hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
STEM Education Opportunity Act

Bill: 113-hr-1353
Sponsor: Rep. Hanna, Richard L. [R-NY-22]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Behavioral sciences
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Educational technology and distance education
Elementary and secondary education
Higher education
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Science and engineering education
Social Sciences and History
Student aid and college costs
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
STEM Education Opportunity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) individual taxpayers a deduction from gross income for STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) higher education expenses; and (2) a business-related tax credit for contributions of STEM property (e.g., computer equipment and software, microscopes, and lab equipment), services, and training made to an elementary or secondary school to promote education in the biological sciences, mathematics, earth and physical sciences, computer and information science, engineering, geosciences, and social and behavioral sciences. Defines "STEM higher education expenses" to include any expenses incurred by an individual attending an institution of higher education who is majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
 
Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to submit to Congress a report detailing: (1) the efficacy of this Act in increasing higher education enrollment in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology; and (2) any effect this Act has had on the price of higher education tuition in such fields. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
JOLT Act of 2013

Bill: 113-hr-1354
Sponsor: Rep. Heck, Joseph J. [R-NV-3]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Border security and unlawful immigration
Canada
Congressional oversight
Department of Homeland Security
Department of State
Government information and archives
Immigration status and procedures
Judicial review and appeals
Terrorism
Travel and tourism
User charges and fees
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act of 2013 or JOLT Act of 2013 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish a pilot fee-based premium processing service to expedite visa interview appointments. Authorizes the Secretary to collect and set fee amounts.
 
Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to admit into the United States a qualifying Canadian citizen over 50 years old and spouse for a period not to exceed 240 days if the person maintains a Canadian residence and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay. 
 
Directs the Secretary to require overseas visa processing posts to make public the availability of visa appointments during periods of low demand to encourage visa applicants to apply when interview wait times are lowest.
 
Revises the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions.
 
Directs the Secretary to require U.S. diplomatic and consular missions to: (1) conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously, consistent with national security requirements and in recognition of resource allocation considerations; and (2) set a goal of interviewing 90% of all nonimmigrant visa applicants, worldwide, within 10 days of application receipt. 
 
Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and conduct a pilot program for processing visas using secure remote videoconferencing technology, and (2) seek to coordinate enrollment and interview processes for individuals eligible for both a U.S. visa and enrollment in the Global Entry program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-04-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration And Border Security.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1444 Main Street in Ramona, California, as the "Nelson 'Mac' MacWilliams Post Office Building".

Bill: 113-hr-1356
Sponsor: Rep. Hunter, Duncan D. [R-CA-50]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: California
Congressional tributes
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Postal service

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1444 Main Street in Ramona, California, as the "Nelson 'Mac' MacWilliams Post Office Building."

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
To amend the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to improve the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program by providing assistance under such program for certain training programs that are considered less than full-time.

Bill: 113-hr-1357
Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Bill [R-OH-6]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Employment and training programs
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Amends the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to permit retraining assistance under the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program to be used by a veteran to pursue a program of education for training on a less than full-time basis if the program consists of at least 16 seat-time hours (or the equivalent). 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-07-18
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2013-07-18
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2013-06-26
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2013-04-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
Congressional Foreign Travel Cost Disclosure Act

Bill: 113-hr-1359
Sponsor: Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Government information and archives
Members of Congress
Military facilities and property
Transportation costs

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Congressional Foreign Travel Cost Disclosure Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to give a Member, officer, or employee of either chamber of Congress carrying out official duties outside the United States a written statement of the cost of any DOD-provided transportation within 10 days after completion of the trip. Requires such statement to also be: (1) provided to the congressional defense committee of such Member, officer, or employee; and (2) made available to the public for a four-year period.
 
Excludes from such requirements any trip whose sole purpose is to visit one or more U.S. military installations and/or to visit U.S. military personnel in a war zone.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-04-08
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act

Bill: 113-hr-1360
Sponsor: Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act - Requires the United States to forgive any overpayment of military retired or retainer pay for any period after the death of the recipient through the last day of the month in which such death occurs, if such payment is electronically deposited to a joint account bearing the name of the decedent and the decedent's designated beneficiary.
 
Provides a special effective date for the first annuity payment to a survivor under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) when an overpayment is so forgiven.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-04-08
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
Inefficient Defense Elimination Act of 2013

Bill: 113-hr-1361
Sponsor: Rep. Kind, Ron [D-WI-3]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Defense spending
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Europe
Government studies and investigations
International law and treaties
Military facilities and property
Military operations and strategy
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Military readiness

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Inefficient Defense Elimination Act of 2013 - Prohibits any funds made available for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2014 or thereafter from being obligated or expended to procure C-27J aircraft. Directs the Secretary of Defense, with respect to any such aircraft procured on or before the date of enactment of this Act, to: (1) make such aircraft available for sale to another federal department or agency or government of a U.S. ally, or (2) retire or dispose of such aircraft.
 
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of any DOD funds for FY2014 or thereafter to procure RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems. Requires the Secretary, with respect to each such system procured on or before the date of enactment of this Act, to take the same sale or disposal actions described above.
 
Directs the Secretary to retire: (1) four Aegis guided missile cruisers during FY2014 and three during FY2015, and (2) two amphibious landing ships during FY2014.
 
Directs the Secretary to submit to the congressional defense and appropriations committees an analysis of the necessity of stationing members of the Armed Forces in Europe, including an evaluation of property owned by the federal government there that could be sold if such stationing was reduced or eliminated.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act

Bill: 113-hr-1362
Sponsor: Rep. King, Peter T. [R-NY-2]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Department of the Treasury
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Law enforcement officers
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act - Amends the definition of the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm, and (2) such employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns.
 
Requires such service that is performed by an incumbent law enforcement officer: (1) on or after enactment of this Act to be treated for all purposes other than retirement as service performed as a law enforcement officer; and (2) before, on, or after enactment of this Act to be treated for federal retirement purposes as service performed as such an officer only if an appropriate written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) within five years after enactment of this Act or before separation from government service, whichever is earlier. 
 
Provides that nothing under current law respecting mandatory separation from government service under CSRS or FERS shall cause the involuntary separation of an officer before the end of the three-year period following enactment. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
Stop Oxy Abuse Act of 2013

Bill: 113-hr-1366
Sponsor: Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Prescription drugs

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Stop Oxy Abuse Act of 2013 - Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA), within 90 days, to take such actions as may be necessary to modify the approval of, and limit any subsequent approval of, any drug containing controlled-release oxycodone hychloride to use for the relief of severe-only pain instead of moderate-to-severe pain.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-03-22
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
FEHBP Prescription Drug Integrity, Transparency, and Cost Savings Act

Bill: 113-hr-1367
Sponsor: Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Business records
Consumer affairs
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Health care costs and insurance
Prescription drugs
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
FEHBP Prescription Drug Integrity, Transparency, and Cost Savings Act - Prohibits the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from entering a contract or approving a health benefits plan with a carrier that is a party to a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) carrier arrangement to provide or administer prescription drug coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) unless the PBM and the carrier comply with the requirements for PBM carrier arrangements set forth by this Act. Directs OPM to terminate a contract or discontinue a plan that fails to comply with such requirements.
 
Prohibits: (1) a PBM under a carrier arrangement from being under common corporate control with a prescription drug manufacturer or a retail pharmacy, and (2) OPM from permitting a carrier under common corporate control with a PBM to earn a profit from such control.
 
Sets forth terms and requirements for PBM carrier arrangements under the FEHBP, including: (1) drug substitution restrictions, (2) PBM reimbursement of carriers, (3) sale by a PBM of utilization and claims data, (4) drug pricing and the basis for reimbursement, (5) PBM provision to plan enrollees of an explanation of benefits statement regarding prescription drugs, (6) nondiscriminatory contracts regarding required participation, (7) OPM access to PBM contract information, and (8) civil monetary penalties for making false statements or claims to the government.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
Prepare All Kids Act of 2013

Bill: 113-hr-1368
Sponsor: Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
Child care and development
Education programs funding
Government trust funds
Preschool education
School administration
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Prepare All Kids Act of 2013 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to establish a Prekindergarten Incentive Fund from which matching grants shall be awarded to states and, through them, subgrants to qualified prekindergarten providers to establish, expand, or enhance voluntary high quality full-day prekindergarten programs serving children ages three through five.
 
Directs state grantees to set aside: (1) at least 15% of their grant for quality early childhood development programs for children from birth through age three, and (2) at least 10% of their grant to extend the hours of early childhood development programs to create extended day and year programs.
 
Requires prekindergarten subgrantees to: (1) maintain a maximum class size of 20 children, with at least 1 prekindergarten teacher per classroom; and (2) ensure that the ratio of children to prekindergarten teachers and teacher aides does not exceed 10 to 1.
 
Prohibits the use of program funds for assessments of children in prekindergarten or early childhood development programs if: (1) the assessments are used to reward or sanction individual children, teachers, programs, or schools; or (2) a single assessment is used as the primary or sole method for assessing program effectiveness.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-04-23
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
Firearm Risk Protection Act of 2013

Bill: 113-hr-1369
Sponsor: Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Firearms and explosives
Life, casualty, property insurance

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Firearm Risk Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to: (1) prohibit the purchase or sale of a firearm unless the purchaser presents proof to the seller and the seller verifies that the purchaser is covered by a qualified liability insurance policy, and (2) require any person who purchases a firearm on or after this Act's effective date to be covered by such a policy. Exempts the purchase or sale of a firearm for use by a federal, state, or local agency. 
 
Defines &quot;qualified liability insurance policy&quot; to mean a policy that: (1) provides liability insurance covering the purchaser specifically for losses resulting from use of the firearm while it is owned by the purchaser, and (2) is issued by an insurer licensed or authorized to provide the coverage by the state in which the purchaser resides. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-04-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And Investigations.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E370)
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
International Travelers Bill of Rights Act of 2013

Bill: 113-hr-1370
Sponsor: Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-5]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Consumer affairs
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Health care quality
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Travel and tourism

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
International Travelers Bill of Rights Act of 2013 - Requires an individual or entity that operates a website that provides access to international travel services to provide on its website, in a clear and conspicuous way, information regarding the health and safety risks of overseas vacation destinations marketed on the site, including (1) information compiled by the Department of State that includes country-specific travel warnings and alerts, and (2) information on the availability of onsite health and safety services or a disclaimer that such services may not be available and travel may pose an increased risk to health or safety. 
 
Requires a site operator to: (1) establish a process under which an overseas vacation destination will be suspended from its website as a result of consumer complaints regarding poor medical care, unsafe or unsanitary facilities, or other health-related issues; and (2) make all such complaints publicly available on its website. Allows an operator to modify complaints at the request of the complainant and to remove offensive language and personal identification information.
 
Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-03-22
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
To restore to the Indian Health Service funds sequestered under section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to the extent that the percentage reduction for that program exceeded 2 percent.

Bill: 113-hr-1371
Sponsor: Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Appropriations
Budget deficits and national debt
Budget process
Health programs administration and funding
Indian social and development programs
Minority health

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Restores to the Indian Health Service that portion of its FY2013 funds that were sequestered under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and that exceeded 2% of its FY2013 funding.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Budget.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House