hheiden/us-congress-117-bills huggingface dataset:
Build More Pipelines Act
Bill: H.R.8556 | Sponsor: Rep. Budd, Ted (R-NC)
Policy area: Environmental Protection

Summary:
Build More Pipelines Act
The bill provides statutory authority for the rule published on July 13, 2020, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) entitled Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule. Under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, an applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct an activity that may result in any discharge into navigable waters must also obtain a certification—or waiver of such certification—from a relevant state, intrastate agency, or Indian tribe that the proposed activity will not violate certain water quality requirements of the state or Indian tribe. The rule revised existing regulations, including by limiting the scope of the certification review process as well as the time frame for a state, interstate agency, or Indian tribe to issue a certification.

To enact the Section 401 Certification Rule, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Build More Pipelines Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
        (33 U.S.C. 1341) is designed to provide States and authorized 
        Indian Tribes an important tool to help protect the water 
        quality of federally regulated waters within their borders, in 
        collaboration with Federal agencies through the cooperative 
        federalism framework of that Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.);
            (2) in the years preceding the date of enactment of this 
        Act, States have denied water quality certifications under 
        section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
        U.S.C. 1341) for infrastructure projects for reasons other than 
        protecting water quality, such as downstream greenhouse gas 
        emissions;
            (3) natural gas pipelines, coal production, and electric 
        transmissions lines are vital to ensuring that the people of 
        the United States have affordable access to energy;
            (4) fuel scarcity and a lack of sufficient infrastructure 
        to transport natural gas contribute to higher energy prices; 
        and
            (5) other infrastructure projects, such as road 
        construction to support interstate commerce, are in the 
        national interest and warrant regulatory certainty under 
        section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
        U.S.C. 1341).

SEC. 3. ENACTMENT OF THE SECTION 401 CERTIFICATION RULE.

    The final rule of the Environmental Protection Agency entitled 
``Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule'' (85 Fed. Reg. 42210 
(July 13, 2020)) is enacted into law.
                                 <all>
To amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, and for other purposes.
Bill: H.R.1891 | Sponsor: Rep. Schrader, Kurt (D-OR)
Policy area: Native Americans

Summary:
This bill revises the land claims of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. In particular, the bill specifies that only the tribe's claims to the 84 acres of land known as the Thompson Strip, rather than the tribe's claims to any lands within Oregon, are extinguished.
Additionally, the bill prohibits gaming on any real property obtained by the tribe as part of a land claim settlement approved by the United States.

To amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. GRAND RONDE RESERVATION ACT AMENDMENT.

    Section 1(d) of Public Law 100-425 (commonly known as the ``Grand 
Ronde Reservation Act'') (102 Stat. 1594) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``lands within the State 
        of Oregon'' and inserting ``the 84 acres known as the Thompson 
        Strip'';
            (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) Gaming prohibition.--Any real property obtained by 
        the Tribes as part of a land claim settlement approved by the 
        United States shall not be eligible, or used, for any class II 
        gaming or class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory 
        Act (25 U.S.C. 2701, et seq.) (as those terms are defined in 
        section 4 of that Act (25 U.S.C. 2703)).''.

SEC. 2. TREATY RIGHTS OF FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES.

    Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall be 
construed to enlarge, confirm, adjudicate, affect, or modify any treaty 
right of an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
                                 <all>
Emergency Community Care Notification Time Adjustment Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.7186 | Sponsor: Rep. Mast, Brian J. (R-FL)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Emergency Community Care Notification Time Adjustment Act of 2022
This bill modifies the Veterans Community Care Program by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deem as authorized emergency care or services provided by a non-VA provider to a covered veteran if the veteran (or an individual acting on the veteran's behalf) submits an application for such authorization by a deadline determined appropriate by the VA, which may not be earlier than 72 hours following the veteran's discharge from the facility. Covered veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system or those who are not enrolled but are eligible for care due to a service-connected disability.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an extended 
    deadline for the submission of applications regarding emergency 
   treatment furnished in non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical 
                  facilities, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Emergency Community Care 
Notification Time Adjustment Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. EXTENDED DEADLINE RELATING TO EMERGENCY TREATMENT IN NON-
              DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL FACILITIES.

