hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Rural Disaster Recovery Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3388
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2016-09-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: 

Rural Disaster Recovery Act of 2016

 
This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, if a state has in effect an individual assistance program that meets specified criteria, to increase to 100%, with respect to a major disaster, the federal share of financial assistance provided to individuals and households in that state to address needs other than housing. 
 
To receive such increased federal share, the state must develop and implement such a program that authorizes the state to provide financial assistance and necessary direct services to individuals who, as a direct result of a major disaster or an event that does not trigger a major disaster declaration, have necessary expenses and serious needs they are unable to meet otherwise. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall publish minimum eligibility criteria for such a program.
 
The bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to: (1) authorize appropriations for emergency food and shelter grants, and for disaster supplemental food and shelter grants, for FY2017; and (2) require FEMA to award a grant for the full amount that Congress makes available for the Federal Emergency Management Food and Shelter Program to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board for the purpose of providing disaster supplemental food and shelter grants to needy individuals through private nonprofit organizations and local governments. Eligibility requirements for such grants are specified.
 
The Farm Service Agency shall: (1) amend the regulations promulgated pursuant to the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 relating to the emergency conservation program to limit the maximum amount of payments made per person or legal entity per natural disaster for carrying out wind erosion control or rehabilitation measures or for carrying out water conservation or water enhancing measures to $500,000, and (2) initiate a rule making to amend the regulations promulgated to carry out the emergency conservation program to account for the challenges posed by the increase in frequency and intensity of wildland fires.
 
 The Natural Resources Conservation Service shall establish a two-year pilot program for the administration of the emergency watershed protection program in jurisdictions within areas for which the President declared a major disaster to extend deadlines, as specified, for submitting applications and the provision of amounts under the program.
 
The President may provide hazard mitigation assistance in any area in which fire management assistance is provided.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Introduced in Senate
State Retirement Savings Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3389
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced: 2016-09-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: 

State Retirement Savings Act of 2016 

 
This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to authorize and establish requirements for: (1) state-sponsored multiple employer retirement plans, and (2) state-managed payroll deduction savings programs that provide individual retirement plans. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Introduced in Senate
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3390
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2016-09-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Area studies and international education
Education programs funding
Higher education
International exchange and broadcasting

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: 

Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2016

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Education to award grants to institutions of higher education under the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program for encouraging: (1) undergraduate students to study abroad, (2) greater diversity of students studying abroad, and (3) greater diversity in study abroad destinations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6040-6042; text of measure as introduced: CR S6041-6042)
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Introduced in Senate
Museum and Library Services Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3391
Sponsor: Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
Introduced: 2016-09-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Arts, Culture, Religion

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: 

Museum and Library Services Act of 2016

 
This bill makes amendments to and reauthorizes the Museum and Library Services Act. 
 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the 21st Century Museum Professional Program established by this bill, may enter into arrangements, including grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and other forms of assistance, with museum, museum consortia and associations, institutions of higher education, and other entities that are determined appropriate, for projects that further the bill's purposes, such as projects that:
 
 
increase the number of students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds enrolled in graduate and undergraduate museum-related programs, as well as other relevant programs offered through other education-focused entities;
 
recruit future museum professionals from such backgrounds;
 
develop new or enhance current professional development and retention programs for museum professionals and the museum workforce; and 
 
support and conduct research, needs assessments, pilot programs, and evaluation of education and professional development programs to explore approaches that can successfully recruit, prepare, educate, and retain the next generation of museum professionals. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6042-6043)
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Introduced in Senate
Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3392
Sponsor: Sen. Isakson, Johnny [R-GA]
Introduced: 2016-09-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Department of Health and Human Services
Government information and archives
Medicare
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: 

Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2016

 
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the process by which Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) issue and reconsider local coverage determinations (LCDs) that: (1) are new, (2) restrict or substantively revise existing LCDs, or (3) are otherwise specified in regulation. (MACs are private insurers that process Medicare claims within specified geographic areas.)
 
Before such an LCD may take effect, the MAC issuing the determination must, with respect to each geographic area to which the determination applies:
 
 
publish online a proposed version of the determination and other specified, related information; 
 
convene one or more public meetings to review the draft determination, receive comments, and secure the advice of an expert panel; 
 
post online a record of the minutes from each such meeting; 
 
provide a period for submission of written public comments; and 
 
post online specified information related to the rationale for the final determination.

 
Upon the filing of an applicable request by an interested party with regard to the reconsideration of a specified LCD, the MAC that issued the determination shall:
 
 
provide specified information related to whether the determination failed to correctly apply qualifying relevant evidence, exceeds the scope of its intended purpose, fails to apply as intended, or is otherwise erroneous; 
 
preserve the determination, modify the determination, or rescind the determination in part; and 
 
make publicly available a written description of such action.

 
An interested party may appeal a reconsideration decision to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
 
CMS shall appoint a Medicare Reviews and Appeals Ombudsman to carry out specified duties with regard to LCDs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2016-09-22
text: Introduced in Senate
No Explosives or Arms for Terrorists and Criminals Act

Bill: 114-s-3393
Sponsor: Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]
Introduced: 2016-09-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-26
text: 

No Explosives or Arms for Terrorists and Criminals Act

 
This bill amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibition on transferring a firearm knowing that the firearm will be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime.
 
Specifically, it broadens the scope of the prohibition to bar the transfer or receipt of a firearm, or the attempt or conspiracy to do so, knowing or reasonably believing that the firearm will be used to commit a crime of violence, a drug trafficking crime, or a federal crime of terrorism. It increases from 10 to 15 years the maximum prison term for a violator.
 
Additionally, the bill adds a new provision to prohibit the transfer of an explosive precursor (i.e., a chemical substance used to make explosive material) knowing or reasonably believing that that the explosive precursor will be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. It imposes penalties&#8212;a fine, a 10-year maximum prison term, or both&#8212;on a person who violates, or attempts or conspires to violate, the prohibition.
 
 Finally, the bill imposes penalties&#8212;a fine, a 10-year maximum prison term, or both&#8212;on a person who conspires or attempts to transfer explosive materials knowing or reasonably believing that the explosive materials will be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2016-09-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Department of Energy Whistleblower Accountability Act

Bill: 114-s-3394
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2016-09-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-26
text: 

Department of Energy Whistleblower Accountability Act

 
This bill amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to address whistle-blower protections for Department of Energy employees.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2016-09-26
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require an Air Force report on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) contamination at certain military installations and require reparation for identified contaminated sites and affected areas.

Bill: 114-s-3396
Sponsor: Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2016-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: 
This bill requires the Department of the Air Force, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to report on perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonates contamination at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, Plattsburgh, Hoosick Falls, and Petersburgh, New York, and any other appropriate sites. 
 
The report shall include: 
 
 
an accelerated time line and status on the inspection and cleanup at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, Plattsburgh, Hoosick Falls, and Petersburgh; 
 
an update on Air Force efforts to notify everyone potentially impacted by the contamination; 
 
an assessment of the Air Force's role, if any, in the new contaminations; 
 
a summary of Air Force support for the EPA regarding the latest contaminations; and 
 
a proposal requiring financial compensation for cleanup, water accessibility interim programs, and water source filtration initiatives in the event the Air Force is responsible for the contamination.
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Taiwan Travel Act

Bill: 114-s-3397
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2016-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Federal officials
Taiwan
Travel and tourism

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: 

Taiwan Travel Act

 
This bill states that it should be U.S. policy to permit: 
 
 
officials at all levels of the U.S. government to travel to Taiwan to meet their Taiwanese counterparts; 
 
high-level Taiwanese officials to enter the United States under respectful conditions and to meet with U.S. officials; and 
 
 the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, and any other instrumentality established by Taiwan, to conduct business in the United States. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
HUD Inspection Process and Enforcement Reform Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3398
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2016-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Housing and Community Development
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Congressional oversight
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Employee performance
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Housing and community development funding
Housing industry and standards
Low- and moderate-income housing
Merit Systems Protection Board

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: 

HUD Inspection Process and Enforcement Reform Act of 2016

 
This bill allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to remove certain HUD employees from civil service or to reduce their grade or pay for misconduct or performance. HUD employees may challenge a removal or reduction in grade or pay by filing an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board. 
 
This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require an entity receiving section 8 housing assistance payments under a payment contract to: (1) maintain decent, safe, and sanitary conditions for dwelling units covered under such payment contract; and (2) comply with any standards under applicable state or local laws, rules, ordinances, or regulations relating to the physical condition of the dwelling units. HUD must, under certain conditions, take enforcement actions for violations of dwelling-unit physical condition standards.
 
HUD may provide tenant-based assistance for dwelling units covered under a section 8 payment contract if: (1) the dwelling units' owner has received a Notice of Default; or (2) the units pose an imminent health and safety risk to tenants. A Notice of Default cites deficiencies in the physical condition of a section 8 dwelling unit and provides a specified period of time for correction of such deficiencies. 
 
