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

Bill: 114-hr-4136
Sponsor: Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]
Introduced: 2015-11-30 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Aquatic ecology
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental health
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marine pollution
Outdoor recreation
Seashores and lakeshores
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2015-11-30
text: 

Beach Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise and reauthorize through FY2020 a grant program for monitoring, and notifying the public of, any pathogens in coastal recreation waters bordering public beaches.
 
The bill reauthorizes through FY2018 the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000.
 
The bill establishes requirements with respect to: (1) using rapid testing methods to detect unsafe levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators in those waters, and (2) notifying governmental agencies when pathogens exceed water quality standards. Those methods must provide testing results within four hours of receiving a sample. Communication with governments must occur within two hours of the receipt of the results of water quality samples.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must assess state and local compliance with coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification legal requirements and grant conditions. The bill limits federal support of grants to non-compliant state or local governments. The Government Accountability Office must review the EPA's compliance assessments and corrective actions.
 
States with coastal recreation waters must adopt the most protective water quality criteria and standards practicable for pathogens.
 
The EPA must: (1) update the national list of beaches that are used by the public regardless of the presence of a lifeguard within 12 months and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically); (2) study the long-term impact of climate change on pathogenic contamination of coastal recreation waters; and (3) study the impacts of excess nutrients on coastal recreation waters.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
action_date: 2015-11-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2015-11-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-11-30
text: Introduced in House
To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Simeon Booker in recognition of his achievements in the field of journalism, including reporting during the Civil Rights movement, as well as social and political commentary.

Bill: 114-hr-4137
Sponsor: Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
Introduced: 2015-11-30 in the House
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Subjects: Congressional tributes
News media and reporting
Racial and ethnic relations

Summary:
action_date: 2015-11-30
text: 
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Simeon Saunders Booker, Jr., in recognition of his achievements in the field of journalism, including his reporting during the civil rights movement and his social and political commentary.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-11-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
action_date: 2015-11-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-11-30
text: Introduced in House
To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recoup relocation expenses paid to or on behalf of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Bill: 114-hr-4138
Sponsor: Rep. Miller, Jeff [R-FL-1]
Introduced: 2015-12-01 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Department of Veterans Affairs
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Transportation costs

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: 
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to direct a VA employee to repay all or part of the transferee relocation expenses paid to the employee if: (1) the VA determines such repayment is appropriate, and (2) the employee is afforded notice and opportunity for a hearing conducted by another federal department or agency before repayment.
 
 A decision regarding employee repayment shall be final and may not be reviewed by any department, agency, or court.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-05-18
text: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 4.
action_date: 2016-05-18
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2016-05-11
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by the Yeas and Nays: 5 - 3 .
action_date: 2016-05-11
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2016-04-14
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2015-12-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 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: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 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: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 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: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
Tax Return Preparer Competency Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-4141
Sponsor: Rep. Black, Diane [R-TN-6]
Introduced: 2015-12-01 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Business education
Business ethics
Department of the Treasury
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government information and archives
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: 

Tax Return Preparer Competency Act of 2015 

 
This bill grants the Department of the Treasury authority to regulate the practice of tax return preparers and to sanction preparers for incompetency or misconduct. The bill also imposes minimum competency standards for tax return prepares and requires Treasury to make publicly available a database identifying qualified tax return preparers. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
Displaced Jobs Relief Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-4142
Sponsor: Rep. Aguilar, Pete [D-CA-31]
Introduced: 2015-12-01 in the House
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Department of Commerce
Executive agency funding and structure
Trade adjustment assistance

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: 

Displaced Jobs Relief Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 to increase from $16 million to $50 million the authorization of appropriations for each of FY2016 through FY2021 to the Department of Commerce for trade adjustment assistance for firms.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H8870)
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study of, and report to the Congress on, secure gun storage or safety devices.

Bill: 114-hr-4145
Sponsor: Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-16]
Introduced: 2015-12-01 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Accidents
Congressional oversight
Firearms and explosives
Government studies and investigations
Product safety and quality
Technology assessment

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: 
This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study that examines: (1) the effectiveness of secure gun storage or safety devices, and (2) enforcement of a federal criminal code provision that prohibits a licensed gun dealer from selling or transferring a handgun without also providing a secure gun storage or safety device for the handgun. 
 
The GAO must report results and recommendations to Congress within one year of enactment. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-01-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
To authorize the Secretary of Education to provide grants for education programs on the history of the treatment of Italian Americans during World War II.

Bill: 114-hr-4146
Sponsor: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19]
Introduced: 2015-12-01 in the House
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Subjects: Conflicts and wars
Education programs funding
Europe
Italy
Racial and ethnic relations
U.S. history

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: 
This bill authorizes the Department of Education to provide grants for public awareness education programs on the history of the treatment of Italian Americans during World War II. 
 
In awarding such grants, priority shall be given to Italian American historical and cultural organizations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
To apologize for the treatment of Italian Americans during World War II.

Bill: 114-hr-4147
Sponsor: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19]
Introduced: 2015-12-01 in the House
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Subjects: Conflicts and wars
Constitution and constitutional amendments
Europe
First Amendment rights
Italy
Racial and ethnic relations
U.S. history

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: 
This bill declares that Congress apologizes on behalf of the nation for violations of the civil liberties and constitutional rights of Italian Americans during World War II.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-01-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-4148
Sponsor: Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12]
Introduced: 2015-12-01 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Foreign aid and international relief
International Affairs
International organizations and cooperation
Sex and reproductive health
World health

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: 

Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2015 

 
This bill authorizes the President to provide assistance, including through international organizations, national governments, and international and local nongovernmental organizations, to: (1) address the social and health issues that lead to obstetric fistula, and (2) support treatment of obstetric fistula.
 
Obstetric fistula occurs when a woman who is experiencing prolonged, obstructed labor and needs trained medical assistance for a safe delivery, usually a cesarean section, cannot get it. 
Such assistance shall promote the coordination facilitated by the International Obstetric Fistula Working Group.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1686-1687)
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act

Bill: 114-hr-4149
Sponsor: Rep. Rice, Tom [R-SC-7]
Introduced: 2015-12-01 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Land use and conservation
Legal fees and court costs
Licensing and registrations
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Solid waste and recycling
Water quality
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: 

Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act

 
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise requirements concerning citizen suits. Litigation costs (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) must be awarded to the prevailing party, thus the bill removes a court's discretion to award the fees. A prevailing party is defined as the party that prevails on more than half of the claims at issue.
 
The bill repeals the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny or restrict the use of any area as a disposal site for dredged or fill material when the discharge of such materials would have an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas.
 
Current law requires compensatory mitigation to replace the loss of aquatic resource functions in a watershed when a permit to discharge dredged or fill materials into navigable waters has unavoidable impacts on aquatic resources. This bill prohibits government entities from carrying out compensatory mitigation in excess of existing regulatory requirements. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-01
text: Introduced in House
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-4152
Sponsor: Rep. Olson, Pete [R-TX-22]
Introduced: 2015-12-02 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Civil actions and liability
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health care quality
Health technology, devices, supplies

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: 

Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to expand immunity from civil liability related to automated external defibrillator devices (AEDs), including by giving immunity to: (1) a person who owns, occupies, or manages the premises from which an AED is taken or at which an AED is used; and (2) the owner of an AED for any harm resulting from the use of the AED, unless the harm was caused by the failure of the owner to properly maintain the AED.
 
This immunity applies regardless of whether: (1) the AED is marked with cautionary signage or registered with any government; or (2) the person who used the AED complied with signage, had received training on use of the AED, or was assisted or supervised, including by a licensed physician.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
Educating to Prevent Eating Disorders Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-4153
Sponsor: Rep. Ellmers, Renee L. [R-NC-2]
Introduced: 2015-12-02 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Child health
Digestive and metabolic diseases
Education programs funding
Elementary and secondary education
Government information and archives
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Mental health
Nutrition and diet

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: 

Educating to Prevent Eating Disorders Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to establish a pilot program to provide students with interventions for eating disorders. Under this pilot program, grants must be awarded to schools that serve students in grades 6-8 and need a nurse trained in recognizing and responding to eating disorders.
 Schools must use these grants to develop best practices for health care providers to assess, recognize, and respond to students with eating disorders and to hire a health care provider to: (1) follow these best practices, (2) provide information and seminars on eating disorders to teachers and parents, and (3) otherwise serve as a full time health care provider for the school.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
Taiwan Naval Support Act

Bill: 114-hr-4154
Sponsor: Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-30]
Introduced: 2015-12-02 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
Congressional oversight
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
Taiwan

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: 

Taiwan Naval Support Act

 
This bill directs the President to submit to Congress a time frame for the transfer of certain naval vessels to Taiwan.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-09
text: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2015-12-09
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act of 2015

Bill: 114-hr-4155
Sponsor: Rep. Black, Diane [R-TN-6]
Introduced: 2015-12-02 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health technology, devices, supplies
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: 

Telehealth Innovation and Improvement Act of 2015

 
This bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish: (1) a telehealth service model, and (2) Medicare payment rules with respect to certain services tested under the model.
 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall test Medicare coverage of expanded telehealth services, as defined by the bill, in conjunction with existing models that test the use of accountable care organizations, bundled payments, and other coordinated care models under Medicare. CMS must: (1) establish a methodology for determining the amounts of payment for such services, and (2) provide for evaluations of the service model by an independent entity.
 
CMS shall expand the application of a service tested under the model if: (1) the required evaluation demonstrates that the service either reduced Medicare spending without reducing the quality of care or improved the quality of care without increasing spending, and (2) the Chief Actuary of CMS certifies that such expansion would reduce net program spending. A service that meets these requirements is defined by the bill as a "certified enhanced telehealth service."
 
Medicare payment for a certified enhanced telehealth service shall equal 80% of the lesser of: (1) the actual charge for the service, or (2) the amount determined using the payment methodology established under the test model. 
 
CMS shall pay for such services without regard to a Medicare beneficiary's location or area of residence.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
HUBZone Equity Act

Bill: 114-hr-4156
Sponsor: Rep. Cárdenas, Tony [D-CA-29]
Introduced: 2015-12-02 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Economic development
Foreign labor
Immigration status and procedures
Public contracts and procurement
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: 

HUBZone Equity Act

 
This bill amends the Small Business Act to redefine &quot;Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business concern&quot; as a small business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens (as under current law) or lawful permanent residents of the United States.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-12-02
text: Introduced in House