hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 901 N. Francisco Avenue in Mission, Texas, as the "Mission Veterans Post Office Building".

Bill: 115-s-3546
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2018-10-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Postal service
Texas
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 901 N. Francisco Avenue in Mission, Texas, as the "Mission Veterans Post Office Building."

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6543)
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 W. Goodwin Street in Pleasanton, Texas, as the "Pleasanton Veterans Post Office".

Bill: 115-s-3547
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2018-10-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Postal service
Texas
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 W. Goodwin Street in Pleasanton, Texas, as the "Pleasanton Veterans Post Office."

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6543)
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 400 N. Main Street in Encinal, Texas, as the "Encinal Veterans Post Office".

Bill: 115-s-3548
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2018-10-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Postal service
Texas
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 400 N. Main Street in Encinal, Texas, as the "Encinal Veterans Post Office."

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6543)
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Introduced in Senate
Palestinian Partnership Fund Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3549
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2018-10-04 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Arab-Israeli relations
Business investment and capital
Congressional oversight
Economic development
Foreign aid and international relief
Gaza Strip
International exchange and broadcasting
Israel
Middle East
Palestinians
Research and development
Terrorism
West Bank

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: 

Palestinian Partnership Fund Act of 2018

 
This bill directs the Department of State to establish the Palestinian Partnership Fund to facilitate and finance: 
 
 
joint ventures in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, including between Palestinian entrepreneurs and companies in the United States, Israel, and countries in the Middle East to improve economic cooperation in research and development and in the technology industry; and 
 
people-to-people exchanges to further shared community building and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Introduced in Senate
Public Land Recreational Opportunities Improvement Act

Bill: 115-s-3550
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced: 2018-10-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Land use and conservation
Licensing and registrations
Parks, recreation areas, trails
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: 

Public Land Recreational Opportunities Improvement Act

 
This bill authorizes procedures for the issuance of special recreation permits on specified public land units for use by individuals and groups to engage in recreational activities at federal facilities or on federal recreational lands and waters.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Introduced in Senate
SOFFA

Bill: 115-s-3551
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Introduced: 2018-10-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
California
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Federal preemption
Fires
Product safety and quality
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: 

Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability Act or SOFFA

 
This bill adopts a state flammability standard established by California as a federal standard to protect against the risk of upholstered-furniture flammability. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2018-10-04
text: Introduced in Senate
7(a) Real Estate Appraisal Harmonization Act

Bill: 115-s-3552
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2018-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: 

7(a) Real Estate Appraisal Harmonization Act 

 
This bill amends the Small Business Act to revise the loan amount above which a real estate appraisal is required for a commercial real property securing a small business loan. Specifically, the bill ties the amount to the federal banking regulator appraisal threshold. (Currently, an appraisal is required for a loan of more than $250,000.)

action_date: 2018-10-11
text: 

7(a) Real Estate Appraisal Harmonization Act 

 
This bill amends the Small Business Act to revise the loan amount above which a real estate appraisal is required for a commercial real property securing a small business loan. Specifically, the bill ties the amount to the federal banking regulator appraisal threshold. (Currently, an appraisal is required for a loan of more than $250,000.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-12-19
text: By Senator Risch from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 115-437.
action_date: 2018-12-19
text: By Senator Risch from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 115-437.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 632.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Small Business ACE Act

Bill: 115-s-3553
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2018-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: 

Small Business Access to Capital and Efficiency Act or the Small Business ACE Act 

 
This bill amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to revise the loan amount above which a real estate appraisal is required for the commercial real property securing a Certified Development Company loan. Specifically, the bill ties the amount to the federal banking regulator appraisal threshold. (Currently, an appraisal is required for a loan of more than $250,000.) 

action_date: 2018-10-11
text: 

Small Business Access to Capital and Efficiency Act or the Small Business ACE Act 

 
This bill amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to revise the loan amount above which a real estate appraisal is required for the commercial real property securing a Certified Development Company loan. Specifically, the bill ties the amount to the federal banking regulator appraisal threshold. (Currently, an appraisal is required for a loan of more than $250,000.) 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-12-19
text: By Senator Risch from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 115-438.
action_date: 2018-12-19
text: By Senator Risch from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 115-438.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 634.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Elder Pride Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3555
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2018-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Adult education and literacy
Mental health

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: 

Elder Pride Act of 2018

 
This bill establishes the Office of Older LGBT Policy and a related rural outreach grant program.
 
The office shall coordinate research and services for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
 
The office shall oversee a program, and may award grants, for addressing the needs of older LGBT individuals in rural areas. Some of the approved activities for the grant program include education and outreach, reducing isolation and improving access to care, and expanding the use of non-discrimination policies.
 
The office shall be a part of the Administration on Aging. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
DEBRIS Act

Bill: 115-s-3556
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2018-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Homeland Security
Disaster relief and insurance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Residential rehabilitation and home repair
Solid waste and recycling

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: 

Diversifying Emergency Benchmarks for the Recovery of Individuals after Storms Act or the DEBRIS Act

 
This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide disaster relief assistance to individuals for the removal of debris from owner-occupied private residences and property.
 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must, by rulemaking, amend the factors for evaluating a governor's request for a major disaster declaration to include the estimated cost of removing fallen debris from owner-occupied residences and property.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Invest in America Act

Bill: 115-s-3557
Sponsor: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Introduced: 2018-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: 

Invest in America Act

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Labor to make planning and implementation grants to eligible entities for projects to support local and regional economic expansion and resilience, job creation in new or existing industries, and workforce development and re-employment opportunities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Act

Bill: 115-s-3558
Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Introduced: 2018-10-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Appropriations
Border security and unlawful immigration
Child care and development
Child health
Child safety and welfare
Congressional oversight
Crime victims
Crimes against children
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Homeland Security
Detention of persons
Domestic violence and child abuse
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Family relationships
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives
Human trafficking
Immigration status and procedures
Juvenile crime and gang violence
Law enforcement officers
Lawyers and legal services
Mental health
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
Right of privacy
Separation, divorce, custody, support
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: 

Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with experts in child development and welfare and pediatric medicine, to develop guidelines for the treatment of children (under age 18 with no permanent immigration status) in the custody of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). DHS must provide resources and trained staff to address the needs of such children, including child welfare professionals, at each port of entry and Border Patrol station. 
 
DHS may not remove a child from a parent or legal guardian solely for the purpose of deterring individuals from migrating to the United States or for promoting compliance with the immigration laws. 
 
DHS must (1) assign a family unit tracking number to each family member apprehended at the border, (2) allow humanitarian organizations and state and local child welfare agencies to monitor children in detention, (3) promulgate regulations establishing basic standards of care for the short-term custody of children by CBP, (4) ensure that children apprehended by CBP receive an interview and screening with a child welfare professional and are provided information about their rights under the immigration laws, and (5) provide each apprehended parent or legal guardian and each child with access to legal counsel. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2018-10-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Fairness for Every Driver Act

Bill: 115-s-3559
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2018-10-06 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Government trust funds
Hybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehicles
Income tax credits
Roads and highways
Sales and excise taxes
Transportation programs funding
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-06
text: 

Fairness for Every Driver Act 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) terminate and repeal the tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, (2) impose a user fee on alternative fuel vehicles used in the United States, and (3) require the user fees to be transferred to the Highway Trust Fund. 
 
&quot;Alternative fuel vehicles&quot; include plug-in electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, and other motor vehicles propelled to a significant extent by an electric motor that draws power from any source that is not subject to certain fuel taxes. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-06
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-10-06
text: Introduced in Senate
Retirement Freedom Act

Bill: 115-s-3560
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2018-10-09 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care coverage and access
Home and outpatient care
Hospital care
Medicare
Social security and elderly assistance

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: 

Retirement Freedom Act

 
This bill allows an individual to opt out of Medicare hospital services benefits without also having to opt out of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits and without having to repay Medicare hospital services benefits already received. The bill also allows an individual to opt back in with no penalty.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: Introduced in Senate
National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act

Bill: 115-s-3561
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2018-10-09 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Business education
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Disaster relief and insurance
Government lending and loan guarantees
Military personnel and dependents
National Guard and reserves
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: 

National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act

 
This bill makes various Small Business Administration (SBA) programs currently available to active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces also available to those on full-time National Guard duty. The bill also (1) makes SBA outreach programs available to the spouses of Armed Forces reserve component members and veterans, and (2) establishes the National Guard and Reserve Deployment Support and Business Training Program to provide business-related assistance to Armed Forces reserve component members and veterans and their spouses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: By Senator Risch from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 115-448.
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: By Senator Risch from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 115-448.
action_date: 2018-12-10
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2018-12-10
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2018-12-06
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2018-12-06
text: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S7333-7334; text: CR S7334)
action_date: 2018-12-06
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S7333-7334; text: CR S7334)
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 635.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Risch with amendments. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Risch with amendments. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: Introduced in Senate
Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3562
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2018-10-09 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: 

Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018

 
This bill amends the Small Business Act to revise certain requirements for prescribing size standards for small businesses. Such standards shall be calculated using average annual gross receipts of such businesses from at least the previous five (rather than three) years.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-12-11
text: By Senator Risch from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 115-431.
action_date: 2018-12-11
text: By Senator Risch from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 115-431.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 636.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2018-10-11
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2018-10-09
text: Introduced in Senate
Hire Student Veterans Act

Bill: 115-s-3563
Sponsor: Sen. Heitkamp, Heidi [D-ND]
Introduced: 2018-10-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Higher education
Income tax credits
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: 

Hire Student Veterans Act 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a work opportunity tax credit for hiring a veteran attending an institute of higher learning using educational assistance provided under certain programs administered by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs, and (2) modify the minimum employment period required for veterans that qualify for the credit under this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: Introduced in Senate
Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3564
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2018-10-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Government studies and investigations
Poverty and welfare assistance
Rural conditions and development
Solid waste and recycling
Water quality
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: 

Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2018

 
This bill establishes new pilot programs that award grants to help low-income households pay their drinking water bills and wastewater or municipal stormwater bills.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: Introduced in Senate
Opioid Advocacy Transparency Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-3565
Sponsor: Sen. McCaskill, Claire [D-MO]
Introduced: 2018-10-10 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: 

Opioid Advocacy Transparency Act of 2018

 
This bill expands reporting requirements related to the ownership and investment interests of certain patient-advocacy organizations. 
 
Under current law, a manufacturer of drugs, devices, or medical supplies that are covered under Medicaid or Medicare must regularly report on any payment or transfer of value by the manufacturer to a "covered recipient," defined as either a physician who is not an employee of the manufacturer or a teaching hospital. The bill expands the definition of "covered recipient," for purposes of this requirement, to also include patient-advocacy organizations that advocate on issues related to opioids. Furthermore, with respect to transfers of value to such organizations, the bill subjects not only manufacturers but also pharmaceutical trade associations to the reporting requirement. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2018-10-10
text: Introduced in Senate