hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1920
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2017-10-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Birds
Building construction
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Lighting and heating
Lighting, heating, cooling
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-04
text: 

Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act of 2017

 
This bill requires each public building constructed, substantially altered, or acquired by the General Services Administration (GSA) to meet the following standards: 
 
 
at least 90% of the exposed facade material from ground level to 40 feet shall not be composed of glass or shall be composed of glass employing elements that preclude bird collisions without completely obscuring vision, ultraviolet (UV) patterned glass that contains UV-reflective or contrasting patterns that are visible to birds, patterns on glass designed in accordance with a rule that restricts horizontal spaces to less than 2 inches high and vertical spaces to less than 4 inches wide, opaque, etched, stained, frosted, or translucent glass, or any combination of these methods (modified glass);
 
at least 60% of the exposed facade material above 40 feet shall meet such glass standard; 
 
there shall not be any transparent passageways or corners;
 
all glass adjacent to atria or courtyards containing water features, plants, and other materials attractive to birds shall meet the modified glass standard; and
 
outside lighting shall be appropriately shielded and minimized. 
 
 
 GSA must: (1) ensure that actual bird mortality is monitored at each public building; and (2) reduce exterior building and site lighting for each public building, where practicable.
 
The bill exempts historic buildings of national significance, the White House and grounds, the Supreme Court building and grounds, and the U.S. Capitol and related buildings and grounds from the provisions of this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2017-10-04
text: Introduced in Senate
FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1921
Sponsor: Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Agricultural practices and innovations
Government lending and loan guarantees

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act of 2017 

 
This bill amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide additional authority for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make and guarantee farm loans through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). 
 
The bill modifies the FSA's loan programs to: (1) increase the amount of unpaid debt permitted per borrower under farm ownership and operating loans guaranteed by USDA, (2) extend and increase the authorizations of funding to make or guarantee farm ownership and operating loans, and (3) require the authorization levels to be adjusted for inflation beginning in FY2019. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Bill: 115-s-1922
Sponsor: Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Abortion
Assault and harassment offenses
Civil actions and liability
Crime victims
Crimes against children
Crimes against women
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Government information and archives
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Medical ethics
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Sex offenses
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
 
 
This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus is 20 weeks or more. 
A violator is subject to criminal penalties&#8212;a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. 
The bill provides exceptions for an abortion: (1) that is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. 
A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Background Check Completion Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1923
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Criminal justice information and records
Firearms and explosives
Licensing and registrations
Retail and wholesale trades

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Background Check Completion Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a licensed gun dealer from transferring a firearm to an unlicensed person prior to completion of a background check. (Current law permits a licensed gun dealer to transfer a firearm to an unlicensed person if a submitted background check remains incomplete after three business days.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-03-14
text: Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to authorize 2 additional district judgeships for the district of Colorado.

Bill: 115-s-1924
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Colorado
Federal district courts
Judges

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 
This bill amends the federal judicial code to increase from seven to nine the total number of U.S. district court judgeships for the District of Colorado. The President must appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, two additional judges for that judicial district.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Municipal Bond Market Support Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1925
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Municipal Bond Market Support Act of 2017 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the limitations on deductions for interest expenses of financial institutions that hold tax-exempt bonds, to: 
 
 
 permanently increase from $10 million to $30 million the annual limit on the amount of tax-exempt obligations that may be issued to qualify for the small issuer exception to the tax-exempt interest expense allocation rules; 
 
require the limit for the small issuer exception to be adjusted for inflation after 2017; 
 
 make permanent the rule that allows qualified 501(c)(3) bonds to be treated is if they were issued by the tax-exempt organization for whose benefit the bond was issued; and 
 
 make permanent the special rule for the tax treatment of qualified financings used to make or finance loans to certain states, political subdivisions, or tax-exempt organizations. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial Act

Bill: 115-s-1926
Sponsor: Sen. Harris, Kamala D. [D-CA]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Water Resources Development
Subjects: California
Congressional oversight
Dams and canals
Floods and storm protection
Forests, forestry, trees
Historical and cultural resources
Monuments and memorials
Parks, recreation areas, trails

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial Act

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial at the Dam site in Los Angeles County, California, to honor the victims of the Saint Francis Dam disaster of March 12, 1928. The Memorial shall be managed by the Forest Service.
 
USDA shall submit to Congress, by three years after this bill's enactment, recommendations regarding:
 
 
 the planning, design, construction, and long-term management of the Memorial;
 
 the proposed boundaries; 
 
 a visitor center and educational facilities; and 
 
 ensuring public access to the Memorial.
 
 
The bill establishes the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument on specified National Forest System land administered by USDA in Los Angeles County for the purpose of conserving and enhancing the cultural, archaeological, historical, watershed, educational, and recreational resources and values of the Monument.
 
USDA shall develop a management plan for the Monument by four years after this bill's enactment. USDA shall manage the Monument: (1) in a manner that conserves and enhances its cultural and historic resources, and (2) in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. The bill limits the use of motorized vehicles but permits grazing within the Monument.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-08-15
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 115-526.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1927
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Higher education
Student aid and college costs
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Temporary and part-time employment

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow part-time teachers to participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan forgiveness program for public service employees, if they: (1) teach at least one course at an institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a Tribal College or University; and (2) do not have another full-time job. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6361-6362; text of measure as introduced: CR S6362)
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1928
Sponsor: Sen. Corker, Bob [R-TN]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Foreign aid and international relief
Government studies and investigations
International organizations and cooperation
Multilateral development programs
Performance measurement
United Nations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2017

 
This bill establishes a United States Multilateral Aid Review to assess the value of U.S. government investments in multilateral entities.
 
The President shall establish an interagency Multilateral Review Task Force to review U.S. participation in multilateral entities and report to Congress. 
 
The bill establishes the United States Multilateral Aid Review Peer Review Group to assist the task force.

action_date: 2017-11-28
text: 

Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2017

 
This bill establishes a United States Multilateral Aid Review to assess the value of U.S. government investments in multilateral entities.
 
The President shall establish an interagency Multilateral Review Task Force to review U.S. participation in multilateral entities and report to Congress. 
 
The bill establishes the United States Multilateral Aid Review Peer Review Group to assist the task force.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-11-28
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 267.
action_date: 2017-11-28
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2017-11-28
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2017-11-14
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Empower Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1929
Sponsor: Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Civil actions and liability
Constitution and constitutional amendments
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Inflation and prices
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Judicial review and appeals
Members of Congress
Political advertising
Political parties and affiliation
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Public participation and lobbying
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Empower Act of 2017

 
This bill modifies the system for the public financing of presidential elections, including by (1) providing for 600% matching funds for campaign contributions that are smaller contributions; and (2) requiring a candidate, as a condition of eligibility for public financing, to agree not to accept certain bundled contributions or contributions of more than $1,000 from any person. The bill also modifies other election-related provisions, such as by expanding disclosure requirements related to certain bundled contributions made to presidential campaigns.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Pollution Transparency Act

Bill: 115-s-1930
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advisory bodies
Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental regulatory procedures
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Pollution Transparency Act

 
The heads of federal agencies in making certain rulemaking or procurement decisions must consider the costs of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions as specified in the bill. 
 
The bill establishes the Interagency Working Group on the Costs of Greenhouse Gases to evaluate, at least once every five years, the method of calculating the cost of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
 
The bill also establishes the Costs of Greenhouse Gases Scientific Review Committee. The 10 members of the committee must be selected by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and represent relevant scientific fields. The committee must make recommendations to the working group regarding revisions to the greenhouse gas calculation method.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Empowering Citizens Act

Bill: 115-s-1931
Sponsor: Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Civil actions and liability
Congressional elections
Constitution and constitutional amendments
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Inflation and prices
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Judicial review and appeals
Members of Congress
Political advertising
Political parties and affiliation
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Public participation and lobbying
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Empowering Citizens Act
 
This bill modifies the system for the public financing of presidential and congressional elections, including by (1) providing for 600% matching funds for campaign contributions that are smaller contributions; and (2) requiring a candidate, as a condition of eligibility for public financing, to agree not to accept certain bundled contributions or contributions of more than $1,000 from any person. 
 
The bill also modifies other election-related provisions, such as by (1) expanding disclosure requirements related to certain bundled contributions made to presidential campaigns, and (2) establishing the Empowering Citizens Payment Account within the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act

Bill: 115-s-1932
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act

 
This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, whether or not a major disaster is declared, to provide hazard mitigation assistance in any area or related area affected by a fire for which fire management assistance was provided under such Act. The President may establish a minimum amount of hazard mitigation assistance to be provided for a wildfire or fire complex.
 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall submit an annual report on projects carried out, and funding provided, pursuant to this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Smarter Sentencing Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1933
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Congressional oversight
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Criminal justice information and records
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Government information and archives
Racial and ethnic relations
U.S. Sentencing Commission

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Smarter Sentencing Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the federal criminal code to expand the safety valve to allow a court to impose a sentence below the statutory mandatory minimum for an otherwise eligible drug offender who has three or fewer (currently, one or fewer) criminal history points.
 
The bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to reduce the mandatory minimum prison term for defendants who manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Specifically, it reduces mandatory minimums: 
 
 
from 10 years to 5 years for a first-time high-level offense (e.g., one kilogram or more of heroin), 
 
from 20 years to 10 years for a high-level offense after one prior felony drug offense, 
 
from life to 25 years for a high-level offense after two or more prior felony drug offenses, 
 
from 5 years to 2 years for a first-time low-level offense (e.g., 100 to 999 grams of heroin), and 
 
from 10 years to 5 years for a low-level offense after one prior felony drug offense. 
 
 
Additionally, the bill amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to modify the application of mandatory minimum prison terms for certain defendants who import or export a controlled substance. Specifically, it: 
 
 
makes existing mandatory minimums inapplicable to a defendant who functions as a courier; and
 
establishes new, shorter mandatory minimum prison terms for a courier.
 
 
The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 applies retroactively to allow a court to reduce the prison term of a convicted crack cocaine offender sentenced before August 3, 2010.
 
The Department of Justice must report on and publish all federal criminal statutory offenses. Specified federal agencies, departments, and entities must report on and publish criminal regulatory offenses that they enforce.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1935
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2017-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Adoption and foster care
Charitable contributions
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Income tax exclusion
Indian social and development programs
Sales and excise taxes
Securities
Separation, divorce, custody, support
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local finance
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Tax-exempt organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: 

Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 201

7

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to include Indian tribal governments in an annual allocation of a national tax-exempt bond volume cap. The bill repeals provisions that limit an Indian tribal government's eligibility to issue tax-exempt bonds or to be exempt from specified excise taxes to transactions involving the exercise of an essential government function customarily performed by state and local governments. 
 
The bill amends the IRC and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to treat employee benefit or pension plans maintained by Indian tribes and domestic relations orders issued pursuant to tribal law in the same manner as plans maintained by states and domestic relations orders issued pursuant to state law.
 
The bill treats tribal charities and foundations in the same manner as charities and foundations funded and controlled by other governmental entities for purposes of the tax-exempt status of, and deduction for contributions to, such organizations.
 
The bill amends the Social Security Act to give Indian tribes or tribal organizations access to the Federal Parent Locator Service if they are eligible for a grant to operate a child support enforcement program. It makes those tribes and tribal organizations eligible to participate in the program that collects past-due support from individual tax refunds. 
 
An Indian tribal government may determine whether a child has special needs for the purpose of the tax credit for the adoption of a child with special needs. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate