDA Act 2. Prohibition of enforcement of nondisclosure agreements with Executive Office of the President if disclosure is based on whistleblowing (a) Prohibition A nondisclosure agreement based on an individual's employment in the Executive Office of the President or the White House may not be enforced against the individual if the individual’s disclosure of information in violation of the agreement is described under section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code. (b) Effective date This section shall apply with respect to a nondisclosure agreement entered into before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: No Disrupting Accountability Act or the NDA Act This bill states that a nondisclosure agreement based on an individual's employment in the Executive Office of the President or the White House may not be enforced against the individual for disclosing information, in violation of the nondisclosure agreement, about wrongdoing.
To amend chapter 77 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify certain due process rights of Federal employees serving in sensitive positions, and for other purposes.

To amend chapter 77 1. Amendments Section 7701 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and (2) by inserting after subsection (j) the following: (k) (1) An employee or applicant for employment appealing an action arising from a determination of ineligibility for a sensitive position may not be denied Board review of the merits of such determination if— (A) the position is not one that requires a security clearance or access to classified information; and (B) such action is otherwise appealable. (2) For purposes of this subsection, the term sensitive position 5 U.S.C. 7311 . 2. Effective date The amendments made by this Act shall apply to all appeals, without exception, that are pending on, or commenced on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: This bill permits the Merit Systems Protection Board to review an agency's determination that an employee (or applicant) is ineligible to hold a sensitive position that does not require a security clearance or access to classified information.
Tax Credit for Veterans and Retired Law Enforcement Officers for Securing Schools Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a credit against tax for qualified special law enforcement officers. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Tax Credit for Veterans and Retired Law Enforcement Officers for Securing Schools Act 2. Credit for qualified special law enforcement officers (a) In general Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 25E. Credit for qualified special law enforcement officers (a) Allowance of credit In the case of a qualified special law enforcement officer, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for a taxable year an amount equal to $1,500. (b) Qualified special law enforcement officer For purposes of this section— (1) In general The term qualified special law enforcement officer (A) employed part-time by a local law enforcement agency to patrol one or more qualified schools, and (B) who is, on the date such individual is first so employed, a qualified veteran or a qualified retired law enforcement officer. (2) Qualified school The term qualified school (A) an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), or (B) an institution of higher education (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965). (3) Qualified veteran The term qualified veteran (4) Qualified retired law enforcement officer The term qualified retired law enforcement officer . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25D the following new item: Sec. 25E. Credit for qualified special law enforcement officers. . (c) 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 Credit for Veterans and Retired Law Enforcement Officers for Securing Schools Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $1,500 tax credit for veterans and retired law enforcement officers who are employed part-time by a local law enforcement agency to patrol one or more elementary or secondary schools or institutions of higher education.
To require that the Secretary of the Treasury establish a program for the issuance of identity protection personal identification numbers.

To require that the Secretary of the Treasury establish a program for the issuance of identity protection personal identification numbers. 1. Identity protection personal identification numbers The Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) shall establish a program to issue, upon the request of any individual, a number which may be used in connection with such individual’s Social Security number (or other identifying information with respect to such individual) to assist the Secretary in verifying such individual’s identity.

Summary: This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to establish a program to issue, upon the request of any individual, a number that may be used in connection with a Social Security number (or other identifying information) to assist in verifying the individual's identity.
Protect the Gig Economy Act of 2018

To amend Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to protect the gig economy 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protect the Gig Economy Act of 2018 2. Protecting the gig economy from class actions Rule 23(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) the claim does not allege the misclassification of employees as independent contractors. .

Summary: Protect the Gig Economy Act of 2018 This bill amends Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to expand the preliminary requirements for class certification in a class action lawsuit to include a new requirement that the claim does not allege misclassification of employees as independent contractors.
Eliminate Failed IRS Oversight Board Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate the IRS Oversight Board. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Eliminate Failed IRS Oversight Board Act 2. Elimination of IRS Oversight Board (a) In general Subchapter A of chapter 80 (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 4946(c) of such Code is amended by adding or , or (2) Section 6103(h) of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (6). (3) Section 7803(a) of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (4). (4) Section 7803(c)(1)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by striking and the Oversight Board (5) Section 7803(c)(2)(B)(iii) of such Code is amended by striking the Oversight Board, (6) Section 8D of the Inspector General Act of 1978 is amended— (A) in subsections (g)(2) and (h), by striking the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board and (B) in subsection (l)(1), by striking or the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board (C) in subsection (l)(2), by striking and the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board

Summary: Eliminate Failed IRS Oversight Board Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Oversight Board. (The board is an independent body responsible for overseeing the IRS in its administration, management, conduct, direction, and supervision of the execution and application of the internal revenue laws or related statutes and tax conventions to which the United States is a party.)
Education for Jobs Act

