hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
A bill to modify the roving wiretap authority of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.

Bill: 112-s-1076
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2011-05-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: 
Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to impose limits on roving electronic surveillance by revising specifications and adding directions required to be included in the order of a designated judge approving such surveillance, including, in cases where the facility or place at which the electronic surveillance will be directed is unknown at the time the order is issued, that the electronic surveillance be conducted only for such time as reasonable to presume that the target of the surveillance is or was reasonably proximate to the particular facility or place.
 
Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to make the following FISA provisions, subject to exceptions, read as they read on October 25, 2001 (prior to enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act on October 26, 2001): (1) effective December 31, 2013, provisions specifying the directions to be contained in orders approving electronic surveillance of a foreign power or agent of a foreign power; and (2) effective May 27, 2011, provisions authorizing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to apply for orders requiring production of business records and other tangible things in investigations related to foreign intelligence and international terrorism and directing the Attorney General (DOJ) to annually inform Congress of such requests.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require judicial review of Suspicious Activity Reports.

Bill: 112-s-1077
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2011-05-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Bank accounts, deposits, capital
Banking and financial institutions regulation
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Judicial review and appeals
Securities

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: 
Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring any financial institution or any other entity subject to regulation or oversight by the Secretary or pursuant to federal securities laws specified in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to report suspicious transactions relevant to a possible violation of law or regulation, unless the appropriate U.S. district court issues an order finding that a warrant could be issued under the search and seizure provisions of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-1078
Sponsor: Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA]
Introduced: 2011-05-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Business investment and capital
Government lending and loan guarantees
Minority and disadvantaged businesses
Public contracts and procurement
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Securities
Small business
Technology transfer and commercialization
Women in business

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: 
Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act of 2011 - Extends through July 31, 2011, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is currently authorized through May 31, 2011, under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.
 
Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to reauthorize through FY2011 the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as the SBA's commercialization pilot program.
 
Requires all SBIR or STTR funds to be awarded pursuant to competitive and merit-based selection procedures.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Domestic Fuel for Enhancing National Security Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-1079
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2011-05-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: 
Domestic Fuel for Enhancing National Security Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and federal defense provisions to extend to 15 the number of years that a federal or Department of Defense (DOD) multiyear contract may be entered into in the case of the purchase of advanced biofuel. (Under current law, federal and DOD multiyear procurement contracts are limited to a five-year period.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3345)
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Introduced in Senate
PRO-VETS Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-1080
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2011-05-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Government information and archives
Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: 
Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2011 or PRO-VETS Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications based on changed circumstances. Allows each member or veteran the option to decline further notifications.
 
Directs the Secretary to use transferred data to reduce the amount of information that a member or veteran must provide when applying for benefits.
 
Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a member or veteran the opportunity to decline authorization for the transfer of information under this Act.
 
Directs the Secretary to enroll within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical system members being discharged or released after active-duty service in a theater of combat operations. Requires such enrollment within 45 days of the discharge or release. Requires: (1) such former members to be provided a veterans identification card, as well as access to VA hospital care and medical services; and (2) the Secretary to provide to each such member the option to decline such enrollment.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2011-05-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Project Delivery Improvement Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-1081
Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Historic sites and heritage areas
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Roads and highways
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Project Delivery Improvement Act of 2011 - Authorizes a state to select without competitive bidding or the approval of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) one or more proprietary, patented, or experimental products for use in a federal-aid highway project. Declares that state use of such products shall not affect the eligibility of the state or highway project to receive federal funding.
 
Repeals certain parkland preservation requirements prohibiting the Secretary from approving a transportation program or project requiring the use of public park lands unless there is no feasible alternative to the use of such land.
 
Makes the lead agency responsible for determining the purpose of and need for a project.
 
Decreases from 180 days to 90 days after publication in the Federal Register of a notice that a permit, license, or approval for a highway or public transportation capital project is final the deadline for filing a claim seeking judicial review of the permit, license, or approval. Places the burden of proof of the claim on the claimant.
 
Authorizes a state to designate a highway project as a categorical exclusion (that does not involve significant environmental impact).
 
Revises U.S. policy on public lands and wildlife and waterfowl refuges to exclude historic sites. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a transportation program or project (other than a park road or parkway project) requiring the use of a park, recreation area, or wildlife and waterfowl refuge only if the Governor of the state (or mayor or chief executive of the city, county, or borough with management responsibility for or ownership of the area) agrees that such project is the preferred alternative.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Smoky Hill National Historic Trail Study Act

Bill: 112-s-1083
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Colorado
Government studies and investigations
Kansas
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Property rights

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Smoky Hill National Historic Trail Study Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to designate the Smoky Hill Trail in Kansas and Colorado, which was an overland trail route across the Great Plains during pioneer days beginning in 1859 and ending with the arrival of the railroad in Denver in 1870, for study for potential addition to the National Trails System as a national scenic trail. 
 
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from considering specified alternatives related to private property protections. Requires such study to include an analysis and documentation regarding whether each alternative proposed has potential or actual impact on private property within or adjacent to the trail area. Requires private property owners whose land will be studied to be notified that such study will be conducted. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-10-19
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 112-224.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Shawnee Cattle Trail Study Act

Bill: 112-s-1084
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Government studies and investigations
Kansas
Missouri
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Property rights
Texas

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Shawnee Cattle Trail Study Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to require the study of the Shawnee Cattle Trail, consisting of three main branches and several smaller connecting trails extending from Texas to Missouri, and later Kansas, which is considered the oldest of the major Texas Cattle Trails, for potential addition to the National Trails System. 
 
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from considering specified alternatives related to private property protections.
 
Requires the study to include an analysis and documentation regarding whether each alternative proposed has potential or actual impact on private property within or adjacent to the trail area.
 
Requires all private property owners whose land will be studied to be notified that such study will be conducted.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-10-19
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 112-224.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to define next generation biofuel, and to allow States the option of not participating in the corn ethanol portions of the renewable fuel standard due to conflicts with agricultural, economic, energy, and environmental goals.

Bill: 112-s-1085
Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Air quality
Alternative and renewable resources
Intergovernmental relations
Motor fuels
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program by: (1) requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States, on an annual average basis, contains at least the applicable volume of "next generation biofuel" (currently "cellulosic biofuel"); and (2) replacing the term &quot;cellulosic biofuel&quot; with &quot;next generation biofuel.&quot; Defines &quot;next generation biofuel&quot; to mean: (1) renewable fuel that is derived from any cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, or algae that is derived from renewable biomass; or (2) nonethanol renewable fuel that is derived from renewable biomass.
 
Directs the Administrator to allow states that enact a law that elects to not participate in the applicable volume of renewable to not so participate, other than the applicable volumes of renewable fuel required for advanced biofuel, next generation biofuel, and biomass-based diesel.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3430-3431)
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act

Bill: 112-s-1086
Sponsor: Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Athletes
Disability and paralysis
Education programs funding
Higher education
Olympic games
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act - Reauthorizes the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004 for FY2012-FY2016.

Directs the Secretary of State to act through the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs in awarding grants or entering agreements with Special Olympics for activities outside the United States. Includes community-based prevention among the activities for which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants or enter into agreements with Special Olympics. Requires grant or agreement applications to include a description of specific measurable annual benchmarks, as well as long-term goals and objectives, to be achieved through specified activities, which must include: (1) activities to increase the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in inclusive school and community activities with people without disabilities, (2) education programs that dispel negative stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities, and (3) activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics outside of the United States. Requires annual reports by Special Olympics to describe demographic data about Special Olympics participants.

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements to promote the expansion of Best Buddies, including activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in social relationships and other aspects of community life, including education and employment, within the United States. 

Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to establish Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes for Sport and Social Impact. Requires recipients to use grant funds to advance the quality of life and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through research and evaluation, technical assistance, training, data collection, evaluation, collaboration, and dissemination of evidence-based best practices.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3431)
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-1087
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Forests, forestry, trees
Government studies and investigations
Land use and conservation
Roads and highways
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011 - Releases public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 that have not been designated as wilderness and identified by BLM as not suitable for designation as wilderness from further study for wilderness designation. Makes such lands no longer subject to the Act's requirement pertaining to the management of wilderness study areas in a manner that does not impair suitability for preservation as wilderness. 
 
Releases inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System that have not been designated as wilderness and were not recommended for designation as wilderness as a result of the second roadless area review and evaluation program (RARE II) or the subsequent revision of a land resource management plan, from further study for wilderness designation. Makes such System lands no longer subject to management to maintain roadless character and values and to comply with other land-use restrictions of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, as amended by the Roadless Area Conservation Final Rule (2001) and the State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management Final Rule (2005).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Retiree Health Coverage Protection Act

Bill: 112-s-1088
Sponsor: Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Employee benefits and pensions
Health care costs and insurance

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Retiree Health Coverage Protection Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to increase from $5 billion to $10 billion the amount appropriated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the temporary reinsurance program to reimburse participating employment-based group health benefits plans for a portion of the cost of providing health insurance coverage to early retirees (and their eligible spouses and dependents) between establishment of the program and January 1, 2014.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3431-3432)
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-1089
Sponsor: Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Health care quality
Home and outpatient care
Public contracts and procurement
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) submit to Congress a plan to introduce pay-for-performance mechanisms into contracts which compensate Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contractors for the provision of veterans' health care services through community-based outpatient clinics (clinics); (2) commence plan implementation within 60 days after submission, unless Congress enacts a law prohibiting or modifying plan implementation; and (3) report semiannually to Congress on the advisability of utilizing such mechanisms in the provision of VA health care services by means in addition to such clinics. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-06-08
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-116.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3432)
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3432)
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-1090
Sponsor: Sen. Alexander, Lamar [R-TN]
Introduced: 2011-05-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Forests, forestry, trees
Tennessee
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Summary:
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: 
Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2011 - Designates specified federal lands in Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee as wilderness and as additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). 

action_date: 2012-01-13
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 
Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2011 - Designates specified federal lands in Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee as wilderness and as additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2012-01-13
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 285.
action_date: 2012-01-13
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman under authority of the order of the Senate of 12/17/2011 without amendment. With written report No. 112-123.
action_date: 2012-01-13
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman under authority of the order of the Senate of 12/17/2011 without amendment. With written report No. 112-123.
action_date: 2011-11-10
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2011-08-03
text: Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 112-226.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2011-05-26
text: Introduced in Senate