hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1480
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Introduced: 2015-06-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional elections
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Public participation and lobbying

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: 

Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2015 

 
 Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to declare that, for purposes of dollar limits on contributions, any bundled contribution forwarded by a currently registered lobbyist or a political committee established or controlled by one to an authorized committee of a candidate, a leadership political action committee, or a political party committee shall be treated as both a contribution made by the person forwarding it and as a contribution made by the contributor.
 
Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to revise the definition of "lobbyist" with respect to its exemption from coverage of certain individuals whose lobbying activities constitute less than 20% of the time engaged in the services provided to a client over a 3-month period. Extends the 3-month period into a 2-year period.
 
Amends FECA to prohibit House of Representatives and Senate candidates, Members, Senators, their agents, or any entities directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by or acting on behalf of one or more of them from soliciting funds from any registered lobbyist in connection with an election to the House or Senate during any period in which the chamber is in session (excluding adjournments or recesses for 10 calendar days or longer).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Urban Flooding Awareness Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1481
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2015-06-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Disaster relief and insurance
Floods and storm protection
Government studies and investigations
Public-private cooperation
Urban and suburban affairs and development
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: 

Urban Flooding Awareness Act of 2015

 
Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study on urban flooding.
 
Defines "urban flooding" as the inundation of property in a built environment, particularly in more densely populated areas, caused by rain falling on increased amounts of impervious surface and overwhelming the capacity of drainage systems. Requires the primary focus of the study to be on urban areas outside of special flood hazard areas.
 
Directs the NAS to evaluate the latest research, laws, regulations, policies, best practices, procedures, and institutional knowledge regarding urban flooding. Requires the study to include an examination of:
 
 
the prevalence of and costs associated with urban flooding events across the United States, with a focus on the largest metropolitan areas and trends in frequency and severity over the past two decades; 
 
the adequacy of federally provided flood risk information and the most cost-effective methods and products to characterize the risk of property damage from urban flooding on a property-by-property basis; 
 
the potential for training and certifying local experts in flood risk characterization as a service to property purchasers and owners; 
 
the causes of urban flooding and its apparent increase; 
 
the most cost-effective strategies, practices, technologies, policies, standards, or rules used to reduce the impacts of urban flooding; 
 
the role of the federal and state governments in spurring market innovations based on public-private-nonprofit partnerships; 
 
the most sustainable and effective methods for funding flood risk and flood damage reduction at all levels of government; 
 
the relevance of the National Flood Insurance Program and Community Rating System to urban flooding areas outside traditional flood plains and strategies for improving compliance, broadening coverage, and increasing participation under the Program; 
 
strategies for protecting communities in the lower elevations of a watershed or drainage area from the flooding impacts of development in upstream communities; 
 
cost-effective strategies for reducing infiltration/inflow into combined and separate sewer systems; and 
 
opportunities to increase coordination between stormwater management programming under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and flood risk management and mitigation programming under various laws. 



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3674; text of measure as introduced: CR S3458-3459)
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Introduced in Senate
James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act

Bill: 114-s-1483
Sponsor: Sen. Alexander, Lamar [R-TN]
Introduced: 2015-06-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Government studies and investigations
Historic sites and heritage areas
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Tennessee

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: 

James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act

 
This bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the James K. Polk Home and adjacent property in Columbia, Tennessee. 
 
In conducting this study Interior shall evaluate the national significance of the site and determine the suitability and feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System.

action_date: 2015-09-09
text: 

James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act

 
(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the James K. Polk Home and adjacent property in Columbia, Tennessee. 
 
In conducting this study Interior shall evaluate the national significance of the site and determine the suitability and feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-09-09
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 216.
action_date: 2015-09-09
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment. With written report No. 114-136.
action_date: 2015-09-09
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment. With written report No. 114-136.
action_date: 2015-07-30
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
action_date: 2015-06-10
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 114-338.
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Water Efficiency Innovation Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1485
Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Introduced: 2015-06-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Energy efficiency and conservation
Environmental technology
Higher education
Industrial facilities
Industrial policy and productivity
Manufacturing
Solid waste and recycling
Water quality
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: 

Water Efficiency Innovation Act of 2015

 
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to expand its Industrial Assessment Centers program to: (1) provide assessment services to water and wastewater treatment facilities comparable to those for other energy efficiency improvements, and (2) equip the centers with the training and tools necessary to provide technical assistance on energy savings to those facilities.
 
A center is located at an institution of higher education that: (1) receives funding from DOE; (2) provides an in-depth assessment of small- and medium-sized manufacturer plant sites to evaluate the facilities, services, and manufacturing operations of the plant sites; and (3) identifies opportunities for potential savings for those sites from energy efficiency improvements, waste minimization, pollution prevention, and productivity improvement. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act

Bill: 114-s-1486
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2015-06-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Disability and paralysis
Employee benefits and pensions
Employee hiring
Employment and training programs
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Interest, dividends, interest rates
Labor standards
Taxation of foreign income
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: 

Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act
 
 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a Patriot employer a business-related tax credit for up to 10% of the first $15,000 of wages paid to any employee in a taxable year. Sets forth criteria for designation as a Patriot employer, including requirements that such employer: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States and does not expatriate to avoid payment of U.S. income taxes, (2) complies with the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage to its employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (3) compensates at least 90% of its employees at a level that is 156% of the federal poverty level for a family of three and provides 90% of its employees with a basic level of retirement benefits, (4) provides for differential wage payments to its employees who are members of the Uniformed Services, and (5) increases the number of its employees performing substantially all of their services inside the United States to offset the number of employees who work outside the United States. 
 
Sets forth a rule for the deferral of the tax deduction for foreign-related interest expense.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3641; text of measure as introduced: CR S3459-3461)
action_date: 2015-06-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Regulatory Predictability for Business Growth Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1487
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2015-06-03 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: 

Regulatory Predictability for Business Growth Act of 2015

 
This bill adds the definitions of "longstanding interpretative rule" and "revise" to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). A longstanding interpretative rule is distinguished from an "interpretative rule" if it has been in effect for at least one year. If a rule is a longstanding interpretative rule, it remains subject to the general notice of proposed rulemaking and comment and publication provisions of the APA. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR CR S3680-3681)
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Introduced in Senate
Part D Beneficiary Appeals Fairness Act

Bill: 114-s-1488
Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL]
Introduced: 2015-06-03 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Medicare
Prescription drugs

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: 

Part D Beneficiary Appeals Fairness Act 

 
 Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, with respect to a prescription drug plan (PDP) that provides for any tiered cost-sharing within a formulary (including a structure that provides for different co-payment or coinsurance amounts for drugs in different tiers included within the formulary), to authorize a Medicare part D eligible individual enrolled in the plan to request an exception to the tiered cost-sharing structure.
 
States that in no case may the Secretary of Health and Human Services allow a PDP sponsor to make any element of the tiered cost-sharing structure (including a tier used for very high cost or unique items) ineligible for lower-cost sharing through an exception.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Introduced in Senate
Cuban Military Transparency Act

Bill: 114-s-1489
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2015-06-03 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Caribbean area
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Cuba
Currency
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
International organizations and cooperation
Latin America
Trade restrictions
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: 

Cuban Military Transparency Act

 
This bill prohibits a U.S. person from engaging in any financial transaction with or transfer of funds to: 
 
 
the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba or the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba (or any of their subdivisions); 
 
 a senior member of such Ministries;
 
any agency, instrumentality, or other entity that is more than 25% owned, or that is operated or controlled by, such a Ministry; or 
 
any individual or entity for the purpose of avoiding a prohibited financial transaction or transfer of funds that is for the benefit of that individual or entity.
 
 
Such prohibitions shall not apply to: 
 
 
the sale to Cuba of agricultural commodities, medicines, and medical devices;
 
a remittance to an immediate family member; or 
 
assistance in furtherance of democracy-building efforts for Cuba. 
 
 
A person that violates or attempts to violate such prohibitions shall be subject to specified penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
 
The Department of State rewards program under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 shall include rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual responsible for or aiding in the February 1996 attack on the aircraft of U.S. persons in international waters by the Cuban military.
 
The Attorney General shall seek to coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to pursue the location and arrest of U.S. fugitives in Cuba, including current and former members of the Cuban military. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Introduced in Senate
Children's Recovery from Trauma Act

Bill: 114-s-1494
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2015-06-03 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Child health
Domestic violence and child abuse
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health information and medical records
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Medical research
Mental health
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: 

Children's Recovery from Trauma Act

 
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support programs that provide for the continued operation of the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI) and for research on evidence-based practices for identifying and treating children and youth with mental, behavioral, and biological disorders resulting from witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.
 
HHS must award a cooperative agreement to a comprehensive national coordinating center to oversee NCTSI activities.
 The NCTSI coordinating center must: (1) collect, analyze, and report data to establish the effectiveness of early identification and delivery of treatment and services; (2) focus on the development of services and resources to prevent the long-term consequences of child trauma; (3) collaborate with federal research institutions; and (4) collaborate with HHS in the dissemination of evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions, treatments, products, and other resources.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3681)
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Introduced in Senate
Ensuring Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act

Bill: 114-s-1496
Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Introduced: 2015-06-03 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Department of Veterans Affairs
Employee performance
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives
Personnel records

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: 

Ensuring Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Accountability Act

 
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to retain in a VA employee's permanent record a copy of any reprimand or admonishment received by such an employee.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to exempt the Indian Health Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and certain other programs for Indians from sequestration.

Bill: 114-s-1497
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2015-06-03 in the Senate
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Appropriations
Budget deficits and national debt
Executive agency funding and structure
Health facilities and institutions
Health programs administration and funding
Indian social and development programs
Minority health

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: 
This bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to exempt Indian health facilities and services, programs administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and programs under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 from sequestration. Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Budget.
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to require that military working dogs be retired in the United States, and for other purposes.

Bill: 114-s-1498
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2015-06-03 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Mammals
Service animals

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: 
This bill requires that a military working dog be retired in the United States, except when a U.S. citizen living abroad adopts the dog at the time of retirement.
 
Amounts available to the military department concerned shall be available for such dog's transport to the United States for retirement.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3681; text of measure as introduced: CR S3681)
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Introduced in Senate
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Safety Technology Investment Flexibility Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1499
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2015-06-03 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Motor vehicles
Roads and highways
Telephone and wireless communication
Transportation programs funding
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: 

Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Safety Technology Investment Flexibility Act of 2015

 
This bill makes eligible for funding under the National Highway Performance Program, the Surface Transportation Program, and the Highway Safety Improvement Program projects for the installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment.
 
&quot;Vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment&quot; means equipment that provides a wireless exchange of critical safety and operational data between highway infrastructure and vehicles in order to avoid or mitigate vehicle collisions and enable a wide range of other safety, mobility, and environmental benefits.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2015-06-03
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to James Megellas, formerly of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and currently of Colleyville, Texas, for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Bill: 114-s-1502
Sponsor: Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI]
Introduced: 2015-06-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Belgium
Conflicts and wars
Congressional tributes
Europe
Military history
Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-04
text: 
Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2015-06-04
text: Introduced in Senate
Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1503
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2015-06-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Health information and medical records
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medical education
Medical research
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Public contracts and procurement
Research administration and funding
Scientific communication

Summary:
action_date: 2015-06-04
text: 

Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2015

 
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee to advise HHS on how to: (1) ensure coordination with other federal agencies, private organizations, and constituency groups regarding efforts to address Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases; (2) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is considered in public health policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is based on the best available science; and (3) advise federal agencies on priorities related to tick-borne diseases.
 
HHS must coordinate federal activities related to tick-borne diseases and conduct or support activities related to tick-borne diseases, including:
 
 
developing diagnostic tools and tests,
 
improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic tests,
 
surveillance and reporting,
 
providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information,
 
increasing public education,
 
creating a physician education program on the latest research and treatment options for Lyme disease,
 
research on tick repellents and strategies for the control of ticks,
 
exploring the potential for vaccines,
 
establishing epidemiological research objectives, and
 
determining the effectiveness of different treatments. 
 
 
HHS must report on scientific conferences that cost the federal government more than $100,000 and address tick-borne diseases.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2015-06-04
text: Introduced in Senate