hheiden/us-congress-bill-policy-115_117 huggingface dataset:
Title: Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act of 2017
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act of 2017
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow physician assistants to provide hospice care under Medicare.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2214 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 2214

  To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the 
 recognition of attending physician assistants as attending physicians 
           to serve hospice patients, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           December 11, 2017

 Mr. Enzi (for himself and Mr. Carper) introduced the following bill; 
     which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the 
 recognition of attending physician assistants as attending physicians 
           to serve hospice patients, 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 ``Medicare Patient Access to Hospice 
Act of 2017''.

SEC. 2. RECOGNITION OF ATTENDING PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS AS ATTENDING 
              PHYSICIANS TO SERVE HOSPICE PATIENTS.

    (a) Recognition of Attending Physician Assistants as Attending 
Physicians To Serve Hospice Patients.--
            (1) In general.--Section 1861(dd)(3)(B) of the Social 
        Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(3)(B)) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``or nurse'' and inserting ``, the 
                nurse''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``, or the physician assistant (as 
                defined in such subsection)'' after ``subsection 
                (aa)(5))''.
            (2) Clarification of hospice role of physician 
        assistants.--Section 1814(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) of the Social Security 
        Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)(7)(A)(i)(I)) is amended by inserting 
        ``or a physician assistant'' after ``a nurse practitioner''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2019.
                                 <all>
Title: Gateway Arch National Park Designation Act
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary:
Gateway Arch National Park Designation Act
This bill designates the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in Missouri as the "Gateway Arch National Park."

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1438 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1438

 To redesignate the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in the State 
           of Missouri as the ``Gateway Arch National Park''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 26, 2017

  Mr. Blunt (for himself and Mrs. McCaskill) introduced the following 
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                           Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To redesignate the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in the State 
           of Missouri as the ``Gateway Arch National Park''.

    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 ``Gateway Arch National Park 
Designation Act''.

SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK.

    (a) Redesignation.--The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial 
established under the Act of May 17, 1954 (16 U.S.C. 450jj et seq.), 
shall be known and designated as the ``Gateway Arch National Park''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the Jefferson National 
Expansion Memorial shall be considered to be a reference to the 
``Gateway Arch National Park''.
                                 <all>
Title: Firearm Act of 2017
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
Firearm Act of 2017
This bill prohibits the federal government from requiring an individual's race or ethnicity to be disclosed in connection with a firearm transfer to that individual.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1592 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1592

To prohibit the Federal Government from requiring race or ethnicity to 
       be disclosed in connection with the transfer of a firearm.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 20, 2017

Mr. Blunt (for himself, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Enzi, 
Mr. Thune, Mr. Strange, and Mrs. Capito) introduced the following bill; 
  which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To prohibit the Federal Government from requiring race or ethnicity to 
       be disclosed in connection with the transfer of a firearm.

    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 ``Firearm Act of 2017''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIRING RACE OR 
              ETHNICITY TO BE DISCLOSED IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSFER 
              OF A FIREARM.

    The Federal Government may not require any person to disclose the 
race or ethnicity of the person in connection with the transfer of a 
firearm to the person.
                                 <all>
Title: Healthcare Tax Relief Act
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Healthcare Tax Relief Act
This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to delay the imposition of an annual fee on health insurance providers until after December 31, 2018.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1859 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1859

    To extend the moratorium on the annual fee on health insurance 
                               providers.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 26, 2017

  Mr. Gardner (for himself, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Johnson, Mr. 
Portman, Mr. Flake, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Heller, and 
  Mr. Scott) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
                  referred to the Committee on Finance

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
    To extend the moratorium on the annual fee on health insurance 
                               providers.

    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 ``Healthcare Tax Relief Act''.

SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF MORATORIUM ON ANNUAL FEE ON HEALTH INSURANCE 
              PROVIDERS.

    Subsection (j)(2) of section 9010 of the Patient Protection and 
Affordable Care Act is amended by striking ``December 31, 2017'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2018''.
                                 <all>
Title: Real Transparency in Airfares Act of 2017
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Real Transparency in Airfares Act of 2017
This bill sets at $55,000, or $2,500 for an individual or small business, the maximum civil penalty assessed on a person for an unfair or deceptive practice relating to unfair methods of competition in air transportation, the sale of air transportation, or specified regulations relating to price advertising and opt-out requirements.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1623 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1623

  To increase the maximum penalty for unfair and deceptive practices 
      relating to advertising of the costs of air transportation.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 24, 2017

 Mr. Menendez introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
   referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To increase the maximum penalty for unfair and deceptive practices 
      relating to advertising of the costs of air transportation.

    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 ``Real Transparency in Airfares Act of 
2017''.

SEC. 2. INCREASED PENALTIES FOR UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE AIRFARE 
              ADVERTISING PRACTICES.

    Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
    ``(7) Penalty for Violations of Unfair and Deceptive Airfare 
Advertising Practices.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the maximum 
civil penalty assessed on a person for an unfair or deceptive practice 
in violation of section 41712 and described in section 399.84 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar 
regulation or ruling), shall be--
            ``(A) $55,000; or
            ``(B) if the person is an individual or small business 
        concern, $2,500.''.
                                 <all>
Title: SAFER Act of 2017
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting Act of 2017 or the SAFER Act of 2017
This bill amends the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004 to require the Department of Justice (DOJ), in providing information about the role of forensic nurses to certain health-related entities, to provide information about the role of both adult and pediatric forensic nurses. DOJ must also provide additional information on the need for pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners in responding to the abuse of both children and adolescents.
Additionally, the bill amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to reauthorize through FY2022 the requirement for DOJ to allocate a certain percentage of funds under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program for grants to audit backlogged rape kits.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1766 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1766

     To reauthorize the SAFER Act of 2013, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 6, 2017

  Mr. Cornyn (for himself, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Heller, and Mr. Bennet) 
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the 
                       Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
     To reauthorize the SAFER Act of 2013, 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 ``Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence 
Reporting Act of 2017'' or the ``SAFER Act of 2017''.

SEC. 2. PEDIATRIC SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINERS.

    Section 304(c)(2) of the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004 (42 
U.S.C. 14136a) is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``, both adult and pediatric,'' after 
        ``role of forensic nurses''; and
            (2) by striking ``and elder abuse'' and inserting ``elder 
        abuse, and, in particular, the need for pediatric sexual 
        assault nurse examiners, including such nurse examiners working 
        in the multidisciplinary setting, in responding to abuse of 
        both children and adolescents''.

SEC. 3. REDUCING THE RAPE KIT BACKLOG.

    (a) Reauthorization.--Section 2(c)(4) of the DNA Analysis Backlog 
Elimination Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 14135(c)(4)) is amended by striking 
``2017'' and inserting ``2022''.
    (b) Repeal of Sunset.--
            (1) In general.--Section 1006 of the SAFER Act of 2013 (42 
        U.S.C. 14135 note) is repealed.
            (2) Technical and conforming amendment.--The table of 
        contents for the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 
        2013 (Public Law 113-4; 127 Stat. 54) is amended by striking 
        the item relating to section 1006.
                                 <all>
Title: RIVER Act
Policy area: Energy

Summary:
Reliable Investment in Vital Energy Reauthorization Act or the RIVER Act
This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize through FY2027 and extend eligibility for the program of hydroelectric production incentives and incentive payments to the owners or operators of hydroelectric facilities at existing dams to make capital improvements directly related to improving efficiency.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1336 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1336

  To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize hydroelectric 
    production incentives and hydroelectric efficiency improvement 
                  incentives, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 12, 2017

  Mr. Gardner introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
       referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize hydroelectric 
    production incentives and hydroelectric efficiency improvement 
                  incentives, 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 ``Reliable Investment in Vital Energy 
Reauthorization Act'' or the ``RIVER Act''.

SEC. 2. HYDROELECTRIC PRODUCTION INCENTIVES AND EFFICIENCY 
              IMPROVEMENTS.

    (a) Hydroelectric Production Incentives.--Section 242 of the Energy 
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15881) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c), by striking ``10'' and inserting 
        ``20'';
            (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``20'' and inserting 
        ``30''; and
            (3) in subsection (g), by striking ``each of the fiscal 
        years 2006 through 2015'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 
        2018 through 2027''.
    (b) Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement.--Section 243(c) of the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15882(c)) is amended by striking 
``each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2015'' and inserting ``each of 
fiscal years 2018 through 2027''.
                                 <all>
Title: Protecting Charitable Contributions Act of 2017
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
Protecting Charitable Contributions Act of 2017
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the requirement for taxpayers to substantiate deductions for charitable contributions of $250 or more with a contemporaneous written acknowledgment by the donee organization. The bill eliminates an exemption from the requirement for contributions reported on a return filed by the donee organization.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 587 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                 S. 587

  To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to limit substantiation 
 requirements for charitable contributions to returns submitted by the 
                                 donor.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 9, 2017

  Mr. Roberts introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
                  referred to the Committee on Finance

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to limit substantiation 
 requirements for charitable contributions to returns submitted by the 
                                 donor.

    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 Charitable Contributions 
Act of 2017''.

SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF SUBSTANTIATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CHARITABLE 
              CONTRIBUTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Paragraph (8) of section 170(f)(8) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and by 
redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D).
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to contributions made in taxable years beginning after December 
31, 2016.
                                 <all>
Title: Retirement Freedom Act
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Retirement Freedom Act
This bill allows an individual to opt out of Medicare hospital services benefits without also having to opt out of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits and without having to repay Medicare hospital services benefits already received. The bill also allows an individual to opt back in with no penalty.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3560 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 3560

   To allow individuals to choose to opt out of the Medicare part A 
                                benefit.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 9, 2018

  Mr. Cruz (for himself and Mr. Paul) introduced the following bill; 
     which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
   To allow individuals to choose to opt out of the Medicare part A 
                                benefit.

    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 ``Retirement Freedom Act''.

SEC. 2. ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO CHOOSE TO OPT OUT OF THE MEDICARE PART 
              A BENEFIT.

    Any individual who is otherwise entitled to benefits under part A 
of title XVIII of the Social Security Act may elect (in such form and 
manner as may be specified by the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services) to opt out of such entitlement. Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, in the case of an individual who makes such an 
election, such individual--
            (1) may (in such form and manner as may be specified by the 
        Secretary) subsequently choose to end such election and opt 
        back into such entitlement (in accordance with a process 
        determined by the Secretary) without being subject to any 
        penalty;
            (2) shall not be required to opt out of benefits under 
        title II of such Act as a condition for making such election; 
        and
            (3) shall not be required to repay any amount paid under 
        such part A for items and services furnished prior to making 
        such election.
                                 <all>
Title: State Refugee Security Act of 2017
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
State Refugee Security Act of 2017
This bill directs the Office of Refugee Resettlement to notify the state agency responsible for coordinating the placement or resettlement of an alien refugee not later than 21 days before the alien's arrival in the state.
No alien refugee shall be placed or resettled in a state if the governor certifies to the Office of Refugee Resettlement that it has failed, in the sole determination of the governor, to provide adequate assurance that such person does not present a security risk to the state.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 211 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                 S. 211

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit the Governor of 
 a State to reject the resettlement of a refugee in that State unless 
there is adequate assurance that the alien does not present a security 
                     risk, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 24, 2017

 Mr. Cruz (for himself and Mr. Shelby) introduced the following bill; 
  which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit the Governor of 
 a State to reject the resettlement of a refugee in that State unless 
there is adequate assurance that the alien does not present a security 
                     risk, 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 ``State Refugee Security Act of 
2017''.

SEC. 2. AUTHORITY OF STATES TO REJECT RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES.

    Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157) 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(g) The Office of Refugee Resettlement shall notify the State 
agency responsible for coordinating the placement or resettlement of an 
alien eligible to be admitted to the United States under this section 
not later than 21 days before the arrival of such alien in the State.
    ``(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien eligible 
to be admitted to the United States under this section may not be 
placed or resettled in a State if the Governor of that State certifies 
to the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement that the Director 
has failed, in the sole determination of the Governor, to provide 
adequate assurance that the alien does not present a security risk to 
the State.''.
                                 <all>
Title: A bill to prohibit the use of funds for an exhibition or parade of military forces and hardware for review by the President outside of authorized military operations or activities.
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
This bill prohibits funds available to the Department of Defense from being obligated or expended for any exhibition or parade of military forces and hardware for review by the President outside of authorized military operations or activities.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2408 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 2408

 To prohibit the use of funds for an exhibition or parade of military 
 forces and hardware for review by the President outside of authorized 
                   military operations or activities.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            February 8, 2018

   Mr. Cardin (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Blumenthal, and Ms. 
  Duckworth) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
              referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To prohibit the use of funds for an exhibition or parade of military 
 forces and hardware for review by the President outside of authorized 
                   military operations or activities.

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

SECTION 1. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR EXHIBITION OR PARADE OF 
              MILITARY FORCES AND HARDWARE FOR REVIEW BY THE PRESIDENT 
              OUTSIDE OF AUTHORIZED MILITARY OPERATIONS OR ACTIVITIES.

    (a) Prohibition.--Subchapter I of chapter 134 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after the section 2241b the 
following new section:
``Sec. 2241c. Prohibition on use of funds for exhibition or parade of 
              military forces and hardware for review by the President 
              outside of authorized military operations or activities
    ``Funds available to the Department of Defense may not be obligated 
or expended for any exhibition or parade of military forces and 
hardware for review by the President outside of authorized military 
operations or activities.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
subchapter I of chapter 134 of such title is amended by inserting after 
the item relating to section 2241b the following new item:

``2241c. Prohibition on use of funds for exhibition or parade of 
                            military forces and hardware for review by 
                            the President outside of authorized 
                            military operations or activities.''.
                                 <all>
Title: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the thresholds by which medical facility projects and medical facility leases of the Department of Veterans Affairs are considered major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases, respectively, and for other purposes.
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
This bill increases the thresholds by which Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility projects and medical facility leases are considered major projects or major leases.
Project thresholds are increased from $10 million to $20 million and lease thresholds are increased from an average annual rental rate exceeding $1 million to an average annual rental rate exceeding $1.5 million.
(Major project or lease designation requires additional funding, administrative, and approval criteria.)

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2058 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 2058

 To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the thresholds by 
  which medical facility projects and medical facility leases of the 
 Department of Veterans Affairs are considered major medical facility 
projects and major medical facility leases, respectively, and for other 
                               purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            November 1, 2017

Mr. Wyden (for himself and Mr. Merkley) introduced the following bill; 
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the thresholds by 
  which medical facility projects and medical facility leases of the 
 Department of Veterans Affairs are considered major medical facility 
projects and major medical facility leases, respectively, 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. MODIFICATION OF THRESHOLDS USED TO CLASSIFY MAJOR MEDICAL 
              FACILITY PROJECTS AND MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES OF 
              THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Major Medical Facility Projects.--Subparagraph (A) of section 
8104(a)(3) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``$10,000,000'' and inserting ``$20,000,000''.
    (b) Major Medical Facility Leases.--Subparagraph (B) of such 
section is amended by striking ``$1,000,000'' and inserting ``the 
average annual rental rate set forth in section 3307(a)(2) of title 
40''.
    (c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall apply 
with respect to a medical facility project or medical facility lease in 
progress on the date of the enactment of this Act or beginning on or 
after such date.
                                 <all>
Title: Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2018
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2018
This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to delay until 2021 the reimposition of the annual fee on certain health insurance providers based on market share. Under current law, the fee is suspended for 2019 and is scheduled to be reimposed in 2020.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3063 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 3063

    To delay the reimposition of the annual fee on health insurance 
                      providers until after 2020.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 13, 2018

 Mr. Barrasso introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
                  referred to the Committee on Finance

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
    To delay the reimposition of the annual fee on health insurance 
                      providers until after 2020.

    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 ``Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 
2018''.

SEC. 2. DELAY OF REIMPOSITION OF ANNUAL FEE ON HEALTH INSURANCE 
              PROVIDERS UNTIL AFTER 2020.

    (a) In General.--Section 9010(j)(3) of the Patient Protection and 
Affordable Care Act is amended by striking ``December 31, 2019'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2020''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply 
to calendar years beginning after December 31, 2019.
                                 <all>
Title: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for distributions from 529 accounts for expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs.
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow distributions from qualified tuition programs (known as 529 plans) to be used for certain expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs.
The bill expands the definition of "qualified higher education expenses" for which tax-free distributions are allowed to include books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of a designated beneficiary in an apprenticeship program registered and certified with the Department of Labor.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2222 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 2222

 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for distributions 
       from 529 accounts for expenses associated with registered 
                        apprenticeship programs.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           December 12, 2017

  Mr. Daines (for himself, Mr. Booker, Ms. Murkowski, and Ms. Warren) 
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the 
                          Committee on Finance

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for distributions 
       from 529 accounts for expenses associated with registered 
                        apprenticeship programs.

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

SECTION 1. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM 529S FOR REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP 
              PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Section 529(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
                    ``(C) Certain expenses associated with registered 
                apprenticeship programs.--The term `qualified higher 
                education expenses' shall include books, supplies, and 
                equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of 
                a designated beneficiary in an apprenticeship program 
                registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor 
                under section 1 of the National Apprenticeship Act (29 
                U.S.C. 50).''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply 
to contributions made and distributions paid after December 31, 2017.
                                 <all>
Title: Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders Act of 2018
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders Act of 2018
This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to exempt certain investments by venture capital funds from SEC registration requirements; specifically, the bill exempts investments in equity securities acquired in a secondary acquisition.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3576 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 3576

    To require the Securities and Exchange Commission to revise the 
    definitions of a qualifying portfolio company and a qualifying 
    investment to include an emerging growth company and the equity 
securities of an emerging growth company, respectively, for purposes of 
the exemption from registration for venture capital fund advisers under 
                  the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 11, 2018

  Mr. Rounds introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
    referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
    To require the Securities and Exchange Commission to revise the 
    definitions of a qualifying portfolio company and a qualifying 
    investment to include an emerging growth company and the equity 
securities of an emerging growth company, respectively, for purposes of 
the exemption from registration for venture capital fund advisers under 
                  the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

    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 Developing and Empowering our Aspiring 
Leaders Act of 2018.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Securities and Exchange Commission shall--
            (1) revise paragraph (a) of section 275.203(l)-1 of title 
        17, Code of Federal Regulations, to require, as a condition of 
        a private fund qualifying as a venture capital fund under that 
        paragraph, that the qualifying investments of the private fund 
        are predominantly qualifying investments that were acquired 
        directly from a qualifying portfolio company; and
            (2) revise the definition of a qualifying investment under 
        section 275.203(l)-1(c) of title 17, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, to include an equity security issued by a 
        qualifying portfolio company, whether acquired directly from 
        the company or in a secondary acquisition.
                                 <all>
Title: Stop the Asian Carp Now Act of 2017
Policy area: Water Resources Development

Summary:
Stop the Asian Carp Now Act of 2017
This bill directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release for public comment the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study - Brandon Road interim report that was scheduled for release on February 27, 2017. (The interim report is a feasibility study that assesses the viability of establishing a single point to control the upstream transfer of aquatic nuisance species from the Mississippi River Basin into the Great Lakes Basin in the vicinity of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois.)

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1398 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1398

   To direct the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of 
  Engineers, to release an interim report related to aquatic nuisance 
                species control, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 21, 2017

  Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. Peters, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Brown, Mr. 
Franken, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Durbin, Ms. Duckworth, and Mrs. Gillibrand) 
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the 
               Committee on Environment and Public Works

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
   To direct the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of 
  Engineers, to release an interim report related to aquatic nuisance 
                species control, 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 ``Stop the Asian Carp Now Act of 
2017''.

SEC. 2. BRANDON ROAD STUDY.

    Not later than 7 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall 
release for public comment the interim report relating to the 
Tentatively Selected Plan for the Great Lakes and Mississippi River 
Interbasin Study Brandon Road Study that was scheduled for release on 
February 27, 2017.
                                 <all>
Title: Reaching Underserved Rural Areas to Lead on Telehealth Act
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
Reaching Underserved Rural Areas to Lead on Telehealth Act
This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to remove regulatory limitations on the reimbursement amounts that certain large non-rural hospitals may receive for universal service support from the Healthcare Connect Fund, which provides support for high-capacity broadband connectivity to eligible health care providers.
The FCC must allow an eligible non-rural health care provider to receive universal service support if: (1) the majority of locations it serves are in rural areas, and (2) the provider serves as a consortium leader of a group of health care provider sites that request support through a single application.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1377 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1377

 To remove the limitation on certain amounts for which large non-rural 
 hospitals may be reimbursed under the Healthcare Connect Fund of the 
       Federal Communications Commission, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 19, 2017

  Mr. Wicker introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
   referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To remove the limitation on certain amounts for which large non-rural 
 hospitals may be reimbursed under the Healthcare Connect Fund of the 
       Federal Communications Commission, 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 ``Reaching Underserved Rural Areas to 
Lead on Telehealth Act''.

SEC. 2. HEALTHCARE CONNECT FUND.

    The Federal Communications Commission shall amend section 54.630 of 
title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, by striking subsections (b) and 
(c) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Participation of Non-Rural Health Care Provider Sites.--An 
eligible non-rural health care provider may receive universal service 
support if--
            ``(1) a majority of the locations that the non-rural health 
        care provider serves are in rural areas; and
            ``(2) the eligible non-rural health care provider serves as 
        a Consortium Leader, as described in section 54.631.''.
                                 <all>
Title: Gold Star Families Forever Stamp Act
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
Gold Star Families Forever Stamp Act
This bill directs the Postmaster General to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp to honor the sacrifices of families who have lost a loved one who was a member of the Armed Forces in combat.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 342 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                 S. 342

 To provide for the issuance of a ``Gold Star Families Forever Stamp'' 
to honor the sacrifices of families who have lost a loved one who was a 
                 member of the Armed Forces in combat.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

             February 8 (legislative day, February 6), 2017

 Mr. Blumenthal (for himself and Mrs. Ernst) introduced the following 
 bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland 
                   Security and Governmental Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To provide for the issuance of a ``Gold Star Families Forever Stamp'' 
to honor the sacrifices of families who have lost a loved one who was a 
                 member of the Armed Forces in combat.

    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 ``Gold Star Families Forever Stamp 
Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) Gold Star mothers and fathers and families are true 
        national heroes, who deserve our deepest gratitude and respect; 
        and
            (2) the extraordinary contribution of Gold Star mothers and 
        fathers and families is beyond measure, not merely for their 
        loss, but the comfort they selflessly provide others and their 
        model of service and sacrifice.

SEC. 3. GOLD STAR FAMILIES FOREVER STAMP.

    (a) In General.--In order to continue to honor the sacrifices of 
families who have lost a loved one who was a member of the Armed Forces 
in combat, the Postmaster General shall provide for the issuance of a 
forever stamp suitable for that purpose.
    (b) Definition.--For purposes of this Act, the term ``forever 
stamp'' means a definitive stamp that--
            (1) meets the postage required for first-class mail up to 1 
        ounce in weight; and
            (2) retains full validity for the purpose described in 
        paragraph (1) even if the rate of that postage is later 
        increased.
    (c) Effective Date.--The stamp described in subsection (a) shall be 
issued beginning as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of 
this Act and shall not thereafter be discontinued.
                                 <all>
Title: A bill to prohibit any hiring freeze from affecting any Department of Defense position at, or in support of, a public shipyard.
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
This bill declares that the memorandum titled "Presidential Memorandum Regarding the Hiring Freeze" published on January 23, 2017, or any other action by the President to prevent a department or agency from filling vacant civilian employee positions or creating new such positions, shall have no force or effect with respect to any Department of Defense (DOD) civilian position under which an employee performs a DOD function at a public shipyard or a DOD function that directly supports a public shipyard.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 250 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                 S. 250

To prohibit any hiring freeze from affecting any Department of Defense 
           position at, or in support of, a public shipyard.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            February 1, 2017

Mr. Schatz (for himself, Ms. Hassan, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Hirono, and Ms. 
   Cantwell) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
              referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To prohibit any hiring freeze from affecting any Department of Defense 
           position at, or in support of, a public shipyard.

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

SECTION 1. PROHIBITION ON HIRING FREEZE FROM AFFECTING DEPARTMENT OF 
              DEFENSE PUBLIC SHIPYARD POSITIONS.

    The memorandum titled ``Presidential Memorandum Regarding the 
Hiring Freeze'' published on January 23, 2017, or any other 
substantially similar memorandum, Executive order, or other action by 
the President to prevent a department or agency of the Federal 
Government from filling vacant Federal civilian employee positions or 
creating new such positions, shall have no force or effect with respect 
to any Department of Defense civilian position under which an employee 
performs a Department of Defense function at a public shipyard or a 
Department of Defense function that directly supports a public 
shipyard.
                                 <all>