hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Integration of Baseball Commemorative Coin Act

Bill: 115-s-3239
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
Introduced: 2018-07-18 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-18
text: 

Integration of Baseball Commemorative Coin Act

 
This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in recognition and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the integration of the game of baseball. 
 
All sales of such coins shall include specified surcharges. All surcharges received by Treasury shall be distributed to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, with the understanding that the Hall of Fame shall work with the Jackie Robinson Foundation to develop and operate education programs about the integration of the game of baseball and to preserve artifacts related to the integration of the game. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-18
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2018-07-18
text: Introduced in Senate
Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act

Bill: 115-s-3240
Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Introduced: 2018-07-18 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Biological and life sciences
Department of the Interior
Employee hiring
Endangered and threatened species
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Horticulture and plants
Land use and conservation
Natural disasters
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Student aid and college costs
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-18
text: 

Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act
 
 
This bill requires the Department of the Interior to establish a botanical science research program, hire botanical scientists, and establish a student loan repayment program for botanical scientists. 
 
The bill also (1) requires certain federal agencies and states to establish a preference for using locally adapted native plant materials in various federally funded projects and activities, (2) authorizes federal agencies to carry out specified activities related to native plant materials, and (3) establishes a grant program for projects to prevent rare plants species from becoming endangered species and encourage the recovery of endangered plant species.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-18
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2018-07-18
text: Introduced in Senate
Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act

Bill: 115-s-3241
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Contracts and agency
Family relationships
Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act

 
This bill amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to permit a widow or widower of a service member who died while in military service to terminate a lease of premises occupied, or intended to be occupied, by the service member or the service member's dependents for a residential, professional, business, agricultural, or similar purpose without penalty within one year of the service member's death.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
American Savings Act

Bill: 115-s-3242
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advisory bodies
Department of Labor
Employee benefits and pensions
Financial services and investments
Income tax deferral
Income tax exclusion
Self-employed

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

American Savings Act 

 
This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new retirement option for all employees and self-employed individuals to be known as the American Savings Account Fund. This fund operates in a manner similar to the Thrift Savings Fund, which is available to federal employees. 
 
The bill establishes an American Savings Account Board of Directors to establish policies for fund investment and management. The board shall select or establish a list of investment funds and options similar to those in the Thrift Savings Fund, among which participants may choose. 
 
The board shall establish an American Savings Account Fund Advisory Council to advise the board on matters relating to investment policies. 
 
The American Savings Account Fund is tax-exempt and contributions to, or distributions from, it are excludible from gross income. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Iran Hostage Act

Bill: 115-s-3243
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Foreign property
Government information and archives
Iran
Middle East
Sanctions
Trade restrictions
Visas and passports
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Iran Hostage Act

 
This bill imposes sanctions on Iranian persons who are responsible for politically-motivated harassment, abuse, extortion, arrest, trial, conviction, sentencing, or imprisonment of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident aliens with significant ties to the United States, regardless of whether such actions occurred in Iran.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Employees Sustainable Investment Act

Bill: 115-s-3244
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Air quality
Business ethics
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Corporate finance and management
Employee benefits and pensions
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Financial services and investments
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Human rights
Product safety and quality
Securities

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Federal Employees Sustainable Investment Act 

 
 This bill establishes a new fund&#8212;the Corporate Responsibility Stock Index Fund&#8212;as an investment option under the Thrift Savings Plan. 
 
The Corporate Responsibility Stock Index Fund must be invested in a stock portfolio designed to replicate the performance of a commonly recognized, passively managed index comprised of stocks that meet certain minimum criteria related to corporate responsibility.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Lake Fannin Conveyance Act

Bill: 115-s-3245
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Forests, forestry, trees
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
Texas

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Lake Fannin Conveyance Act

 
This bill directs the Forest Service, upon request by Fannin County in Texas, to convey approximately 2,025 acres of National Forest System land to the county.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-11-26
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 662.
action_date: 2018-11-26
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment. With written report No. 115-376.
action_date: 2018-11-26
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment. With written report No. 115-376.
action_date: 2018-10-02
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
action_date: 2018-08-22
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 115-528.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5109)
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Taxpayer First Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3246
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Taxpayer First Act of 2018 

 
This bill modifies several administrative procedures and policies of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
 
The bill includes provisions regarding 
 
 
 programs that assist taxpayers in filing returns;
 
relief from joint and several liability for a joint tax return; 
 
 whistle-blower protections;
 
the retention of electronic records;
 
rehiring, removing, or transferring IRS employees;
 
limitations on the access of non-IRS employees to tax returns and return information;
 
 the filing requirements for tax-exempt organizations; 
 
 IRS audit criteria;
 
 protections against identity theft and tax refund fraud; 
 
penalties for the improper disclosure or use of information by preparers of tax returns;
 
transferring appropriations between IRS accounts to combat tax fraud; 
 
streamlined critical pay authority for certain IRS information technology positions;
 
an Internet platform for Form 1099 filings; and 
 
 the electronic filing of tax returns. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Turkey International Financial Institutions Act

Bill: 115-s-3248
Sponsor: Sen. Corker, Bob [R-TN]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
Congressional oversight
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Europe
Foreign loans and debt
Human rights
International organizations and cooperation
Iran
Middle East
Multilateral development programs
Oil and gas
Russia
Travel and tourism
Turkey

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Turkey International Financial Institutions Act

 
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to: 
 
 
 oppose the extension by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development of loans or financial or technical assistance to Turkey or to any entity for a project in Turkey, and 
 
work with other donor countries to develop a lending policy with Turkey that advances human rights. 
 
 
Treasury may waive the IFC restriction for projects to diversify Turkey's energy resources and lessen its dependence on Russian or Iranian oil or gas.
 
Such restrictions: 
 
 
shall terminate after the President certifies to Congress that Turkey is no longer arbitrarily detaining or denying freedom of movement to U.S. citizens (including dual citizens) or locally employed staff of the U.S. mission to Turkey, and 
 
shall not apply to loans or financial or technical assistance for humanitarian purposes.



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 531.
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Courts Access Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3249
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Civil actions and liability
Federal district courts
Judicial procedure and administration

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Federal Courts Access Act of 2018

 
This bill revises the statutory requirements for federal court jurisdiction in cases involving diversity of citizenship.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Rent Relief Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3250
Sponsor: Sen. Harris, Kamala D. [D-CA]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Housing supply and affordability
Income tax credits

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Rent Relief Act of 2018

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for individuals who pay rent for a principal residence that exceeds 30% of the individual's gross income for the taxable year. 
 
The amount of the credit ranges from 25% to 100% of the excess rent, depending on the gross income of the taxpayer. The credit is not available for taxpayers with gross income that exceeds $100,000 ($125,000 for a taxpayer whose principal residence is located in a high-cost area, as defined by the bill). Rent that exceeds 150% of the fair market rent (including the utility allowance) for the residence may not be taken into account for the purpose of determining the amount of the credit. 
 
For individuals who reside in government-subsidized housing, the bill allows a credit equal to 1/12 of the rent paid by the taxpayer (and not subsidized under the program) during the year with respect to the residence. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Acquisition Savings Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3251
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Federal Acquisition Savings Act of 2018

 
This bill requires executive branch agencies to acquire equipment using the method of acquisition most advantageous to the federal government based on a case-by-case analysis of comparative costs and other factors. The methods of acquisition compared in the analysis must, at a minimum, include purchase, short-term rental or lease, long-term rental or lease, interagency acquisition, and acquisition agreements with a state or a local government. The bill includes exceptions for emergency declarations, major disaster declarations, and other emergency situations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-11-26
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 669.
action_date: 2018-11-26
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson without amendment. With written report No. 115-383.
action_date: 2018-11-26
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson without amendment. With written report No. 115-383.
action_date: 2018-09-26
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Reservation of Transportation Funds Improvement Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3252
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Reservation of Transportation Funds Improvement Act of 2018

 
This bill extends through FY 2019 and thereafter the reservation of funds for failure of states to enact or enforce open container laws and repeat intoxicated driver laws.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Vaccine Access Improvement Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3253
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Health promotion and preventive care
Immunology and vaccination
Sales and excise taxes

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Vaccine Access Improvement Act of 2018 

 
This bill modifies the excise tax on certain vaccines to (1) automatically impose the tax on vaccines that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adds to the Vaccine Injury Table, and (2) require HHS to notify the Department of the Treasury and Congress when new vaccines are added to the table. (The excise tax funds the National Vaccine Injury Program, which compensates people who have been injured by vaccines listed on the table.) 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3254
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2018-07-19 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Criminal procedure and sentencing
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Health personnel
Home and outpatient care
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: 

Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018

 
This bill amends the federal criminal code make it a crime to knowingly and willfully solicit, receive, pay, or offer payment for referrals to a recovery home or clinical treatment facility, subject to limitations.
 
A violator is subject to criminal penalties&#8212;a fine, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2018-07-19
text: Introduced in Senate
E-FRONTIER Act

Bill: 115-s-3255
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2018-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Asia
China
Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Executive agency funding and structure
Government studies and investigations
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Iran
Middle East
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Russia
Subversive activities
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-23
text: 

Eliminate From Regulators Opportunities to Nationalize The Internet In Every Respect Act or the E-FRONTIER Act

 
This bill prohibits the President or an executive agency from constructing, operating, or offering wholesale or retail service on a broadband network unless Congress grants that authority to the President or the agency.
 
The Government Accountability Office must study and report on potential threats facing U.S. broadband networks from China, Iran, Russia, and other foreign adversaries and the risks from using foreign equipment and services in U.S. broadband networks.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2018-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Puerto Rico Economic Empowerment Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3256
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2018-07-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Appropriations
Business investment and capital
Caribbean area
Census and government statistics
Congressional oversight
Department of Commerce
Disaster relief and insurance
Economic development
Employment taxes
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Income tax credits
Public contracts and procurement
Puerto Rico
Small Business Administration
Small business
Social security and elderly assistance
Tax treatment of families
U.S. territories and protectorates

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: 

Puerto Rico Economic Empowerment Act of 2018

 
This bill provides for various support for Puerto Rico, including by (1) establishing tax benefits for Puerto Rico, such as a tax credit for employment payroll taxes and an expansion of the child tax credit; (2) relaxing certain requirements related to Small Business Administration loan programs for certain Puerto Rico businesses; (3) prioritizing the transfer of surplus U.S. government property to qualified Puerto Rico businesses; and (4) establishing the Federal and State Technology Partnership Program in Puerto Rico.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act

Bill: 115-s-3257
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2018-07-24 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Crimes against property
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Foreign property
Human rights
International law and treaties
Military personnel and dependents
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Sanctions
Terrorism
United Nations
Visas and passports
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: 

Sanction Terrorist Operations Using Human Shields Act of 2018 or the STOP Using Human Shields Act

 
This bill provides for the imposition of sanctions on members of foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hizballah, and other foreign persons, agencies, or instrumentalities of foreign states with regard to use of civilians, other specially protected persons, or specially protected property to shield lawful targets from attack or to deliberately cause casualties to such persons or the destruction to such property during an armed conflict. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-03
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 618.
action_date: 2018-10-03
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-03
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-09-26
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Assistance for Farmers Harmed by Tariffs on Exports Act

Bill: 115-s-3258
Sponsor: Sen. Heitkamp, Heidi [D-ND]
Introduced: 2018-07-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Agricultural prices, subsidies, credit
Agricultural trade
Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
Tariffs
Trade adjustment assistance
Trade agreements and negotiations
Trade restrictions
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: 

Trade Assistance for Farmers Act of 2018

 
This bill extends eligibility for trade adjustment assistance to farmers affected by a reduction in exports resulting from retaliation to tariffs imposed by the United States. Such farmers may apply to the Department of Agriculture for trade adjustment assistance. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-07-24
text: Introduced in Senate