hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Audiology Patient Choice Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-2519
Sponsor: Rep. Jenkins, Lynn [R-KS-2]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health personnel
Hearing, speech, and vision care
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Audiology Patient Choice Act of 2015

 
 Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the coverage of audiology services to treat as physicians qualified audiologists authorized by the state and acting within the scope of their licenses to furnish such services.
 
Enables Medicare beneficiaries to choose a qualified audiologist without regard to any requirement to be under the care of (or referred by) a physician or other health care practitioner, or that services be provided under the supervision of a physician or other health care practitioner.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-05-22
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
Distillery Innovation and Excise Tax Reform Act

Bill: 114-hr-2520
Sponsor: Rep. Young, Todd [R-IN-9]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Alcoholic beverages
Sales and excise taxes

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Distillery Innovation and Excise Tax Reform Act of 2015 

 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the excise tax rate on distilled spirits produced in or imported into the United States from $13.50 to $9.00 per proof gallon and to $2.70 on the first 100,000 proof gallons. Makes the $2.70 per proof gallon rate applicable to a specified controlled group of corporations that is a distilled spirits operation. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
REAL Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-2521
Sponsor: Rep. Edwards, Donna F. [D-MD-4]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Education programs funding
Higher education
Sex offenses
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Restoring Education And Learning Act of 2015 or the REAL Act of 2015

 
This bill amends title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the provision that prohibits Pell Grant eligibility for individuals incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution and for sex offenders subject to civil commitment following incarceration. 
 
This amendment takes effect in academic year 2015-2016. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-11-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E776)
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to award grants for the provision of furniture, household items, and other assistance to homeless veterans to facilitate their transition into permanent housing, and for other purposes.

Bill: 114-hr-2522
Sponsor: Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Housing and community development funding
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a three-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to veterans service agencies, veterans service organizations, and nongovernmental tax-exempt organizations with experience assisting veterans or the homeless to provide veterans who are receiving specified VA homeless benefits with furniture, household items, and other assistance to facilitate their settlement into permanent housing.
 
Requires the Secretary to: (1) give grant priority to applicants who serve communities that have the greatest need of homeless services, and (2) inform veterans of their eligibility to receive benefits under the pilot program.
 
Caps the amount of each grant and the amount of each grant that a grantee may use to provide benefits to an individual veteran.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
Support Our Start-Ups Act

Bill: 114-hr-2524
Sponsor: Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Income tax deductions
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Support Our Start-Ups Act 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax deduction for new business expenditures to organizational expenditures, generally defined as expenditures incident to the creation of a corporation or a partnership.
 
The bill also increases the maximum deduction amount for start-up and organizational expenditures from $5,000 to $20,000 and increases from $50,000 to $120,000 the threshold amount after which the maximum deduction amount for such expenditures is reduced. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
Hero Street USA Commemorative Coin Act

Bill: 114-hr-2525
Sponsor: Rep. Bustos, Cheri [D-IL-17]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Currency
Illinois
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Hero Street USA Commemorative Coin Act
 
 
This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins emblematic of Hero Street (in Silvis, Illinois) in the following amounts in commemoration of the semi-centennial of the naming of Hero Street: (1) 50,000 $5 gold coins, (2) 400,000 $1 silver coins, and (3) 750,000 half-dollar clad coins. 
 
Coins may be issued only between January 1 and December 31, 2018. 
 
There must be surcharges of: (1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin, (2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin, and (3) $5 per coin for the half-dollar coin, all to be paid to implement the Wounded Warrior Project. 
 
The Treasury must act to ensure that coin minting and issuance do not result in any net cost to the federal government.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
Black Box Privacy Protection Act

Bill: 114-hr-2526
Sponsor: Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-7]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Computers and information technology
Consumer affairs
Motor vehicles
Right of privacy

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Black Box Privacy Protection Act

 
Amends the Automobile Information Disclosure Act to require manufacturers of new automobiles to disclose on the information label affixed to the window of the automobile: (1) the presence and location of an event data recorder (commonly referred to as a &quot;black box&quot;), (2) the type of information recorded and how such information is recorded, and (3) that the recording may be used in a law enforcement proceeding.
 
Sets forth similar requirements for motorcycle manufacturers. 
 
Defines &quot;event data recorder&quot; as any device or means of technology installed in an automobile that records information such as automobile or motorcycle speed, seatbelt use, application of brakes, or other information pertinent to the operation of the automobile or motorcycle.
 
Prohibits the manufacture, sale, offering for sale, or import into the United States of an automobile manufactured after 2015 (bearing a model year of 2016 or later) that is equipped with an event data recorder, unless the consumer can control the recording of information. Makes violators liable to the U.S. government for a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation with a maximum penalty of $35 million for a related series of violations. 
 
Requires the event data recorder in an automobile or motorcycle, and any data recorded, to be considered the property of the owner of the automobile or motorcycle. Makes the retrieval or downloading of recorded data by any other person unlawful, except: (1) with the owner's consent, (2) in response to a court order, or (3) by a dealer or automotive technician to service the vehicle. 
 
Requires certain violations to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-22
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7802 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, New York, as the "Jeanne Sobelson Manford Post Office Building".

Bill: 114-hr-2527
Sponsor: Rep. Crowley, Joseph [D-NY-14]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Government buildings, facilities, and property
New York City
Postal service

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7802 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, New York, as the "Jeanne Sobelson Manford Post Office Building."

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
EARLY Act

Bill: 114-hr-2528
Sponsor: Rep. Davis, Susan A. [D-CA-53]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Family relationships
Preschool education
School administration
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Expanded Access to Real Learning for our Young Act or the EARLY Act

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Education to award competitive grants to states to carry out full-day prekindergarten programs.
 
The programs must: 
 
 
be located at public schools, if practicable, or otherwise carried out by private or other community providers;
 
permit parents, regardless of income, to voluntary enroll their four-year old children in the programs and do so at no cost if their combined income does not exceed 400% of the poverty line;
 
be full-day programs that run the length of the regular school year;
 
maintain a maximum class size of 20 children, with at least 1 prekindergarten teacher per classroom;
 
ensure that the ratio of children to prekindergarten teachers and teacher aides does not exceed 10 to 1;
 
be taught by teachers who are paid a salary comparable to kindergarten through grade 12 teachers at the state's public schools; and
 
meet a minimum level of parental engagement set by the state. 

 
Grant priority shall be given to states that carry out the programs at public schools.
 
The federal share of a grant may not exceed 75% of the prekindergarten program's costs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-11-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
Reducing food-based Inorganic Compounds Exposure Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-2529
Sponsor: Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Child health
Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Grain
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Reducing food-based Inorganic Compounds Exposure Act of 2015 or the RICE Act

 
This bill directs the Food and Drug Administration to promulgate a final regulation establishing the minimum quantity of inorganic arsenic contained in rice or a rice product that will cause sale of the rice or rice product to be prohibited.
 
The regulation must: (1) apply the minimum quantity to rice and rice products regardless of the origin of the arsenic, (2) include the establishment of tolerances, and (3) establish a standard for inorganic arsenic that is based on the maximum achievable reduction in health risks and is protective of the long-term health of children.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-22
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-2530
Sponsor: Rep. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL-8]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Child health
Disability and paralysis
Right of privacy
Transportation programs funding
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2015

 
This bill authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve a grant application for an airport development project only if the Secretary receives written assurances that the owner or operator of a large or medium hub airport will maintain a lactation area at each passenger terminal building of the airport behind the airport security screening area.
 
The bill defines &quot;lactation area&quot; to mean a room or other location in a commercial service airport for members of the public to express breast milk that: 
 
 
 is shielded from view and free from intrusion from the public; 
 
 has a door that can be locked; 
 
 includes a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet; 
 
 is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and 
 
 is not located in a restroom.
 
 
The Secretary may approve a terminal development project for the construction or installation of a lactation area at a commercial service airport.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-22
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
Military Spouses Achieving College Education for Survivors Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-2531
Sponsor: Rep. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL-8]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Higher education
Military personnel and dependents
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Military Spouses Achieving College Education for Survivors Act of 2015 or ACES Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to deem any member of the Armed Forces who died between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2005, to have died on January 1, 2006, in order to make that member's surviving spouse eligible for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry scholarship. (Surviving spouses of service members who die in the line of duty after September 11, 2001, are eligible for such assistance until the earlier of the date they remarry or the date that is 15 years after the military spouse's death.) 
 
 A surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who died between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2005, who elected before enactment of this Act to receive educational benefits under the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Frye program may revoke such choice. (Such an election is currently irrevocable.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
To amend the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 relating to local guard contracts abroad under the diplomatic security program, and for other purposes.

Bill: 114-hr-2533
Sponsor: Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Law enforcement officers
Protection of officials
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 
This bill amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to: 
 
 
authorize the Secretary of State to award a local guard contract abroad under the diplomatic security program on the basis of best value (as determined by a cost-technical trade off analysis); and 
 
report to Congress for each such contract providing the basis for the award and an explanation of the inability to satisfy the Department of State's needs by technically acceptable, lowest price evaluation award.



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
SCAN Act

Bill: 114-hr-2534
Sponsor: Rep. Hahn, Janice [D-CA-44]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Government studies and investigations
Marine and inland water transportation
Navigation, waterways, harbors
Performance measurement
Technology assessment
Terrorism
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Scan Containers Absolutely Now Act or the SCAN Act

 
 Amends the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to: 
 
 
 conduct a one-year pilot program at two domestic ports to evaluate the process of 100% scanning of cargo containers and its potential for use at all domestic ports, 
 
 achieve a full-scale implementation of the program within one year after enactment of this Act, and 
 
 evaluate and report on such program within one year after program completion.
 
 
Requires the Secretary to: 
 
 
 acquire the equipment necessary to conduct the pilot program, 
 
 make information about the equipment available to domestic ports as part of the application process, and 
 
 permit such equipment to remain with the selected ports upon completion of the program. 
 
 
Authorizes the Secretary to purchase or lease equipment for, as well as contract for performance of scanning of cargo under, the program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-05-21
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.
action_date: 2016-05-21
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E776)
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
SERVE Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-2535
Sponsor: Rep. Hanna, Richard L. [R-NY-22]
Introduced: 2015-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Emergency medical services and trauma care
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Income tax credits
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: 

Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts Act of 2015 or the SERVE Act of 2015 

 
 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer who is a bona fide volunteer of a qualified volunteer emergency response organization a $1,000 refundable tax credit. Requires such individual to: (1) have served as a bona fide volunteer performing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, and ambulance services for more than six months in a taxable year; (2) have provided more than 40 hours of such services actively engaged in the prevention, control, or extinguishment of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk; or (3) have been stationed on the premises of an emergency response organization in anticipation of being actively engaged in providing such services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-05-21
text: Introduced in House