HUD must issue a publicly available report on its website regarding Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) inspections of all properties assisted, insured, or both, under a HUD program.
 
The Government Accountability Office must issue a report on its website regarding such REAC inspection areas that should be reformed and improved.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Transparency in Student Lending Act

Bill: 114-s-3399
Sponsor: Sen. Kirk, Mark Steven [R-IL]
Introduced: 2016-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Higher education
Interest, dividends, interest rates
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: 

Transparency in Student Lending Act

 
This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand disclosure requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in the Direct Loan program. Specifically, it requires an IHE to disclose, prior to disbursement, the annual percentage rate applicable to a Direct Loan. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3400
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2016-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Military command and structure
Military operations and strategy
Nuclear weapons
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: 

Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2016 

 
This bill prohibits the President from using the Armed Forces to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless such strike is conducted pursuant to a congressional declaration of war expressly authorizing such strike. 
 
&quot;First-use nuclear strike&quot; means a nuclear weapons attack against an enemy that is conducted without the President determining that the enemy has first launched a nuclear strike against the United States or a U.S. ally.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Improving Veterans Care in the Community Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3401
Sponsor: Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Introduced: 2016-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: 

Improving Veterans Care in the Community Act of 2016

 
This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should remain the primary means by which eligible veterans access health care, and (2) the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) needs a simple tool by which it can send veterans into the community to receive health care when appropriate.
 
The bill establishes the Care in the Community Program to furnish specified hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans through certain individuals and entities, including through the use of contracts or agreements. 
 
The VA shall: (1) administer the program through its Non-VA Care Coordination Program, and (2) establish an interdisciplinary panel to assist in developing a new clinical appeals process for resolving VA health care disputes.
 
The Government Accountability Office shall report on: (1) clinical operations of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), (2) the VA travel benefits program, (3) management of the VA's Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, and (4) payment by the VA for health care furnished to veterans through non-VA health care providers.
 
The bill repeals specified authorities for emergency treatment reimbursement and contracts for care in non-VA facilities.
 
The bill establishes in the VHA a Payment and Access Commission, which shall: (1) review and make recommendations to Congress regarding VHA policies and regulations affecting veterans health care access, including topics affected by the Care in the Community Program; and (2) create an early-warning system to identify provider shortage areas.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3402
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2016-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Consumer affairs
Consumer credit
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Government information and archives
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Marketing and advertising
State and local government operations
Travel and tourism

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: 

Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2016

 
This bill prohibits third party online hotel reservation sellers from charging a consumer's credit card or financial accounts in an Internet transaction for a hotel unless they disclose: (1) a description of the offered good or service, the cost, and other material terms before the conclusion of the transaction; (2) that the third party seller is not affiliated with the person who owns or provides the hotel services or accommodations and is not an exhibition organizer, a meeting planner, or the official housing bureau for an event at the hotel; and (3) the brand identity of the third party both online and over the phone.
 
The bill provides authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and states to enforce against violations. 
 
The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that the FTC should revise its website to make it easier for consumers and businesses to report complaints of deceptive practices with respect to online booking of hotel reservations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6141-6142; text of measure as introduced: CR S6141-6142)
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Serving our Rural Veterans Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-3403
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced: 2016-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Alaska
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Education programs funding
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Indian social and development programs
Medical education
Minority health
Montana
Rural conditions and development
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: 

Serving our Rural Veterans Act of 2016

 
This bill authorizes payment by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the costs associated with service by Veterans Health Administration medical residents and interns at facilities operated by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or the Indian Health Service (covered facilities).
 
The bill requires the VA to carry out a pilot program to establish graduate medical education residency training programs at such facilities that have an existing reimbursement agreement with the VA under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and that are located in rural or remote areas, including at one facility in each of Alaska and Montana. The VA shall reimburse each covered facility participating in the program for costs of:
 
 
curriculum development; 
 
recruitment, training, and retention of residents and faculty;
 
accreditation of programs of education;
 
faculty salaries; and
 
certain other expenses relating to providing medical education under the program.
 
 
Each medical resident who participates in the program must agree to two years of obligated service at a covered facility or a VA facility for each year in the program. A program participant who fails to satisfy the period of obligated service shall be liable to the United States for prorated portion of the amount paid for program participation.
 
A medical resident who participates in the program shall be eligible for participation in the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2016-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate