hheiden/us-congress-117-bills huggingface dataset:
American Defense PLANS Act of 2022
Bill: S.4853 | Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John (R-TX)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
American Defense Programs, Logistics, and Acquisitions for our Nation's Security Act of 2022 or the American Defense PLANS Act of 2022
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to enter into an arrangement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a study of the programs, acquisitions, and budget of DOD and make recommendations regarding how DOD can ensure program development cycles and acquisition of new technologies keep pace with the rate at which DOD technologies become outdated or are replaced.

To require a study of the programs, acquisitions, and budget 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 ``American Defense Programs, 
Logistics, and Acquisitions for our Nation's Security Act of 2022'' or 
the ``American Defense PLANS Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. STUDY OF THE PROGRAMS, ACQUISITIONS, AND BUDGET OF THE 
              DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into 
an arrangement with a federally funded research and development center 
under which the center will--
            (1) conduct a study of the programs, acquisitions, and 
        budget of the Department of Defense; and
            (2) make recommendations with respect to how the Department 
        can ensure that program development cycles and acquisition of 
        new technologies within the Department can best keep pace with 
        the increasing rate at which technologies acquired for programs 
        of the Department become outdated or are replaced by new 
        technologies.
    (b) Report Required.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
on the study required by subsection (a).
                                 <all>
Make Marriage Great Again Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.361 | Sponsor: Rep. Steube, W. Gregory (R-FL)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
Make Marriage Great Again Act of 2021
This bill addresses the tax effect commonly known as the marriage penalty by modifying the tax brackets and income thresholds that married individuals use to calculate their tax liability.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate the marriage 
                penalty in the income tax rate brackets.

    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 Marriage Great Again Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF MARRIAGE PENALTY IN INCOME TAX RATE BRACKETS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(k) Elimination of Marriage Penalty.--In the case of any taxable 
year beginning after December 31, 2020--
            ``(1) in lieu of the table which would otherwise apply 
        under subsection (a) or (j)(2)(A) for such taxable year, the 
        table which applies under subsection (c) or (j)(2)(C), 
        respectively, shall apply determined by substituting for each 
        dollar amount contained therein a dollar amount which is twice 
        such dollar amount (as otherwise in effect for such taxable 
        year),
            ``(2) subsection (c) shall be applied without regard to the 
        phrase `who is not a married individual (as defined in section 
        7703)', and
            ``(3) subsections (d) and (j)(2)(D) shall not apply.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply 
to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020.
                                 <all>
To amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize travel and transportation allowances for family members to attend the funeral and memorial services of members of the uniformed services.
Bill: H.R.5299 | Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe (D-CO)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
This bill authorizes travel and transportation allowances for family members to attend funeral and memorial services of members of the uniformed services.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize travel and 
transportation allowances for family members to attend the funeral and 
        memorial services of members of the uniformed services.

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

SECTION 1. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCES FOR FAMILY MEMBERS TO 
              ATTEND THE FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICES OF MEMBERS.

    Section 452(b) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(18) Presence of family members at the funeral and 
        memorial services of members.''.
                                 <all>
Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act
Bill: H.R.7867 | Sponsor: Rep. Gomez, Jimmy (D-CA)
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act
This bill exempts Special Immigrant Juveniles visas from certain annual numerical limitations on such visas. (Generally, Special Immigrant Juvenile status is available to qualifying non-U.S. nationals under 21 years of age who are in the United States and have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent.)

To eliminate employment-based visa caps on abused, abandoned, and 
  neglected children eligible for humanitarian status, 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 Vulnerable Immigrant Youth 
Act''.

SEC. 2. ELIMINATING CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA CAPS.

    (a) Aliens Not Subject to Direct Numerical Limitations.--Section 
201(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1151(b)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``subparagraph (A) or (B)'' and 
inserting ``subparagraph (A), (B), or (J)''.
    (b) Preference Allocation for Employment-Based Immigrants.--Section 
203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(4)) 
is amended by striking ``subparagraph (A) or (B)'' and inserting 
``subparagraph (A), (B), or (J)''.
                                 <all>
Defend the Blend Act
Bill: H.R.6071 | Sponsor: Rep. Hinson, Ashley (R-IA)
Policy area: Energy

Summary:
Defend the Blend Act
This bill prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from reducing under the renewable fuel program any applicable volume, or any renewable fuel obligation or applicable percentage that has already been finalized for any calendar year.

To prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency 
from retroactively reducing certain determinations under the Renewable 
                 Fuel Program, 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 ``Defend the Blend Act''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION AGAINST RETROACTIVE REDUCTIONS OF DETERMINATIONS 
              UNDER THE RENEWABLE FUEL PROGRAM.

    The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may not 
reduce any applicable volume determined under subsection (o)(2) of 
section 211 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545), or any renewable 
fuel obligation or applicable percentage determined under subsection 
(o)(3) of such section, that has already been finalized for any 
calendar year.
                                 <all>
Preserving Direct Seller Independence Act
Bill: H.R.5038 | Sponsor: Rep. Walberg, Tim (R-MI)
Policy area: Labor and Employment

Summary:
Preserving Direct Seller Independence Act
This bill excludes a real estate agent or a direct seller of consumer products from the definition of an employee for the purpose of applying the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify the definition 
  of employee as it relates to direct sellers, 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 ``Preserving Direct Seller 
Independence Act''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 3(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 
203(e)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
    ``(6) The term `employee' does not include any person identified in 
section 3508(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''.
                                 <all>
No Travel for Traffickers Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.6911 | Sponsor: Rep. Owens, Burgess (R-UT)
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
No Travel for Traffickers Act of 2022
This bill bars from the visa waiver program any country that allows individuals to obtain citizenship by making an investment in that country.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the 
  participation in the Visa Waiver Program of certain countries that 
  provide citizenship for investment programs, 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 ``No Travel for Traffickers Act of 
2022''.

SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON PARTICIPATION IN THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM.

    Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1187) 
is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the 
        following:
                    ``(H) Not a disqualified country.--The country is 
                not a country disqualified from designation under 
                subsection (j).''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(j) Disqualified Countries.--A country shall be ineligible for 
designation under subsection (c) as a program country if the country 
has in effect any program permitting an individual who is not a 
national of that country to be provided with citizenship, on condition 
that the individual make an investment in that country.''.

SEC. 3. LIST OF FOREIGN STATES WITH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMS.

    No later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide to the appropriate 
congressional committees an unclassified list of countries ineligible 
for designation as program countries under section 217(j) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act.

SEC. 4. COOPERATION WITH EUROPEAN UNION AND UNITED KINGDOM.

    The Secretary of Homeland Security shall engage with partners in 
the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other relevant partners to 
eliminate Schengen area visa-free travel access for foreign states that 
are ineligible for designation as program countries under section 
217(j) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

SEC. 5. RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR FOREIGN VETTING.

    No amounts made available in appropriations Acts may be used for 
the purpose of vetting applicants for a program described in section 
217(j) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on behalf of, or at the 
request of, a foreign state, or to otherwise assist a foreign state 
with the operation of such a program.
                                 <all>
NFIP Risk Rating 2.0 Delay Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.5793 | Sponsor: Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario (R-FL)
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
NFIP Risk Rating 2.0 Delay Act of 2021
This bill freezes premium rates for flood insurance provided through the National Flood Insurance Program through September 30, 2022.

To temporarily limit the authority of the Administrator of the Federal 
 Emergency Management Agency to prescribe chargeable premium rates for 
      flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance 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 ``NFIP Risk Rating 2.0 Delay Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. PREMIUM RATE FREEZE.

    Notwithstanding section 1308(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act 
of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(a)), during the period beginning on the date of 
enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2022, the chargeable 
premium rates for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood 
Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.), as in effect on the day 
before that date of enactment--
            (1) shall remain in effect; and
            (2) may not be adjusted by the Administrator of the Federal 
        Emergency Management Agency.
                                 <all>
Establishing Public Accountability Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.964 | Sponsor: Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. (R-TX)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
Establishing Public Accountability Act of 2021
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to include a statement regarding the net gain or loss of domestic jobs that is likely to result if a rule is adopted, as well as the accompanying analysis, in the notice of proposed rulemaking.

To amend title 5, United States Code, to require the Environmental 
 Protection Agency to include in any notice of rulemaking a statement 
regarding the impact of the rule on job loss or creation, 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 ``Establishing Public Accountability 
Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. EFFECT ON JOBS STATEMENT REQUIRED FOR NOTICE OF RULEMAKINGS BY 
              EPA.

    Section 553(b) of title 5, United States Code is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
            ``(4) in the case of a rulemaking by the Environmental 
        Protection Agency, a statement that identifies any net gain or 
        loss of domestic jobs that is likely to result if the rule is 
        adopted, and includes the analysis used to identify that net 
        gain or loss.''.
                                 <all>
Relief for Seasonal Businesses Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.4578 | Sponsor: Rep. Rice, Tom (R-SC)
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
Relief for Seasonal Businesses Act of 2021
This bill raises the annual numerical limit on H-2B (temporary nonagricultural workers) nonimmigrant visas and provides an exemption to this cap for certain applicants.
Specifically, the bill raises the annual cap on such visas from 66,000 to 350,000. Furthermore, if a worker seeking an H-2B visa had been counted toward the annual cap in one of the three preceding fiscal years, that worker shall not be counted against the cap again.

To expand the H-2B visa program, 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 ``Relief for Seasonal Businesses Act 
of 2021''.

SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF H-2B PROGRAM.

    Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
(g)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(B) by striking ``66,000'' and 
        inserting ``350,000'';
            (2) in paragraph (9), to read as follows:
            ``(9) Returning workers.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and 
                (C), an alien shall not again be counted toward such 
                limitation during fiscal year if that alien had already 
                been counted toward the numerical limitation of 
                paragraph (1)(B) during any of the 3 fiscal years 
                immediately preceding that fiscal year. Such an alien 
                shall be considered a returning worker.
                    ``(B) Petitions.--A petition to admit or otherwise 
                provide status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) shall 
                include, with respect to a returning worker--
                            ``(i) all information and evidence that the 
                        Secretary of Homeland Security determines is 
                        required to support a petition for status under 
                        section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b);
                            ``(ii) the full name of the alien; and
                            ``(iii) a certification to the Department 
                        of Homeland Security that the alien is a 
                        returning worker.
                    ``(C) Approval.--An H-2B visa or grant of 
                nonimmigrant status for a returning worker shall be 
                approved only if the alien is confirmed to be a 
                returning worker by--
                            ``(i) the Department of State; or
                            ``(ii) if the alien is visa exempt or 
                        seeking to change to status under section 101 
                        (a)(15)(H)(ii)(b), the Department of Homeland 
                        Security.''; and
            (3) in paragraph (10), by striking ``33,000'' and inserting 
        ``175,000''.
                                 <all>
Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.7904 | Sponsor: Rep. Torres, Norma J. (D-CA)
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act of 2022
This bill expands reporting requirements with respect to sales or dispositions of multiple firearms.
Currently, a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a gun dealer) must report multiple sales or dispositions of pistols or revolvers to the same person within five business days. This bill requires a federal firearms licensee to report multiple sales or dispositions of any firearms to the same person within five business days.

To amend title 18, United States Code, to expand to all firearms the 
 requirement that Federal firearms licensees report sales of 2 or more 
 handguns to the same unlicensed person within 5 consecutive business 
                                 days.

    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 ``Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting 
Modernization Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF FEDERAL FIREARM LICENSEE MULTIPLE SALES REPORTING 
              REQUIREMENT TO ALL FIREARMS.

    Section 923(g)(3)(A) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``pistols, or revolvers, or any combination of pistols and 
revolvers totalling two or more,'' and inserting ``firearms''.
                                 <all>
Continued Waiver of Interest on State Unemployment Loans during the Pandemic Act
Bill: H.R.6922 | Sponsor: Rep. Davis, Danny K. (D-IL)
Policy area: Labor and Employment

Summary:
Continued Waiver of Interest on State Unemployment Loans during the Pandemic Act
This bill extends the waiver on interest on State Unemployment Loans from September 6, 2021, to September 30, 2022.

To continue the temporary waiver of interest on State unemployment 
 loans during the pandemic to provide additional relief, 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 ``Continued Waiver of Interest on 
State Unemployment Loans during the Pandemic Act''.

SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF INTEREST-FREE LOANS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1202(b)(10)(A) of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1322(b)(10)(A)) is amended by striking ``September 6, 2021'' 
and inserting ``September 30, 2022''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect as if included in the enactment of the Families First 
Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116-127).
                                 <all>
Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act
Bill: S.1784 | Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy (D-IL)
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act  This bill revises the requirements for the verification of prescriptions related to the purchase of contact lenses. Specifically, online sellers of prescription contact lenses must provide consumers with a method to transmit a digital copy of their prescriptions to such sellers. Online sellers also must encrypt protected health information they send by email.  Additionally, the bill prohibits any seller of prescription contact lenses from using telephone calls with an artificial or prerecorded voice (i.e., robocalls) to verify a consumer's prescription.

To amend the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act to modernize 
  verification of contact lens prescriptions, 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 ``Contact Lens Prescription 
Verification Modernization Act''.

SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS.

    Section 4 of the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (15 U.S.C. 
7603) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and adjusting 
                the margins accordingly;
                    (B) by striking ``A seller may'' and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) Sellers generally.--A seller may''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraphs:
            ``(2) Online sellers.--An online seller of contact lenses 
        shall provide a method that enables an individual to 
        electronically transmit, in accordance with the HIPAA privacy 
        regulation (as defined in section 1180(b)(3) of the Social 
        Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-9(b)(3))), a copy of a contact 
        lens prescription for such individual.
            ``(3) Encryption required.--Any protected health 
        information (as defined for purposes of the HIPAA privacy 
        regulation) that an online seller sends pursuant to this 
        section by email shall be encrypted.'';
            (2) in subsection (c)(6), by striking ``and telephone 
        number'' and inserting the following: ``, telephone number, and 
        email address''; and
            (3) in subsection (g), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting the following: ``, but does not include a call 
        made using an artificial or prerecorded voice.''.
                                 <all>
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.2814 | Sponsor: Rep. Schiff, Adam B. (D-CA)
Policy area: Law

Summary:
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2022
This bill removes limitations on the civil liability of gun manufacturers and the disclosure of gun trace data in civil actions.
Specifically, the bill repeals the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which prohibits civil actions against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, seller, importer, dealer, or trade association for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm.
Additionally, the bill states that firearms trace data maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is not immune from legal process. Such data is subject to discovery; is admissible as evidence; and may be used, relied on, or disclosed in a civil action or administrative proceeding.

To repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, and provide 
 for the discoverability and admissibility of gun trace information in 
                           civil proceedings.


 


    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 ``Equal Access to Justice for Victims 
of Gun Violence Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. REPEAL OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE PROTECTION OF LAWFUL 
              COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT.

    Sections 2 through 4 of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms 
Act (15 U.S.C. 7901-7903) are repealed.

SEC. 3. DISCOVERABILITY AND ADMISSIBILITY OF GUN TRACE INFORMATION IN 
              CIVIL PROCEEDINGS.

    The contents of the Firearms Trace System database maintained by 
the National Trace Center of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms 
and Explosives shall not be immune from legal process, shall be subject 
to subpoena or other discovery, shall be admissible as evidence, and 
may be used, relied on, or disclosed in any manner, and testimony or 
other evidence may be permitted based on the data, on the same basis as 
other information, in a civil action in any State (including the 
District of Columbia) or Federal court or in an administrative 
proceeding.
                                                 Union Calendar No. 340

117th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                               H. R. 2814

                          [Report No. 117-436]

_______________________________________________________________________
Non-Recognition of Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Territory Act
Bill: S.4937 | Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco (R-FL)
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
Non-Recognition of Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Territory Act
This bill prohibits any federal agency from taking any action or extending any assistance that recognizes or implies recognition of Russia's sovereignty over any internationally recognized territory of Ukraine, including its airspace and territorial waters.

To prohibit the United States Government from recognizing the Russian 
  Federation's claim of sovereignty over any portion of the sovereign 
             territory of Ukraine, 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 ``Non-Recognition of Russian 
Annexation of Ukrainian Territory Act''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION AGAINST UNITED STATES RECOGNITION OF THE RUSSIAN 
              FEDERATION'S CLAIM OF SOVEREIGNTY OVER ANY PORTION OF 
              UKRAINE.

    (a) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States not 
to recognize the Russian Federation's claim of sovereignty over any 
portion of the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine, 
including its airspace and its territorial waters.
    (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 Russian Federation's claim of sovereignty 
over any portion of the internationally recognized territory of 
Ukraine, including its airspace and its territorial waters.
                                 <all>
PEERS Act of 2021
Bill: S.2144 | Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine (D-NV)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Promoting Effective and Empowering Recovery Services in Medicare Act of 2021 or the PEERS Act of 2021
This bill specifies that peer support specialists may participate in the provision of behavioral health integration services with the supervision of a physician or other entity under Medicare. The bill defines peer support specialists as individuals who are recovering from a mental health or substance-use condition and have certain national or state credentials, as specified, to provide peer support services.

To clarify the eligibility for participation of peer support 
specialists in the furnishing of behavioral health integration services 
                      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 ``Promoting Effective and Empowering 
Recovery Services in Medicare Act of 2021'' or the ``PEERS Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. CLARIFYING THE ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION OF PEER SUPPORT 
              SPECIALISTS IN THE FURNISHING OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 
              INTEGRATION SERVICES UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Nothing in title XVIII of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) shall be construed as prohibiting a peer 
support specialist (as defined in subsection (b)) from participating in 
the furnishing of behavioral health integration services under such 
title under the supervision of a physician or other entity billing for 
such services under such title.
    (b) Peer Support Specialist Defined.--For purposes of subsection 
(a), the term ``peer support specialist'' means an individual who--
            (1) is recovering from a mental health or substance use 
        condition; and
            (2) is certified as qualified to furnish peer support 
        services under a certification process consistent with the 
        National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters and inclusive 
        of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
        Administration Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral 
        Health Settings (as established by the State in which such 
        individual furnishes such services or under such national 
        certification process determined appropriate by the Secretary 
        of Health and Human Services).
                                 <all>
Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act
Bill: H.R.5966 | Sponsor: Rep. Trone, David J. (D-MD)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay certain reissued benefits (i.e., benefits that were misused by a fiduciary) to a beneficiary's estate in situations where a beneficiary predeceases a payment.
The VA must pay such benefits to an individual or entity in the following order: the estate of the beneficiary, a successor fiduciary serving the beneficiary when the beneficiary died, or the next inheritor determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of 
  Veterans Affairs to repay the estates of deceased beneficiaries for 
 certain benefits paid by the Secretary and misused by fiduciaries of 
                          such beneficiaries.

    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 ``Restoring Benefits to Defrauded 
Veterans Act''.

SEC. 2. REPAYMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF ESTATES OF 
              DECEASED BENEFICIARIES FOR CERTAIN BENEFITS PAID BY THE 
              SECRETARY AND MISUSED BY FIDUCIARIES.

    Section 6107 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
        (d) and (e), respectively;
            (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
        subsection (c):
    ``(c) Reissuance of Amounts in the Case of a Deceased 
Beneficiary.--(1) If a beneficiary described in subsection (a) 
predeceases a payment under subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary shall 
pay such benefits, subject to paragraph (2), to an individual or entity 
in the following order:
    ``(A) The estate of the beneficiary.
    ``(B) A successor fiduciary serving the beneficiary when the 
beneficiary died.
    ``(C) The next inheritor determined by a court of competent 
jurisdiction.
    ``(2) The Secretary may not make a payment under this subsection to 
a fiduciary who misused benefits of the beneficiary.''; and
            (3) in subsection (e), as redesdignated, by striking 
        ``subsection (a) or (b)'' and inserting ``this section''.
                                 <all>
Parental Choices Not School Mandates Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.4983 | Sponsor: Rep. Van Duyne, Beth (R-TX)
Policy area: Education

Summary:
Parental Choices Not School Mandates Act of 2021
This bill prohibits certain educational institutions that receive federal funds from mandating COVID-19 vaccination for students. Specifically, the prohibition applies to elementary schools, secondary schools, or institutions of higher education through July 1, 2023.

To prohibit elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of 
 higher education that receive Federal funding from mandating COVID-19 
                 vaccinations, 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 ``Parental Choices Not School Mandates 
Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON MANDATING VACCINES.

    (a) In General.--An elementary school, secondary school, or 
institution of higher education that receives Federal funds may not 
mandate a COVID-19 vaccination for students with respect to the period 
that--
            (1) begins on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
            (2) ends on July 1, 2023.
    (b) Definitions.--
            (1) ESEA terms.--The terms ``elementary school'' and 
        ``secondary school'' have the meanings given such terms in 
        section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
            (2) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such 
        term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1002).
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To extend by 19 days the authorization for the special assessment for the Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund.
Bill: H.R.8684 | Sponsor: Rep. Bass, Karen (D-CA)
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
This bill extends until September 30, 2022, the special assessment of $5,000 on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking. Currently, the special assessment expires on September 11, 2022.

To extend by 19 days the authorization for the special assessment for 
                the Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund.

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

SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR 
              DOMESTIC TRAFFICKING VICTIMS' FUND.

    Section 3014(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended, in the 
matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``September 11'' and 
inserting ``September 30''.
                                 <all>
John Lewis Foster Youth Tuition Fairness Act
Bill: H.R.2247 | Sponsor: Rep. Pocan, Mark (D-WI)
Policy area: Families

Summary:
John Lewis Foster Youth Tuition Fairness Act
This bill makes available to youth eligible for foster care transitional services the in-state tuition rate at institutions of higher education or postsecondary vocational institutions that are located out-of-state.

To require in-State tuition rates for qualifying foster youth.

    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 ``John Lewis Foster Youth Tuition 
Fairness Act''.

SEC. 2. IN-STATE TUITION RATES FOR QUALIFYING FOSTER YOUTH.

    Section 477(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(b)(3)) 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(L) A certification by the chief executive 
                officer of the State that the State will not charge 
                youths eligible for services under the State program of 
                any State under this section tuition for attendance at 
                a public institution of higher education (as defined in 
                section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965) or a 
                postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
                section 102(c) of such Act) in the State at a rate that 
                is greater than the rate charged for residents of the 
                State for such attendance.''.
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To prohibit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from directly making loans under the 7(a) loan program, and for other purposes.
Bill: H.R.6037 | Sponsor: Rep. Luetkemeyer, Blaine (R-MO)
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
This bill prohibits the Small Business Administration from directly making a loan under the 7(a) Program, which authorizes loans and loan guaranties to small businesses that meet certain requirements.

To prohibit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 
   directly making loans under the 7(a) loan program, 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. PROHIBITION ON DIRECT 7(A) LOANS.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (a) of 
section 7 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)), the 
Administrator of the Small Business Administration may not directly 
make a loan pursuant to such subsection.
    (b) Existing Loans.--The Administrator of the Small Business 
Administration shall service a direct loan made under section 7(a) of 
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)) if such loan was made before 
the date of the enactment of this Act.
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Watershed Restoration Initiative Act of 2022
Bill: S.4942 | Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike (R-UT)
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary:
Watershed Restoration Initiative Act of 2022
This bill requires the establishment of a Southwest Ecological Restoration Institute (SWERI) in Utah. Such institutes currently exist in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado and promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires and restore the health of forest and woodland ecosystems.

To amend the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 
2004 to require the establishment of an additional Institute under that 
                                  Act.

    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 ``Watershed Restoration Initiative Act 
of 2022''.

SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL INSTITUTE.

    (a) In General.--Section 5(b)(2) of the Southwest Forest Health and 
Wildfire Prevention Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6704(b)(2)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) the State of Utah.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 5(e)(1) of the Southwest Forest 
Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6704(e)(1)) is 
amended by striking ``and Colorado'' and inserting ``Colorado, and 
Utah''.
                                 <all>
Shawnee Wilderness Designation Act
Bill: S.1606 | Sponsor: Sen. Romney, Mitt (R-UT)
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary:
Shawnee Wilderness Designation Act
This bill designates approximately 289,000 acres of Forest Service land comprising the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois as the Shawnee Wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

To designate as wilderness certain National Forest System land in the 
               State of Illinois, 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 ``Shawnee Wilderness Designation 
Act''.

SEC. 2. SHAWNEE WILDERNESS, ILLINOIS.

    (a) Designation.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 
1131 et seq.), there is designated as wilderness and as a component of 
the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the 
``Shawnee Wilderness'' (referred to in this Act as the ``Wilderness''), 
the approximately 289,000 acres of Forest Service land comprising the 
Shawnee National Forest in the State of Illinois.
    (b) Map; Legal Description.--
            (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture (referred 
        to in this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall prepare a map and 
        legal description of the Wilderness.
            (2) Force of law.--The map and legal description prepared 
        under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if 
        included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct 
        clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal 
        description.
            (3) Availability.--The map and legal description prepared 
        under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public 
        inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest Service.
    (c) Administration.--Subject to valid existing rights, the 
Wilderness shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with 
the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that any reference 
in that Act to the effective date shall be considered to be a reference 
to the date of enactment of this Act.
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Court Improvement Equity Act
Bill: H.R.8233 | Sponsor: Del. Sablan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho (D-MP)
Policy area: Families

Summary:
Court Improvement Equity Act
This bill allows the Northern Mariana Islands to access state grant funds for child welfare court improvements in foster care and adoption proceedings under the Court Improvement Program (CIP).
Under current law, the Northern Mariana Islands may not receive a CIP grant because the CIP program requires that a participating state or U.S. territory be eligible to operate a Title IV-E program (i.e., be eligible to receive federal payments for the provision of foster care and adoption assistance). This bill allows the Northern Mariana Islands, the only U.S. territory not currently eligible for the Title IV-E program, to participate in the CIP program.

To authorize grants to be made on an equitable basis to highest courts 
    to assess and improve the handling of foster care and adoption 
                  proceedings, 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 ``Court Improvement Equity Act''.

SEC. 2. EQUITABLE ALLOCATION OF COURT IMPROVEMENT GRANTS TO HIGHEST 
              COURTS.

    Section 438(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 629h(c)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Certain jurisdictions.--
                    ``(A) In general.--From the amounts reserved under 
                section 436(b)(2) for a fiscal year, the Secretary 
                shall, before applying paragraph (1) of this 
                subsection, allocate 0.85 percent for a grant to the 
                highest court of each State that applies therefor and 
                is not eligible to operate a program under part E.
                    ``(B) Use of funds.--A highest court to which a 
                grant is made under this paragraph shall use the grant, 
                consistent with subsection (a), to assess and make 
                improvements to court processes and proceedings 
                relating to child safety, permanency, and well-being.
                    ``(C) State defined.--In subparagraph (A), the term 
                `State' has the meaning given the term in section 
                1101(a)(1) for purposes of title XX.
                    ``(D) Authority to request expenditure 
                information.--On request of the Secretary, an entity to 
                which a grant is made under this paragraph shall 
                provide the Secretary with such information about the 
                expenditure of the grant as the Secretary may 
                request.''.
                                 <all>
Updated Drug Labeling for Patient Safety Act
Bill: H.R.9011 | Sponsor: Rep. McEachin, A. Donald (D-VA)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Updated Drug Labeling for Patient Safety Act
This bill allows generic drug manufacturers to revise labels with updated safety information that differs from the referenced brand-name drug.

To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process to allow 
   the holders of abbreviated new drug applications to make labeling 
 changes to include new or updated safety-related information, 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 ``Updated Drug Labeling for Patient 
Safety Act''.

SEC. 2. SAFETY LABELING CHANGES INITIATED BY ANDA HOLDERS.

    (a) In General.--Section 505(j) of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(j)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
    ``(14) Notwithstanding paragraphs (2)(A)(v), the Secretary shall 
establish a process to allow the holder of an abbreviated new drug 
application to change the labeling of the drug that is the subject of 
the application to include new or updated safety-related information, 
including a process to make such changes prior to being approved by the 
Secretary.''.
    (b) Regulations.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human 
        Services shall issue a final rule to implement paragraph (14) 
        of section 505(j) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
        (21 U.S.C. 355(j)), as added by subsection (a).
            (2) Contents.--The final rule issued under paragraph (1) 
        shall include a process for conforming the labeling of a drug 
        that is labeled pursuant to such paragraph (14), the listed 
        drug (as such term is used in such section 505(j)), and other 
        drugs approved under such section 505(j) that reference such 
        listed drug.
            (3) Effective date.--The final rule issued under paragraph 
        (1) shall become effective not later than 180 days after the 
        date on which such final rule is issued.
                                 <all>