hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Presidential Trade Transparency Act of 2017

Bill: 115-hr-1172
Sponsor: Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Africa
Asia
Bank accounts, deposits, capital
Caribbean area
Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
Congressional oversight
Congressional-executive branch relations
Financial services and investments
Foreign and international banking
Free trade and trade barriers
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Latin America
Nepal
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Securities
Tariffs
Trade agreements and negotiations
Trade restrictions
U.S. and foreign investments
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Presidential Trade Transparency Act of 2017

 
This bill requires the President to submit to Congress a report containing a full and complete statement of the President's income earned, assets held, and liabilities owed in the preceding 12 months that are associated with a foreign country:
 
 
 with which the United States is negotiating a trade or investment agreement,
 
that is subject to a presidential trade enforcement action determination modifying the tariff treatment of imported articles from such country, or
 
that is designated as eligible for preferential trade treatment under a trade preference program.
 
 
If the President fails to report such information to Congress:
 
 
 any instrument providing for the modification of such tariff treatment shall have no force or effect, and
 
 the bill implementing such a trade or investment agreement shall not be eligible for trade authorities (fast track) procedures under the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Medicare Mental Health Access Act

Bill: 115-hr-1173
Sponsor: Rep. Noem, Kristi L. [R-SD-At Large]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health personnel
Medicare
Mental health

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Medicare Mental Health Access Act

 
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the definition of "physician," for purposes of the Medicare program, to include a clinical psychologist with respect to the furnishing of qualified psychologist services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2017-02-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act

Bill: 115-hr-1176
Sponsor: Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Aquaculture
Department of the Interior
Executive agency funding and structure
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marine and inland water transportation
Outdoor recreation
Water resources funding

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act

 
This bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a Working Waterfront Grant Program. Under the program, NOAA may award grants to coastal states with approved working waterfront plans in place to preserve and expand access to coastal waters for people engaged in fishing, aquaculture, boat building, and other water-dependent businesses.
 
In addition, NOAA is authorized to award grants to coastal states for the purpose of developing or revising working waterfront plans.
 
States are allowed to allocate any grant money received to eligible local governments and other entities. Each state that is awarded a grant must contribute at least 25% of matching funds towards the total cost of the project carried out with the grant, subject to certain exceptions.
 
The Department of the Interior must establish a Working Waterfront Task Force that will be designed to identify and address critical working waterfront needs with respect to cultural and economic importance, climate change and other environmental threats, and market conditions for water-dependent businesses. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-11-02
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2017-03-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.
action_date: 2017-03-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
SAFE for America Act

Bill: 115-hr-1178
Sponsor: Rep. Posey, Bill [R-FL-8]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Department of State
Immigration status and procedures
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2017 or the SAFE for America Act

 
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the diversity immigrant program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act

Bill: 115-hr-1179
Sponsor: Rep. Rice, Tom [R-SC-7]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Land use and conservation
Legal fees and court costs
Licensing and registrations
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Solid waste and recycling
Water quality
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act

 
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise requirements concerning citizen suits. Litigation costs (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) must be awarded to the prevailing party, thus the bill removes a court's discretion to award the fees. A prevailing party is defined as the party that prevails on more than half of the claims at issue.
 
The bill repeals the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny or restrict the use of any area as a disposal site for dredged or fill material when the discharge of those materials would have an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas.
 
Current law requires compensatory mitigation to replace the loss of aquatic resource functions in a watershed when a permit to discharge dredged or fill materials into navigable waters has unavoidable impacts on aquatic resources. This bill prohibits government entities from carrying out compensatory mitigation in excess of existing regulatory requirements. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Wildfire Prevention Act of 2017

Bill: 115-hr-1183
Sponsor: Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-36]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Dams and canals
Disaster relief and insurance
Fires
Floods and storm protection
Forests, forestry, trees
Horticulture and plants
Lakes and rivers
Roads and highways

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Wildfire Prevention Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide hazard mitigation assistance in any area affected by a fire for which fire management assistance was provided under such Act, regardless of whether a major disaster is declared.
 
Recipients of hazard mitigation assistance may use such assistance to conduct the following activities to help reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by a wildfire:
 
 
 reseeding ground cover with quick-growing or native species; 
 
 mulching with straw or chipped wood; 
 
 constructing straw, rock, or log dams in small tributaries to prevent flooding; 
 
 placing logs and other erosion barriers to catch sediment on hill slopes; 
 
 installing debris traps to modify road and trail drainage mechanisms; 
 
 modifying or removing culverts to allow drainage to flow freely; 
 
 adding drainage dips and constructing emergency spillways to keep roads and bridges from washing out during floods; 
 
 planting grass to prevent the spread of noxious weeds; 
 
 installing warning signs; 
 
 establishing defensible space measures; and 
 
 reducing hazardous fuels.
 
 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall submit to specified congressional committees a report containing a summary of any projects carried out, and any funding provided to those projects, under this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2017

Bill: 115-hr-1184
Sponsor: Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Competition and antitrust
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Telecommunication rates and fees
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of
 
2017

 
This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to adopt or continue in force regulations on the use of inmate telephone and video services that enable persons incarcerated in correctional institutions to originate calls at payphones, telephones, or video kiosks designated for the personal use of inmates.
 
The regulations must: (1) prescribe variable maximum per-minute compensation rates depending on factors such as carrier costs and the size of the correctional facility, (2) prohibit per-call or per-connection charges, (3) require providers of inmate telephone and video service to offer both collect calling and prepaid debit account services, (4) prohibit or limit the payment of commissions by such providers to administrators of correctional facilities based upon the revenue of the service, (5) require such administrators to allow more than one service provider at a facility so that inmates have a choice, and (6) prohibit or substantially limit any ancillary fees that are in addition to the per-minute rate and connection charge. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Retain Act

Bill: 115-hr-1185
Sponsor: Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Buy American requirements
Congressional oversight
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Industrial facilities
Manufacturing
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Public contracts and procurement
Unemployment

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Retain Act

 
This bill requires an executive agency to give a contracting preference to an offeror that certifies it will retain jobs performed in the United States and use products substantially manufactured in, and services provided in, the United States for the contract.
 
 To be eligible, an offeror shall certify that it:
 
 
 has not relocated jobs from the United States to foreign countries in the preceding five years,
 
 has not established foreign facilities to perform the same function that could have been performed in the United States with the intention of manufacturing or providing the same service and importing the same product or service back to the United States,
 
 will not relocate jobs from the United States to foreign countries during the contract period, and 
 
 will use U.S. products and services under the contract. 
 
 
An executive agency may except an offeror from such requirements if:
 
 
the products needed for the contract are not manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and are not of satisfactory quality;
 
there is an unreasonable cost associated with the use of products substantially manufactured in, or services provided in, the United States; and/or
 
the use of such products would be inconsistent with the public interest. 
 
 
If an agency determines that a contractor has submitted a false statement or violated any of the certification requirements, it shall terminate the contract and the contractor may not receive the preference for at least five years.
 
The Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be revised to implement the requirements of this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Investing in America's Small Manufacturers Act

Bill: 115-hr-1186
Sponsor: Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Business education
Executive agency funding and structure
Government lending and loan guarantees
Manufacturing
Securities
Small Business Administration
Small business
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Investing in America's Small Manufacturers Act

 
This bill amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee 90% of a loan to a small business manufacturing concern.
 
The SBA may not collect a guarantee fee for a loan of not more than $350,000. For loans exceeding that amount, the fee shall be 50% of the guarantee fee that the SBA would otherwise collect for the loan.
 
The SBA must provide training to small manufacturers in obtaining SBA assistance, including on the application process and partnering with participating lenders.
 
This bill authorizes the SBA and its partners to establish partnerships to facilitate outreach to small manufacturers with respect to the application process for SBA loan guarantees.
 
A state or local development company's debenture issued to a small manufacturer for an SBA loan guarantee may not exceed 50% of the project's cost, subject to certain exceptions.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-25
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2017

Bill: 115-hr-1187
Sponsor: Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Digestive and metabolic diseases
Government information and archives
Health information and medical records
Health programs administration and funding
Medical research
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Research administration and funding

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institutes of Health to expand, intensify, and coordinate its activities with respect to functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (FGIMDs), including by:
 
 
expanding basic and clinical research into FGIMDs by implementing the research recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases,
 
providing support for the establishment of centers of excellence on FGIMDs,
 
supporting innovative approaches to educating health care providers and patients regarding strategies that improve patient-provider relationships and care,
 
directing the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to provide the necessary funding for the continued expansion and advancement of the FGIMDs research portfolio, and
 
directing NIDDK and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to expand research into FGIMDs that impact children.
 
 
The Department of Health and Human Services may engage in public awareness and education activities to increase understanding and recognition of FGIMDs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
Anti-hunger Empowerment Act of 2017

Bill: 115-hr-1189
Sponsor: Rep. Serrano, Jose E. [D-NY-15]
Introduced: 2017-02-16 in the House
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Alaska
California
Caribbean area
Child health
Congressional oversight
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Food assistance and relief
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Georgia
Government information and archives
Illinois
Indiana
Intergovernmental relations
Iowa
Kentucky
Maryland
Missouri
New York City
New York State
Nutrition and diet
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Performance measurement
Poverty and welfare assistance
Puerto Rico
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local finance
State and local government operations
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: 

Anti-hunger Empowerment Act of 2017

 
This bill reduces administrative requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program), authorizes funding to increase access to SNAP offices, and authorizes grants for community-based nonprofits to expand anti-hunger activities. 
 
The bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to repeal existing provisions regarding administrative costs and authorize the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pay 75% of the administrative costs for state agencies to increase the operating hours of SNAP offices, reduce wait times, accept online applications, upgrade technology, and provide a checklist of required documents. 
 
If a state agency believes that information provided by a SNAP applicant is incorrect or incomplete, the agency must notify the applicant in writing and include instructions for providing the required information. Unless the information is not provided in response to the request or it cannot be verified, a state must not require an applicant to appear in person. State agencies must not require fingerprints for any member of a household to participate in SNAP or receive benefits. 
 
USDA must report annually to Congress on the comparative progress of states in improving access to SNAP. 
 

Beyond the Soup Kitchen Grants Program Act of 2017 

 
The bill establishes a Beyond the Soup Kitchen Pilot Program to provide grants to community-based nonprofit feeding and anti-hunger groups for programs to reduce hunger, increase the use of nutrition assistance and anti-poverty programs, bolster food security, assist individuals and families to develop assets, promote economic independence, improve nutrition, and reduce obesity. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-10
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Introduced in House