    (a) Extended Deadline.--Section 1703(a)(3) of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``A covered veteran'' and inserting ``(A) A 
        covered veteran''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
    ``(B) In the case of an emergency which existed at the time of 
admission of a covered veteran to a health care provider, the Secretary 
shall deem any care or services received by the veteran during the 
period beginning at the time of such admission and ending at the time 
of discharge from the facility at which such care or services were 
furnished to be authorized under subparagraph (A) if the covered 
veteran (or an individual acting on behalf of the covered veteran) 
submits an application for such authorization by a deadline that the 
Secretary determines appropriate for purposes of this paragraph, except 
that such deadline may not be earlier than 72 hours following such 
discharge.''.
    (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to admissions occurring on or after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
IOC Act
Bill: S.3577 | Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick (R-FL)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
Irresponsible Olympic Collaboration Act or the IOC Act
This bill eliminates the tax exemption for any organization or entity whose primary purpose is the promotion of international, multi-sport, athletic competitions, and that has gross receipts in in excess of $100 million for any of the 3 preceding taxable years (e.g., the International Olympic Committee).

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate the tax 
     exemption of the International Olympic Committee and similar 
                             organizations.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Irresponsible Olympic Collaboration 
Act'' or as the ``IOC Act''.

SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC 
              COMMITTEE AND SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(s) Elimination of Tax Exemption for International Olympic 
Committee and Similar Organizations.--If any organization or entity for 
any taxable year--
            ``(1) has the primary purpose of international, multi-
        sport, athletic competitions, and
            ``(2) has gross receipts in excess of $100,000,000 for any 
        of the 3 preceding taxable years,
such organization shall not be treated as described in subsection 
(c)(4) for such taxable year; and no successor of any organization or 
entity which was described in such subsection and ceases to be so 
described by reason of the enactment of this subsection shall be 
treated as described in any paragraph of subsection (c) for any 
subsequent taxable year.''.
    (b) Special Rule for Treaties.--Nothing in section 894 or 7852(d) 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or in any other provision of law 
shall be construed as permitting an exemption, by reason of any treaty 
obligation of the United States heretofore or hereafter entered into, 
from the amendment made by this section.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply 
to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
A joint resolution disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Coronavirus Immunization of School Students and Early Childhood Workers Amendment Act of 2021.
Bill: S.J.Res.34 | Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted (R-TX)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
This joint resolution disapproves of the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Coronavirus Immunization of School Students and Early Childhood Workers Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-285), enacted by the council on January 12, 2022.

117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 34

    Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in 
  approving the Coronavirus Immunization of School Students and Early 
                Childhood Workers Amendment Act of 2021.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

             January 19 (legislative day, January 18), 2022

  Mr. Cruz (for himself, Mr. Lee, and Mrs. Blackburn) introduced the 
 following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the 
        Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
    Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in 
  approving the Coronavirus Immunization of School Students and Early 
                Childhood Workers Amendment Act of 2021.

    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the Congress disapproves 
of the action of the District of Columbia Council described as follows: 
The Coronavirus Immunization of School Students and Early Childhood 
Workers Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-285), enacted by the 
District of Columbia Council on January 12, 2022, and transmitted to 
Congress pursuant to section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home 
Rule Act on January 18, 2022.
                                 <all>
Local Transit Planning Support Act
Bill: S.2365 | Sponsor: Sen. Ossoff, Jon (D-GA)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Local Transit Planning Support Act
This bill increases the federal share of certain grants that support states and localities with planning and related activities for public transportation projects in areas with a lower population density or a lower average income than surrounding areas.

To amend title 49, United States Code, to modify the Government share 
  of the cost of certain planning activities, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Local Transit Planning Support 
Act''.

SEC. 2. PLANNING PROGRAMS.

    Section 5305 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:
    ``(f) Government Share of Costs.--
            ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2)(A), 
        the Government share of the cost of an activity funded using 
        amounts made available under this section may not exceed 80 
        percent of the cost of the activity unless the Secretary 
        determines that it is in the interests of the Government--
                    ``(A) not to require a State or local match; or
                    ``(B) to allow a Government share greater than 80 
                percent.
            ``(2) Certain activities.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Government share of the cost 
                of an activity funded using amounts made available 
                under this section shall be not less than 90 percent 
                for an activity that assists parts of an urbanized area 
                or rural area with lower population density or lower 
                average income levels compared to--
                            ``(i) the applicable urbanized area;
                            ``(ii) the applicable rural area;
                            ``(iii) an adjoining urbanized area; or
                            ``(iv) an adjoining rural area.
                    ``(B) Report.--A State or metropolitan planning 
                organization that carries out an activity described in 
                subparagraph (A) with an increased Government share 
                described in that subparagraph shall report to the 
                Secretary, in a form as determined by the Secretary, 
                how the increased Government share for transportation 
                planning activities benefits commuting and other 
                essential travel in parts of the applicable urbanized 
                area or rural area described in subparagraph (A) with 
                lower population density or lower average income 
                levels.''.
                                 <all>
To designate the building utilized as a United States courthouse located at 111 South Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee, as the "James D. Todd United States Courthouse", and for other purposes.
Bill: H.R.6310 | Sponsor: Rep. Kustoff, David (R-TN)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
This bill designates the building utilized as a U.S. courthouse located at 111 South Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee, as the James D. Todd United States Courthouse.

To designate the building utilized as a United States courthouse 
  located at 111 South Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee, as the 
  ``James D. Todd United States Courthouse'', and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. DESIGNATION.

    The building utilized as a United States courthouse located at 111 
South Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee, shall be known and 
designated as the ``James D. Todd United States Courthouse'' during the 
period in which the building is utilized as a United States courthouse.

SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

    With respect to the period in which the building referred to in 
section 1 is utilized as a United States courthouse, any reference in a 
law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United 
States to that building shall be deemed to be a reference to the 
``James D. Todd United States Courthouse''.
                                 <all>
LIHEAP Act
Bill: H.R.8764 | Sponsor: Rep. Pappas, Chris (D-NH)
Policy area: Energy

Summary:
Lowering Inflated Heating, Energy, and Air Conditioning Prices Act or the LIHEAP Act
This bill increases for FY2023-FY2024 the federal income eligibility threshold for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides federal grants to states, tribes, and territories to assist low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs.
Currently, households are eligible with incomes at or below 150% of the poverty rate or 60% of the median income of their applicable state, tribe, or territory. This bill permits payments to households with incomes that are 75% of the applicable median income.

To change certain household income eligibility requirements for low-
 income home energy assistance in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, and for 
                            other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Lowering Inflated Heating, Energy, 
and Air Conditioning Prices Act'' or the ``LIHEAP Act''.

SEC. 2. LIHEAP HOUSEHOLD INCOME ELIGIBILITY.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 2605(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the 
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 
8624(b)(2)(B)(ii)), for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 a State may use any 
grant made under section 2602 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 8621) to make 
payments under section 2605(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 8624(b)(2)) to 
households with incomes which do not exceed 75 percent of the State 
median income.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``State'', ``State 
median income'', and ``household'' have the meanings given such terms 
in section 2603 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 
(42 U.S.C. 8622).
                                 <all>
Hire Student Veterans Act
Bill: H.R.6684 | Sponsor: Rep. Lee, Susie (D-NV)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
Hire Student Veterans Act
This bill expands the work opportunity tax credit to allows employers a credit for hiring veterans who are receiving educational assistance under programs provided by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide the work 
    opportunity tax credit with respect to hiring veterans who are 
    receiving educational assistance under laws administered by the 
               Secretary of Veterans Affairs or Defense.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Hire Student Veterans Act''.

SEC. 2. WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT FOR HIRING VETERANS RECEIVING 
              EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY THE 
              SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OR DEFENSE.

    (a) In General.--Section 51(d)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986 is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (iii), by 
striking the period at the end of clause (iv) and inserting ``, or'', 
and by adding at the end the following new clause:
                            ``(v) attending an educational institution 
                        by means of educational assistance provided 
                        under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 34 of title 
                        38, United States Code, or chapter 1606 or 1607 
                        of title 10, United States Code.''.
    (b) Modification of Minimum Employment Period.--Section 51(i)(3)(A) 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``(other 
than a qualified veteran described in subsection (d)(3)(A)(v))'' after 
``In the case of an individual''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to individuals who begin work for the employer after the date of 
the enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act
Bill: H.R.8054 | Sponsor: Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario (R-FL)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act
This bill requires finished pasteurized orange juice to contain at least 10% by weight of orange juice soluble solids (currently 10.5%), exclusive of the solids of any added optional sweetening ingredients.

To modify the minimum required weight of orange juice soluble solids.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Defending Domestic Orange Juice 
Production Act''.

SEC. 2. REVISION OF PASTEURIZED ORANGE JUICE STANDARDS.

    (a) In General.--Effective on the date of enactment of this Act, 
the standard of identity for ``pasteurized orange juice'', established 
in section 146.140 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, shall be 
deemed to require finished pasteurized orange juice to contain not less 
than 10.0 percent by weight of orange juice soluble solids, exclusive 
of the solids of any added optional sweetening ingredients.
    (b) Regulation Authority.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services to promulgate regulations to amend the standard of identity 
for pasteurized orange juice.
                                 <all>
Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act
Bill: H.R.3743 | Sponsor: Rep. Hudson, Richard (R-NC)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act
This bill increases the amount of funds each fiscal year that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must transfer to the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA and that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) must transfer to the Foundation for the NIH.
Specifically, it requires each agency to increase the amount transferred to its respective foundation (1) from a minimum of $500,000 to a minimum of $1,250,000, and (2) from a maximum of $1,250,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000.

To increase funding for the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and 
Drug Administration and for the Foundation for the National Institutes 
                               of Health.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting the Foundation for the 
National Institutes of Health and the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the 
Food and Drug Administration Act''.

SEC. 2. REAGAN-UDALL FOUNDATION AND FOUNDATION FOR THE NATIONAL 
              INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.

    (a) Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration.--
Section 770(n) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 
379dd(n)) is amended by striking ``$500,000 and not more than 
$1,250,000'' and inserting ``$1,250,000 and not more than $5,000,000''.
    (b) Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.--Section 
499(l) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290b(l)) is amended 
by striking ``$500,000 and not more than $1,250,000'' and inserting 
``$1,250,000 and not more than $5,000,000''.

            Passed the House of Representatives December 8, 2021.

            Attest:

                                             CHERYL L. JOHNSON,

                                                                 Clerk.
                                                       Calendar No. 181

117th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                               H. R. 3743

_______________________________________________________________________
Lymphedema Treatment Act
Bill: S.1315 | Sponsor: Sen. Cantwell, Maria (D-WA)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Lymphedema Treatment Act
This bill provides for Medicare coverage of lymphedema compression treatment items. Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of (1) standard and custom fitted gradient compression garments that are prescribed by a physician or other specified health care professional to treat lymphedema, and (2) other devices determined to be effective in the prevention or treatment of lymphedema.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage 
 of certain lymphedema compression treatment items under the Medicare 
                                program.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Lymphedema Treatment Act''.

SEC. 2. MEDICARE COVERAGE OF CERTAIN LYMPHEDEMA COMPRESSION TREATMENT 
              ITEMS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1395x) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (s)(2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (GG), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon at the end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (HH), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
            ``(II) lymphedema compression treatment items (as defined 
        in subsection (lll));''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

                ``Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items

    ``(lll) The term `lymphedema compression treatment items' means--
            ``(1) standard and custom fitted gradient compression 
        garments that are--
                    ``(A) furnished on or after January 1, 2023, to an 
                individual with a diagnosis of lymphedema for the 
                treatment of such condition;
                    ``(B) primarily and customarily used in the medical 
                treatment of lymphedema, as determined by the 
                Secretary; and
                    ``(C) prescribed by a physician (or a physician 
                assistant, nurse practitioner, or a clinical nurse 
                specialist (as those terms are defined in section 
                1861(aa)(5)) to the extent authorized under State law); 
                and
            ``(2) other devices determined by the Secretary to be 
        effective in the prevention or treatment of lymphedema.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to lymphedema compression treatment items furnished on or after 
January 1, 2023.
                                 <all>
Justice for Exonerees Act
Bill: H.R.4019 | Sponsor: Rep. Waters, Maxine (D-CA)
Policy area: Law

Summary:
Justice for Exonerees Act
This bill increases the maximum amount of damages that an individual who was unjustly convicted and incarcerated may be awarded and requires that this amount be adjusted annually for inflation.

To amend title 28, United States Code, to adjust the penalty for unjust 
          conviction and imprisonment, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Justice for Exonerees Act''.

SEC. 2. PENALTY FOR UNJUST CONVICTION AND IMPRISONMENT.

    Section 2513 of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (e), by striking ``$50,000'' and 
        inserting ``$70,000''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) The amount of damages awarded under subsection (e) shall be 
adjusted for inflation annually, based on the Consumer Price Index.''.
                                 <all>
Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act
Bill: H.R.5670 | Sponsor: Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. (R-NY)
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary:
Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act
This bill adds the rest of Saratoga County and Washington County in New York within the boundaries of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area in New York.

To amend the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Act of 1996 
(Public Law 104-333; 54 U.S.C. 320101 note) to include all of Saratoga 
 and Washington Counties in the boundaries of the Hudson River Valley 
                        National Heritage Area.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River 
Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act''.

SEC. 2. HUDSON RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.

    Section 904(b) of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area 
Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-333; 54 U.S.C. 320101 note) is amended to 
read as follows:
    ``(b) Boundaries.--The Heritage Area shall be comprised of the 
counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Columbia, Greene, Ulster, Dutchess, 
Orange, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Saratoga, and Washington, New 
York.''.
                                 <all>
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the repayment by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of benefits misused by a fiduciary.
Bill: H.R.4633 | Sponsor: Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. (D-VA)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
This bill modifies the procedures by which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reissues misused benefits to a beneficiary, including by requiring the VA to establish methods and timing with respect to determining whether an instance of misuse by a fiduciary is the result of negligence by the VA.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the repayment by the 
   Secretary of Veterans Affairs of benefits misused by a fiduciary.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. IMPROVEMENT TO REPAYMENT BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF 
              CERTAIN MISUSED BENEFITS.

    Section 6107 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
``Sec. 6107. Reissuance of benefits
    ``(a) Reissuance of Misused Benefits.--(1) In any case in which a 
fiduciary misuses all or part of an individual's benefit paid to such 
fiduciary, the Secretary shall pay to the beneficiary or the 
beneficiary's successor fiduciary an amount equal to the amount of such 
benefit so misused.
    ``(2) In any case in which the Secretary reissues a benefit payment 
(in whole or in part) under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make a 
good faith effort to obtain recoupment from the fiduciary to whom the 
payment was originally made.
    ``(3) In any case in which the Secretary obtains recoupment from a 
fiduciary who has misused benefits, the Secretary shall promptly remit 
payment of the recouped amounts to the beneficiary or the beneficiary's 
successor fiduciary, as the case may be, to the extent that such 
amounts have not been paid under paragraph (1).
    ``(b) Limitation on Total Amount Paid.--The total of the amounts 
paid to a beneficiary or the beneficiary's successor fiduciary under 
this section may not exceed the total benefit amount misused by the 
fiduciary with respect to that beneficiary.
    ``(c) Oversight of Negligence.--The Secretary shall establish 
methods and timing with respect to determining whether an instance of 
misuse by a fiduciary of all or part of an individual's benefit paid to 
such fiduciary is the result of negligence by the Secretary.''.
                                 <all>
A bill to add Ireland to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program.
Bill: S.3869 | Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. (D-IL)
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
This bill expands the E-3 visa program to cover Irish nationals. The E-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa currently only available to Australian nationals coming to the United States for employment in a specialty occupation. For Irish E-3 initial applications, the Department of State may approve each fiscal year no more than 10,500 minus the number of Australian initial applications approved the previous fiscal year.

To add Ireland to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. E-3 VISAS FOR IRISH NATIONALS.

    (a) In General.--Section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii)) is amended by inserting 
``or, on a basis of reciprocity as determined by the Secretary of 
State, a national of Ireland,'' after ``Australia''.
    (b) Employer Requirements.--Section 212 of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating the second subsection (t) (as added by 
        section 1(b)(2)(B) of Public Law 108-449 (118 Stat. 3470)) as 
        subsection (u); and
            (2) by adding at the end of subsection (t)(1) (as added by 
        section 402(b)(2) of Public Law 108-77 (117 Stat. 941)) the 
        following:
            ``(E) In the case of an attestation filed with respect to a 
        national of Ireland described in section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii), 
        the employer is, and will remain during the period of 
        authorized employment of such Irish national, a participant in 
        good standing in the E-Verify program described in section 
        403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
        Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note).''.
    (c) Application Allocation.--Paragraph (11) of section 214(g) of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(11)) is amended 
to read as follows:
    ``(11)(A) The Secretary of State may approve initial applications 
submitted for aliens described in section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii) only as 
follows:
            ``(i) For applicants who are nationals of the Commonwealth 
        of Australia, not more than 10,500 for a fiscal year.
            ``(ii) For applicants who are nationals of Ireland, not 
        more than a number equal to the difference between 10,500 and 
        the number of applications approved in the prior fiscal year 
        for aliens who are nationals of the Commonwealth of Australia.
    ``(B) The approval of an application described under subparagraph 
(A)(ii) shall be deemed for numerical control purposes to have occurred 
on September 30 of the prior fiscal year.
    ``(C) The numerical limitation under subparagraph (A) shall only 
apply to principal aliens and not to the spouses or children of such 
aliens.''.
                                 <all>
Stop Vaccine Mandates Act
Bill: S.2879 | Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James (R-OK)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
Stop Vaccine Mandates Act
This bill rescinds the executive order titled Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors and the executive order titled  Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees, both published on September 9, 2021. The bill provides that these executive orders shall have no force or effect.

To provide that Executive Orders 14042 and 14043 shall have no force or 
                                effect.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Vaccine Mandates Act''.

SEC. 2. EXECUTIVE ORDERS 14042 AND 14043.

    The provisions of Executive Order 14042 (86 Fed. Reg. 50985; 
relating to ensuring adequate COVID safety protocols for Federal 
contractors) and Executive Order 14043 (86 Fed. Reg. 50989; relating to 
requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 vaccination for Federal employees) 
are rescinded and shall have no force or effect.
                                 <all>
Assuring Regular Consultation To Have Indigenous Voices Effectively Solicited Act
Bill: S.981 | Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty (D-WA)
Policy area: Native Americans

Summary:
Assuring Regular Consultation To Have Indigenous Voices Effectively Solicited Act
This bill establishes requirements for tribal consultation prior to the sale or transfer of certain federal civilian real property. Federal civilian real property generally refers to federal real property assets, including public buildings, occupied and improved grounds, leased space, or other physical structures under the custody and control of a federal agency.
Specifically, a federal agency must consult with tribal governments prior to the sale or transfer of certain federal civilian real property if the proposed sale or transfer would affect a tribe's access to federal agency services. Further, the bill prohibits the property from being sold or transferred if the sale or transfer would substantially reduce or eliminate a tribe's access to these services.

To amend the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 to ensure 
 that federally recognized Indian Tribes are consulted before the sale 
or transfer of certain Federal civilian real properties, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Assuring Regular Consultation To 
Have Indigenous Voices Effectively Solicited Act''.

SEC. 2. IMPACT ON FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED INDIAN TRIBES.

    (a) In General.--The Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 
(40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114-287) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:

``SEC. 26. REQUIREMENTS BEFORE SALE OR TRANSFER.

    ``(a) Consultation.--Before the sale or transfer of a Federal 
civilian real property under this Act (other than section 24 or 25), if 
the proposed sale or transfer would affect access to Federal agency 
services by a federally recognized Indian Tribe, the relevant Federal 
agency shall consult with all Tribal governments that may be so 
affected.
    ``(b) Finding of Reduction or Elimination of Access.--A Federal 
civilian real property may not be sold or transferred under this Act 
(other than section 24 or 25) if the proposed sale or transfer would 
substantially reduce or eliminate access to Federal agency services by 
a federally recognized Indian Tribe.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of 
the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act (Public Law 114-287; 130 Stat. 
1463) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``Sec. 26. Requirements before sale or transfer.''.
                                 <all>
Search and Rescue Dog Protection Act
Bill: H.R.3010 | Sponsor: Rep. Taylor, Van (R-TX)
Policy area: Emergency Management

Summary:
Search and Rescue Dog Protection Act
This bill requires search and rescue dogs to be treated in the same manner as service animals in the event of a federally declared major disaster or emergency.

To require search and rescue dogs to be treated in the same manner as 
seeing-eye dogs in the event of a federally declared disaster, and for 
                            other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Search and Rescue Dog Protection 
Act''.

SEC. 2. SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS.

    In the case of any major disaster or emergency declared by the 
President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), and with respect to any area 
within a declaration under such Act or while in transit to any such 
area, any search and rescue dog certified pursuant to regulations and 
requirements issued by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall be treated in the same manner as a service 
animal is treated pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and its implementing regulations at 28 
CFR 35.136 and 36.302.
                                 <all>
Republic of Georgia Sovereignty Act
Bill: H.R.7043 | Sponsor: Rep. Perry, Scott (R-PA)
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
Republic of Georgia Sovereignty Act
This bill prohibits any federal agency from taking any action that implies recognition of the sovereignty claims of South Ossetia or Abkhazia within Georgia, or any other closely-related successor entities.

To prohibit United States recognition of the claims of sovereignty of 
       South Ossetia or Abkhazia within the Republic of Georgia.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Republic of Georgia Sovereignty 
Act''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION AGAINST UNITED STATES RECOGNITION OF THE CLAIMS OF 
              SOVEREIGNTY OF SOUTH OSSETIA OR ABKHAZIA WITHIN THE 
              REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA.

    (a) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States not 
to recognize the claims of sovereignty of the following areas within 
the Republic of Georgia:
            (1) South Ossetia.
            (2) Abkhazia.
    (b) Prohibition.--In accordance with subsection (a), no Federal 
department or agency may take any action or extend any assistance that 
implies recognition of the claims of sovereignty of South Ossetia or 
Abkhazia within the Republic of Georgia, or any other closely-related 
successor entities.
                                 <all>
Coal Council Certainty Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.6187 | Sponsor: Rep. McKinley, David B. (R-WV)
Policy area: Energy

Summary:
Coal Council Certainty Act of 2021
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to maintain the National Coal Council under the charter that was in effect on November 19, 2021.
Historically, this council provided DOE with advice and guidance about policies concerning coal. However, the council ceased operations in November 2021 when its charter was not renewed by DOE.

To maintain the National Coal Council in the Department of Energy to 
   provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on 
 matters related to coal and the coal industry, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Coal Council Certainty Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. NATIONAL COAL COUNCIL.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall maintain the 
National Coal Council, in accordance with the charter for such council 
that is in effect on November 19, 2021.
    (b) Applicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) and section 552b(c) of 
        title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the National Coal 
        Council.
            (2) Termination.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory 
        Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the National 
        Coal Council.
                                 <all>
Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2021
Bill: S.2379 | Sponsor: Sen. Warner, Mark R. (D-VA)
Policy area: Education

Summary:
Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2021
This bill allows the release of a transfer student's educational records from an institution of postsecondary education where a student earned credit for coursework to an institution of postsecondary education where the student was previously enrolled in order to apply the student's coursework and credits toward completion of a recognized postsecondary credential, such as an associate's degree.

Specifically, the bill allows the Department of Education to provide funding to an institution of postsecondary education that releases a student's records of postsecondary coursework and credits without the consent of the student or the student's parents if the student provides written consent prior to receiving the credential.

To amend the General Education Provisions Act to allow the release of 
education records to facilitate the award of a recognized postsecondary 
                              credential.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. RELEASE OF EDUCATION RECORDS TO FACILITATE THE AWARD OF A 
              RECOGNIZED POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL.

    Section 444(b)(1) of the General Education Provisions Act (20 
U.S.C. 1232g(b)(1)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (K)(ii), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) in subparagraph (L), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following:
            ``(M) an institution of postsecondary education in which 
        the student was previously enrolled, to which records of 
        postsecondary coursework and credits are sent for the purpose 
        of applying such coursework and credits toward completion of a 
        recognized postsecondary credential (as that term is defined in 
        section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
        U.S.C. 3102)), upon condition that the student provides written 
        consent prior to receiving such credential.''.
                                 <all>