hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
A bill to direct the General Accountability Office to conduct a full audit of hurricane protection funding and cost estimates associated with post-Katrina hurricane protection.

Bill: 112-s-120
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Alabama
Congressional oversight
Disaster relief and insurance
Emergency planning and evacuation
Louisiana
Mississippi
Natural disasters

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in coordination with the National Academy of Engineering, to conduct and submit to Congress a full audit of hurricane protection funding and cost estimates associated with post-Katrina hurricane protection. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act

Bill: 112-s-121
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Abortion
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Health facilities and institutions
Health personnel
Licensing and registrations
Medicare
State and local government operations
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act - Subjects any physician who knowingly performs an abortion in violation of this Act to fines and/or imprisonment. Requires a physician who performs an abortion to: (1) have admitting privileges at a local hospital, and (2) notify the patient of the location of the hospital where the patient can receive follow-up care by the physician if complications arise. Provides for an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.
 
Prohibits a woman upon whom an abortion is performed from being prosecuted for conspiracy to violate this Act.
 
Requires each abortion clinic that receives federal funds or assistance to be licensed by the state and be in compliance with the requirements for ambulatory surgery centers under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, except for the requirement of a certificate of public need. Allows a state board of health to waive the application of certain structural requirements for licensing purposes.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
National Monuments Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-122
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Monuments and memorials
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
National Monuments Act of 2011 - Requires the President to obtain congressional approval of proposed national monuments situated upon land owned or controlled by the federal government and certify compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 prior to declaring national monuments. 
 
Bars the Secretary of the Interior from implementing any restrictions on the public use of a national monument until the expiration of an appropriate review period providing for public input and congressional approval. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Social Security Lock-Box Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-123
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Budget process
Government trust funds
Legislative rules and procedure
Social security and elderly assistance

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Social Security Lock-Box Act of 2011 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide a point of order against consideration of any: (1) budget resolution that sets forth totals for any fiscal year with respect to the Social Security Trust Funds that are less than the totals of the Social Security Trust Funds for that fiscal year as calculated in accordance with a current services baseline; or (2) spending or tax legislation that would cause any totals to be less than the Funds totals for the covered fiscal year.
 
Makes the point of order described in (2) above inapplicable to Social Security reform legislation. 
 
Requires any federal budget submitted by the President that recommends totals for any fiscal year with respect to the Funds that are less than the totals of the Funds for that fiscal year to include a detailed proposal for Social Security reform legislation. Makes this Act inapplicable upon the enactment of such legislation. Defines &quot;Social Security reform legislation&quot; as a bill or joint resolution to save Social Security that specifies that it constitutes reform legislation. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Budget.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Safety for Our Schoolchildren Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-124
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Crimes against children
Criminal justice information and records
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Education programs funding
Elementary and secondary education
School administration
Sex offenses
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Transportation employees
Transportation safety and security
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Safety for Our Schoolchildren Act of 2011 - Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) obtain an FBI background check on individuals prior to offering them employment as school employees; and (2) if the check identifies them as sexual predators, report their application to local law enforcement.
 
Prohibits states or LEAs from hiring individuals as: (1) school employees if they have been convicted of a crime of violence or other felony; or (2) school bus drivers if they have been convicted of, or pled guilty to, drunk driving or a serious moving violation.
 
Withholds funds available to states for planning and administration and to LEAs as subgrants under part A of title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, if they violate such prohibitions or fail to take such actions.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Local Disaster Contracting Fairness Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-125
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Disaster relief and insurance
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Local Disaster Contracting Fairness Act of 2011- Prohibits the head of an executive agency from entering into an agreement for debris removal or demolition services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts unless the agreement specifies that: (1) all of the work under the contract will be performed by the prime contractor or one or more subcontractors at one tier under the contract; (2) any work performed under the contract by subcontractors will be performed by local subcontractors, except to the extent that local subcontractors are not available to perform any such work; (3) the prime contractor will act as the project manager or construction manager for the contract; and (4) the prime contractor has primary responsibility for managing all work under the contract and will be paid a certain percentage of the overall value of the contract as sole compensation for assuming the risk associated with such responsibility. 
 
Requires the agency head, in entering into an agreement for debris removal or demolition services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts, to give preference in the source selection process to each offeror who certifies that any work that is to be performed under the contract by subcontractors will be performed by local subcontractors. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to reduce the amount of financial assistance provided to the Government of Mexico in response to the illegal border crossings from Mexico into the United States, which serve to dissipate the political discontent with the higher unemployment rate within Mexico.

Bill: 112-s-126
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Border security and unlawful immigration
Foreign aid and international relief
Latin America
Mexico
Military education and training

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
 Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) annually estimate the number of illegal border crossings along the southern U.S. land border, and (2) reduce financial assistance to the government of Mexico by a total of $1,000 for each illegal border crossing from Mexico to the United States during the previous fiscal year.
 
Authorizes the Secretary to not reduce appropriations for the government of Mexico from the International Military Education and Training Fund, the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Fund, and the fund to carry out nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs and activities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-02-03
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2011-02-03
text: Senate Committee on Rules and Administration discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2011-02-03
text: Senate Committee on Rules and Administration discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Act

Bill: 112-s-127
Sponsor: Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Historic sites and heritage areas
Texas

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area in Texas. Designates the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Corporation as the management entity for the Heritage Area. Requires the Corporation to submit a management plan for the Heritage Area. 
 
Specifies this Act's effect on private property protections and water rights with regard to the Heritage Area. Bars anything in this Act from being meant as modifying the Rio Grande Natural Area Act. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-05-11
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 112-124.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-128
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Government information and archives
Small business
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation. 
 
Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-07-20
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-220.
action_date: 2011-06-23
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-220.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Natural Disaster Fairness in Contracting Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-129
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Disaster relief and insurance
Government information and archives
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Natural Disaster Fairness in Contracting Act of 2011- Requires agencies, in entering into a contract to procure property or services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts, to use specified competitive procedures.
 
Allows agencies to enter into a contract to procure property or services in connection with such reconstruction efforts using other than full and open competition only upon the written approval of the President or the President's designee. Requires congressional notification when procedures other than full and open competitive procedures are to be used.
 
Instructs agencies that enter into a contract for the procurement of property or services in connection with such reconstruction efforts through the use of other than full and open competitive procedures to publish in the Federal Register or Federal Business Opportunities and otherwise make available to the public specified information concerning the contract seven days before it is finalized.
 
Permits the use of noncompetitive procedures by agencies when: (1) a contract will be performed within a six-month period; and (2) the need for the property or services is of such an unusual and compelling urgency that the government would otherwise be seriously injured.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to prohibit authorized committees and leadership PACs from employing the spouse or immediate family members of any candidate or Federal office holder connected to the committee.

Bill: 112-s-130
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Members of Congress
Public participation and lobbying

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any authorized committee of a candidate or any other political committee established, maintained, or controlled by a candidate or person who holds a federal office from employing the spouse or any immediate family member of such candidate or federal office holder.
 
Amends the federal criminal code to subject to specified criminal and civil penalties any spouse of a Member of Congress who: (1) was not a registered lobbyist at least one year before the Member's election to Congress; and (2) knowingly lobbies, after the election of such Member, any Member on behalf of a client for compensation or is associated with any such lobbying activity by his or her employer.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Axe the Stimulus Plaques Act

Bill: 112-s-131
Sponsor: Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Appropriations
Economic development
Government information and archives
Infrastructure development

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Axe the Stimulus Plaques Act - Prohibits the use of funds made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for signage to indicate that a particular project is being carried out using such funds.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to repeal the provision of law that provides automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress.

Bill: 112-s-133
Sponsor: Sen. McCaskill, Claire [D-MO]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Congress
Subjects: Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Members of Congress

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to eliminate automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act

Bill: 112-s-134
Sponsor: Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Indian lands and resources rights
New Mexico
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act - Authorizes the Mescalero Apache Tribe to lease or transfer certain of their water rights for a term of up to 99 years, provided the lease or transfer complies with the laws of New Mexico. 

action_date: 2012-09-19
text: 

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

 
Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act - Authorizes the Mescalero Apache Tribe to lease or transfer certain of their water rights for a term of up to 99 years, provided the lease or transfer complies with the laws of New Mexico. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2012-09-19
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 522.
action_date: 2012-09-19
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Akaka without amendment. With written report No. 112-218.
action_date: 2012-09-19
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Akaka without amendment. With written report No. 112-218.
action_date: 2012-06-28
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2011-10-20
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-492.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S202)
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S202)
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-135
Sponsor: Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Intergovernmental relations
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Sales and excise taxes
State and local taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2011- Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state and local taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2011

Bill: 112-s-136
Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Child health
Department of Health and Human Services
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem to be adulterated: (1) food intended for children three years of age or younger if the container is composed of bisphenol A (BPA); (2) a baby bottle or cup that is intended for use by children three years of age or younger, that does not contain a food when such bottle or cup is sold or distributed at retail, and that is composed of BPA; and (3) infant formula if the container (excluding packaging on the outside of a container that does not come into contact with infant formula powder) is composed of BPA.
 
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) issue a revised safety assessment for food containers composed of BPA, taking into consideration different types of such containers and the use of such containers with respect to different foods; and (2) determine whether there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to BPA through food containers or other items composed of BPA, taking into consideration potential adverse effects from low-dose exposure and the effects of exposure on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, and populations with high exposure to BPA.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S204)
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S203-204)
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Health Insurance Rate Review Act

Bill: 112-s-137
Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Introduced: 2011-01-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Consumer affairs
Disability and health-based discrimination
Health care costs and insurance
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: 
Health Insurance Rate Review Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that federal provisions requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review unreasonable premium increases in health care coverage shall not be construed to prohibit a state from imposing additional rate requirements on health insurance issuers that are more protective of consumers. Expands such review to include all rate increases, not only premium increases.
 
 
Directs the Secretary or the relevant state insurance commissioner (or state regulator) to take corrective actions to ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected prior to, or as soon as possible after, implementation, including through mechanisms such as denying rates, modifying rates, or requiring rebates to consumers.
 
Requires the Secretary to determine whether the state insurance commissioner or regulator or the Secretary will undertake such corrective actions based on whether the state can adequately undertake such actions.
 
 Applies these provisions to grandfathered health plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S206)
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S204-206)
action_date: 2011-01-25
text: Introduced in Senate