hheiden/us-congress-117-bills huggingface dataset:
Protecting Constitutional Rights from Online Platform Censorship Act
Bill: H.R.83 | Sponsor: Rep. DesJarlais, Scott (R-TN)
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
Protecting Constitutional Rights from Online Platform Censorship Act
This bill eliminates the immunity of a provider or user of an interactive computer service (e.g., social media company) from liability for restricting certain offensive material, and it prohibits an internet platform from taking action to restrict a user's material that is protected under the Constitution or federal, state, or local law.

To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to protect constitutional 
    rights from online platform censorship, 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 ``Protecting Constitutional Rights 
from Online Platform Censorship Act''.

SEC. 2. PROTECTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 230(c) of the Communications Act of 1934 
(47 U.S.C. 230) is amended--
            (1) in the heading, by striking ``Protection for `Good 
        Samaritan' Blocking and Screening of Offensive Material'' and 
        inserting ``Blocking and Screening of Lawful and Constitutional 
        Material''; and
            (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
            ``(2) Prohibition.--
                    ``(A) In general.--It shall be unlawful for any 
                internet platform to take an action to restrict access 
                to or the availability of protected material of a user 
                of such platform.
                    ``(B) Private right of action.--If an internet 
                platform takes an action to restrict access to or the 
                availability of protected material of a user of such 
                platform, such user may bring an action in an 
                appropriate State court or an appropriate district 
                court of the United States against such platform to 
                obtain the relief described under subparagraph (C).
                    ``(C) Relief.--A user that prevails in a civil 
                action under subparagraph (B) may obtain monetary 
                relief of not less than $10,000 but not more than 
                $50,000 per action described under subparagraph (A).
                    ``(D) Protected material defined.--In this 
                paragraph, the term `protected material' means material 
                that is protected under the Constitution or otherwise 
                protected under Federal, State, or local law.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, 
shall take effect 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act
Bill: H.R.9232 | Sponsor: Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole (R-NY)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act
This bill directs the inspector general of the Department of Transportation to conduct an audit of public transportation coronavirus relief spending and report to Congress.

To require the inspector general of the Department of Transportation to 
   conduct an audit on the use of Federal funds by certain entities 
        providing public transportation, 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 ``Make Transportation Authorities 
Accountable and Transparent Act''.

SEC. 2. INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CORONAVIRUS 
              RELIEF SPENDING.

    (a) Inspector General Audit.--
            (1) Audit required.--The inspector general of the 
        Department of Transportation shall conduct an audit of funds 
        provided to each specified transit agency under the applicable 
        laws during the 5 fiscal years ending before the date of 
        enactment of this Act.
            (2) Contents of audit.--The audit conducted under paragraph 
        (1) shall include the amount of funds received under each of 
        the applicable laws and a description of how such funds were 
        spent.
            (3) Report to congress.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general shall 
        submit to Congress a report containing the results of the 
        audit.
    (b) Definitions.--In this Act:
            (1) Applicable laws.--The term ``applicable laws'' means 
        the following:
                    (A) Chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code.
                    (B) The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response 
                Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020.
                    (C) The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic 
                Security Act.
                    (D) The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
                    (E) The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
            (2) Public transportation.--The term ``public 
        transportation'' has the meaning given the term in section 5302 
        of title 49, United States Code.
            (3) Specified transit agency.--The term ``specified transit 
        agency'' means the 5 entities providing public transportation 
        with the most unlinked passenger trips for calendar year 2019, 
        as reported to the National Transit Database, that received 
        Federal funds under any of the applicable laws.
                                 <all>
Cormorant Relief Act
Bill: S.1050 | Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom (R-AR)
Policy area: Animals

Summary:
Cormorant Relief Act
This bill provides statutory authority for certain regulations that allow for the taking of double-crested cormorants (birds) to protect fish at aquaculture facilities and to protect public resources (e.g., fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats).

To enact as law certain regulations relating to the taking of double-
                          crested cormorants.

    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 ``Cormorant Relief Act''.

SEC. 2. REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE TAKING OF DOUBLE-CRESTED 
              CORMORANTS.

    (a) Force and Effect.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (b), sections 21.47 
        and 21.48 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (as in 
        effect on January 1, 2016), shall have the force and effect of 
        law.
            (2) Public notice.--The Secretary of the Interior, acting 
        through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife 
        Service (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), 
        shall notify the public of the authority provided by paragraph 
        (1) in a manner determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.
    (b) Sunset.--The authority provided by subsection (a)(1) shall 
terminate on the effective date of a regulation promulgated by the 
Secretary after the date of enactment of this Act to control 
depredation of double-crested cormorant populations.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section limits the 
authority of the Secretary to promulgate regulations relating to the 
taking of double-crested cormorants under any other law.
                                 <all>
SAFER Voter Act
Bill: H.R.2890 | Sponsor: Rep. Massie, Thomas (R-KY)
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
Second Amendment For Every Registrable Voter Act or the SAFER Voter Act
This bill reduces the minimum age—from 21 years to 18 years—at which an individual may obtain a handgun from a federally licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, importer, or collector.

To reduce, from 21 years of age to 18 years of age, the minimum age at 
 which a person may obtain a handgun from a Federal firearms licensee.

    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 ``Second Amendment For Every 
Registrable Voter Act'' or the ``SAFER Voter Act''.

SEC. 2. MINIMUM AGE FOR OBTAINING A HANDGUN FROM A FEDERAL FIREARMS 
              LICENSEE.

    (a) In General.--Section 922(b)(1) of title 18, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``, and, if the firearm, or ammunition is other 
than a shotgun or rifle, or ammunition for a shotgun or rifle, to any 
individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is 
less than twenty-one years of age''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 922(c)(1) of such title is 
amended by striking ``, in the case of any firearm other than a shotgun 
or a rifle, I am twenty-one years or more of age, or that, in the case 
of a shotgun or a rifle,''.
                                 <all>
Agricultural Security Risk Review Act
Bill: H.R.3413 | Sponsor: Rep. Lucas, Frank D. (R-OK)
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance

Summary:
Agricultural Security Risk Review Act
This bill expands the membership of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to include the Secretary of Agriculture. (The committee reviews the national security implications of certain foreign investments in U.S. businesses or real estate, including critical infrastructure or technologies.)

To amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 to include the Secretary of 
 Agriculture as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the 
                 United States, 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 ``Agricultural Security Risk Review 
Act''.

SEC. 2. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE UNITED 
              STATES.

    Section 721(k)(2) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 
4565(k)(2)) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (H) through (J) as 
        subparagraphs (I) through (K), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:
                    ``(H) The Secretary of Agriculture.''.
                                 <all>
Aid and Attendance Support Act
Bill: H.R.789 | Sponsor: Rep. Allred, Colin Z. (D-TX)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Aid and Attendance Support Act
This bill increases the amount of specified Department of Veterans Affairs benefit payments for veterans (or their survivors) who require aid at home or are in nursing homes. Specifically, the bill increases such benefits by 25% until 60 days after the end of the declared emergency period resulting from COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the amount of 
 certain payments during the emergency period resulting from the COVID-
                              19 pandemic.

    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 ``Aid and Attendance Support Act''.

SEC. 2. INCREASE OF AMOUNT OF CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
              PAYMENTS DURING EMERGENCY PERIOD RESULTING FROM COVID-19 
              PANDEMIC.

    (a) In General.--During the covered period, the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs shall apply each of the following provisions of title 
38, United States Code, by substituting for each of the dollar amounts 
in such provision the amount equal to 125 percent of the dollar amount 
that was in effect under such provision on the date of the enactment of 
this Act:
            (1) Subsections (l), (m), (r), and (t) of section 1114.
            (2) Paragraph (1)(E) of section 1115.
            (3) Subsection (c) of section 1311.
            (4) Subsection (g) of section 1315.
            (5) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (d) of section 
        1521.
            (6) Paragraphs (2) and (4) of subsection (f) of section 
        1521.
    (b) Treatment of Amounts.--Any amount payable to an individual 
under subsection (a) in excess of the amount otherwise in effect shall 
be in addition to any other benefit or any other amount payable to that 
individual under any provision of law referred to in subsection (a) or 
any other provision of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs.
    (c) Covered Period.--In this section, the covered period is the 
period that begins on the date of the enactment of this Act and ends 60 
days after the last day of the emergency period (as defined in section 
1135(g)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5(g)(1))) 
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
                                 <all>
Zombie Programs Survival Guide Act
Bill: S.3110 | Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni (R-IA)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
Zombie Programs Survival Guide Act
This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance directing federal agencies to report annually on programs and revolving funds that (1) provide federal financial assistance, and (2) did not provide federal financial assistance during the previous year.
The reports must include a list of the programs and funds, an explanation of why federal financial assistance was not provided, and the amount of budget authority that is available for each program or fund.

To require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to issue 
    guidance relating to reporting by agencies on Federal financial 
 assistance programs that do not provide Federal financial assistance 
       during the 1-year period preceding the date of the report.

    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 ``Zombie Programs Survival Guide 
Act''.

SEC. 2. GUIDANCE FOR AGENCIES.

    (a) Definitions.--
            (1) Covered agency.--The term ``covered agency'' means--
                    (A) an Executive agency, as defined in section 105 
                of title 5, United States Code; and
                    (B) an independent regulatory agency, as defined in 
                section 3502 of title, 44, United States Code.
            (2) Federal financial assistance; program.--The terms 
        ``Federal financial assistance'' and ``program'' have the 
        meaning given those terms in section 1122(a) of title 31, 
        United States Code.
            (3) Relevant report.--The term ``relevant report'' means--
                    (A) a report described in section 3516(a)(2) of 
                title 31, United States Code; or
                    (B) the consolidated report described in section 
                3516(a)(1) of title 31, United States Code.
    (b) Guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall 
issue guidance that requires the head of each covered agency to 
include, on an annual basis, in a relevant report--
            (1) a list of each program and revolving fund of the 
        covered agency that--
                    (A) provides Federal financial assistance; and
                    (B) did not provide Federal financial assistance 
                during the 1-year period preceding the date of the 
                report;
            (2) an explanation of why each program or revolving fund 
        described in paragraph (1) did not award Federal financial 
        assistance during the 1-year period preceding the date of the 
        report; and
            (3) the amount of budget authority available for each 
        program or revolving fund described in paragraph (1).
                                 <all>
To require the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to conduct a study on the benefits of licensure reform for the hiring of military spouses.
Bill: H.R.8385 | Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe (D-CO)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
This bill requires the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness within the Department of Defense to study the benefits of licensure reform for the hiring of military spouses.

To require the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness 
 to conduct a study on the benefits of licensure reform for the hiring 
                          of military spouses.

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

SECTION 1. STUDY ON PORTABILITY OF LICENSURE FOR MILITARY SPOUSE 
              HIRING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and 
Readiness to conduct a study on the benefits of licensure reform for 
the hiring of military spouses.
            (1) Such discussion shall include the following elements:
                    (A) The value of, and opportunities to, private 
                entities that hire military spouses.
                    (B) Career opportunities for military spouses.
                    (C) Understanding the challenges that military 
                spouses encounter in the labor market.
                    (D) Gaps and opportunities in the labor market for 
                military spouses.
                    (E) The benefits of portable licenses and 
                interstate licensure compacts for military spouses.
            (2) To develop recommendations to facilitate better data 
        collection on the benefits of occupational licensure reform for 
        military spouses.
    (b) Initial Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel 
and Readiness Comptroller shall brief Congress on the initial results 
of the study conducted under subsection (a).
    (c) Final Report.--Not later than 240 days after the date on which 
the briefing required by subsection (b) is conducted, the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Personnel Readiness shall submit to Congress a 
final report setting.
                                 <all>
To direct Federal departments and agencies to verify eligibility for Federal benefits for individuals 105 years of age or older, and for other purposes.
Bill: H.R.357 | Sponsor: Rep. Steube, W. Gregory (R-FL)
Policy area: Social Welfare

Summary:
This bill requires departments or agencies that provide federal benefits to verify the eligibility of any beneficiary age 105 or older. This must occur on a semiannual basis.

To direct Federal departments and agencies to verify eligibility for 
  Federal benefits for individuals 105 years of age or older, 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. VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN 
              ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS.

    (a) In General.--The head of each Federal department or agency that 
provides Federal benefits to individuals who have attained 105 years of 
age or more shall take appropriate steps to ensure, on a semiannual 
basis, that each such individual remains eligible for such benefits.
    (b) Authority To Issue Regulations.--The head of each Federal 
department or agency specified in paragraph (1) may issue regulations 
to implement this section.
    (c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect to 
payments of Federal benefits made on or after December 31, 2022.
                                 <all>
Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.7048 | Sponsor: Rep. Scott, David (D-GA)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2022
This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from modifying its policy relating to anesthesia care in a manner that would provide any medical professional other than a physician anesthesiologist with full practice authority for the furnishment of anesthesia care to veterans under VA health care laws. The VA is also prohibited from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the provisions relating to anesthesia care of the proposed rule titled Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (81 Fed. Reg. 33155), or any substantially similar rule.

To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from replacing physician 
 anesthesiologists with certified registered nurse anesthetists under 
 the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 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 ``Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care 
for Veterans Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON REPLACEMENT OF PHYSICIAN ANESTHESIOLOGISTS UNDER 
              HEALTH CARE SYSTEM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Prohibition.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not--
            (1) modify the policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
        relating to anesthesia care in a manner that would provide any 
        medical professional other than a physician anesthesiologist 
        with full practice authority for the furnishment of anesthesia 
        care to veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary 
        (including by providing certified registered nurse anesthetists 
        with such full practice authority); or
            (2) finalize, implement, or enforce the provisions relating 
        to anesthesia care of the proposed rule titled ``Advanced 
        Practice Registered Nurses'' and published in the Federal 
        Register on May 25, 2016 (81 Fed. Reg. 33155), or any 
        substantially similar rule.
    (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
to issue any short-term emergency order relating to the safety, care, 
or well-being of veterans during surgical procedures.
                                 <all>
Taliban Recognition Prevention Act
Bill: H.R.5272 | Sponsor: Rep. Curtis, John R. (R-UT)
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
Taliban Recognition Prevention Act
This bill requires the Department of State to instruct U.S. representatives to international organizations to advocate that such organizations not recognize the Taliban-controlled government of Afghanistan.

To prevent recognition of the Taliban-controlled government of 
                  Afghanistan, 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 ``Taliban Recognition Prevention 
Act''.

SEC. 2. PREVENTION OF RECOGNITION OF TALIBAN-CONTROLLED GOVERNMENT OF 
              AFGHANISTAN.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the Taliban maintains a close partnership with al Qaeda 
        and other terrorist organizations that pose a threat to the 
        national security interests of the United States; and
            (2) the President should not--
                    (A) extend diplomatic recognition to the Taliban-
                controlled government of Afghanistan;
                    (B) provide any funds to the Taliban, directly or 
                indirectly; or
                    (C) act to relieve any bilateral or multilateral 
                sanctions on the Taliban or Taliban leaders.
    (b) Recognition Prevention.--The Secretary of State shall instruct, 
as appropriate, the representative of the United States Government for 
each international organization in which the United States participates 
to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to advocate 
that such organization not recognize the Taliban-controlled government 
of Afghanistan.
    (c) Inclusion of Subordinate Organizations.--For purposes of this 
section, the term ``Taliban'' includes--
            (1) subordinate organizations, including the Haqqani 
        Network; and
            (2) any successor organization.
                                 <all>
Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act
Bill: H.R.1256 | Sponsor: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes (D-DC)
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary:
Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act
This bill directs the Department of the Interior to (1) remove the brass plaque bearing the name Senator Francis G. Newlands from the grounds of the memorial fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle in the District of Columbia; (2) remove from the south end of the memorial fountain's face, the stone, tablet-like projection bearing the name of Francis Griffith Newlands and a related inscription; (3) remove the name Newlands Memorial Fountain carved into the upper face of the memorial fountain's coping stones; and (4) offer the items removed to the descendants of Francis Griffith Newlands for a 60-day period, and if not claimed within that period, direct the removed items to be maintained by the National Park Service as federal property and accessioned into the Rock Creek Park museum collection.

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to remove the bronze plaque and 
concrete block bearing the name of Francis Newlands from the grounds of 
the memorial fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle in the District of 
                   Columbia, 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 ``Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal 
Act''.

SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF PLAQUE AND CONCRETE FROM MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN GROUNDS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall--
            (1) remove the brass plaque bearing the name ``Senator 
        Francis G. Newlands'' from the grounds of the memorial 
        fountain;
            (2) remove from the south end of the memorial fountain's 
        face, the stone, tablet-like projection bearing the name of 
        ``Francis Griffith Newlands'' and a related inscription;
            (3) remove the name ``Newlands Memorial Fountain'' carved 
        into the upper face of the memorial fountain's coping stones; 
        and
            (4) offer the items removed pursuant to paragraphs (1), 
        (2), and (3) to the descendants of Francis Griffith Newlands 
        for a period of 60 days, and if not claimed within that period, 
        direct the items removed pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2), and 
        (3) to be maintained by the National Park Service as Federal 
        property and accessioned into the Rock Creek Park museum 
        collection.
    (b) Memorial Fountain.--For the purposes of this section, the term 
``memorial fountain'' means the memorial fountain located at Chevy 
Chase Circle, Connecticut Avenue and Western Avenue NW, in the District 
of Columbia.
                                 <all>
Our Veterans Earned It Act
Bill: H.R.5892 | Sponsor: Rep. Babin, Brian (R-TX)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Our Veterans Earned It Act
This bill prohibits members of the Armed Forces who refuse to receive a COVID-19 vaccination from being denied a federal benefit they are entitled to by reason of their service in the Armed Forces.

To prohibit the denial of any Federal benefit, to which an individual 
   is entitled by reason of service as a member of the Armed Forces, 
  solely on the basis of the refusal of such individual to receive a 
                     vaccination against COVID-19.

    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 ``Our Veterans Earned It Act''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF DENIAL OF A FEDERAL BENEFIT, TO WHICH AN 
              INDIVIDUAL IS ENTITLED BY REASON OF SERVICE AS A MEMBER 
              OF THE ARMED FORCES, SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF THE REFUSAL 
              OF SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO RECEIVE A VACCINATION AGAINST 
              COVID-19.

    No individual may be denied a Federal benefit, to which such 
individual is entitled by reason of service as a member of the Armed 
Forces, solely on the basis of the refusal of such individual to 
receive a vaccination against COVID-19.
                                 <all>
Social Security Parity Act
Bill: H.R.3905 | Sponsor: Rep. Hern, Kevin (R-OK)
Policy area: Social Welfare

Summary:
Social Security Parity Act
This bill waives, under certain conditions, the requirement that an individual must be divorced for at least two years before being able to claim Social Security spousal benefits on the former spouse's work record.
Currently, if a former spouse is eligible for but has not claimed Social Security retirement or disability benefits, a divorced individual may claim spousal benefits provided that individual meets certain eligibility criteria and the divorce has been final for at least two years. This bill deems the two-year requirement met when a former spouse remarries someone other than the divorced individual within two years of the divorce.

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to waive the 2-year 
        duration of divorce requirement, 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 ``Social Security Parity Act''.

SEC. 2. WAIVE 2-YEAR DURATION OF DIVORCE REQUIREMENT.

    (a) Wife's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(b)(4)(A) of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(b)(4)(A)) is amended by adding at the end 
the following new sentence: ``The criterion for entitlement under 
clause (ii) shall be deemed met upon the remarriage of the insured 
individual to someone other than the applicant during the 2-year period 
referred to in such clause.''.
    (b) Husband's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(c)(4)(A) of such Act 
(42 U.S.C. 402(c)(4)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following 
new sentence: ``The criterion for entitlement under clause (ii) shall 
be deemed met upon the remarriage of the insured individual to someone 
other than the applicant during the 2-year period referred to in such 
clause.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply with respect to benefits payable for months after December 2022 
and for which applications are filed after December 2022.
                                 <all>
SNAP Back to Health Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.9472 | Sponsor: Rep. Grothman, Glenn (R-WI)
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
SNAP Back to Health Act of 2022
This bill revises the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase sugary beverages. Sugary beverages are beverages that contain brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose, aspartame, Splenda, acesulfame potassium, stevia, or any similar substance.

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit the use of 
 supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits to purchase sugary 
                               beverages.

    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 ``SNAP Back to Health Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS.

    Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012) is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (k) by inserting ``sugary beverages,'' 
        after ``alcoholic beverages,'', and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (r) the following:
    ``(r-1) `Sugary beverage' means a beverage that contains brown 
sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-
fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw 
sugar, and sucrose, aspartame, Splenda, acesulfame potassium, stevia, 
or any similar substance as determined by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATES.

    (a) Effective Date.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act 
and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of 
the enactment of this Act.
    (b) Effective Date of Amendments.--The amendments made by this Act 
shall take effect 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
To designate all of Puerto Rico as an opportunity zone.
Bill: H.R.1740 | Sponsor: Resident Commissioner González-Colón, Jenniffer (R-PR)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
This bill removes conditions on the designation of Puerto Rico as a qualified opportunity zone. In general, a qualified opportunity zone is an economically-distressed community where new investment may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.

To designate all of Puerto Rico as an opportunity zone.

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

SECTION 1. ALL OF PUERTO RICO DESIGNATED AS AN OPPORTUNITY ZONE.

    (a) In General.--Section 1400Z-1(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986 is amended by striking ``that is a low-income community shall 
be deemed to be certified and designated as a qualified opportunity 
zone, effective on the date of the enactment of Public Law 115-97'' and 
inserting ``shall be deemed to be certified and designated as a 
qualified opportunity zone.''
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply 
to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020.
                                 <all>
Military Benefits Accountability Act
Bill: H.R.6194 | Sponsor: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa (D-MI)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Military Benefits Accountability Act
This bill requires that pre-separation counseling for members of the Armed Forces include training regarding the consequences to members who are convicted of a crime, specifically regarding the loss of benefits.


To amend title 10, United States Code, to include training on 
 consequences of committing a crime in preseparation counseling of the 
      Transition Assistance Program of the Department of 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 ``Military Benefits Accountability 
Act''.

SEC. 2. TRAINING ON CONSEQUENCES OF COMMITTING A CRIME IN PRESEPARATION 
              COUNSELING OF THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--Subsection (b) of section 1142 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
            ``(20) Training regarding the consequences to such a member 
        who is convicted of a crime, specifically regarding the loss of 
        benefits from the Federal Government to such member.''.
    (b) Implementation Date.--The Secretary concerned shall carry out 
paragraph (20) of such subsection, as added by subsection (a), not 
later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (c) Development.--The Secretary of Defense shall develop the 
training under such paragraph.
    (d) Progress Briefing.--Not later than 180 days of the enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives 
regarding progress of the Secretary in preparing the training under 
such paragraph.
                                 <all>
Improving Trucking Capacity and Efficiency Act
Bill: H.R.8411 | Sponsor: Rep. Mast, Brian J. (R-FL)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Improving Trucking Capacity and Efficiency Act
This bill extends the permissible length of certain semitrailers or trailers operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination from 28 to 33 feet.

To amend title 49, United States Code, with respect to length 
  limitations of certain semitrailer or trailers operating in a truck 
    tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination, 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 ``Improving Trucking Capacity and 
Efficiency Act''.

SEC. 2. LENGTH LIMITATIONS.

    Section 31111(b)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ``or of less than 28 feet on a semitrailer or trailer 
operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination,'' and 
inserting ``or, notwithstanding section 31112, of less than 33 feet on 
a semitrailer or trailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-
trailer combination,''.
                                 <all>
Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act
Bill: H.R.6389 | Sponsor: Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott (D-IL)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act
This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any civil damages, restitution, or other monetary award (including compensatory or statutory damages and restitution imposed in a criminal matter) awarded pursuant to an order of mandatory restitution or in a criminal proceeding for peonage, slavery, or human trafficking.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an exemption from 
 gross income for mandatory restitution or civil damages as recompense 
                      for trafficking in persons.

    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 ``Human Trafficking Survivor Tax 
Relief Act''.

SEC. 2. EXEMPTING FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION RESTITUTION AND CIVIL 
              DAMAGES AWARDED UNDER SECTIONS 1593 AND 1595 OF TITLE 18, 
              UNITED STATES CODE.

    (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting before section 
140 the following new section:

``SEC. 139J. CERTAIN AMOUNT RECEIVED AS RESTITUTION OR CIVIL DAMAGES AS 
              RECOMPENSE FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS.

    ``Gross income shall not include any civil damages, restitution, or 
other monetary award (including compensatory or statutory damages and 
restitution imposed in a criminal matter) awarded--
            ``(1) pursuant to an order of restitution under section 
        1593 of title 18, United States Code, or
            ``(2) in an action under section 1595 of title 18, United 
        States Code.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for part III of 
subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is 
amended by inserting before the item relating to section 140 the 
following new item:

``Sec. 139J. Certain amount received as restitution or civil damages as 
                            recompense for trafficking in persons.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.
                                 <all>
Meat Packing Special Investigator Act
Bill: S.2036 | Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon (D-MT)
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
Meat Packing Special Investigator Act
This bill establishes within the Department of Agriculture's Packers and Stockyards Division the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters.
Specifically, the office must use all available tools (e.g., subpoenas) to investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by packers. Further, the bill grants the office the authority to bring any civil or administrative action authorized by that act against a packer.
Additionally, the office must

To amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to establish the Office 
  of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters, 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 ``Meat Packing Special Investigator 
Act''.

SEC. 2. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR FOR COMPETITION MATTERS.

    The Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, is amended by inserting after 
section 210 (7 U.S.C. 197c) the following:

``SEC. 211. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR FOR COMPETITION MATTERS.

    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Packers and 
Stockyards Division of the Department of Agriculture an office, to be 
known as the `Office of the Special Investigator for Competition 
Matters' (referred to in this section as the `Office').
    ``(b) Special Investigator for Competition Matters.--The Office 
shall be headed by the Special Investigator for Competition Matters 
(referred to in this section as the `Special Investigator'), who shall 
be appointed by the Secretary.
    ``(c) Duties.--The Special Investigator shall--
            ``(1) use all available tools, including subpoenas, to 
        investigate and prosecute violations of this Act by packers;
            ``(2) serve as a Department of Agriculture liaison to, and 
        act in consultation with, the Department of Justice and the 
        Federal Trade Commission with respect to competition and trade 
        practices in the food and agricultural sector;
            ``(3) act in consultation with the Department of Homeland 
        Security with respect to national security and critical 
        infrastructure security in the food and agricultural sector; 
        and
            ``(4) maintain a staff of attorneys and other professionals 
        with appropriate expertise.
    ``(d) Prosecutorial Authority.--Notwithstanding title 28, United 
States Code, the Special Investigator shall have the authority to bring 
any civil or administrative action authorized under this Act against a 
packer.''.
                                 <all>
Protecting Public Safety Employees' Timely Retirement Act of 2022
Bill: S.4314 | Sponsor: Sen. Toomey, Patrick (R-PA)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
Protecting Public Safety Employees' Timely Retirement Act of 2022
This bill modifies the eligible age (age 50) for the exemption from the retirement plan early withdrawal penalty for public safety officers. The bill establishes the age eligibility at age 50 or 25 years of service under the plan, whichever is earlier.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the eligible age 
for the exemption from the retirement plan early withdrawal penalty for 
                        public safety officers.

    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 ``Protecting Public Safety Employees' 
Timely Retirement Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE AGE.

    (a) In General.--Subparagraph (A) of section 72(t)(10) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``age 50'' and 
inserting ``age 50 or 25 years of service under the plan, whichever is 
earlier''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply 
to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
Rebuilding America’s Airport Infrastructure Act
Bill: H.R.2719 | Sponsor: Rep. Blumenauer, Earl (D-OR)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Rebuilding America's Airport Infrastructure Act
This bill increases the cap on the airport passenger facility charge program of the Federal Aviation Administration. The program allows certain agencies to impose a passenger facility charge on each paying passenger of an air carrier or foreign air carrier boarding an aircraft at an airport the agency controls to finance an eligible airport-related project.

To amend title 49, United States Code, to make modifications to the 
passenger facility charge program administered by the Federal Aviation 
                Administration, 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 ``Rebuilding America's Airport 
Infrastructure Act''.

SEC. 2. PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE.

    (a) In General.--Section 40117 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``of $1, $2, or 
                $3'' and inserting ``described in paragraph (4)'';
                    (B) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(4) Passenger facility charge amount.--The maximum amount 
        of a passenger facility charge imposed under paragraph (1) 
        shall be--
                    ``(A) for a 1-year period beginning on January 1, 
                2023, $5.50;
                    ``(B) for a 1-year period beginning on January 1, 
                2024, $6.50;
                    ``(C) for a 1-year period beginning on January 1, 
                2025, $7.50; and
                    ``(D) on and after January 1, 2026, $8.50 (adjusted 
                annually for inflation).'';
                    (C) in paragraph (6)--
                            (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (4)'' 
                        and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``or (4)''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (7)(A)--
                            (i) by striking ``, (4),''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``or (4)''; and
            (2) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (2)(C) by striking the semicolon 
                and inserting ``; and'';
                    (B) in paragraph (3) by striking ``; and'' and 
                inserting a period; and
                    (C) by striking paragraph (4).
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply with respect to passenger facility charges imposed on or after 
January 1, 2023.
                                 <all>