hheiden/us-congress-117-bills huggingface dataset:
ARTS Act
Bill: H.R.704 | Sponsor: Rep. Jeffries, Hakeem S. (D-NY)
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
Artistic Recognition for Talented Students Act or the ARTS Act
This bill directs the Copyright Office to waive various copyright registration-related fees for works that win certain competitions sponsored by the Congressional Institute or established by Congress. To qualify for the fee waiver, the copyright registration application must be filed within a specified time frame, but the Copyright Office may waive fees for a qualifying work even if the application is filed outside the time frame.

To amend section 708 of title 17, United States Code, to permit the 
  Register of Copyrights to waive fees for filing an application for 
  registration of a copyright claim in certain circumstances, 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 ``Artistic Recognition for Talented 
Students Act'' or the ``ARTS Act''.

SEC. 2. WAIVER OF FEES FOR WINNERS OF CERTAIN COMPETITIONS.

    Section 708 of title 17, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e)(1) In this subsection, the term `covered competition' means--
            ``(A) an art competition sponsored by the Congressional 
        Institute that is open only to high school students; and
            ``(B) the competition described in section 3 of H. Res. 77, 
        as adopted by the 113th Congress.
    ``(2) With respect to a work that wins a covered competition, the 
Register of Copyrights--
            ``(A) shall waive the requirement under subsection (a)(1) 
        with respect to an application for registration of a copyright 
        claim for that work if that application is filed not later than 
        the last day of the calendar year following the year in which 
        the work claimed by the application wins the covered 
        competition (referred to in this paragraph as the `covered 
        year'); and
            ``(B) may waive the fee described in subparagraph (A) for 
        an application filed after the end of the covered year if the 
        fee would have been waived under that subparagraph had the 
        application been submitted before the last day of the covered 
        year.''.

            Passed the House of Representatives June 23, 2021.

            Attest:

                                             CHERYL L. JOHNSON,

                                                                 Clerk.
                                                        Calendar No. 82

117th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                               H. R. 704

_______________________________________________________________________
Hatch-Waxman Improvement Act of 2022
Bill: S.4378 | Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger (R-KS)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Hatch-Waxman Improvement Act of 2022
This bill extends through FY2026 provisions that establish a period of market exclusivity for certain new drugs with single enantiomers (i.e., one of a pair of molecules that are mirror images of one another).

To reauthorize a provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
           pertaining to drugs containing single enantiomers.

    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 ``Hatch-Waxman Improvement Act of 
2022''.

SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF PROVISION PERTAINING TO DRUGS CONTAINING 
              SINGLE ENANTIOMERS.

    Section 505(u) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 
U.S.C. 355(u)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A)(ii)(II), by adding ``(other than 
        bioavailability studies)'' after ``any clinical 
        investigations''; and
            (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``October 1, 2022'' and 
        inserting ``October 1, 2027''.
                                 <all>
American Dream Employment Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.2029 | Sponsor: Rep. Kirkpatrick, Ann (D-AZ)
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
American Dream Employment Act of 2021
This bill establishes that, for the purposes of eligibility to be an officer or employee of an office of Congress, an individual shall be treated as a U.S. citizen if that individual has (1) employment authorization under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, (2) employment authorization under a grant of deferred enforced departure, or (3) temporary protected status. (Generally, these programs and statuses allow eligible aliens to remain and work in the United States.)

To provide that individuals who are beneficiaries of deferred action, 
  deferred enforced departure, or temporary protected status shall be 
    treated in the same manner as citizens of the United States for 
purposes of determining the eligibility of such individuals to serve as 
                   officers or employees of Congress.

    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 Dream Employment Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. ELIGIBILITY OF BENEFICIARIES OF DEFERRED ACTION OR TEMPORARY 
              PROTECTED STATUS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN CONGRESS.