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide student loan eligibility for mid-career, part-time students, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Education for Jobs Act 2. Student loan eligibility for mid-career part-time students (a) Student eligibility Section 484(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1091 (1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) A student who— (A) is carrying at least 3 credit hours or the equivalent coursework for the course of study that the student is pursuing, as determined by the eligible institution, (B) is enrolled in a course of study necessary for enrollment in a program leading to a degree or certificate, and (C) was employed on a full-time basis for not less than 10 years, shall be, notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subsection (a), eligible to apply for loans under part D of this title. . (b) Annual and aggregate loan limits Section 428(b)(1)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078(b)(1)(A) or meets the requirements of section 484(b)(5) institution) (c) Repayment period (1) Stafford loans Section 428(b)(7)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078(b)(7)(A) or, in the case of a student described in section 484(b)(5), the day after 6 months after the date such student ceases to meet the requirements of such section (2) PLUS loans Section 428B(d)(1)(B)(ii) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078–2(d)(1)(B)(ii) or, in the case of a graduate or professional student borrower described in section 484(b)(5), during the 6-month period beginning on the day after the date such student ceases to meet the requirements of such section

Summary: Education for Jobs Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make an individual eligible to apply for a loan under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program if that individual: (1) is carrying at least three credit hours or the equivalent coursework for the course of study the individual is pursuing, (2) is enrolled in an educational program leading to a degree or certificate, and (3) was employed on a full-time basis for at least 10 years. It makes those students eligible for interest subsidies. It requires the repayment period for such a loan to begin the day after six months after the student ceases to meet the loan eligibility requirements.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Middle Class Enhancement Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent certain provisions of Public Law 115–97, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Middle Class Enhancement Act 2. Exclusion of 2018 bonuses from gross income (a) In general Gross income shall not include amounts received by an individual as a bonus after December 22, 2017, and before January 1, 2019. (b) Limitation The amount of gain excluded from gross income under subsection (a) with respect to an individual shall not exceed $5,000. (c) Bonus defined For purposes of this section, the term bonus 3. Certain provisions of Public Law 115–97 Any provision of subtitle A or B of Public Law 115–97 4. Increase in standard deduction (a) In general Section 63(c)(7) (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking and $12,000 $13,000 , and (iii) by substituting $26,000 200 percent of the dollar amount in effect under subparagraph (C) for the taxable year , and (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking the $18,000 and $12,000 amounts the dollar amounts (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 11021 of Public Law 115–97 5. Reduction in medical expense deduction floor (a) In general Section 213 (1) in subsection (a), by striking 10 percent 7.5 percent (2) by striking subsection (f). (b) Minimum tax preference not To apply Section 56(b)(1) is amended by striking subparagraph (B). (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 11027 of Public Law 115–97 6. Increase in refundable portion of the child tax credit (a) In general Section 24 (1) in subsection (d)(1)(A), by inserting , subsection (h)(4), this subsection (2) in subsection (h), by striking paragraph (5) and redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraph (5) and (6), respectively. (b) Conforming amendments Paragraphs (1) and (4)(C) of section 24(h) (7) (6) (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 11022 of Public Law 115–97

Summary: Tax Cuts and Jobs Middle Class Enhancement Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $5,000 received by an individual as a bonus after December 22, 2017, and before January 1, 2019. The bill defines a "bonus" as amounts paid to an employee other than amounts obligated under an employment contract. The bill makes permanent the tax reductions and other provisions for individuals that were enacted in P.L 115-97 (commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) and are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The bill also: increases the standard deduction, makes permanent the reduction in the adjusted gross income threshold that must be exceeded before a taxpayer is allowed to claim an itemized deduction for medical expenses, and increases the refundable portion of the child tax credit.
To require the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to Congress a comprehensive customer service strategy for the Internal Revenue Service.

To require the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to Congress a comprehensive customer service strategy for the Internal Revenue Service. 1. Comprehensive customer service strategy Not later than the date which is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the National Taxpayer Advocate, shall submit to Congress a written comprehensive customer service strategy for the Internal Revenue Service. Such strategy shall include— (1) a plan to provide assistance to taxpayers that is designed to meet reasonable taxpayer expectations and is in conformity with best practices of customer service provided in the private sector, including online services, telephone call back services, and training of employees providing customer services, (2) a thorough assessment of the services that the Internal Revenue Service can offer as self-service options, (3) proposals to protect taxpayer identity and to reduce taxpayer identity theft, (4) proposals to improve Internal Revenue Service customer service in the short term (the current and following fiscal year), medium term (approximately 3 to 5 fiscal years), and long term (approximately 10 fiscal years), and (5) identified metrics and benchmarks for quantitatively measuring the progress of the Internal Revenue Service in meeting each element of such strategy.

Summary: This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to submit to Congress a comprehensive customer service strategy for the Internal Revenue Service. The strategy must include: a plan to provide assistance that meets reasonable taxpayer expectations and conforms with best practices of customer service provided in the private sector; an assessment of self-service options; proposals to protect taxpayer identity and reduce identity theft; proposals to improve customer service in the short-term, medium-term, and long-term, and metrics and benchmarks for quantitatively measuring progress in meeting each element of the strategy.