hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
COMPETE Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-537
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Business investment and capital
Capital gains tax
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Income tax exclusion
Inflation and prices
Research and development
Securities
Small business
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Tax-exempt organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Competitiveness and Opportunity by Modernizing and Permanently Extending the Tax Credit for Experimentation Act of 2015 or the COMPETE Act of 2015
 
 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for research expenditures, to: (1) increase the rate of such credit to 25% of so much of the taxpayer's qualified research expenses in a taxable year as exceeds 50% of the average expenses for the three preceding taxable years; (2) allow such credit for the basic research expenditures of educational institutions, scientific research organizations, and certain grant organizations; and (3) make such tax credit, as revised by this Act, permanent.
 
Exempts from the definition of "passive activity," for purposes of the passive loss tax rules, any qualified research activity carried on by a high technology research small business pass-thru entity. Defines "high technology research small business pass-thru entity" as any domestic pass-thru entity if: (1) more than 75% of the entity's expenditures are paid or incurred in connection with qualified research, or (2) more than 50% of the entity's expenditures constitute qualified research expenses. Designates a high technology research entity as a small business if it has 250 or fewer full-time employees and does not have aggregate gross assets in excess of $150 million. 
 
Allows tax-exempt financing of research park facilities (facilities used in connection with research and experimentation that are located on the same site and funded with not more than 25% of the net proceeds of the bond issue).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Idaho Safe and Efficient Vehicle Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-538
Sponsor: Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Idaho
Motor carriers
Motor vehicles
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Idaho Safe and Efficient Vehicle Act of 2015

 
 Prohibits application of federal weight limitations to a longer combination vehicle operating on a segment of the Interstate System in Idaho if it: (1) has a gross vehicle weight of 129,000 pounds or less; and (2) complies with certain single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula weight limits. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-539
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Home and outpatient care
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2015

 
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the existing caps on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1076-1077; text of measure as introduced: CR S1077)
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
School Food Modernization Act

Bill: 114-s-540
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Education programs funding
Educational facilities and institutions
Elementary and secondary education
Food assistance and relief
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Government lending and loan guarantees
Nutrition and diet
Poverty and welfare assistance
School administration
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

School Food Modernization Act

 
Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue loan guarantees to local educational agencies (LEAs) or school food authorities administering or operating a school lunch program, tribal organizations, or consortia of such entities to finance the construction, remodeling, or expansion of infrastructure or the purchase of durable equipment that will facilitate their provision of healthy meals through the school lunch program.
 
 Requires USDA to give a preference to applicants that demonstrate a substantial or disproportionate need for food service infrastructure or durable equipment. Prohibits a loan guarantee from covering more than 80% of a loan's principal.
 
Requires USDA to establish fees for the loan guarantee program that: (1) are sufficient to cover the federal government's administrative costs in operating the program, and (2) may be based on the risk premium associated with the particular loan or loan guarantee.
 
Directs USDA to award competitive matching grants to assist LEAs or school food authorities administering or operating a school lunch program, tribal organizations, or consortia of such entities in purchasing the durable equipment and infrastructure they need to serve healthier meals and improve food safety. 
 
Requires USDA to give grant priority to applicants that: (1) have identified and are reasonably expected to meet an unmet local or community need, and (2) are located in states that have enacted funding measures to assist them with such purchases.
 
Prohibits such a grant from covering more than 80% of the total cost of the durable equipment and infrastructure.
 
Directs USDA to award competitive matching grants to experienced third-party training institutions to provide school food service personnel with the training and technical assistance they need to: (1) meet school lunch program nutrition standards, and (2) improve the efficacy and efficiency of the school lunch and breakfast programs.
 
Prohibits such a grant from covering more than 80% of the total cost of the training and technical assistance.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1077)
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
John P. Parker House Study Act

Bill: 114-s-541
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Government studies and investigations
Historic sites and heritage areas
Ohio
Parks, recreation areas, trails

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

John P. Parker House Study Act

 
 Directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the John P. Parker House in Ripley, Ohio, to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing it as a unit of the National Park System. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Counterterrorism Border Security Enhancement Act

Bill: 114-s-542
Sponsor: Sen. Coats, Daniel [R-IN]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Afghanistan
Africa
Asia
Border security and unlawful immigration
Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Department of Homeland Security
Espionage and treason
Europe
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Homeland security
Iraq
Libya
Middle East
Pakistan
Syria
Terrorism
Travel and tourism
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Counterterrorism Border Security Enhancement Act

 
 Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an assessment (which shall focus on the visa waiver program requirements for travelers and program countries) and report to Congress regarding: (1) needed border security and entry procedures improvements in response to homeland threats from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and (2) growing participation by U.S. and European nationals as foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq and in terrorist activity.
 
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the visa waiver program to: (1) expand pre-travel clearance procedures; and (2) increase information-sharing requirements, including suspension of countries not fully cooperating with such requirements.
 
Directs the Department of State to submit a plan to Congress for training consular officers on visa interviewing techniques that emphasizes counterterrorism efforts. 
 
Directs DHS, the State Department, and the Attorney General (DOJ) to submit to Congress a plan for: (1) increasing the scrutiny of U.S. citizens who have recently traveled to Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Libya; and (2) enhancing DOJ and other federal agency capabilities to investigate, arrest, and prosecute U.S. citizens suspected of engaging in terrorist acts or involvement with a terrorist organization. 
 
Authorizes the State Department to revoke and confiscate any passport issued to a U.S. citizen who is suspected of, or who has demonstrated an intent to engage in, terrorist activities. 
 
Amends the federal criminal code to include adherence to terrorist organizations within the definition of "treason."


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-543
Sponsor: Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental regulatory procedures
Federal-Indian relations
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives
Intergovernmental relations
Public participation and lobbying
Research administration and funding
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2015

 
 This bill amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to revise the process of selecting members of the Science Advisory Board, guidelines for participation in Board advisory activities, and terms of office. The Board provides scientific advice to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This bill requires the Board to independently provide that advice. Federally registered lobbyists may not be appointed to the Board.
 
The EPA must provide draft risk or hazard assessments in its regulatory proposals and documents to the Board. The Board's advice and comments must be included in the record regarding any such proposal and published in the Federal Register.
 
The Board's member committees and investigative panels must operate in accordance with the membership, participation, and policy requirements contained in this Act, including new requirements for public participation in advisory activities of the Board. The member committees and investigative panels do not have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board and may not report directly to the EPA. 
The Board must: (1) strive to avoid making policy determinations or recommendations, (2) communicate uncertainties, (3) encourage dissenting members to make their views known, (4) conduct periodic reviews to ensure that its activities address the most important scientific issues affecting the EPA, and (5) respond to Congress fully and in a timely manner. 
 This Act may not be construed as supplanting the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act or the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-20
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 114-38.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Secret Science Reform Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-544
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental regulatory procedures
Government information and archives
Research administration and funding

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Secret Science Reform Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating a covered action unless all scientific and technical information relied on to support such action is the best available science, specifically identified, and publicly available in a manner sufficient for independent analysis and substantial reproduction of research results. A covered action includes a risk, exposure, or hazard assessment, criteria document, standard, limitation, regulation, regulatory impact analysis, or guidance.

action_date: 2015-06-22
text: 

Secret Science Reform Act of 2015

 
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating a covered action unless all scientific and technical information relied on to support such action is the best available science, specifically identified, and publicly available in a manner sufficient for independent analysis and substantial reproduction of research results. A &quot;covered action&quot; includes a risk, exposure, or hazard assessment, criteria document, standard, limitation, regulation, regulatory impact analysis, or guidance.
 
The EPA must carry out the bill in a manner that does not exceed $1 million per fiscal year.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-22
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 124.
action_date: 2015-06-22
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Inhofe with an amendment. With written report No. 114-69. Minority views filed.
action_date: 2015-06-22
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Inhofe with an amendment. With written report No. 114-69. Minority views filed.
action_date: 2015-04-28
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Pay Our Coast Guard Act

Bill: 114-s-545
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Appropriations
Cemeteries and funerals
Coast guard
Department of Homeland Security
Executive agency funding and structure
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Pay Our Coast Guard Act 

 
This bill provides FY2015 appropriations to the Coast Guard for any period during which FY2015 appropriations are not in effect. The appropriations are provided to the Coast Guard for:
 
 
pay and allowances for members of the Coast Guard, civilian employees, and contractors; and
 
 the payment of a death gratuity, funeral travel, and the temporary continuation of the basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty. 
 
 
The appropriations are provided until the enactment of specified appropriations legislation or January 1, 2016. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to clarify that funding for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is not subject to the sequester.

Bill: 114-s-548
Sponsor: Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Appropriations
Budget deficits and national debt
Corporate finance and management
Financial services and investments

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 
Makes any sequestration ordered by the President under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) inapplicable to funding of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Budget.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to clarify that funding for the Securities Investor Protection Corporation is not subject to the sequester.

Bill: 114-s-549
Sponsor: Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Appropriations
Budget deficits and national debt
Financial crises and stabilization
Financial services and investments
Securities

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 
Makes any sequestration ordered by the President under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) inapplicable to funding of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Budget.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to clarify that funding for the standard setting body designated pursuant to section 19(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 is not subject to the sequester.

Bill: 114-s-550
Sponsor: Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Appropriations
Budget deficits and national debt
Financial services and investments
Securities

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 
Makes any sequestration ordered by the President under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) inapplicable to funding of the standard setting body designated by the Securities and Exchange Commission to establish accounting principles &quot;generally accepted&quot; for securities laws.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Budget.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-551
Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Civil actions and liability
Criminal justice information and records
Firearms and explosives
Judicial review and appeals
Licensing and registrations
Terrorism

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015

 
 Amends the federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to deny the transfer of a firearm or the issuance of a firearms or explosives license or permit (or revoke such license or permit) if the Attorney General: (1) determines that the transferee is known (or appropriately suspected) to be engaged in terrorism or has provided material support or resources for terrorism, and (2) has a reasonable belief that the transferee may use a firearm in connection with terrorism. Allows any individual whose firearms or explosives license application has been denied to bring legal action to challenge the denial. 
 
Extends the prohibition against the sale or distribution of firearms or explosives to include individuals whom the Attorney General has determined to be engaged in terrorist activities. Imposes criminal penalties on individuals engaged in terrorist activities who smuggle or knowingly bring firearms into the United States.
 
Authorizes the Attorney General to withhold information in firearms and explosives license denial revocation lawsuits and from employers if the Attorney General determines that the disclosure of such information would likely compromise national security.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1077-1078)
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Small Business Investment Capital Company Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-552
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Government lending and loan guarantees
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Small Business Investment Company Capital Act of 2015

 
 Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase from $225 million to $350 million the maximum amount of outstanding leverage to be made available by the Small Business Administration to two or more commonly controlled small business investment companies not under capital impairment.

action_date: 2015-06-10
text: 

Small Business Investment Company Capital Act of 2015

 
 (Sec. 2) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase from $225 million to $350 million the maximum amount of outstanding leverage to be made available by the Small Business Administration to two or more commonly controlled small business investment companies not under capital impairment.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-05-26
text: By Senator Vitter from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 114-265.
action_date: 2016-05-26
text: By Senator Vitter from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 114-265.
action_date: 2015-06-10
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 104.
action_date: 2015-06-10
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Vitter with an amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2015-06-10
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Vitter with an amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2015-04-23
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1078)
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-554
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2015-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Appropriations
Employee leave
Executive agency funding and structure
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: 

Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act of 2015 

 
This bill requires federal employees furloughed or required to work due to a lapse in appropriations beginning on February 28, 2015, to be compensated after the lapse in appropriations ends. Employees required to work during the lapse in appropriations are permitted to use leave. The bill addresses a lapse in appropriations scheduled to begin after continuing FY2015 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security expire on February 27, 2015. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2015-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate