hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-912
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Computers and information technology
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Public contracts and procurement
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to establish and operate the following programs free of charge: 
 
 
 online tax preparation and filing software, 
 
a program for taxpayers to download third-party provided return information relating to individual income tax returns, and
 
 a program to permit individuals with simplified tax situations to elect to have the IRS prepare their returns. 
 
 
The IRS may not enter into any agreement which restricts its legal right to provide tax return preparation services, software, or tax return filing services. An individual participating in the programs established by this bill must verify their identity to the satisfaction of the IRS. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act

Bill: 115-s-913
Sponsor: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Aging
Government information and archives
Housing for the elderly and disabled
Residential rehabilitation and home repair

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act

 
This bill amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Administration on Aging to:
 
 
carry out an initiative to coordinate federal resources to provide home modifications for older individuals to support enabling them to live independently and safely in a home environment; and 
identify and publish an educational brochure on home modifications and repairs for use by older individuals attempting to live independently and safely in their homes and by their caregivers. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-914
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental health
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Research administration and funding
Water quality
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act of 2017

 
This bill addresses contaminants of emerging concern (emerging contaminants), which are not regulated under a national primary drinking water regulation and may have an adverse effect on human health.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must review federal efforts to: (1) identify, monitor, and assist in the development of treatment methods for emerging contaminants; and (2) assist states in responding to the human health challenges posed by those contaminants. In addition, the EPA must establish a strategic plan for improving those efforts.
 
The EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services must jointly establish an interagency working group to coordinate federal activities that identify and analyze the public health effects of emerging contaminants.
 
The Office of Science and Technology Policy must establish a National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative for developing an interagency federal research strategy that specifies and prioritizes the research necessary to improve the identification, analysis, monitoring, and treatment methods of emerging contaminants.
 
Specified federal agencies must make grants for research proposals selected by the initiative as likely to result in significant progress toward achieving the strategy's objectives.
 
The EPA must: (1) report on actions it may take to increase support for states that require testing facilities for emerging contaminants in drinking water samples; and (2) develop a program, based on the report's findings, to provide assistance to eligible states for the testing and analysis of emerging contaminants.
 
 
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Social Security Fairness Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-915
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Social security and elderly assistance

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

Social Security Fairness Act of 2017

 
 This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to repeal the "government pension offset" and the "windfall elimination provision." Under current law, those provisions reduce OASDI benefits for individuals who receive a pension based on earnings in government employment that was not covered under the Social Security program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Silver Star Service Banner Day Act

Bill: 115-s-917
Sponsor: Sen. Blunt, Roy [R-MO]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays
Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

Silver Star Service Banner Day Act

 
This bill designates May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day.

action_date: 2017-05-25
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
 

Silver Star Service Banner Day Act

 
(Sec. 3) This bill designates May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-05-26
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2017-05-26
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2017-05-26
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2017-05-25
text: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S3227)
action_date: 2017-05-25
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S3227)
action_date: 2017-05-25
text: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3226-3227)
action_date: 2017-05-25
text: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3226-3227)
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
End Government Shutdowns Act

Bill: 115-s-918
Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Appropriations
Executive agency funding and structure
Legislative rules and procedure

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

End Government Shutdowns Act 

 
This bill provides specified continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if any appropriations measure for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the fiscal year begins or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations is not in effect. The appropriations are provided to continue to fund programs, projects, and activities for which funds were provided in the preceding fiscal year. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
REVIEW Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-919
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Judicial review and appeals

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

 
 
Require EValuation before Implementing Executive Wishlists Act of 2017 or the REVIEW Act of 2017
 
 
This bill prohibits a final agency rule from being published or taking effect until: (1) the agency submits the rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), and (2) OIRA makes a determination as to whether the rule is a &quot;high-impact rule&quot; that may impose an annual cost on the economy of at least $1 billion.
 
An agency shall postpone the effective date of a high-impact rule until the final disposition of all actions seeking judicial review of the rule.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Duty First Act

Bill: 115-s-921
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays
Currency
District of Columbia
Military history
Military personnel and dependents
Monuments and memorials
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

Duty First Act

 
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to issue up to 20,000 $5 gold coins, 100,000 $1 silver coins, and 200,000 half-dollar clad coins, emblematic of the 100-year anniversary of the 1st Infantry Division.
 
All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins shall be paid to the Society of the 1st Infantry Division for renovation of the existing 1st Infantry Division Memorial located in the District of Columbia.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Climate Change Adapt America Fund Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-922
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Department of Commerce
Executive agency funding and structure
Infrastructure development
Securities

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

Climate Change Adapt America Fund Act of 2017

 
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to issue climate change obligations. The proceeds from the debt obligations must be deposited in the Adapt America Fund established by this bill within the Department of Commerce. 
 
Commerce must carry out an investment program to fund projects for reducing economic, social, and environmental impact of the adverse effects of climate change.
 
The bill establishes the Climate Change Advisory Commission to: (1) establish recommendations, frameworks, and guidelines for the investment program; and (2) identify categories of the most cost-effective investments and projects that emphasize multiple benefits to commerce, human health, and ecosystems.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2494-2495)
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Reforming Finance for Local Economies Act

Bill: 115-s-923
Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Banking and financial institutions regulation

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

Reforming Finance for Local Economies Act

 
This bill exempts banks, credit unions, and savings associations with $10 billion or less in total consolidated assets from all regulations issued under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
National Security Diversity and Inclusion Workforce Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-924
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2017-04-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Department of Agriculture
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Justice
Department of State
Department of the Treasury
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Employee hiring
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Homeland security
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Law enforcement administration and funding
Military personnel and dependents
Minority education
Minority employment
Personnel records
Women's education
Women's employment

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 

National Security Diversity and Inclusion Workforce Act of 2017

 
This bill requires each national security agency to make available to the public, appropriate congressional committees, and the national security agency workforce a report on its diversity and inclusion efforts. The bill defines &quot;diversity&quot; as diversity of persons based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and other demographic categories. 
 
It also requires each such agency to: 
 
develop a system to collect and analyze applicant employment data to identify areas for improvement in attracting diverse talent, with emphasis on senior and management positions; 
 
conduct periodic interviews with a representative cross-section of the national security workforce to obtain workplace information;
 
sponsor workforce members to participate in a Senior Executive Service candidate development program or similar program;
 
implement performance and advancement requirements for the workforce;
 
create opportunities for senior personnel to participate in outreach events and to discuss issues relating to diversity and inclusion; and 
 
expand training on bias in the workplace and flexible work policies. 
 
 
The bill encourages agencies to expand professional development and career advancement opportunities that support their mission and to seek a diverse and talented pool of employment applicants by reaching out to educational organizations and professional associations. 

 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Introduced in Senate
VETS Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-925
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 2017-04-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Health personnel
Health technology, devices, supplies
Licensing and registrations
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: 

Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2017 or the VETS Act of 2017

 
This bill allows a licensed health care professional of the Department of Veterans Affairs to practice his or her profession using telemedicine at any location in any state, regardless of where the professional or patient is located. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-01-05
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2018-01-05
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2018-01-04
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2018-01-03
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2018-01-03
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2018-01-03
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S25)
action_date: 2018-01-03
text: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2018-01-03
text: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act

Bill: 115-s-926
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 2017-04-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Conflicts and wars
District of Columbia
Military operations and strategy
Military personnel and dependents
Monuments and memorials
Terrorism
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: 

Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act

 
This bill allows the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation to establish the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial as a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate and honor the members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-07-19
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 115-417.
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Patents for Humanity Program Improvement Act

Bill: 115-s-927
Sponsor: Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]
Introduced: 2017-04-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Foreign aid and international relief
Intellectual property

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: 

Patents for Humanity Program Improvement Act

 
 This bill allows the holder or successor of an acceleration certificate issued pursuant to the Patents for Humanity Program (a pilot awards program established by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office [USPTO] entitling awardees to accelerate certain USPTO proceedings for patented technologies addressing humanitarian needs among an impoverished population or for further research on humanitarian technologies) to transfer, including by sale, the entitlement to such certificate to another person. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-928
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2017-04-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Consumer affairs
Marketing and advertising
Mental health
Sex and reproductive health
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: 

Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act
 
of
 
2017

 
This bill prohibits sexual orientation or gender identity conversion therapy from being provided in exchange for compensation. It bars advertisements for such therapy that claim to: (1) change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, (2) eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender, or (3) be harmless or without risk. 
 
Individuals or entities shall not knowingly assist or facilitate a conversion therapy if they receive compensation from any source in connection with providing such therapies.
 
These prohibitions are inapplicable to practices or treatments that do not seek to change sexual orientation or gender identity if they provide: (1) assistance to an individual undergoing a gender transition; or (2) acceptance, support, and understanding of clients or facilitation of clients' coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, including sexual orientation-neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices. 
 
The Federal Trade Commission and states are provided authority to enforce against violations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Western Area Power Administration Transparency Act

Bill: 115-s-930
Sponsor: Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ]
Introduced: 2017-04-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Department of Energy
Electric power generation and transmission
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Public utilities and utility rates

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: 

Western Area Power Administration Transparency Act

 
This bill directs the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)to establish a pilot project to provide increased transparency for its customers.
 
WAPA must publicly display on its website specific information dating back to FY2008, including rates charged by power systems to customers for power and transmission services, the amount of capacity or energy sold by power systems and a detailed accounting at the functional and budget activity level of all its expenditures and capital costs by region and for the headquarters office.
 
Additionally, WAPA must annually update the information it provides on the website, including the changes it publishes, the reasons for the changes and the amount of the unobligated balances it retains at the end of the prior fiscal year within each marketing area and at headquarters.
 
The pilot project shall terminate in seven years.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-07-31
text: By Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 115-309.
action_date: 2018-07-31
text: By Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 115-309.
action_date: 2018-07-30
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 534.
action_date: 2018-07-30
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-07-30
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-05-17
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2017-06-14
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 115-38.
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Introduced in Senate
BASIC Act

Bill: 115-s-932
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2017-04-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Budget deficits and national debt
Budget process

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: 

Budgetary Accuracy in Scoring Interest Costs Act of 2017 or the BASIC Act

 
This bill amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require any cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the cost of servicing the public debt. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Budget. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2532-2533)
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Introduced in Senate