hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Skills First Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1281
Sponsor: Rep. Carney, John C., Jr. [D-DE-At Large]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Employment and training programs
Poverty and welfare assistance
Vocational and technical education

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Skills First Act of 2015

 
This bill amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to increase from 12 to 36 the number of months of vocational educational training that may be counted as a work activity.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-04-29
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.
action_date: 2015-03-27
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1282
Sponsor: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Civil actions and liability
Mammals
Motor carriers
Motor vehicles
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2015 

 
 Prohibits a person from transporting a horse in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle (except a vehicle operated exclusively on rail or rails) containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another. Prescribes civil penalties for persons who knowingly violate such prohibition.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E310)
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Songwriter Equity Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1283
Sponsor: Rep. Collins, Doug [R-GA-9]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Contracts and agency
Intellectual property
Judges
Music
Sound recording

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Songwriter Equity Act of 2015

 
Amends federal copyright law regarding the exclusive rights of sound recording copyright owners to remove a provision that prohibits license fees payable for the public performance of sound recordings, by means of a digital audio transmission, from being taken into account in any administrative, judicial, or other governmental proceeding to set or adjust the royalties payable to copyright owners of musical works for the public performance of their works.
 
Requires Copyright Royalty Judges (CRJs), when setting royalty rates under the compulsory license available for the reproduction and distribution of musical works (commonly referred to as a "mechanical license"), to establish rates and terms that most clearly represent the rates and terms that would have been negotiated in the marketplace between a willing buyer and seller.
 
Requires CRJs, in establishing such rates and terms, to base their decision on marketplace, economic, and use information presented by the participants. Allows consideration of comparable uses and circumstances under voluntary license agreements. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-31
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Saving America's Pollinators Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1284
Sponsor: Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-13]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Agricultural conservation and pollution
Animal and plant health
Birds
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Forests, forestry, trees
Government information and archives
Grain
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Horticulture and plants
Insects
Licensing and registrations
Mammals
Pest management

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Saving America's Pollinators Act of 2015

 
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to suspend the registration of members of the nitro group of neonicotinoid insecticides that are registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use in seed treatment, soil application, or foliar treatment on bee-attractive plants, trees, and cereals until the EPA determines that the insecticides will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on pollinators. The determination must be based on: 
 
 
an evaluation of the published and peer-reviewed scientific evidence on whether the use or uses of those neonicotinoids cause unreasonable adverse effects on pollinators, including native bees, honeybees, birds, bats, and other species of beneficial insects; and
 
 a completed field study that meets the criteria required by the EPA and evaluates residues, chronic low-dose exposure, and cumulative effects of multiple chemical exposures.
 
 
The EPA may not issue new registrations of the neonicotinoid pesticides for any seed treatment, soil application, and foliar treatment on bee-attractive plants, trees, and cereals under FIFRA until it has made the determination with respect to the insecticide.
 
For purposes of protecting and ensuring the long-term viability of native bees and other pollinators, the Department of the Interior must: (1) regularly monitor the health and population status of native bees, (2) identify the scope and likely causes of unusual native bee mortality, and (3) submit to Congress and make public an annual report on the health and population status of native bees.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-23
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Eliminating the Hidden Student Loan Tax Act

Bill: 114-hr-1285
Sponsor: Rep. Davis, Susan A. [D-CA-53]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Government lending and loan guarantees
Higher education
Student aid and college costs
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Eliminating the Hidden Student Loan Tax Act

 
Expresses the sense of Congress that no origination fees should be charged on any future loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program. (Origination fees are the fees lenders charge for processing new loan applications.)
 
Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal the Secretary of Education's authority to charge an origination fee on a Direct Loan first disbursed, or, in the case of a Direct Consolidation Loan, for which an application is received, on or after July 1, 2015.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-04-29
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Child Tax Credit Permanency Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1286
Sponsor: Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Income tax credits
Inflation and prices
Tax treatment of families

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Child Tax Credit Permanency Act of 2015 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the child tax credit, to: (1) adjust the earned income threshold for determining the amount of the refundable portion of such credit, and (2) provide for an inflation adjustment to the $1,000 credit amount for calendar years after 2013. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1287
Sponsor: Rep. DeSantis, Ron [R-FL-6]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Education programs funding
Employment and training programs
Government lending and loan guarantees
Higher education
Licensing and registrations
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2015

 
Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make the following entities, programs, and courses eligible for funding under title IV if they are accredited by an authorized accreditation authority in a state that has an alternative accreditation agreement with the Secretary of Education: 
 
 
 institutions that provide postsecondary courses; 
 
 postsecondary apprenticeship programs; and 
 
 postsecondary education courses or programs provided by institutions of postsecondary education, nonprofit organizations, or for-profit organizations or businesses.
 
 
Lists the items to be included in a state's alternative accreditation agreement with the Secretary, including the standards those entities, programs, and courses must meet to receive and maintain their accreditation.
 
Requires that agreement to include the state's assurance that only entities, programs, and courses that provide credits toward a postsecondary certification, credential, or degree (as defined by the state in the agreement) will be accredited.
 
Establishes the formula for determining the administrative cost allowance for: (1) the entities, programs, and courses that are accredited through the alternative accreditation system and that administer the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs in accordance with the agreement; and (2) states that will administer those programs for such entities, programs, and courses in accordance with the agreement.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-04-29
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act

Bill: 114-hr-1288
Sponsor: Rep. Butterfield, G. K. [D-NC-1]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Cemeteries and funerals
Conflicts and wars
Government information and archives
Marine and inland water transportation
Military personnel and dependents
National Guard and reserves
Personnel records
Transportation employees
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' organizations and recognition
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act

 
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept additional documentation for verifying that an individual performed honorable service as a coastwise merchant seaman during the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires such documentation to include Social Security Administration records and validated testimony in the case of the absence of Coast Guard shipping or discharge forms, ship logbooks, documents, or other official employment records.
 
Requires the Secretary, when determining whether to recognize service allegedly performed during such period, to recognize masters of seagoing vessels or other command officers who were authorized to document an individual for purposes of hiring for or discharging from the merchant marine.
 
Considers any service so recognized as active-duty service for purposes of veterans' burial benefits. Makes such veterans eligible for any appropriate military medals, ribbons, and decorations. Requires the Secretary to verify that an individual performed such service under honorable conditions without regard to their sex, age, or disability during the service period.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-13
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2015-03-19
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
To provide for a study by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies on the impact of diverting certain freight rail traffic to avoid urban areas, and for other purposes.

Bill: 114-hr-1290
Sponsor: Rep. Ellison, Keith [D-MN-5]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Oil and gas
Railroads
Transportation programs funding
Transportation safety and security
Urban and suburban affairs and development

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make appropriate arrangements with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council to study the cost and impact of rerouting freight rail traffic of hazardous material to avoid its transportation through urban areas.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1291
Sponsor: Rep. Esty, Elizabeth H. [D-CT-5]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Accidents
Department of Transportation
Emergency communications systems
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Railroads
Roads and highways
Transportation employees
Transportation programs funding
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act of 2015 

 
This bill authorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 for the highway safety improvement program, with $50 million set aside for each fiscal year for the Railway-Highway Crossings Program.
 
The limitation to three states per year is eliminated, so all states now become eligible for the award of Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety improvement grants to develop or continue enhanced public education and awareness activities, in combination with targeted law enforcement, to reduce traffic law violations at highway-rail grade crossings, as well as to prevent and reduce injuries and fatalities along railroad rights-of-way. The limitation on grant amounts awarded to a state is increased from $250,000 to $2.5 million.
 
Eligibility requirements are revised for the award of capital grants to states under the rail line relocation and improvement program.
 
Increased appropriations under the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 are authorized for FY2016-FY2019 for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to make grants to the Operation Lifesaver program. 
 
The FRA shall hire:
 
 
 16 full-time grade crossing safety managers to work with state and local officials to identify safety improvements to highway-rail grade crossings; and 
 
8 trespass prevention managers to work with local governments, schools, businesses, and railroads to develop site-specific mitigation plans.
 
 
The Secretary of Transportation shall study the feasibility of requiring railroad carriers to provide additional means for the public to report problems at highway-rail grade crossings, including via the Internet and text messaging.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
action_date: 2015-03-05
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act

Bill: 114-hr-1292
Sponsor: Rep. Fortenberry, Jeff [R-NE-1]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Disability assistance
Military facilities and property
Retail and wholesale trades
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act

 
Permits a veteran with any compensable service-connected disability (and the veteran's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-13
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act

Bill: 114-hr-1293
Sponsor: Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Disability and paralysis
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Family services
Health care quality
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Homelessness and emergency shelter
Housing and community development funding
Housing supply and affordability
Mental health
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act

 
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to design national strategies and implement programs to address chronic homelessness.
 
To promote an end to chronic homelessness, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to provide:
 
 
mental health services;
 
substance use disorder treatment;
 
integrated, coordinated treatment for co-occurring disorders;
 
health education;
 
services designed to help individuals and families make progress toward self-sufficiency; and
 
other supportive services that promote an end to chronic homelessness.
 
 
Priority for grants is given to applicants that target services to individuals and families who have experienced more homelessness, use more public emergency care, or have a history with the criminal justice system.
 Grantees must: (1) contribute matching funds, (2) not spend more than 20% of a grant providing services to recipients who are not chronically homeless, and (3) annually report specific performance outcomes to HHS.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-06
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E307-308)
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-1294
Sponsor: Rep. Hinojosa, Ruben [D-TX-15]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Department of Veterans Affairs
Health facilities and institutions
Hospital care
Texas
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

Meeting the Inpatient Health Care Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act of 2015

 
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) to ensure that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a full-service VA inpatient health care facility; and (2) if needed, to modify the existing facility to meet this requirement.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-19
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
No Amnesty Tax Refunds For Illegals Act

Bill: 114-hr-1298
Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3]
Introduced: 2015-03-04 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Border security and unlawful immigration
Department of the Treasury
Foreign labor
Government information and archives
Immigration status and procedures
Income tax credits
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Poverty and welfare assistance
Social security and elderly assistance
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: 

No Amnesty Tax Refunds for Illegals Act
 
 
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the earned income tax credit to a taxpayer to whom a social security number was issued after the close of the taxable year for which such credit is being claimed, unless the taxpayer can demonstrate citizenship or lawful presence in the United States and eligibility for such social security number in such taxable year. Requires tax return preparers to obtain from such a taxpayer social security and immigration status information relating to eligibility for such credit. Requires the Social Security Administration to maintain records of each social security account number issued to any individual who receives a grant of deferred action on removal pursuant to current Department of Homeland Security guidelines. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Introduced in House