hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Securing Access to Rural Postal Services Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1885
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3]
Introduced: 2015-04-16 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Government buildings, facilities, and property
Government studies and investigations
Postal service
Public participation and lobbying
Rural conditions and development
U.S. Postal Service

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: 

Securing Access to Rural Postal Services Act of 2015

 
Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), in any calendar year, from closing, consolidating, or suspending the operations of more than 5% of the postal facilities operating as of the first day of such calendar year and that were within specified cost ascertainment groupings as of June 23, 2011, except as specifically authorized by law.
 
Defines "postal facility" as a post office, post office branch, post office classified station, or other facility operated by the USPS, the primary function of which is to provide retail postal services.
 
Requires the USPS to conduct nonbinding surveys on proposed post office closings or consolidations to allow customers an opportunity to indicate their preference between or among such a closing or consolidation and one or more alternative options. Directs the USPS, if such a closure or consolidation is necessary, to provide access to postal services through the alternative preferred by survey participants and, if the preferred alternative is unable to be provided or is cost prohibitive, permits the USPS to provide alternative access through different means and requires the USPS to notify customers with a written explanation.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Introduced in House
To amend section 1341 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to repeal the funding mechanism for the transitional reinsurance program in the individual market, and for other purposes.

Bill: 114-hr-1886
Sponsor: Rep. Tiberi, Patrick J. [R-OH-12]
Introduced: 2015-04-16 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Comprehensive health care
Congressional oversight
Employee benefits and pensions
Government studies and investigations
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: 
This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to eliminate the funding mechanism for the transitional reinsurance program. Currently, issuers of individual, group, and self-funded plans are required to pay a fee in 2014, 2015, and 2016 to fund the three-year transitional reinsurance program. Under the transitional reinsurance program, non-grandfathered individual market plans that enroll high-cost individuals are eligible for reinsurance payments. This bill eliminates the requirement for issuers to pay a fee in 2015 and 2016. Instead, it authorizes appropriations for the program.
 
This bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to audit 2014 expenditures under the transitional reinsurance program. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-04-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Introduced in House
Fluke Fairness Act

Bill: 114-hr-1888
Sponsor: Rep. Zeldin, Lee M. [R-NY-1]
Introduced: 2015-04-16 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Atlantic Ocean
Congressional oversight
Fishes
Government studies and investigations
Hunting and fishing
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: 

Fluke Fairness Act 

 
This bill directs the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to submit for approval by the Department of Commerce a modified fishery management plan for the commercial and recreational management of summer flounder, or an amendment to the plan, that:
 
 
 is based on the best scientific information available; 
 
 reflects changes in the distribution, abundance, and location of summer flounder in establishing distribution of the commercial and recreational catch quotas; 
 
 considers regional, coastwide, or other management measures that comply with national standards under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; and 
 
 prohibits the allocation of catch quotas on a state-by-state basis using historical landings data that does not reflect the status of the summer flounder stock, based on the most recent scientific information. 
 
 
Commerce must prepare and approve a plan if the Council fails to submit the modifications or amendments.
 
The Government Accountability Office must assess and report on whether the subsequent implementation of the approved plan or amendment complies with national standards.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Introduced in House
For the relief of Roberto Luis Dunoyer Mejia, Consuelo Cardona Molina, Camilo Dunoyer Cardona, and Pablo Dunoyer Cardona.

Bill: 114-hr-1889
Sponsor: Rep. Hunter, Duncan D. [R-CA-50]
Introduced: 2015-04-16 in the House
Subjects: Private Legislation

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Provides for the relief of Roberto Luis Dunoyer Mejia, Consuelo Cardona Molina, Camilo Dunoyer Cardona, and Pablo Dunoyer Cardona.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-16
text: Introduced in House
Protecting American Jobs Act

Bill: 114-hr-1893
Sponsor: Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8]
Introduced: 2015-04-17 in the House
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Civil actions and liability
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Labor-management relations
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-17
text: 

Protecting American Jobs Act

 
 Amends the National Labor Relations Act to repeal the authority of the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board to issue, and prosecute before the Board, complaints with respect to unfair labor practices.
 
Repeals the prohibition against: (1) review of an administrative law judge's report by any person other than a Board member or legal assistant; and (2) advice to or consultation with the Board by an administrative law judge with respect to exceptions taken to his or her findings, rulings, or recommendations.
 
Limits the Board's rulemaking authority to rules concerning the internal functions of the Board. Prohibits the Board from promulgating rules that affect the substantive rights of a person, employer, employee, or labor organization.
 
Revises Board powers to grant it the authority to investigate unfair labor practices, but repeals its power to prevent any person from engaging in them.
 
Repeals the Board's power to issue a complaint against a person charging an unfair labor practice. Allows an aggrieved party to bring a civil action for relief (including injunctions) in U.S. district court or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in cases where it appears that a person has engaged, is engaging, or is about to engage in an unfair labor practice.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-11-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2015-04-17
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
action_date: 2015-04-17
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-17
text: Introduced in House
To authorize the extension of preferential tariff treatment for certain textile goods imported from Morocco.

Bill: 114-hr-1894
Sponsor: Rep. Carney, John C., Jr. [D-DE-At Large]
Introduced: 2015-04-20 in the House
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Africa
Morocco
Tariffs

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-20
text: 
This bill amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend for 2016 through 2025 duty-free treatment of certain textile goods imported into the United States from Morocco. 
 
Annual quantitative limitations are prescribed for the preferential tariff treatment of such goods imported into the United States during that period.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-04-29
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
action_date: 2015-04-20
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-04-20
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-20
text: Introduced in House
Florida Coastal Protection Act

Bill: 114-hr-1895
Sponsor: Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14]
Introduced: 2015-04-20 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Florida
Gulf of Mexico
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Oil and gas

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-20
text: 

Florida Coastal Protection Act

 
This bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from offering any tract located in the following areas for either oil and gas leasing or preleasing: 
 
 
 the Eastern Gulf of Mexico that is referred to in the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, 
 
 the portion of the South Atlantic Planning Area south of 30 degrees 43 minutes North Latitude, or 
 
 the Straits of Florida Planning Area.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
action_date: 2015-04-20
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-04-20
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-20
text: Introduced in House
To amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to make technical corrections to law governing grazing permits and leases on National Forest System lands.

Bill: 114-hr-1897
Sponsor: Rep. Hice, Jody B. [R-GA-10]
Introduced: 2015-04-21 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Forests, forestry, trees
Land use and conservation
Licensing and registrations
Livestock

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: 
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to apply certain requirements for permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing on National Forest System lands issued by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) regardless of where located. 
 
Requires the terms and conditions in a grazing permit or lease that has been waived to be continued under a new permit or lease until the Department of the Interior (respecting public lands) or USDA completes any environmental analysis and documentation for an allotment management plan required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and other applicable laws. 
 
Allows the categorical exclusion of an allotment management plan by Interior or USDA from the requirement to prepare an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement under NEPA if: (1) the issued allotment management plan continues the current grazing management of the allotment, and (2) the Department concerned has assessed and evaluated the grazing allotment associated with such management plan. 
 
(A &quot;categorical exclusion&quot; under NEPA is a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal agency in implementing environmental regulations and for which, therefore, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is required.) 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
action_date: 2015-05-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1899
Sponsor: Rep. Lawrence, Brenda L. [D-MI-14]
Introduced: 2015-04-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Disability and paralysis
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: 

Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2015

 
Extends to all veterans with a serious service-connected injury the eligibility to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs program of comprehensive assistance to family caregivers of such veterans. (Under current law, such eligibility is limited to those veterans who incurred such an injury on or after September 11, 2001.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1900
Sponsor: Rep. Lawrence, Brenda L. [D-MI-14]
Introduced: 2015-04-21 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Agricultural research
Aquaculture
Aquatic ecology
Congressional committees
Congressional officers and employees
Congressional oversight
Department of Commerce
Education programs funding
Executive agency funding and structure
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Great Lakes
Higher education
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marine and inland water transportation
Research administration and funding
Science and engineering education
Seafood
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: 

National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 

 
 This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program.
 
The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA may give fellowships. Those fellowships support graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches.
 
 NOAA must give priority placement of those fellows placed in the legislative branch in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. NOAA must attempt to ensure that placements are equitably distributed among political parties.
 
NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant College Program. 
 
The bill authorizes through FY2020 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2020 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding, and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant College Program's strategic plan.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
PTC Elimination Act

Bill: 114-hr-1901
Sponsor: Rep. Marchant, Kenny [R-TX-24]
Introduced: 2015-04-21 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Corporate finance and management
Electric power generation and transmission
Income tax credits
Income tax rates

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: 

PTC Elimination Act 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to phase out and eventually eliminate the tax credit for production of electricity from renewable resources. The bill repeals the inflation adjustment for current recipients of the tax credit and modifies the &quot;beginning of construction&quot; requirement to require that construction of an eligible project is continuous and makes significant progress. The credit is repealed in its entirety after December 31, 2025. 
 
The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the credit should be allowed to expire and should not be extended beyond its expiration date. 
 
The bill also reduces the corporate income tax by an applicable percentage based on increases in revenues resulting from this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-04-30
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2671)
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
Protect Our Public Lands Act

Bill: 114-hr-1902
Sponsor: Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Introduced: 2015-04-21 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: General public lands matters
Land use and conservation
Oil and gas

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: 
 
Protect Our Public Lands Act 

 
This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require a lease on public land for developing deposits of coal, petroleum, natural gas, and other hydrocarbons to prohibit a lessee from conducting hydraulic fracturing activity under the lease. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the geological formation. The bill excludes from hydraulic fracturing any enhanced secondary recovery, including water flooding, tertiary recovery, and other types of well stimulation operations.
 
The bill is applicable only upon the renewal or adjustment of a lease.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to eliminate the consumptive demand exception to prohibition on importation of goods made with convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor, and for other purposes.

Bill: 114-hr-1903
Sponsor: Rep. Kind, Ron [D-WI-3]
Introduced: 2015-04-21 in the House
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Labor standards
Trade restrictions
Youth employment and child labor

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: 
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to eliminate the consumptive demand exception to the prohibition on the importation of goods made with convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act

Bill: 114-hr-1904
Sponsor: Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-17]
Introduced: 2015-04-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Allied health services
Congressional oversight
Disability and paralysis
Education programs funding
Health technology, devices, supplies
Medical education
Medical research
Military medicine
Research administration and funding
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: 

Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act

 
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to eligible institutions to: (1) establish a master's or doctoral degree program in orthotics and prosthetics, or (2) expand upon an existing master's degree program in such area. Requires a grant priority for institutions in partnership with a medical center administered by the VA or a facility administered by the Department of Defense. Provides grant amounts of at least $1 million and up to $1.5 million. Defines as eligible institutions those either accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education or demonstrating an ability to meet such accreditation requirements if receiving a grant.
 
Requires the Secretary to award a grant to an institution with orthotic and prosthetic research and education experience to: (1) establish the Center of Excellence in Orthotic and Prosthetic Education; and (2) improve orthotic and prosthetic outcomes for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and civilians by conducting orthotic and prosthetic-based research.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-11-17
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2015-05-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act

Bill: 114-hr-1905
Sponsor: Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-17]
Introduced: 2015-04-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Aging
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Disability and paralysis
Materials
Medical research
Military medicine
Neurological disorders
Research administration and funding
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: 

Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act

 
Directs the Secretary of Defense to award grants to carry out research for the advancement of orthotic and prosthetic clinical care for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and civilians who have undergone amputation, traumatic brain injury, and other serious physical injury as a result of combat or military experience. 
 
Includes under such research the prevention of amputations, orthotic and prosthetic intervention, and orthotics and prosthetic materials and technology research.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-13
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-04-21
text: Introduced in House