hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Boating Capacity Standards Act of 2013

Bill: 113-s-2774
Sponsor: Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2014-08-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Coast guard
Department of Homeland Security
Marine and inland water transportation
Outdoor recreation
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: 
Boating Capacity Standards Act of 2013 - Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to: (1) establish standards for determining the maximum passenger capacity for recreational vessels, expressed in the number of passengers and in pounds; (2) require manufacturers and operators of passenger vessels to permanently display such maximum capacity in a legible manner that is clearly visible to passengers; and (3) require operators to post notice of the need to balance vessel weight to avoid capsizing. 
 
Defines a &quot;recreational vehicle&quot; as any vessel that is manufactured or used primarily for pleasure, excluding any vessel that is subject to Coast Guard inspection and engaged in commercial use.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt aircraft management services from the ticket tax.

Bill: 113-s-2775
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2014-08-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Sales and excise taxes
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt aircraft management services from the excise tax on transportation of persons and property. Defines "aircraft management services" as scheduling, flight planning, weather forecasting, operation of flights, obtaining insurance, maintenance, storage and fueling of aircraft, hiring, training and provision of pilots and crew, establishing and complying with safety standards, and such other services necessary to support flights.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: Introduced in Senate
Ten in Ten Act

Bill: 113-s-2776
Sponsor: Sen. Walsh, John E. [D-MT]
Introduced: 2014-08-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Climate change and greenhouse gases
Coal
Electric power generation and transmission
Environmental technology
Government trust funds
Oil and gas

Summary:
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: 
Ten in Ten Act - Establishes in the Treasury a Carbon Capture and Sequestration Deployment Acceleration Fund to be administered by the Department of Energy for promoting the establishment of at least 10 commercial-scale carbon capture and sequestration units in the next 10 years. (Carbon capture and sequestration is a three-step process: the capture, transport, and underground injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide.) 
 
Includes as eligible projects carbon capture and sequestration units that are designed for: (1) new, retrofitted, or upgraded coal-fired power plants; and (2) certain nonmodular power plants using integrated gasification combined cycle technology.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2014-08-01
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require the Secretary of State to offer rewards totaling up to $10,000,000 for information on the kidnapping and murder of James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Bill: 113-s-2778
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2014-09-08 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal justice information and records
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Middle East
News media and reporting
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-08
text: 
Directs the Secretary of State, in accordance with the Rewards for Justice program authorized under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, to offer a reward to any individual who furnishes information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual for committing, conspiring or attempting to commit, or aiding or abetting in the commission of the kidnapping and murder of James Foley or Steven Sotloff.

action_date: 2014-09-18
text: 

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

 
Directs the Secretary of State, in accordance with the Rewards for Justice program authorized under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, to offer a reward to any individual who furnishes information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual for committing, conspiring or attempting to commit, or aiding or abetting in the commission of the kidnapping and murder of James Foley or Steven Sotloff.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-19
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2014-09-19
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2014-09-19
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5876; text as passed Senate: CR S5876)
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5876; text as passed Senate: CR S5876)
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 574.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2014-09-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2014-09-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Expatriate Terrorists Act

Bill: 113-s-2779
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2014-09-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Citizenship and naturalization
Immigration status and procedures
Terrorism

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-08
text: 
Expatriate Terrorists Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among the grounds for loss of U.S. nationality by a native-born or naturalized citizen: 
 
 
taking an oath or making a declaration of allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization after attaining the age of 18; or 
 
becoming a member of or providing training or material assistance to any foreign terrorist organization that such person knows or has reason to know will engage in hostilities against the United States, or will commit acts of terror against the United States or U.S. nationals.
 
 
Adds to the conditions referring to service in the armed forces of a foreign state or a foreign terrorist organization that such armed forces are engaged in hostilities against the United States (as under current law) or intentionally targeting U.S. nationals for acts of terror.
 
Declares that there shall be a loss of nationality by accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of an office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or a political subdivision after attaining the age of 18 if the person (under current law, a man) knowingly has or acquires the nationality of such foreign state (while current law does not require a knowing state of mind).
 
Declares also that there shall be a loss of nationality by accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of an office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or a political subdivision after attaining the age of 18 which requires an oath, affirmation, or declaration of allegiance to the foreign state or political subdivision.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-09
text: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 554.
action_date: 2014-09-08
text: Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
action_date: 2014-09-08
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5376-5378)
action_date: 2014-09-08
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to evaluate the significance of the Mill Springs Battlefield located in Pulaski and Wayne Counties, Kentucky, and the feasibility of its inclusion in the National Park System, and for other purposes.

Bill: 113-s-2780
Sponsor: Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]
Introduced: 2014-09-09 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Conflicts and wars
Government studies and investigations
Historic sites and heritage areas
Kentucky
Land use and conservation
Military history
Parks, recreation areas, trails
U.S. history

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-09
text: 
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to evaluate the significance of the Mill Springs Battlefield in Kentucky (relating to the Battle of Mill Springs fought on January 19, 1862, in Pulaski and Wayne Counties during the Civil War) and the feasibility of its inclusion in the National Park System (NPS). 
 
Requires such study, among other things, to analyze: (1) the effect of the Battlefield's designation as a unit of the NPS on existing commercial and recreational activities, energy production and transmission infrastructure, and the authority of state and local governments to manage those activities; and (2) the identification of any authorities, including condemnation, that will compel or permit the Secretary to influence or participate in local land use decisions (such as zoning) or place restrictions on non-federal lands if the Battlefield is designated as an NPS unit. 
 
Requires owners of private property adjacent to the Battlefield to be notified of the commencement and scope of this study. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-09
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5435-5436)
action_date: 2014-09-09
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to improve the Federal charter for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and for other purposes.

Bill: 113-s-2782
Sponsor: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Introduced: 2014-09-09 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Conflicts and wars
Government corporations and government-sponsored enterprises
Veterans' organizations and recognition
Women's rights

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-09
text: 
Amends the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to describe the organization as a national association of veterans (currently, an association of men) who, as soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, served this Nation in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters.
 
Expands its purpose of assisting widows to that of assisting surviving spouses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-09
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2014-09-09
text: Introduced in Senate
VBID for Better Care Act of 2014

Bill: 113-s-2783
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2014-09-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Health and Human Services
Health care costs and insurance
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medicare
Prescription drugs

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: 
Value Based Insurance Design for Better Care Act of 2014 or the VBID for Better Care Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a three-year demonstration program to test the use of value-based insurance design methodologies under the eligible Medicare plans offered by Medicare Advantage organizations under part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
 
Defines "value-based insurance design methodology" as one for identifying specific prescription medications, and clinical services reimbursable under Medicare, for which copayments, coinsurance, or both should be reduced or eliminated because of the high-value and effectiveness of these medications and services for specific chronic clinical conditions (as approved by the Secretary).
 
Directs the Secretary to expand the demonstration program to implement, on a permanent basis, those components beneficial to Medicare beneficiaries and the Medicare program, unless a required evaluation of the program states that it: (1) increases expenditures under Medicare with respect to participating beneficiaries, or (2) decreases the quality of health care services furnished to such beneficiaries.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Introduced in Senate
Corporate Inverters Earnings Stripping Reform Act of 2014

Bill: 113-s-2786
Sponsor: Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2014-09-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Corporate finance and management
Foreign and international corporations
Income tax deductions
Interest, dividends, interest rates
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: 
Corporate Inverters Earnings Stripping Reform Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose limitations on the tax deduction for interest paid by corporations which are designated as applicable entities (i.e., members of an expanded affiliated group which includes a surrogate foreign corporation which is not treated as a domestic corporation). Prohibits such an entity from claiming a tax deduction for interest that exceeds 25% of its adjusted taxable income and from carrying forward interest which is paid or accrued during the first year in which such entity becomes an applicable entity.
 
Requires an applicable entity to file an annual application for an approval agreement (i.e., a prefiling, advance pricing, or other agreement involving a related-party transaction) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during the 10-year period after it becomes an applicable entity. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Introduced in Senate
Caller ID Scam Prevention Act of 2014

Bill: 113-s-2787
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2014-09-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Consumer affairs
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: 
Caller ID Scam Prevention Act of 2014 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition on the provision of inaccurate caller identification information (which makes it unlawful to cause a caller identification service to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value) to persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States.
 
Revises the definitions of "caller identification information" and "caller identification service" to include text messages sent using a text messaging service.
 
Defines "text message" as real-time or near real-time messages consisting of text, images, sounds, or other information transmitted from or received by a device identified by a telephone number. Excludes from such definition a real-time, two-way voice or video communication.
 
Expands the categories of IP-enabled voice services that are subject to such prohibition to include services with interconnection capability, whether part of a bundle of services or separately, that can originate traffic to the public switched telephone network.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Introduced in Senate
Middle School STEP Act

Bill: 113-s-2788
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Introduced: 2014-09-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Elementary and secondary education
Employment and training programs
Public-private cooperation
Rural conditions and development
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Vocational and technical education

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: 
Middle School Technical Education Program Act or the Middle School STEP Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to:
 
 
 create a pilot program for career and technical education exploration programs, and 
 
award grants to eligible partnerships (local educational agencies, area career and technical education schools, educational service agencies, and other organizations) to develop a middle school career and technical education exploration program that transition to career and technical education programs of study.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5509)
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Introduced in Senate
IDEA Full Funding Act

Bill: 113-s-2789
Sponsor: Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA]
Introduced: 2014-09-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Appropriations
Education programs funding
Elementary and secondary education
Employment taxes
Income tax deductions
Income tax rates
Inflation and prices
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Special education
Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: 
IDEA Full Funding Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize and make appropriations through FY2024 for the grant program to assist states and outlying areas to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities. 
 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require an individual taxpayer whose adjusted gross income exceeds $1 million to pay a minimum tax rate of 30% of the excess of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income over the taxpayer's modified charitable contribution deduction for the taxable year (tentative fair share tax). Establishes the amount of such tax as the excess (if any) of the tentative fair share tax over the excess of: (1) the sum of the taxpayer's regular tax liability, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) amount, and the payroll tax for the taxable year; over (2) certain tax credits. Provides for a phase-in of such tax. Requires an inflation adjustment to the $1 million income threshold for taxable years beginning after 2016.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5509-5510)
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Introduced in Senate
IDEA Fairness Restoration Act

Bill: 113-s-2790
Sponsor: Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA]
Introduced: 2014-09-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Disability and paralysis
Elementary and secondary education
Evidence and witnesses
Legal fees and court costs
Special education

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: 
IDEA Fairness Restoration Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to include expert witness fees, including the reasonable costs of any test or evaluation necessary for the preparation of the parents' or guardians' case in the action or proceeding, within the definition of &quot;attorneys' fees&quot; that may be awarded to the prevailing party in a civil action brought under such Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5510)
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Introduced in Senate
EPS Service Parts Act of 2014

Bill: 113-s-2791
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2014-09-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Energy
Electric power generation and transmission
Energy efficiency and conservation
Product safety and quality

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: 
EPS Service Parts Act of 2014 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to exempt external power supplies (EPS) for four years from energy conservation standards established by the Department of Energy in 2014. (EPS convert household electric current into direct current or lower-voltage alternating current to operate a consumer product such as a laptop computer or smart phone.) Applies this exemption to service parts or spare parts for products that were manufactured before February 10, 2016.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2014-09-10
text: Introduced in Senate
Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2014

Bill: 113-s-2792
Sponsor: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Introduced: 2014-09-11 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Employee benefits and pensions
Employment and training programs
Government studies and investigations
Income tax credits
Income tax exclusion
Military education and training
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2014-09-11
text: 
Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit for up to $5,000 for the training of a qualified individual in a qualified apprenticeship program. Defines a "qualified individual" as an individual who: (1) is an apprentice participating in a qualified apprenticeship program, (2) has been employed in such a program for a period of at least seven months that ends within the taxable year, and (3) is not a highly compensated employee or a seasonal worker. Defines a "qualified apprenticeship program" as a program that: (1) provides qualified individuals with on-the-job training and instruction for a qualified occupation (i.e., a skilled trade occupation in a high-demand mechanical, technical, health care, or technology field); (2) is registered with the Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor; and (3) maintains records relating to the qualified individual.
 
Allows a premature distribution, without penalty, from a tax-qualified retirement plan to an employee who is serving as a mentor. Defines a &quot;mentor&quot; as a working individual who: (1) has attained age 55; (2) works reduced hours and engages in mentoring activities for at least 20% of such hours; and (3) is responsible for the training and education of employees or students in an area of expertise for which such individual has a professional credential, certificate, or degree. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-11
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2014-09-11
text: Introduced in Senate