hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Expressing support for the designation of October 23 as a national day of remembrance of the tragic 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

Bill: 114-hres-950
Sponsor: Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5]
Introduced: 2016-12-07 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays
Crime victims
International Affairs
Lebanon
Middle East
Military facilities and property
Military operations and strategy
Military personnel and dependents
Terrorism

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-07
text: 
Expresses support for the designation of a national day of remembrance for members of the Armed Forces who were killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the U.S. Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-07
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2016-12-07
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-12-07
text: Introduced in House
Denouncing the wrongful and unjust seizure and confiscation of private property of Iranians both inside and outside of Iran, including United States citizens of Iranian descent, by the Government of Iran.

Bill: 114-hres-951
Sponsor: Rep. Royce, Edward R. [R-CA-39]
Introduced: 2016-12-08 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: 
Denounces the wrongful and unjust seizure and confiscation of private property of Iranians both inside and outside of Iran, including U.S. citizens of Iranian descent, by the government of Iran. Calls on such government to provide fair, comprehensive, and nondiscriminatory restitution of, or compensation for, all such property.
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
Recognizing the immense contributions of Congressman Michael M. Honda throughout his tenure in Congress.

Bill: 114-hres-952
Sponsor: Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-27]
Introduced: 2016-12-08 in the House
Policy area: Congress

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: 
Recognizes the dedication and immense contributions of Congressman Michael M. Honda throughout his career to his constituents and the United States.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
Recognizing the 68th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the celebration of "Human Rights Day".

Bill: 114-hres-953
Sponsor: Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47]
Introduced: 2016-12-08 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays
Human rights
International law and treaties
Political movements and philosophies
Rule of law and government transparency

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: 
Recognizes the 68th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the celebration of Human Rights Day.
 
Supports the ideals of human rights and reaffirms the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 
 Encourages all nations to continue working towards freedom, peace, and security which can be achieved only through democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
Congratulating the Chicago Cubs on winning the 2016 Major League Baseball World Series.

Bill: 114-hres-954
Sponsor: Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]
Introduced: 2016-12-08 in the House
Policy area: Sports and Recreation

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: 
Congratulates the Chicago Cubs on their league-best regular season and 2016 Major League Baseball World Series Championship.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the progress of peace and justice, accountability, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka after 26 years of a debilitating armed conflict, and support for inclusive development and a strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Sri Lanka.

Bill: 114-hres-955
Sponsor: Rep. Salmon, Matt [R-AZ-5]
Introduced: 2016-12-08 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: 
Commends: (1) the people of Sri Lanka for their commitment to democracy, and (2) President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe for their commitment to peace and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans.
 
 Calls on the government of Sri Lanka to fulfill the commitments it has made to all communities, ethnicities, and religions and its commitments under United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/30/L.29.
 
Expresses support for:
 
 
Sri Lanka's continuing efforts to rid the country of land mines; 
 
the normalization of the military presence of Sri Lanka; 
 
 the Sri Lankan government's efforts to provide a peace dividend to the people of Sri Lanka, including by advancing accountability, reconciliation, devolution of power, broad-based economic development, and further integrating the Sri Lankan economy into the global trading system; and 
 
U.S. assistance in the development of Sri Lanka.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-12-08
text: Introduced in House
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Phil Smith.

Bill: 114-hres-956
Sponsor: Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20]
Introduced: 2016-12-20 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Florida
Neurological disorders
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-20
text: 
Honors the life and accomplishments of Phil Smith.
 
Offers condolences to Phil Smith's family and friends.
 Commends Phil Smith's philanthropic efforts and recognizes his impact on South Florida.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-20
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2016-12-20
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-12-20
text: Introduced in House
Disapproving of President Obama and his administration's refusal to veto the anti-Israel resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council on December 23, 2016.

Bill: 114-hres-957
Sponsor: Rep. Ross, Dennis A. [R-FL-15]
Introduced: 2016-12-30 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Alliances
Arab-Israeli relations
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Israel
Middle East
Palestinians
United Nations

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-30
text: 
Disapproves of: (1) United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted on December 23, 2016; and (2) President Obama and his administration's failure to veto such resolution. (The resolution reaffirms that settlements established by Israel in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, constitute a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to a two-state solution and comprehensive peace.)
 
Calls for the U.S. government to oppose and veto Security Council resolutions that are one-sided and anti-Israel.
 
Affirms the commitment of the House of Representatives: (1) to Israel, and (2) to work with future Presidents to strengthen the U.S. alliance with Israel.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2016-12-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-12-30
text: Introduced in House
A bill to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to James C. McCloughan for acts of valor during the Vietnam War.

Bill: 114-s-2
Sponsor: Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
Introduced: 2016-11-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: 
This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to James C. McCloughan for acts of valor during the Vietnam War for which he was previously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with &quot;V&quot; Device. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Creating Opportunities for Rural Economic Expansion Act

Bill: 114-s-3
Sponsor: Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
Introduced: 2016-11-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Coal
Economic development
Housing and community development funding
Income tax credits
Mining
Unemployment

Summary:
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: 

Creating Opportunities for Rural Economic Expansion Act or the CORE Act 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require at least 5% of the new markets tax credit limitation to be allocated to community development entities in connection with certain investments, financial counseling, and other services in distressed coal communities. 
 
A &quot;distressed coal community&quot; is any low-income community located in a county that: (1) was one of the 30 counties with the biggest employment decrease among coal operators over a specified time period; or (2) is contiguous to a county that has the required decrease in employment, is located in the same state, and contains at least one low-income community. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Protecting Access to Diabetes Supplies Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-4
Sponsor: Sen. Coats, Daniel [R-IN]
Introduced: 2016-11-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Digestive and metabolic diseases
Health technology, devices, supplies
Medicare
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2016-11-16
text: 

Protecting Access to Diabetes Supplies Act of 2016

 
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions relating to Medicare's competitive acquisition program (through which rates are set through a competitive bidding program rather than by an established fee schedule) with respect to diabetic testing strips. Specifically, the bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to:
 
 
use specified data to determine whether a bid satisfies certain requirements related to volume of coverage with respect to such products, 
 
reject a bid if the bidder does not demonstrate its ability to furnish such products in a manner consistent with its bid, and 
 
establish a process to monitor the extent to which an entity continues to cover the product types included in its bid.

 
CMS may terminate a contract if it determines that an entity, for reasons other than product discontinuation or market-wide shortage, fails to maintain ready access to such products included its bid.
 
In addition, the bill specifies that an entity furnishing such products to beneficiaries under the program: (1) must furnish to each beneficiary a brand of strips that is compatible with the beneficiary's home blood glucose monitor, (2) may not attempt to influence or incentivize a beneficiary to switch the brand of either type of product, and (3) must contact and receive a request from a beneficiary no more than 14 days prior to dispensing a refill to the beneficiary.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-11-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2016-11-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Retirement Security Preservation Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-5
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2016-11-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Employee benefits and pensions
Income tax deferral

Summary:
action_date: 2016-11-16
text: 

Retirement Security Preservation Act of 2016 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the nondiscrimination requirements for certain defined benefit retirement plans that limit participation or certain features to a closed class, such as individuals who were hired before a certain date. 
 
(Under current law, the plans may not discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees and must meet minimum participation requirements.) 
 
The bill applies only to a defined benefit plan that: (1) closed before September 21, 2016; or (2) was in effect for at least five years when it closed and did not substantially increase the coverage or value of the benefits, rights, or features for the closed class during the five-year period before it closed, except as the result of certain business acquisitions or mergers. 
 
Such a plan meets the nondiscrimination requirements if it: (1) satisfies certain testing rules for the year that the class closes and the two succeeding plan years, and (2) is not amended in a discriminatory manner after the class is closed. 
 
A defined contribution plan that offers additional contributions or benefits to a closed class whose benefits under a defined benefit plan have been reduced or eliminated meets the nondiscrimination requirements if: (1) the group receiving the contributions or benefits satisfies certain testing rules for the year in which the group is closed and for two subsequent plan years, and (2) the plan is not amended in a discriminatory manner. 
 
A defined benefit plan that is either closed or has ceased benefit accruals for all participants (frozen plan) satisfies the minimum participation requirements if the plan met the requirements when it was closed or frozen. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-11-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2016-11-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Steve Gleason Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-7
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2016-12-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care coverage and access
Health technology, devices, supplies
Hearing, speech, and vision care
Medicare
Neurological disorders

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-01
text: 

Steve Gleason Act of 2016

 
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make permanent the elimination of a specified payment cap under the Medicare program with respect to speech generating devices.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2016-12-01
text: Introduced in Senate
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016

Bill: 114-s-9
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced: 2016-12-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2016-12-01
text: 

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016

 
This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to categorize certain hearing aids as over-the-counter hearing aids and issue regulations regarding those hearing aids. The regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids must provide reasonable assurances of safety and efficacy and describe requirements for the sale of hearing aids in-person, by mail, or online, without a prescription.
 
State and local governments may not establish or continue in effect requirements for over-the-counter hearing aids that are not identical to FDA requirements.
 
Until the FDA updates its draft guidance regarding hearing aids, previous draft guidance is in effect.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-12-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2016-12-01
text: Introduced in Senate
ENFORCE the Law Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-11
Sponsor: Sen. Blunt, Roy [R-MO]
Introduced: 2015-01-06 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Congressional-executive branch relations
Constitution and constitutional amendments
Judicial review and appeals
Legislative rules and procedure
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Supreme Court

Summary:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: 

Executive Needs to Faithfully Observe and Respect Congressional Enactments of the Law Act of 2015 or the ENFORCE the Law Act of 2015

 
Authorizes either chamber of Congress, upon adoption of a resolution declaring that the President or any officer or employee of the United States has established or implemented a policy, practice, or procedure to refrain from enforcing, applying, following, or administering any federal statute, rule, regulation, program, policy, or other law in violation of the constitutional requirement that the President faithfully execute the laws of the United States, to bring a civil action for a declaratory judgment to that effect.
 
Grants jurisdiction to a three-judge panel of a U.S. district court to hear such civil action and provides for an expedited direct appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Introduced in Senate
Hire More Heroes Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-12
Sponsor: Sen. Blunt, Roy [R-MO]
Introduced: 2015-01-06 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Comprehensive health care
Employee benefits and pensions
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Military medicine
Sales and excise taxes
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: 

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a provision to exempt any employee with coverage under a health care program administered by the Department of Defense, including the TRICARE program, or by the Veterans Administration, from classification as an eligible employee of an applicable large employer for purposes of the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide such employees with minimum essential health care coverage. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Introduced in Senate
Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-13
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2015-01-06 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Land transfers
Motor vehicles
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Utah

Summary:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: 

Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area Act of 2015

 
 Establishes the Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area in Utah, consisting of approximately 18,447 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, to provide for the enhancement of recreational uses and the use of off-highway vehicles. Excludes 1,205 acres to be used in a land exchange under this Act.
 
Provides for the conveyance of federal lands in Washington County, Utah, in an equal-value exchange for certain non-federal lands. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Introduced in Senate
Scofield Land Transfer Act

Bill: 114-s-14
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2015-01-06 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Floods and storm protection
Government trust funds
Land transfers
Outdoor recreation
Roads and highways
Utah
Water storage

Summary:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: 

Scofield Land Transfer Act 

 
This bill establishes a framework to settle trespass and encroachment issues on federal land in Carbon County, Utah acquired for the Scofield Reservoir. It gives the Department of Interior authority to convey fee interest or life estates in property above the normal water surface elevation in exchange for the fair market value, an agreement to waive liability claims, and flood easements.
 
Interior also has authority to convey to the county roads that extend to the shoreline of Scofield Reservoir.
 
Funds received as consideration for conveyance under this Act must be deposited in the Scofield Reservoir Fund (established under this Act), and used to: (1) monitor and enforce certain requirements regarding maintaining access to, and eliminating encroachment and private exclusive use of, the federal land surrounding the Scofield Reservoir; and (2) provide enhanced recreation opportunities at the Reservoir.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Introduced in Senate
Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act

Bill: 114-s-15
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2015-01-06 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Alternative and renewable resources
Department of the Interior
Intergovernmental relations
Licensing and registrations
Oil and gas
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: 

Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act

 
Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to prohibit the Department of the Interior from enforcing any federal regulation, guidance, or permit requirement regarding hydraulic fracturing (including any component of that process), relating to oil, gas, or geothermal production activities on or under any land in any state that has regulations, guidance, or permit requirements for that activity.
 
Requires Interior to recognize and defer to state regulations, permitting, and guidance, for all activities regarding hydraulic fracturing relating to oil, gas, or geothermal production activities on federal land regardless of whether those rules are duplicative, more or less restrictive, have different requirements, or do not meet federal regulations, guidance, or permit requirements.
 
Defines &quot;hydraulic fracturing&quot; as the process by which fracturing fluids (including a fracturing fluid system) are pumped into an underground geologic formation to generate fractures or cracks, thereby increasing rock permeability near the wellbore and improving production of natural gas or oil.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-06-09
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Introduced in Senate
No Exemption for Washington from Obamacare Act

Bill: 114-s-16
Sponsor: Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]
Introduced: 2015-01-06 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional committees
Congressional leadership
Congressional officers and employees
Federal officials
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Summary:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: 

No Exemption for Washington from Obamacare Act

 
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to extend the requirement for participation in the American Health Benefit Exchange (a state health insurance exchange created by PPACA) to the President, Vice President, executive branch political appointees, and employees of congressional committees and leadership offices of Congress (currently, this requirement applies to Members of Congress and their staff). Prohibits any government contribution to or subsidy for the health insurance coverage of such officials and employees.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2015-01-06
text: Introduced in Senate