    (a) Treatment in Same Manner as Citizens of United States.--For 
purposes of determining the eligibility of an individual described in 
subsection (b) to serve as an officer or employee of an office of 
Congress, the individual shall be treated in the same manner as an 
individual who is a citizen of the United States.
    (b) Individuals Described.--An individual described in this 
subsection is an individual--
            (1) who has been issued an employment authorization 
        document under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 
        Program of the Secretary of Homeland Security, established 
        pursuant to the memorandum from the Secretary of Homeland 
        Security entitled ``Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with 
        Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as 
        Children'', dated June 15, 2012;
            (2) whose employment is authorized pursuant to a grant of 
        deferred enforced departure; or
            (3) who has temporary protected status under section 244 of 
        the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S. 1254a).
    (c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect to 
fiscal year 2022 and each succeeding fiscal year.
                                 <all>
Criminalizing Abused Substance Templates Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.1303 | Sponsor: Rep. Kustoff, David (R-TN)
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
Criminalizing Abused Substance Templates Act of 2021
This bill makes it a crime to knowingly possess a pill press mold with the intent to manufacture a counterfeit substance in schedule I or II of the Controlled Substances Act.
A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a prison term of not more than 20 years and a fine.

To amend the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit the knowing 
possession of a pill press mold with intent to manufacture in violation 
 of such Act a counterfeit substance in schedule I or II in a capsule, 
    tablet, and other form intended for distribution, 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 ``Criminalizing Abused Substance 
Templates Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF PILL PRESS MOLDS.

    (a) Prohibition.--Section 401 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 
U.S.C. 841) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Offense Regarding Unlawful Possession of Pill Press Molds.--
            ``(1) In general.--Whoever, with intent to manufacture in 
        violation of this title a counterfeit substance in schedule I 
        or II in a capsule, tablet, or other form for distribution, 
        knowingly possesses a pill press mold, shall be imprisoned not 
        more than 20 years and fined in accordance with title 18, 
        United States Code.
            ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection, the term `pill 
        press mold' means any punch, die, plate, stone, or other object 
        designed to print, imprint, or reproduce on a controlled 
        substance (or the container or labeling thereof) the trademark, 
        trade name, or other identifying mark, imprint, number, or 
        device, or any likeness thereof, of a manufacturer, 
        distributor, or dispenser other than the person or persons who 
        in fact manufactured, created, distributed, or dispensed such 
        product, thereby rendering it a counterfeit substance.''.
    (b) Sentencing Guidelines.--Pursuant to its authority under section 
994 of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this 
section, the United States Sentencing Commission shall review and 
amend, as appropriate, the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy 
statements to ensure that the guidelines provide for a penalty 
enhancement of not less than 2 offense levels above the offense level 
otherwise applicable for a violation of section 401(a) of the 
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(a)) if the defendant is found, 
in connection with such violation of section 401(a), to be in violation 
of section 401(i) of the Controlled Substances Act, as added by 
subsection (a).
                                 <all>
Biometric Collection Improvement Act
Bill: S.4643 | Sponsor: Sen. Tillis, Thomas (R-NC)
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
Biometric Collection Improvement Act
This bill requires the Department of Justice to (1) study and recommend ways to improve the collection of biometric information by state law enforcement agencies, and (2) award grants to help law enforcement agencies implement the recommendations.

To conduct a study of the collection of biometric information by State 
law enforcement agencies, to establish a grant program to assist State, 
tribal, and local law enforcement agencies to implement best practices, 
                        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 ``Biometric Collection Improvement 
Act''.

SEC. 2. STATE PRACTICES FOR COLLECTING BIOMETRIC INFORMATION.

    (a) Study.--The Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 
consultation with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 
shall conduct a study to determine how State law enforcement agencies 
collect biometric information in the administration of the criminal 
justice system.
    (b) Report.--After completing the study required under subsection 
(a), the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics shall submit a 
report containing the results of such study to--
            (1) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate;
            (2) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
        Representatives; and
            (3) the Attorney General.
    (c) Recommendations.--The Attorney General, in consultation with 
the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Director of 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall provide recommendations to 
the chief law enforcement officer in each State that contain best 
practices for improving the collection of biometric information in the 
administration of the criminal justice system, including any 
legislative reform needed to implement such improvements.
    (d) Funding.--The study, report, and recommendations required under 
this section shall be carried out with existing funding.

SEC. 3. BIOMETRIC GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--The Assistant Attorney General of the Office of 
Justice Programs, working through the appropriate administrative agency 
in each State, shall award competitive grants to State, tribal, and 
local law enforcement agencies to assist such agencies to implement the 
best practices referred to in section 2(c).
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal year 2023 through 2027 
for grants authorized under subsection (a).
                                 <all>
Scholarship for Service: The Building Better Americans Act
Bill: H.R.6679 | Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Bill (R-OH)
Policy area: Education

Summary:
Scholarship for Service: The Building Better Americans Act
This bill establishes a scholarship-for-service program for students who served at least two years in the military, an emergency medical service, or a police force, or as a teacher's assistant or firefighter, and who submit a certification of such service prior to enrolling as an undergraduate in an institution of higher education (IHE). An eligible undergraduate student may receive a grant in the amount equal to the cost of attendance at the IHE in which the student enrolls for two academic years.

To establish a scholarship program for certain individuals who have 
   completed at least 2 years of service in the military, emergency 
     medical service, police force, or as a teacher's assistant or 
                  firefighter, 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 ``Scholarship for Service: The 
Building Better Americans Act''.

SEC. 2. SCHOLARSHIP FOR SERVICE IN THE MILITARY, POLICE FORCE, OR AS A 
              FIREFIGHTER.

    Part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1070 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

             ``Subpart 11--Scholarship for Service Program

``SEC. 420S. SCHOLARSHIP FOR SERVICE IN THE MILITARY, EMERGENCY MEDICAL 
              SERVICE, POLICE FORCE, OR AS A TEACHER'S ASSISTANT OR 
              FIREFIGHTER.

    ``(a) Definition of Eligible Student.--In this subpart, the term 
`eligible student' means a student who prior to enrolling as an 
undergraduate in an institution of higher education--
            ``(1) served at least 2 years in the military, emergency 
        medical service, police force, or as a teacher's assistant or 
        firefighter; and
            ``(2) submits to the Secretary a certification of the 
        service described in paragraph (1).
    ``(b) Grants.--
            ``(1) In general.--At the election of the eligible student 
        under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall award a grant to such 
        eligible student in the amount equal to the cost of attendance 
        at the institution of higher education in which such eligible 
        student enrolls.
            ``(2) Option of eligible student.--An eligible student may 
        elect to receive a grant under paragraph (1) for any 2 academic 
        years in which such student is an undergraduate.''.
                                 <all>
Improving Marine Highway Transportation Act of 2022
Bill: S.4780 | Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted (R-TX)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Improving Marine Highway Transportation Act of 2022
This bill modifies the definition of marine highway transportation to include the carriage by a documented vessel of cargo that is bulk, liquid, or loose cargo loaded in tanks, holds, hoppers, or on deck.

To amend the definition of marine highway transportation to include the 
carriage by a documented vessel of cargo that is bulk, liquid, or loose 
           cargo loaded in tanks, holds, hoppers, or on deck.

    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 Marine Highway 
Transportation Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. MARINE HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION DEFINITION AMENDMENT.

    Section 55605(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); 
        and
            (3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
                    ``(D) bulk, liquid, or loose cargo loaded in tanks, 
                holds, hoppers, or on deck; or''.
                                 <all>
No Harbor for Terror Act
Bill: S.2781 | Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom (R-AR)
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
No Harbor for Terror Act
This bill repeals authority granted to the President to except Iran's energy, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors from sanctions in order to provide for reconstruction assistance or economic development in Afghanistan.

To repeal the exception to sanctions with respect to the energy, 
 shipping, and shipbuilding sectors of Iran relating to reconstruction 
                      assistance for Afghanistan.

    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 Harbor for Terror Act''.

SEC. 2. REPEAL OF EXCEPTION TO SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO ENERGY, 
              SHIPPING, AND SHIPBUILDING SECTORS OF IRAN RELATING TO 
              AFGHANISTAN RECONSTRUCTION.

    Subsection (f) of section 1244 of the Iran Freedom and Counter-
Proliferation Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8803) is repealed.
National Social Emotional Learning Clearinghouse Act
Bill: H.R.5337 | Sponsor: Rep. Larsen, Rick (D-WA)
Policy area: Education

Summary:
National Social Emotional Learning Clearinghouse Act
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education to jointly establish and maintain an online clearinghouse of early childhood education and elementary school education curricula, lesson plans, and best practices related to social emotional learning.

To establish a National social emotional learning clearinghouse.

    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 ``National Social Emotional Learning 
Clearinghouse Act''.

SEC. 2. NATIONAL SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING CLEARINGHOUSE.

    Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Office 
of Child Care) and the Secretary of Education shall jointly--
            (1) establish and maintain an online clearinghouse of early 
        childhood education and elementary school education curricula, 
        lesson plans, and best practices, which shall--
                    (A) prioritize social emotional learning resources 
                (such as resources to address trauma, anxiety, 
                depression and other social or behavioral disorders) 
                for children from birth through the elementary school;
                    (B) include best practices and studies exploring 
                best practices, crisis intervention training and de-
                escalation, social emotional learning curriculums and 
                lesson plans, and ready to use worksheets or 
                interactive learning resources for early childhood 
                learners and elementary school students; and
                    (C) include social emotional resources for children 
                with disabilities, including training resources to 
                assist families and child care workers in assessing 
                functional behaviors and creating responsive and 
                appropriate behavioral intervention plans; and
            (2) conduct a national advertising campaign to inform child 
        care professionals, families or parents providing 
        homeschooling, and educators and caregivers of children from 
        birth through age 12 of such online clearinghouse.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Child with a disability.--The term ``child with a 
        disability'' has the meaning given such term in section 602 of 
        the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
        1401).
            (2) Elementary school.--The term ``elementary school'' has 
        the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary 
        and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
                                 <all>
NFIP Extension Act of 2021
Bill: S.2724 | Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John (R-LA)
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
NFIP Extension Act of 2021
This bill reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program through September 30, 2022.
The bill shall take effect as if it had been enacted on September 30, 2021.

To reauthorize 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 Extension Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) Financing.--Section 1309(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act 
of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016(a)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 
2021'' and inserting ``September 30, 2022''.
    (b) Program Expiration.--Section 1319 of the National Flood 
Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4026) is amended by striking 
``September 30, 2021'' and inserting ``September 30, 2022''.
    (c) Retroactive Effective Date.--If this Act is enacted after 
September 30, 2021, the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) 
shall take effect as if enacted on September 30, 2021.
                                 <all>
Supporting All Veteran Families Act
Bill: H.R.6849 | Sponsor: Rep. Newman, Marie (D-IL)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
Supporting All Veteran Families Act
This bill updates terminology related to marriage under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including by removing the specification that a spouse must be a person of the opposite sex.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to update certain terminology 
  related to marriage under the laws administered by the Secretary of 
                           Veterans Affairs.

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting All Veteran Families 
Act''.

SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MARRIAGE TERMINOLOGY.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 101 of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) by striking ``of the opposite sex''; and
                    (B) by striking ``or (in cases not involving 
                remarriage) has not since the death of the veteran, and 
                after September 19, 1962, lived with another person and 
                held himself or herself out openly to the public to be 
                the spouse of such other person''; and
            (2) in paragraph (31), by striking ``of the opposite sex''.
    (b) Special Provisions Relating to Marriages.--Section 103 of title 
38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``and holding himself or 
herself out openly to the public as that person's spouse''.
                                 <all>
Taxpayer Receipt Act
Bill: S.1706 | Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike (R-IN)
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance

Summary:
Taxpayer Receipt Act
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to provide taxpayers with a one-page document that contains information regarding the federal budget for the most recently completed fiscal year. The document must include total outlays during the year, total revenues collected during the year, the deficit or surplus for the year, and the total debt held by the public.

To require the Secretary of the Treasury to provide taxpayers with 
               information regarding the Federal budget.

    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 ``Taxpayer Receipt Act''.

SEC. 2. INFORMATION REGARDING THE FEDERAL BUDGET.

    The Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary's delegate, shall 
provide, to each individual filing a Federal income tax return for a 
taxable year, a one-page document which contains, with respect to the 
most recently completed fiscal year--
            (1) total Federal outlays during such year;
            (2) total Federal revenues collected during such year;
            (3) the Federal deficit or surplus for such year; and
            (4) the total Federal debt held by the public.
                                 <all>
To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Charles R. Johnson for acts of valor during the Korean War while a member of the Army.
Bill: H.R.5839 | Sponsor: Rep. Delgado, Antonio (D-NY)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Charles R. Johnson for his acts of valor as a private first class in the Army on June 11 and 12, 1953, during the Korean War.

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Charles R. 
 Johnson for acts of valor during the Korean War while a member of the 
                                 Army.

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

SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR TO CHARLES R. 
              JOHNSON FOR ACTS OF VALOR DURING THE KOREAN WAR.

    (a) Authorization.--Notwithstanding the time limitations specified 
in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time 
limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons 
who served in the Armed Forces, the President may posthumously award 
the Medal of Honor under section 7271 of such title to Charles R. 
Johnson for the acts of valor described in the subsection (b).
    (b) Acts of Valor Described.--The acts of valor described in this 
subsection are the actions of Charles R. Johnson as a private first 
class in the Army, on June 11 and 12, 1953, during the Korean War, for 
which he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.
                                 <all>
DUMP Opioids Act
Bill: S.957 | Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John (R-LA)
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate periods during which any individual may dispose of controlled substances medications at VA medical facilities with an on-site pharmacy or a physical location dedicated for law enforcement purposes.
The bill also authorizes the VA to carry out public information campaigns regarding the designated disposal periods.

[117th Congress Public Law 29]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page 135 STAT. 306]]

Public Law 117-29
117th Congress

                                 An Act


 
   To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that certain 
 medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs have physical 
          locations for the disposal of controlled substances 
            medications. <<NOTE: July 29, 2021 -  [S. 957]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF PERIODS DURING WHICH ANY INDIVIDUAL MAY 
                              DISPOSE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES 
                              MEDICATIONS AT FACILITIES OF THE 
                              DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    Section 3009 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans 
Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315; 38 
U.S.C. 8110 note) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (b) and (c) as subsections 
        (c) and (d), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
        subsection (b):

    ``(b) Designation of Periods for Any Individual to Dispose of 
Medication.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall designate periods 
        during which any individual may dispose of controlled substances 
        medications at a covered Department medical facility.
            ``(2) Public information campaigns.--The Secretary may carry 
        out public information campaigns regarding the periods 
        designated under paragraph (1).''.

    Approved July 29, 2021.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 957:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 167 (2021):
            Apr. 22, considered and passed Senate.
            July 26, 27, considered and passed House.

                                  <all>
CHOICE Act
Bill: H.R.5777 | Sponsor: Rep. Keller, Fred (R-PA)
Policy area: Education

Summary:
Connecting Higher Opportunities In College Education Act or the CHOICE Act
This bill makes certain job training programs eligible for federal student aid.
To be eligible, a program must (1) provide at least 150 clock hours, 4 semester hours, or 6 quarter hours of instructional time over a minimum of 8 weeks; (2) have verified completion and placement rates meeting a minimum standard; and (3) provide training aligned with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the state or local area in which the program is provided.

To amend the definition of eligible program under the Higher Education 
 Act of 1965 for the purposes of eligibility for Federal financial aid.

    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 ``Connecting Higher Opportunities In 
College Education Act'' or the ``CHOICE Act''.

SEC. 2. JOB TRAINING PROGRAM.

    Section 481(b)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1088(b)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A)(ii);
            (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking the period and 
        inserting ``; or''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C)(i) 150 clock hours of instruction, 4 semester 
                hours, or 6 quarter hours, offered during a minimum of 
                8 weeks, that--
                                    ``(I) has a verified completion 
                                rate of at least 70 percent, as 
                                determined in accordance with the 
                                regulations of the Secretary;
                                    ``(II) has a verified placement 
                                rate of at least 70 percent, as 
                                determined in accordance with the 
                                regulations of the Secretary; and
                                    ``(III) provides training aligned 
                                with the requirements of high-skill, 
                                high-wage, or in-demand industry 
                                sectors or occupations in the State or 
                                local area in which the job training 
                                program is provided, as determined by 
                                an industry or sector partnership in 
                                such State or local area.
                    ``(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the terms 
                `in-demand industry sector or occupation', `industry or 
                sector partnership', and `local area' have the meanings 
                given the terms in section 3 of the Workforce 
                Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).''.
                                 <all>
A bill to express the sense of Congress on interoperability with Taiwan.
Bill: S.3178 | Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John (R-TX)
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
This bill states that the United States should seek to support (1) improving Taiwan's asymmetric defense capabilities; (2) bolstering deterrence to preserve peace, security, and stability across the Taiwan Strait; (3) and deepening defense capability interoperability with Taiwan.

To express the sense of Congress on interoperability with Taiwan.

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

SECTION 1. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INTEROPERABILITY WITH TAIWAN.

    It is the sense of Congress that, consistent with the Taiwan 
Relations Act (Public Law 96-8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) and the Six 
Assurances, the United States should seek to support the goals of--
            (1) improving asymmetric defense capabilities of Taiwan;
            (2) bolstering deterrence to preserve peace, security, and 
        stability across the Taiwan Strait; and
            (3) deepening interoperability with Taiwan in defense 
        capabilities, including in--
                    (A) maritime and air domain awareness; and
                    (B) integrated air and missile defense systems.
                                 <all>
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2245 Rosa L Parks Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee, as the "Thelma Harper Post Office Building".
Bill: H.R.5271 | Sponsor: Rep. Cooper, Jim (D-TN)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
This act designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2245 Rosa L Parks Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee, as the Thelma Harper Post Office Building.

[117th Congress Public Law 277]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page 136 STAT. 4187]]

Public Law 117-277
117th Congress

                                 An Act


 
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 
  2245 Rosa L Parks Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee, as the ``Thelma 
 Harper Post Office Building''. <<NOTE: Dec. 27, 2022 -  [H.R. 5271]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. THELMA HARPER POST OFFICE BUILDING.

    (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service 
located at 2245 Rosa L Parks Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee, shall be 
known and designated as the ``Thelma Harper Post Office Building''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to 
in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Thelma 
Harper Post Office Building''.

    Approved December 27, 2022.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 5271:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 168 (2022):
            July 12, considered and passed House.
            Dec. 19, considered and passed Senate.

                                  <all>
HELPS Retirees Improvement Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.7203 | Sponsor: Rep. Chabot, Steve (R-OH)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
Wally Bunker Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety Retirees Improvement Act of 2022 or the HELPS Retirees Improvement Act of 2022
This bill increases from $3,000 to $6,000 the amount of the exclusion from gross income of distributions from a tax-exempt retirement plan for health and long-term care insurance for public safety officers. It also eliminates the requirement that insurance premiums must be paid directly to the provider of the accident or health plan or long-term care insurance contract as a condition of eligibility for the tax exclusion.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the direct payment 
 requirement on the exclusion from gross income of distributions from 
  governmental plans for health and long-term care insurance, 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 ``Wally Bunker Healthcare Enhancement 
for Local Public Safety Retirees Improvement Act of 2022'' or the 
``HELPS Retirees Improvement Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. INCREASE IN AMOUNT EXCLUDED FROM GROSS INCOME BY REASON OF 
              DISTRIBUTIONS FROM GOVERNMENTAL RETIREMENT PLANS FOR 
              HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY 
              OFFICERS.

    (a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 402(l) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``$3,000'' and inserting 
``$6,000''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall 
apply to distributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 
2021.

SEC. 3. REPEAL OF DIRECT PAYMENT REQUIREMENT ON EXCLUSION FROM GROSS 
              INCOME OF DISTRIBUTIONS FROM GOVERNMENTAL PLANS FOR 
              HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 402(l)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended to read as follows:
            ``(5) Aggregation rule.--For purposes of this subsection, 
        all eligible retirement plans of an employer shall be treated 
        as a single plan.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply 
to distributions made after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 <all>
Public Health Emergency Flexibility Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.9205 | Sponsor: Rep. Casten, Sean (D-IL)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Public Health Emergency Flexibility Act of 2022
This bill allows specified COVID-19 funding that was made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to also be used to address monkeypox. (Monkeypox is a viral disease that is endemic to parts of Africa and causes symptoms similar to, but less severe than, smallpox.)

To allow certain public health funds appropriated by the American 
  Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to be used to address the monkeypox public 
                           health emergency.

    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 ``Public Health Emergency Flexibility 
Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. FUNDING FOR ADDRESSING MONKEYPOX PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.

    (a) Use by Respective Secretaries.--Covered funds may, without 
further appropriation, be used by the respective Secretary with respect 
to monkeypox to the same extent and in the same manner as such funds 
are authorized to be used with respect to COVID-19.
    (b) Use by Certain Awardees.--Notwithstanding the terms of any 
award of covered funds that was made before the date of enactment of 
this Act to a State, local, Tribal, or territorial government, such 
government may use such award with respect to monkeypox to the same 
extent and in the same manner as such award is authorized to be used 
with respect to COVID-19.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``covered funds'' means funds that--
                    (A) were appropriated by subtitle D, E, F, G, or H 
                of title II, or subtitle M or N of title IX, of the 
                American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2), as 
                amended; and
                    (B) have not been otherwise obligated or expended.
            (2) The term ``respective Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        to which the covered funds were appropriated.
                                 <all>
Food Recovery Transportation Act
Bill: H.R.2527 | Sponsor: Rep. McKinley, David B. (R-WV)
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
Food Recovery Transportation Act
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to award grants to public food service providers, tribal organizations, or private nonprofit entities for activities related to food recovery.

To establish a grant program to provide certain eligible entities 
     engaged in food recovery with grants to support certain costs.

    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 ``Food Recovery Transportation Act''.

SEC. 2. FOOD WASTE RECOVERY TRANSPORTATION GRANTS.

    (a) Authority To Provide Assistance.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out 
        this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make grants to 
        assist an eligible entity with--
                    (A) purchasing, leasing, or otherwise acquiring 
                vehicles, including refrigerated vehicles, or other 
                equipment to carry out activities related to food 
                recovery;
                    (B) reimbursing travel costs related to food 
                recovery at the per mile rate established by the 
                Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service; and
                    (C) the costs of preparing, storing, and 
                transporting donated food.
            (2) Limitation.--An eligible entity may only receive one 
        grant under this section.
    (b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
subsection (a), an eligible entity shall submit an application to the 
Secretary of Agriculture, at such time, in such manner, and containing 
such information as the Secretary of Agriculture may require.
    (c) Eligible Entity.--To be eligible for a grant under subsection 
(a), a public food program service provider, a tribal organization, or 
a private nonprofit entity (including a gleaner) shall--
            (1) have experience in the area of--
                    (A) food recovery and distribution, particularly 
                concerning small and medium-sized farms;
                    (B) job training and business development 
                activities for food-related activities in low-income 
                communities; or
                    (C) efforts to reduce food insecurity in the 
                community, including food recovery and distribution, 
                improving access to services, or coordinating services 
                and programs; and
            (2) demonstrate competency to implement a project, provide 
        fiscal accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and 
        other necessary documentation.
    (d) Gleaner Defined.--In this section, the term ``gleaner'' has the 
meaning given the term in section 25(a)(2) of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034(a)(2)).
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to carry 
out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.
                                 <all>
Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.1717 | Sponsor: Rep. Upton, Fred (R-MI)
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act of 2021
This bill makes permanent certain provisions regarding Medicaid eligibility that protect against spousal impoverishment for recipients of home and community-based services. Under current law, these provisions expire on September 30, 2023.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to make permanent the 
 protections under Medicaid for recipients of home and community-based 
                services against spousal impoverishment.

    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 Married Seniors from 
Impoverishment Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. MAKING PERMANENT THE PROTECTION UNDER MEDICAID FOR RECIPIENTS 
              OF HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES AGAINST SPOUSAL 
              IMPOVERISHMENT.

    (a) In General.--Section 1924(h)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1396r-5(h)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``(at the option of 
the State) is described in section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(VI)'' and 
inserting the following: ``is eligible for medical assistance for home 
and community-based services provided under subsection (c), (d), or (i) 
of section 1915, under a waiver approved under section 1115, or who is 
eligible for such medical assistance by reason of being determined 
eligible under section 1902(a)(10)(C) or by reason of section 1902(f) 
or otherwise on the basis of a reduction of income based on costs 
incurred for medical or other remedial care, or who is eligible for 
medical assistance for home and community-based attendant services and 
supports under section 1915(k)''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2404 of the Patient Protection 
and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r-5) is amended by striking 
``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``the date of the enactment of the 
Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act of 2021''.
                                 <all>
ABLE Age Adjustment Act
Bill: H.R.1219 | Sponsor: Rep. Cárdenas, Tony (D-CA)
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
ABLE Age Adjustment Act
This bill increases from 26 to 46 the age threshold for tax-favored ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts. (ABLE accounts are designed to enable individuals with disabilities to save for and pay for disability-related expenses. To establish an account, an individual must have a qualifying impairment that began before the individual attained the age threshold.)

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the age 
  requirement with respect to eligibility for qualified ABLE programs.

    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 ``ABLE Age Adjustment Act''.

SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF AGE REQUIREMENT FOR QUALIFIED ABLE PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Section 529A(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by striking ``age 26'' in paragraphs (1)(A) and 
(2)(A)(i)(II) and inserting ``age 46''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of 
this Act.
                                 <all>
School Lunch Affordability Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.2693 | Sponsor: Rep. Hartzler, Vicky (R-MO)
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
School Lunch Affordability Act of 2021
This bill provides that only school food authorities with a negative balance in the nonprofit school food service account on June 30 of the year preceding the previous school year are required to establish a price for paid lunches using the formula specified under current law (known as Paid Lunch Equity requirements).

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require 
 that only a school food authority that had a negative balance in the 
    nonprofit school food service account on June 30th of the year 
  preceding the previous school year shall be required to establish a 
                        price for paid lunches.

    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 ``School Lunch Affordability Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. REQUIRED PRICE FOR PAID LUNCH.

    Section 12(p)(2)(A) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch 
Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(p)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``that had a 
negative balance in the nonprofit school food service account on June 
30th of the year preceding the previous school year'' after ``school 
food authority''.
                                 <all>